Places to Visit in Varanasi
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Embark on a Spiritual Odyssey in Varanasi: Your Ultimate Guide to Banaras Bliss
Welcome to Varanasi, the Sacred Heart of Northern India
Nestled in the south-eastern expanse of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, also known as 'Banaras,' is a city steeped in ancient charm. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of this cultural hub, renowned for its divine Kashi Vishwanath Temple, exquisite Banarasi silk sarees, and the serene ghats along the sacred Ganges River.
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Explore the Best Places to Visit in Varanasi:
Varanasi, often called the city of 'Moksha' (liberation), invites pilgrims and tourists alike to discover its spiritual treasures. Dive into the divine aura of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, witness the ethereal beauty of Banarasi sarees, and explore the historic landmarks that make Varanasi one of the best places to visit in Northern India.
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A Glimpse into Varanasi's Cultural Kaleidoscope:
As you traverse the city, soak in the vibrant Banarasi culture, visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of the Ganga Ghats. Discover the allure of Sarnath, the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, adding another layer to the spiritual journey in and around Varanasi.
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Best Time to Visit and Weather in Varanasi:
To make the most of your journey, plan your visit between October and March when Varanasi experiences pleasant temperatures, ranging from 5-15 degrees Celsius. This season also hosts vibrant festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, and the Ganga Festival, providing a unique cultural experience.
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Your Varanasi Travel Guide: How to Reach and Explore
Easily accessible by air, train, or road, Varanasi warmly welcomes you. Whether you're flying into Lalbahadur Shastri Airport, arriving at Varanasi Junction by train, or navigating the roads, the divine city of Kashi is ready to embrace you.
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Varanasi Tourist Information and Pilgrim Destinations:
Uncover the essence of Banaras tourism, discover nearby places of interest, and explore pilgrim destinations near Varanasi. From the magnificence of the Ganges to the historical significance of nearby temples, every corner of Varanasi has a story to tell.
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Your Spiritual Sojourn Awaits in Varanasi:
Varanasi, with its ancient charm and spiritual significance, invites you to explore its enchanting blend of tradition and tranquility. Plan your visit and be captivated by the timeless allure of this city, where every street resonates with echoes of spirituality and cultural richness.
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Here is the list of top 10 places to visit in Varanasi !
1. Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Corridor
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The esteemed Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located on the Ganges' western bank, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, it holds paramount significance. The newly inaugurated Kashi Vishwanath Corridor connects the temple to the river ghats, enriching the pilgrimage experience. With an impressive 12.9 crore devotees in two years, it stands as one of the top places to visit in Varanasi, cementing its status as a key pilgrimage spot in India. Read More
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2. Assi Ghat
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Assi Ghat, a revered Varanasi destination at the Ganga-Assi confluence, boasts cultural and mythological significance. Named after the creation of the Assi River, attributed to Goddess Durga's sword or Lord Rudra's annihilation of 80 asuras, the site is a spiritual haven. A dip here holds significance akin to many holy rivers. Frequented by locals and tourists, Assi Ghat offers a serene escape and hosts rituals during celestial events and festivals like Mahashivratri, featuring the enchanting Subeh Benares morning aarti.
3. Dashashwamedh Ghat
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Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi's central jewel on the Ganges, is steeped in spiritual grandeur and historical significance. Linked to Lord Brahma or his sacrificial ritual of ten horses, it stands among the city's oldest and revered ghats, overseen by the majestic Vishwanath Temple. Restored later by Ahilyabai Holkar in 1774 AD, the ghat entices visitors with its evening aarti—an enchanting blend of devotion and visual splendor. A prime selection among Varanasi's Places to Visit, it encapsulates the timeless spirit of the city.
4. Sarnath
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Located 13 km northeast of Varanasi, Sarnath is among the famous Buddhist pilgrimages in India that will give you the best Varanasi sightseeing experience. It is a popular place to visit around Varanasi for those seeking peace and solitude after jostling their way through the frazzled ghats and gullies of Kashi. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, the Buddha came to Sarnath seeking his former companions and thus gave his first sermon here. Sarnath is known to be one of the best places to visit in Banaras.
5. Tulsi Manas Mandir
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Tulsi Manas Mandir, a renowned Place to Visit in Varanasi, stands 7 km from Varanasi Junction near Durgakund Temple. Constructed in 1964 by Seth Ratan Lal Sureka, it honors saint Tulsidas and is dedicated to Lord Rama. This white marble temple holds cultural significance as Tulsidas penned the Ramayana here in the 16th century. Adorned with scenes from Ramcharitmanas, it features a tranquil Tulsi Garden with Tulsidas' statue and a serene pond with four ghats, offering a serene and cultural retreat.
6. Sankat Mochan Mandir
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Sankat Mochan Mandir, a notable Place to Visit in Varanasi, was established in the early 16th century by Saint Poet Goswami Tulsidas Ji. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, it houses a clay Swayambhoo idol at the spot where Tulsidas Ji had a divine vision. Surrounded by a green forest preserved since its inception, the temple carries historical significance, featuring a pond, Manassar, dug by Tulsidas Ji for the community's well-being. Hanuman Ji is revered as "Sankat Mochan," reliever from sufferings.
7. New Vishwanath Temple (BHU)
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The New Vishwanath Temple, situated within the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus in Varanasi, stands as a significant destination among Places to Visit. Comprising seven distinct temples, it provides worshippers with a tranquil space for spiritual reflection. The temple's positive atmosphere invites individuals of all faiths to immerse themselves in its grandeur. With its symbolic representation of Hindu cosmology and the inclusion of nine additional temples, it serves as a place for introspection and surrender to the divine.
8. Durgakund Temple / Durga Temple, Durgakund
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Durga Mandir, situated 7 km from Varanasi Junction, is a significant Place to Visit in Varanasi. Built in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani, it stands near Tulsi Manas Temple and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Known as the Monkey Temple, its unique red Nagara-style architecture complements the ochre hues of the central Durga idol. The temple, along with Durga Kund, holds historical and spiritual importance, attracting devotees during Navratri. Legends recount the temple's origin in the Devi-Bhagavata Purana.
9. Ramnagar Fort
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Situated 14 km from Varanasi, the historic Ramnagar Fort offers a picturesque view opposite Tulsi Ghat. Although in need of restoration, the fort is a captivating Place to Visit in Varanasi, especially during the crimson sunset. Constructed by Maharaja Balwant Singh in the 18th century, the red sandstone fort houses a museum featuring vintage American cars, ivory works, medieval costumes, and an impressive astronomical clock. The vibrant Dussehra festival adds a lively charm to the palace adorned with temples.
10. Manikarnika Ghat
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Manikarnika Ghat, one of Varanasi's oldest, holds a sacred position in Hinduism. Initially dedicated to Vishnu, it gained significance when Parvati's ear gem fell into the Chakrapushkarni pond, leading to its renaming as Manikarnika. It serves as a pivotal Place to Visit in Varanasi, revered for both pilgrimage and cremation. With deep mythological roots, the ghat is associated with the story of Goddess Adi Shakti, recognized as a Shakti Peeth where her earrings fell. The ghat's atmosphere, though exasperating, draws visitors for its cultural and spiritual essence.