Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. It has many best places to visit in Varanasi Often referred to as Benares. Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world.
These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.
V Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believe to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
1. Ganges River, Varanasi
Named after the Hindu goddess Ganga, the Ganges River is one of the most revered natural sites in India. The river extends southeast from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal. Between 400 million and 600 million people rely on the Ganges River to provide water for daily bathing and drinking.
Hindus come to Varanasi from all around the world to purify themselves in the holy Ganges water and perform rituals along the dozens of ghats along the river. For tourists, the river helps provide a fixed point of orientation for navigating around the city. best places to visit in Varanasi ganga river
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Many people see it as the foremost temple to visit in Varanasi. Its story is as old as over three thousand and five hundred years, which is an astounding amount of time. So much has happened in and around it that it is hard to not feel overwhelmed when visiting it. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas that are Shivalingas that are the physical symbols of Lord Shiva. The spires and domes of the shrine are completely cover in gold. second best places to visit in Varanasi
3. Durga Temple, Varanasi
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple is a symbol of feminine divinity. The deity present in this temple is believe to have develop out of thin air and was not made by any man. Another badge of feminism for this temple is that it was actually commission by a woman. The Maharani of Bengal was responsible for its making and it was according to her wishes that it was construct in the Nagara style of architecture. But, the most interesting fact about this temple is perhaps the fact that it is visit by several monkeys every day.
4. Dasaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi
The lively atmosphere of the Dasaswamedh Ghat makes it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. This tourist attraction is a swirling hodgepodge of flower sellers touting bright blossoms, boat operators hawking rides along the Ganges River, and sadhus (holy men) with face paint. You can spend hours people watching in this area during the day.
Hindu priests put on the Ganga Aarti every night at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, starting at around 7pm. Donning saffron-hued robes, the priests spread out plates of flower petals and other offerings and blow a conch shell to signal the start of the spiritual ceremony. Thousands of tourists gather to watch the priests chant and wave tiered plates of sandalwood-scented incense in intricate patterns for about 45 minutes. It’s an extravagant sight and one of the top things to do here.
Hot tip: Get to the ghat at least a couple of hours early if you want to beat the crowds and score a great spot for the show. You can also get incredible views from boats along the river or in shop balconies above the ghat.
5. Alamgir Mosque, Varanasi
The Alamgir Mosque, Varanasi,Aurangzeb’s Mosque, is a mosque built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. On a list filled with temples, Alamgir mosque stands proudly as a representation of Muslims who have lived here for centuries. Famed for its incredible Islamic architecture, this mosque is unique in the fact that it is located at the banks of the Ganga. It is believe that the Mughal Sultan Aurangzeb who was the great-grandchild of Akbar, construct it. Another name for emperor Aurangzeb was Alamgir, which is why this mosque is called as such. Historically, it has been noted that Aurangzeb was responsible for the demolishment of a temple to construct the mosque. But still, the mosque retained many Hindu influences as can be seen in its unique architecture and art.
6. Assi Ghat
The Assi Ghat is the southernmost ghat in Varanasi. Assi Ghat’s star attraction is a Shiva lingam (phallic representation of the Hindu deity) beneath a sacred fig tree. It draws hundreds of pilgrims every day, who come to worship Lord Shiva after rinsing in the Ganges River.
7. Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi
The Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest cremation grounds among the sacred riverfronts (ghats), alongside the river Ganga, in the city of Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. In Hinduism, death is considered a gateway to another life marked by the result of one’s karma. but It is believe that a human’s soul attains moksha, and hence breaks the cycle of rebirth when cremated here. Therefore scores of the elderly across the whole country seek to walk up to its edges, and spend their last days absorbing the charisma of the ghat making death painless and insignificant to be pondered upon.
8. Dhamek Stupa
Hinduism certainly has a stronghold on Varanasi, but Buddhism has a major presence less than 12 kilometers away in the village of Sarnath. Here, you’ll find the Dhamek Stupa, a massive stone and brick structure that’s 43.6 meters tall and 28 meters in diameter. instance, The stupa was build more than 1,500 years ago as a replacement for a structure that dated back to 249 BCE.
The devout believe that the Buddha came to Dhamek Stupa to give his first sermon, which revealed the Eightfold Path, after he achieved enlightenment. Take a look at the elegant carvings of birds, people, and flowers that cover the walls of the stupa as you wander around the attraction
9. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicate to Lord Shiva. It is located in Vishwanath Gali of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh in India. The Temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, or Jyotirlingams, the holiest of Shiva Temples. The main deity is known by the names Shri Vishwanath and Vishweshwara (IAST: Vishveshvara) literally meaning Lord of the Universe. therefore, Varanasi city was called Kushi in ancient times, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
1o. Darbhanga Ghat
The Darbhanga Ghat is located south of Dasaswamedh Ghat next to Rana Mahal Ghat. This is one of the largest and quietest ghats on the Ganges at Varanasi.
The property’s Greek pillars and rounded balconies give the area (and your photographs) a regal backdrop.
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11. Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi
The Ramnagar Fort is a fortification in Ramnagar, Varanasi, India. It is located near the Ganges on its eastern bank, opposite to the Tulsi Ghat. He and his descendants have lived in that fort for centuries now. I It houses Veda Vyasa Temple, the king’s living quarters, and a museum dedicated to regional history.
12. Shivala Ghat
While not as active as other riverfront spots in Varanasi, Shivala Ghat is a pleasant place to visit if you’re looking for some peace and quiet along the Ganges. The lack of crowds at the ghat make it easier to respectfully observe the devout doing their ritualistic dips in the holy river and families gathering for prayers and tea in the morning. although You can also see a palace built by Nepalese king Sanjay Vikram Shah in the 19th century.
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