Places to Visit in Varanasi
Explore Kashi's sacred ghats, ancient temples, Buddhist sanctuaries, and historical monuments. Select any place to jump into the visual route journey.
Varanasi Junction (BSB)
वाराणसी जंक्शन रेलवे स्टेशनVaranasi Junction (commonly known as Varanasi Cantt or BSB) serves as the main entry point for millions of pilgrims and international travelers arriving in Kashi. Built during the British colonial era and significantly expanded, the station connects Varanasi directly to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and South India. Stepping out of Varanasi Cantt immediately introduces you to the chaotic energy of the city: vibrant auto-rickshaws, chai vendors, and flower stalls. It is the logical starting station for a structured journey towards the old city lanes and the holy Ganges.
Shri Kaal Bhairav Temple
श्री काल भैरव मंदिरShri Kaal Bhairav Temple is one of the oldest Shiva shrines in Varanasi, dedicated to Kaal Bhairav—the fierce guardian manifestation of Lord Shiva known as the 'Kotwal' or Chief Police Officer of Kashi. Local spiritual tradition holds that anyone staying or visiting Kashi must seek the blessings and formal permission of Kaal Bhairav. Devotees receive black sacred protection threads ('Ganda') and mustard oil as prasad.
Shri Mahamrityunjay Mahadev Temple
श्री महामृत्युंजय महादेव मंदिरShri Mahamrityunjay Mahadev Temple is a deeply revered shrine located near Dara Nagar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Mahamrityunjay (the Conqueror of Death and Disease), devotees flock here to recite the potent Mahamrityunjay Mantra for healing and longevity. A unique highlight inside the temple compound is the ancient 'Dhanvantari Kup' (holy well), whose natural underground stream water is believed to possess divine medicinal and curative properties.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
श्री काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिरStanding prominently in the heart of old Kashi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Vishwanatha or 'Ruler of the Universe'. It is revered as one of the 12 holiest Jyotirlinga shrines in Hinduism. The temple complex was dramatically transformed in late 2021 with the inauguration of the Vishwanath Dham Corridor—a massive 500,000-square-foot paved riverfront boulevard directly connecting the temple complex to Lalita Ghat on the Ganges.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
दशाश्वमेध घाटDashashwamedh Ghat is the central epicenter of activity along Varanasi's 84 riverfront ghats. Legend states that Lord Brahma performed the 'Dasa-Ashwamedha' (ten-horse sacrifice) here to welcome Lord Shiva. Every single evening at dusk, young priests dressed in traditional saffron robes perform the world-famous Ganga Aarti ritual—a synchronized visual spectacle using massive multi-tiered brass lamps, incense burners, conch shells, and rhythmic chanting.
Manikarnika Ghat
मणिकर्णिका घाटKnown as the 'Mahasmasana' or Great Cremation Ground, Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most spiritually intense places on earth. In Hindu beliefs, dying in Kashi or being cremated at Manikarnika grants immediate 'Moksha'—liberation from the endless cycle of death and rebirth (Samsara). The funeral pyres here have burned continuously day and night for thousands of years, tended by the Dom community, the traditional guardians of the sacred fire.
Assi Ghat
अस्सी घाटLocated at the confluence of the River Assi and the Ganges, Assi Ghat marks the southern boundary of the traditional 84 ghats. It is celebrated for its spacious plaza and artistic atmosphere. Every morning at dawn, Assi Ghat hosts 'Subah-e-Banaras'—a cultural program featuring morning Vedic chanting, sunrise Ganga Aarti, classical music performances, and mass yoga sessions on the river bank.
Shri Tulsi Manas Mandir
श्री तुलसी मानस मंदिरShri Tulsi Manas Mandir is an exquisite white marble temple built in 1964 at the exact spot where the revered saint Goswami Tulsidas composed the epic Hindi Ramcharitmanas in 1574 AD. The walls throughout the two-story marble structure are intricately carved with verses and scenes from the Ramayana. Set amidst tranquil gardens, the temple offers a deeply spiritual ambiance.
Shri Durga Temple (Durga Kund)
श्री दुर्गा मंदिर (दुर्गा कुंड)Shri Durga Temple, affectionately known as the Red Temple, is an 18th-century architectural masterpiece built in the North Indian Nagara style. Its vibrant red-painted sandstone spires rise beside Durga Kund, a large rectangular stone water pond. The main deity idol of Goddess Durga is believed to be self-manifested ('Swayambhu').
Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
श्री संकट मोचन हनुमान मंदिरShri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple was established in the early 16th century by saint Goswami Tulsidas at the location where he had a divine vision of Lord Hanuman. 'Sankat Mochan' translates to 'Reliever of Troubles'. Devotees flock here in thousands on Tuesdays and Saturdays to chant the Hanuman Chalisa and offer Besan Ladoo prasad. The serene campus is surrounded by a dense green grove.
Sarnath Dhamek Stupa
सारनाथ धमेख स्तूपLocated just 10 km northeast of Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the world's four most holy Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Here, inside the Deer Park, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon ('Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta') to his five former companions, setting the 'Wheel of Dharma' in motion. The site features the towering 43.6-meter-high Dhamek Stupa, ancient monastery ruins, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum housing India's national emblem—the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
काशी हिन्दू विश्वविद्यालयSpanning over 1,300 acres of tree-lined avenues and heritage brick architecture, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was founded in 1916 by nationalist leader Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The campus is home to the towering New Vishwanath Temple (VT), designed by Malaviya Ji with a 77-meter marble tower—one of the tallest temple spires in Asia. The campus also houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, holding over 100,000 rare Indian miniature paintings, sculptures, and textiles.