The Soul of Kashi: Essential Places to Visit in Varanasi
Varanasi—also known as Banaras or Kashi—is not just a city; it is a profound sensory experience. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, it sits on the western banks of the holy river Ganga, acting as the spiritual beating heart of India.
In Varanasi, life and eternity walk hand in hand down narrow, labyrinthine alleys. Whether you are looking for spiritual solace, deep historical roots, or simply the world’s best street food, here is your curated guide to the absolute best tourist places to visit in Varanasi.
1. The Iconic Ghats: Where the City Breathes
The riverfront of Varanasi is lined with nearly 100 ghats (stone steps leading down to the river). Each has its own distinct personality, history, and purpose.
Dashashwamedh Ghat & The Evening Ganga Aarti
This is the central, most vibrant hub of Varanasi. Every single evening at dusk, thousands of travelers and devotees gather on the steps and in wooden boats on the water to witness the Ganga Aarti.
A group of young priests dressed in synchronized saffron robes perform a rhythmic ritual using massive, multi-tiered brass lamps, burning camphor, and blowing conch shells. The fragrance of incense, the echoing chants, and hundreds of small clay lamps (diyas) floating down the dark river create an unforgettable spectacle.
Assi Ghat & Subah-e-Banaras
If Dashashwamedh belongs to the evening, Assi Ghat belongs to the morning. Located at the southernmost end of the city, this ghat hosts Subah-e-Banaras just before sunrise. It begins with a gentle morning aarti, followed by live Hindustani classical music and a mass Vedic chanting session as the sun breaks over the horizon.
Manikarnika Ghat
Known as the primary “burning ghat,” Manikarnika is where continuous cremations take place 24/7. In Hindu theology, dying or being cremated here grants Moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). While it can be intense for casual tourists, witnessing the quiet dignity of the rituals from a respectful distance offers a profoundly raw perspective on life and mortality.
2. Monumental Temples
Kashi Vishwanath Temple (The Golden Temple)
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the holiest Jyotirlingas in India. Thanks to the sprawling Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, the temple is now seamlessly connected directly to the nearby ghats, allowing pilgrims to take a dip in the Ganga and walk straight to the shrine. The temple gets its nickname from its striking spires, which are plated in over 800 kilograms of pure gold.
New Vishwanath Temple (VT) at BHU
Located inside the clean, leafy campus of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), this temple is a stunning replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath temple. Built out of pristine white marble by the Birla family, it features the tallest temple tower (shikhara) in India and welcomes people of all faiths to sit in its quiet, vast central hall.
3. Historic Detours
Sarnath: The Cradle of Buddhism
Located just 10 kilometers northeast of the main city, Sarnath offers a peaceful, green contrast to the chaotic energy of Varanasi. This is the sacred park where Gautama Buddha delivered his very first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
- Dhamek Stupa: A massive, ancient stone cylindrical structure marking the exact spot of Buddha’s first teaching.
- Sarnath Museum: Home to incredibly preserved artifacts, including the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, which serves as the official national emblem of India.
Ramnagar Fort
Perched on the eastern bank of the Ganga, this 18th-century red sandstone fort is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Built in an elegant Mughal-Rajput architectural style, its quirky on-site museum houses an eccentric vintage car collection, medieval weaponry, and centuries-old astronomical clocks.
The Banaras Sightseeing Cheat Sheet
| Attraction | Best Time to Visit | Top Highlight | Inside Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Evening Ganga Aarti | Book a wooden boat ride by 5:00 PM to watch the Aarti comfortably from the water. |
| Assi Ghat | 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM | Subah-e-Banaras | Grab a hot cup of lemon chai at Pappu Chai Chai Stall right after. |
| Kashi Vishwanath | 4:00 AM or 8:00 PM | The Golden Jyotirlinga | Leave your phone, leather items, and bags in your hotel safe; security lines are strict. |
| Sarnath | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Dhamek Stupa & Ruins | Hire a local audio guide to truly appreciate the archaeological layout. |
The Ultimate Food Rule: Your trip is fundamentally incomplete without exploring the street food. Head to Godowlia Crossing or Kachori Gali in the morning for Bedmi Poori-Sabzi, try the saffron-frosted winter dessert Malaiyo, and finish your journey with an authentic, iconic Banarasi Paan.