Varanasi

Travelling through Varanasi’s busy lanes, the tourist can see layer upon layer of the city’s history revealing itself. Every monument has a tale to tell and every corner boasts of a monument that attracts the tourist. Tourism in Varanasi is focused on the famous bathing ghats which loom large and are thronged with pilgrims, tourists and locals all day long. The city’s spirit never fails to bubble up in a riot of colors and hustle and bustle all around making Varanasi the perfect travel destination. It is the quintessential Indian city where tourists can experience different facets of the country’s culture. Travel and tourism in Varanasi caters to visitors of all ages and different tastes, beguiling them with facets of a city they would never have expected to see.

Major Attractions

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat

Annapurna Mata Mandir

Kaal Bhairav Temple

Durga Temple

Tulsimanas Temple

Shri Mani Mandir

Bharat Mata Temple

New Vishwanath Temple

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Dhamekh Stupa

Sarnath Museum

Banaras Hindu University

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The golden domes and spire of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple beckon the devout from far and near. One of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, is the most famous Hindu shrine in Varanasi and one of the most revered in India. It is said to have been visited by the likes of Adi Shankaracharya, Tulsidas, Guru Nanak and Swami Vivekananda. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was destroyed several times and was rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780 with Maharaja Ranjit Singh donating one tonne of gold for the plating of the domes and spire. Shivaratri is celebrated here in a grand way. The temple is located in a lane called Vishwanath Galli and consists of a series of small shrines. The main linga is 60 cm by 90 cm and placed on a silver altar. There’s also a small well, Gynan vapi, in the temple complex. Five aratis are performed here each day. The temple is close to Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika Ghats.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Varanasi’s main ghat, it attracts the most pilgrims and tourists. According to legend, it was here that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during the ashwamedha yagna. The evening arati at Dashahwamedh Ghat is a spectacle of sound and light with a group of priests performing the Agni pooja. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is close by.

Manikarnika Ghat

One of the oldest ghats in Varanasi, it is the main cremation ghat in the city. Devout Hindus consider being cremated here the path to liberation. Cremations here continue throughout the day and year. The pyres are supplied with logs of wood which are piled high all around the ghat. Doms, the people in charge of the cremation, can be seen attending to the pyres. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is close by.

Annapurna Mata Mandir

The Annapurna temple is located near the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi on Dashashwamedh road, Vishwanath gali. The Annapurna or Annapoorna Mata, the Goddess of Food or Nourishment (Anna means food and Purna means complete or full), Mata Parvati, is honoured in the Annapurna temple. In the Annapurna temple, there was a golden idol of Annapurna Mata. During Annakoot, the Annapurna temple attracts a large population of pilgrims. Every year, after Diwali, India celebrates the Annakoot festival.

Kaal Bhairav Temple

Karl Bhairav Temple is also known as Batuk Bhairav Mandir is mostly attended together with Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath temple by pilgrims. It's in the old city, a short distance from Kashi Vishwanath's main temple and the ghats. The temple is located in a tight alleyway, and when you enter the temple, you will hear chants and bell noises. The belief is that this Shiva is supposed to protect the city's citizens, thus many locals and tourists come to seek blessings.

Durga Temple

Painted red, the Durga Temple is a model of the Nagara style of architecture. It is believed that the idol of the Goddess Durga here was not made but manifested itself. A rectangular tank called the Durga Kund is also located here. The temple is close to the Tulsimanas Temple.