Varanasi Sight Seen

Varanasi Sightseeing Highlights

Varanasi Sightseeing Highlights

Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is a spiritual epicenter that draws millions of visitors annually. Here’s a detailed guide to the city’s major attractions, along with information about ongoing and future developments.

Sacred Ghats and Riverfront

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most vibrant and central ghat, famous for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti performed every evening. Thousands gather to witness priests perform synchronized rituals with fire, bells, and chants. The ghat has recently undergone beautification with improved lighting and better crowd management systems. The most famous ghat in Varanasi, renowned for its spectacular evening Ganga Aarti ceremony performed by seven priests with brass lamps, flowers, and sacred chants.

Timing Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM (Winter: Oct-Mar) | 7:00 PM (Summer: Apr-Sep)
Morning Aarti: 5:00-5:30 AM
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Tips Arrive 30-45 minutes early for good viewing spots
Book boats during Dev Deepawali 4-6 weeks in advance
Respect the religious ceremony – maintain silence

Assi Ghat, located at the confluence of the Assi and Ganges rivers, is popular among students and younger crowds. It hosts a morning aarti that’s less crowded than Dashashwamedh. The ghat area has seen development of cafes and cultural spaces, making it a hub for spiritual seekers and backpackers alike.A peaceful ghat at the southern end of Varanasi, known for the Subah-e-Banaras program featuring morning prayers, classical music, and yoga by the river.

Timing Subah-e-Banaras: 5:00 AM (includes prayers, music, yoga)
Ghat accessible: 24 hours

Manikarnika Ghat, the primary cremation ghat, is considered one of Hinduism’s most sacred sites. Witnessing the rituals here offers profound insight into Hindu beliefs about death and moksha (liberation). The area maintains its traditional character while implementing better waste management systems. One of the holiest and oldest ghats, Manikarnika is the main cremation site in Varanasi. Hindus believe dying here grants moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). The eternal flame has been burning for centuries.

Timing Accessible 24 hours (cremations occur continuously)
Entry Fee Free (public ghat)

Temples and Spiritual Sites

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is Varanasi’s most revered temple. The most sacred Shiva temple in India with an 800 kg gold-plated tower. Located in the heart of old Varanasi, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple complex has been recently expanded with new facilities. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, completed in recent years, has transformed the temple complex.

This massive redevelopment has created a grand pathway connecting the temple to the Ganges, with improved facilities for pilgrims, museum spaces, and better crowd management. The corridor has made darshan (viewing of the deity) more accessible while preserving the temple’s spiritual essence.

Timing General Darshan: Open 24 hours (subject to Aarti timings)
Mangla Aarti: 3:00-4:00 AM
Bhog Aarti: 11:15 AM-12:20 PM
Sapta Rishi Aarti: 7:00-8:30 PM
Shringar/Bhog Aarti: 9:00 PM
Shayana Aarti: 10:30 PM
Entry Fee General Entry: Free
Best Time Early morning (4:00-6:00 AM) or late evening (after 8:00 PM) to avoid crowds
Avoid Fridays and Mondays (significantly more visitors)

Birla Temple – BHU: Located within Banaras Hindu University campus, this magnificent white marble temple stands 77 meters tall, making it the world’s tallest temple tower. Built by the Birla family (1931-1966), it houses nine shrines within one temple and welcomes people of all faiths. The complete Bhagavad Gita is inscribed on its marble walls.

Timing Morning Session: 4:00 AM-12:00 PM
Evening Session: 1:00 PM-9:00 PM
Mangla Aarti: 2:30 AM (special ticket holders: 3:00-4:00 AM)
Evening Aarti: 6:00-8:30 PM
Entry Fee Free for all visitors
Location Banaras Hindu University Campus (15 km from Varanasi Junction, 45 minutes)
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum nearby (₹50 entry, closed Sundays)

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is another important pilgrimage site, known for its Tuesday and Saturday crowds when devotees come in large numbers. The temple trust runs various social initiatives and continues to expand its community outreach programs. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple was built in the 1900s by freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. Located by the River Assi, it is an essential part of Varanasi’s spiritual landscape.

Timing Open: 5:00 AM-10:00 PM daily
Entry Fee Free

Durga Temple, The Durga Temple, also known as Durga Kund Mandir or the Monkey Temple, is one of the most famous and significant temples in Varanasi. Built in the 18th century by Rani Bhabani of Natore (a Bengali queen), this striking red-ochre colored temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the fierce form of Goddess Parvati and consort of Lord Shiva.The temple is renowned for its distinctive Nagara-style architecture, its sacred pond (Durga Kund), and the large population of monkeys that inhabit the temple premises.

Best Time Early morning (5:00-7:00 AM) for peaceful darshan and spiritual atmosphere
Evening Aarti time (6:00-8:00 PM) for vibrant devotional experience
Avoid Tuesdays and Fridays (more crowded)
Visit around 11:00 AM on weekdays for fewer crowds

Bharat Mata Temple: Unique temple dedicated to Mother India, featuring a marble relief map of undivided India instead of traditional idols. The pentagonal structure has five pillars supporting the marble map, making it a symbol of patriotism.

Timing Open during daylight hours
Entry Fee Free
Best Visit Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15) when patriotic programs are held

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of Asia’s largest residential universities, houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum with extensive collections of Indian art, sculptures, and miniature paintings. The sprawling campus itself is worth exploring, with its Vishwanath Temple being a major attraction. BHU continues to expand its infrastructure and academic programs.

Ramnagar Fort, located across the Ganges, serves as the residence of the Kashi Naresh (King of Varanasi). The fort museum contains vintage cars, royal artifacts, and weaponry. The fort hosts the famous Ramnagar Ramlila during Dussehra, a month-long theatrical tradition that’s been recognized by UNESCO.

Built in 1750 by Maharaja Balwant Singh in Mughal architectural style, this cream-colored Chunar sandstone fort sits on the eastern bank of the Ganges opposite Tulsi Ghat. Still the residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi, part of the fort houses a museum with vintage cars, royal costumes, antique weaponry, and a fascinating astronomical clock.

Timing Open: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM daily
Closed: Holi and Diwali holidays
Entry Fee Indians: ₹20-80 per person (sources vary)
Foreigners: ₹150-200 per person
Note: Photography prohibited inside museum
Location 14 km from Varanasi city center, opposite Tulsi Ghat
Accessible by boat (scenic) or road via Pantoon Bridge.

Sarnath, located about 10 kilometers from Varanasi, is where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The site includes the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar temple with beautiful frescoes, an archaeological museum, and the modern Thai and Japanese temples. The Archaeological Survey of India continues preservation and excavation work here. Located 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The site includes the Dhamek Stupa, archaeological ruins, and an excellent museum.

Timing Archaeological Site: Sunrise to sunset
Sarnath Museum: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Closed: Fridays
Entry Fee Archaeological Site Only:
Indians: ₹5 per person
Foreigners: ₹100 per person
Free for children under 15

Combo Ticket (Site + Museum):
Indians: ₹20
Foreigners: ₹250

Museum Only:
Indians: ₹50
Foreigners: ₹200
Duration Recommended: 2-3 hours
Distance from Varanasi: 10 km (30 minutes drive)
Highlights Dhamek Stupa (128 feet tall, 6th century)
Ashoka Pillar remains
Sarnath Museum (famous Ashoka Lion Capital)
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar temple with beautiful frescoes

River Experiences

Boat rides on the Ganges are essential for experiencing Varanasi’s spiritual atmosphere. Sunrise boat rides offer spectacular views of the ghats coming alive with morning rituals, while evening rides let you witness the aarti from the river. The tourism department has improved boat safety standards and introduced electric boats to reduce pollution.

Experience Varanasi’s ghats from the water during sunrise or evening. The boat ride offers panoramic views of all 84 ghats and is essential for any Varanasi visit.

Timing Sunrise boat: 5:30-7:00 AM
Evening boat (with Aarti view): 5:00-7:30 PM
Duration: 1-2 hours
Pricing Shared boat: ₹150-300 per person
Private boat: ₹800-2,000 (depending on duration and boat type).

Trip Summary

• Arrival City: Varanasi
• Destinations: Local Sightseeing & Taxi Booking
• Guide: One Professional Person
• Languages: Hindi, English
• Cancellation: Free Cancellation available
• Trip Type: City Tour / Taxi Booking
• Sightseeing Special Package Rates
• Dzire / Aura: ₹2,300 (Full Day Sightseeing)
• Ertiga: ₹3,000 (Full Day Sightseeing)