For all those middle-aged individuals visiting Varanasi at some point in their life is almost foreseeable. The ancient city’s rich history and deep religious importance, along with its timeless architecture and art, everything make it a must-see place in India. Popular as one of India’s holiest cities, Varanasi boasts several ancient temples and ghats, attracting pilgrims from across the nation. The sacred Ganges River present in Varanasi further enhances its spiritual aura. Varanasi is home to 7 touristy places that you shouldn’t miss if you find yourself in this mystical place.
Top tourist places to visit in Varanasi
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Devotees in Varanasi worship the Kashi Vishwanath Temple first after reaching Varanasi. This is so because of its immense religious and historical importance. The story behind the construction of this temple is as old as over three thousand and five hundred years ago. It is one of the 12 jyotirlingas that are Shivalingas and resemble the physical symbol of Lord Shiva. Many pilgrims believe that a single glimpse of the Shivalinga purifies the soul.
Opening hours: 2:30 AM to 11:00 PM
2. Durga Temple
Devoted to Goddess Durga, this temple is a symbol of feminine divinity. The deity here is believed to have materialized out of thin air and was not made by any man. The Maharani of Bengal, Goddess Durga was responsible for its making and was built in the Nagara style of architecture. There are so many monkeys here that is often called Monkey Temple.
Opening hours: 5:00 AM- 9:00 PM
3. Bharat Mata Temple
One of the rarest temples in India, Bharat Mata Temple is dedicated to the country itself. India’s popularity among millions and trillions population makes this place a must-to worship once. It is visited by almost everyone who flock to Varanasi. Located within the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapit campus, it was inaugurated by Gandhi himself in 1936.
Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
4. Alamgir Mosque
Alamgir Mosque stands proudly as a representation of Muslims who have lived here for centuries. Widely famed for its incredible Islamic style of architecture, this mosque is unique in the fact that it is located at the banks of the River Ganges. It is believed that the Mughal Sultan Aurangzeb was the great-grandchild of Akbar, who built it.
Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
5. Dashashwamedh Ghat
Varanasi is considered special because of this ghat. If you’ve seen reels of people bathing in the Ganga and praying with diyas in their hands on the banks of the river, odds are that it was the ghat you often saw. Hindu pilgrims and tourists alike all alight on the banks of the Ganga at Dashashwamedh Ghat daily.
Aarti Timings: 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM (summers); 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM (winters)
6. Manikarnika Ghat
The ghat is significantly famous among Hindus as it is the main cremation ghat in Varanasi. People who have died often get cremated here, in the belief that they attain moksha. There’s a myth that says Devi Parvati’s ear ornament fell at the exact spot of this ghat when Lord Shiva visited here with her. It is also referred to as the burning ghat, certainly a point symbolizing death is to live!
Opening hours: Throughout the day
7. Assi Ghat
The place where legendary poet Tulsidas passed away, Assi Ghat is among the most famous among tourists. Around 300 people flock here but during festive days that number can reach as high as 2500 people. Travellers can go on a leisure boat ride on the river or even a hot air balloon ride! Devotees bathe here before conducting rituals as the water of the river is believed to purify their souls.
Timings: Open throughout the day
Conclusion
Varanasi is one of the most significant places to visit in India. The ancient city is adorned with many temples and holy places. According to Hindu mythology, this place has spanned the course of several millennia and for any place to be considered as holy as Varanasi, there must be immense history linked to it. So, the next time you book a hotel in Varanasi, you know what attractions to visit.
places to visit in varanasi
