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Varanasi is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Varanasi is also called the spiritual capital of India for all the right reasons. Home to more than 2,000 temples, this place has much to offer. So, whether it’s spiritual enlightenment or historical knowledge, this culturally rich city is the place to be.
Varanasi has a lot of amazing places to visit, but if you’re planning a short trip and wondering what the best tourist places in Varanasi are, we’ve got your back covered. Here, we’ve listed the top 10 tourist attractions in Varanasi.
There are a lot of places and amazing things to do on your trip to Varanasi. However, if you do not have a lot of time and cannot visit every part of the city, then here are the 10 best tourist spots in Varanasi that you must visit.
Located about 5.3 km from Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the holiest and oldest temples in the country. This glorious temple invites devotees of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. The temple boasts domes and spires that are elegantly constructed using pure gold. As you slowly enter the temple’s main hall, you will be greeted with small shrines of Hindu deities. At the centre of the hall, the magnificent stone sculpture of Lord Shiva stands tall on a silver platform, making it the main centre of attraction.
This is another popular destination on the list of tourist destinations in Varanasi that you must visit. This beautiful ghat (river bank) offers you a peaceful experience if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Relaxing under the peepal trees or taking a relaxing boat ride to watch the panoramic sunset is something to do while visiting Assi Ghat.
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This is a popular attraction for history lovers. Located about 32 km from Varanasi, the Chunar Fort has played an important role in shaping the country’s history. Situated on the banks of the Ganga River, the fort is also called Magical Fort or Tilismi Quila because of its mention in the popular novel ‘Chandrakanta’. It also appeared in the movie ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, making it a must-visit destination for many.
If you’re travelling to Varanasi to experience divine bliss, then a visit to Dasaswamedh Ghat has to be on your itinerary. Here, you can witness spectacular Aartis conducted all along the river Ganga. Experience the magic at sunset when the entire ghat is illuminated with earthen lamps to begin the holy rituals. Here, you can participate in the spiritual ceremonies as priests and crowds gather to pay obeisance to God.
Varanasi has a lot of historical and holy tourist places that make it a popular destination to visit in India. Situated 14 km from Varanasi, the Ramnagar Fort & Museum is another spectacular historical monument that you must visit on your trip to Varanasi.
Quietly resting on the shores of the Ganges, the majestic fort is a spectacular sight to see. As you walk around, elaborate halls, beautiful fountains, verdant gardens, and carved balconies are all features of this Mughal architecture that will catch your attention right away. The Durbar Hall of the fort is now made into a museum called Saraswati Bhawan. It houses a vast collection of vintage cars, multicoloured murals, and royal palanquins.
When it comes to temples, Varanasi has a lot of them, but it also has a lot of other interesting places and shrines for all types of travellers. One such exquisite shrine is the Alamgir Mosque. Located 5.6 km from Varanasi, it is situated near the Panchganga Ghat and is one of the most famous tourist places in India.
This 17th-century mosque is also called Aurangzeb’s Mosque and Beni Madha Ka Darera because Emperor Aurangzeb built it. The beautiful monument has three domes and two minarets, giving it a magnificent look. Come here to enjoy the sunset and hear the gushing waters that pour out of the garden’s fountains.
Leaving Varanasi without a shopping experience would make your trip incomplete, right? So, make a trip to the favourite Godowlia Market, a popular stop for shopaholics. Located in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple area, the market stretches for about 3 km. Stroll down the narrow street lined with stalls and shops of vendors selling all types of goods.
Right from household items, groceries, and silk embroidery, you can find just about anything here. Zari work, wooden carvings, Bhadohi carpets, and even high-quality products can be purchased at reasonable rates at the Godowlia Market. You can also find exquisite handicrafts, home décor items, shoes, jewellery, shawls, beads, and bracelets to take back with you as souvenirs for family and friends.
If you’re visiting the Man Mandir Ghat, then a visit to the Man Mandir observatory is a must. Referred to as Jantar Mantar, it was constructed under the guidance and supervision of the king of Jaipur, Maharaja Jai Singh, who had an innate interest in science.
Visit this extraordinary marvel to observe the positions of the planets, celestial bodies, sun, and stars. Here, you can stroll around and observe the different equipment used to observe and record the motion and speed of various celestial bodies.
Varanasi is known throughout the country for producing Banarasi saris and fine silk. Visit the Banaras Silk Emporium and take back extraordinary silk sarees and fabrics elegantly weaved to perfection. Located about 4.4 km from Varanasi, you can shop for beautiful authentic silk sarees for yourself or your family at the Emporium.
The Banaras Silk Emporium serves a wide range of customers worldwide every year. Skilled artisans use traditional techniques to tailor the best, high-quality silk products and fabrics for customers. If you’re someone who loves your silk sarees and fabrics, then a visit to the Banarasi Silk Emporium is a must.
Hinduism has a place in Varanasi for sure, but so does Buddhism. Located about 12 km away in the Sarnath village, the Dhamek Stupa stands tall. The stupa is about 28 metres in diameter and 43.6 metres in height. It is a replacement structure that dates back to around 249 BCE. It’s believed that Buddha gave his first sermon here after achieving enlightenment. Walk around the area and notice the elegant carvings of flowers, birds, and people on the walls of the Dhamek Stupa.
Exploring the beautiful city of Varanasi would be exciting if you have your trip well planned. It’s always important to plan your trip well in advance so it would be a hassle-free experience. Cleartrip can give you the most memorable travel experience as it’s a convenient and easy platform for all your travel needs. You can also get several promotions, and discount offers when you book your flight and hotel stays through the website.
There are many religious places to visit in Varanasi at night. Some of them are as follows:
1. Dasaswamedh Ghat
2. Alamgir Mosque
3. Manikarnika Ghat.
Some of the popular ghats that you can visit on your trip to Varanasi are:
1. Assi Ghat
2. Dasaswamedh Ghat
3. Tulsi Ghat
4. Scindia Ghat
The best time to visit Varanasi is during the winter months of November to February, when the temperatures are between 10-20°C. The days are enjoyable and cool during this time of the year, while the nights are cold.
Godowlia Market, Chowk & Vishwanath Gali, and the Banaras Silk Emporium are some of the popular places to shop in Varanasi.
The best places to visit in Varanasi on a short trip are:
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
2. Assi Ghat
3. Chunar Fort
4. Dasaswamedh Ghat
5. Ramnagar Fort & Museum
6. Alamgir Mosque
7. Man Mandir Observatory
8. Dhamek Stupa
