The holy city of Varanasi is called the city of temples and learning. It is a place of great historical importance. And the most popular places in Varanasi to visit are temples or ghats. The city is on the banks of the river Ganges. This place is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A striking feature of Varanasi is that the riverfront of the city is decorated with ghats. And no other place in this world is believed to have such timeless quality and soulful atmosphere.
About Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi
Varanasi or Benares or Banaras is also known as Kashi. The word ‘Kashi’ originated from the word ‘Kas‘ which means to shine. And the city has been sanctified by the presence of a Jyotirlingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva). Despite being religious, this place has kept pace with modern technology. It comprises three major universities, one Tibetan institute, and an institute of Arabic studies.
Approximately 18 bathing ghats dot Varanasi where people take a dip in the holy water and offer prayers at dawn and dusk. Many hundreds of temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva throughout Varanasi. Because Kashi is said to be the place where Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati stood when the ‘time started ticking‘.
The city is famous for its fine silk. And is an important center of art, culture, and literature. Varanasi is also linked with spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, and yoga. Furthermore, famous for brass vessels and ornaments, wooden toys, and the Banarasi paan (betel leaf). In fact, it has produced ever-great poets like Premchand and Tulsi Das.
How To Reach Varanasi?
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
By Air: Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi Airport is well connected to major Indian cities. There are daily domestic flights to and from Varanasi to several cities in India.
By Train: Varanasi railway station is well connected to Delhi. Kolkata, Mumbai, and other parts of India. There are two stations in Varanasi namely Kashi and Varanasi Junction. One can catch trains from Mughalsarai, located just 10 km away from Varanasi.
By Road: Varanasi has a good network of roads. Frequent public and private buses ply to the major towns of Uttar Pradesh and nearby. You can easily travel through your own vehicle too.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
Summer (March-June): Summer at the beginning in Varanasi is favourable. With time the temperature and humidity increase. The max air temperature may go up to 45 degrees Celsius.
NOTE: As always for best hotel deals, it’s a perfect time. Don’t expect the crowd and if you want to enjoy the festivals, this is the time!
Monsoon (July to September): Expect heavy showers during the monsoon. You will have to look towards plan B due to rain. But for adventure lovers and nature lovers, this is your time!
Winter (October to March): The best time to visit Varanasi. You will love the weather. Nights will be a bit cool but the morning will be soothing. And those beautiful and colorful festivals also take place during the winter.
Best Places in Varanasi to Visit
The best places to visit in Varanasi are Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Ghat, Dassawarmedh Ghat, Asi Ghat, Bharat Mata Temple, and Ram Nagar Fort and Museum.
#1 Vishwanath Temple/Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple was destroyed repeatedly during various invasions. But was finally rebuilt in 1776 A.D. by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a witness and an embodiment of our timeless cultural traditions and spiritual values. It is one of the most famous places in Varanasi to visit. It is a must-see place in Varanasi, especially for devotees and pilgrims.
#2 Tulsi Ghat
Tulsi Ghat is known after the famous 16th-century poet Tulsidas. Poet spent a few years of his life in Varanasi composing the Ramcharitmanas. Once, his manuscript fell into the Ganga and it floated rather than sinking and disintegrating. The very first performance of the Ramlila (story of Lord Rama’s life) was held here.
A temple of Ram stands still on the Tulsi Ghat. The house during which Tulsidas died has been preserved. In fact, his samadhi and his belongings are all still intact here.
#3 Dassawarmedh Ghat
This is the most popular and among the main ghats of Varanasi. Dassawarmedh Ghat literally means the “ghat of ten sacrificed horses”. There’s a belief, the sacrifice of ten horses was made by Lord Brahma. And that was to pave a path for the return of Lord Shiva after his period of banishment
#4 Asi Ghat
The Asi Ghat is one of the five special ghats in the south of Varanasi. It is at the sangam (cojoining) of the Ganga and the Asi rivers. Pilgrims come here to bathe in a stipulated sequence during the Panchatirthi Yatra. Ancient Hindu scriptures describe the Asi River as a dried stream.
The Jagannatha Temple lies close to the old route of the Asi River. According to the Kashi Khanda (a respected piece of Hindu literature) “All the other tirthas that girdle the earth are not equal to a sixteenth part of the tirthas at Asi confluence”. This is also one of the famous sites for celebrating Surya Sasthi (the six-day of the sun). The festival takes place in the Hindu month of Kartika (October-November)
#5 Bharat Mata Temple
For a true patriot, the Bharat Mata Temple is among the best places in Varanasi. A unique idea led to the building of this temple. It was a gift by the nationalists’ Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and Shri Durga Prasad Khatri. Instead of the traditional Gods and Goddesses, this temple dedicates to Mother India. The temple houses one of the most perfect relief maps of India, which is intricately carved out of marble.
#6 Ram Nagar Fort and Museum
The fort is the residence of the Royal Family of Varanasi. It is close to the Asi Ghat. The interiors of the fort bear testimony to the wealth of the Maharajah of Varanasi and his continuing clout.
The fort houses a small museum. The museum displays several ancient and unique belongings of older rulers and kings. Across the courtyard, a separate section devotes to the Ram Lila procession and festivities held during the festival of Dussehra held in October. The timings of the museum are 10 am-5 pm.
A happening city like Varanasi doesn’t actually fail to excite anyone. Just plan before you leave because honestly, I am not a fan of religious places. Add some adventure to your to-do list too. There are plenty of places in Varanasi to visit. And wishing that may the city of lights bring happiness and glow to your life. Have a safe journey 😉
Read FAQs
Which is the best time to visit Varanasi?
the best time to visit Varanasi is during the winter i.e October to March. The mornings will be soothing and nights will be a bit cool. You may explore without even caring about the heat and humidity unlike in summers. During monsoon, Varanasi receives heavy rain showers, so one should avoid that time too.