One of the oldest, richest, and holiest shrines of India is located in the sacred city of Varanasi and is known as Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Named Kashi, due to the ancient name of Varanasi, the glorious temple commemorates the mighty Lord Shiva and is a part of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Thousands of devotees travel from miles away to witness its soothing spiritual ambiance and seek blessings from their god. Sun glistens on the towering spires and domes made out of pure gold.
Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi is one of the city's most revered and ancient shrines, dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Known as the "Kotwal of Kashi" (the guardian of the city), devotees believe that no one can stay in Varanasi without his divine permission. The temple is a powerful spiritual center, drawing pilgrims who seek protection, justice, and strength. With its deep-rooted legends and intense devotional atmosphere, a visit to Kaal Bhairav Temple offers a profound glimpse into Varanasi’s mystical and sacred essence.
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is situated by the River Assi and was built in the 1900s by the freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. It is dedicated to Lord Rama and Hanuman. Varanasi is always related to Sankat Mochan Temple and is an essential part of this holy city. Every person visiting Varanasi visits this temple and pay their respects to Hanuman.
Durga Temple, nestled in the vibrant city of Varanasi, is a unique Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga built in the 18th century. Renowned for its vivid red color and intricate architecture, the temple exudes a spiritual aura. Devotees visit to seek blessings, especially during the festive fervor of Navaratri, when the temple comes alive with religious celebrations. It houses an imposing idol of Goddess Durga and is one of the main temples in Varanasi.
Tridev Mandir in Varanasi is a stunning tribute to the Hindu Trinity—Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva—housed within an elegant marble structure that reflects both North and South Indian architectural influences. Situated near the Tulsi Manas Temple and Sankat Mochan Road, this temple also honors Salasar Hanuman, Rani Sati Devi, and Khatu Shyam, making it a vibrant spiritual mosaic deeply rooted in regional devotional traditions.
Sarnath Museum is the oldest site museum of the Archaeological Survey of India. It houses the findings and excavations at the archaeological site of Sarnath, by the Archaeological Survey of India. Sarnath is located near Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The museum has 6,832 sculptures and artefacts.
Namo Ghat in Varanasi is a beautifully modernized riverside destination, known for its giant “Namaste” hand sculptures that greet the sacred Ganges. Blending spirituality with contemporary design, the ghat features serene walkways, open-air spaces, and facilities for cultural events, yoga, and river cruises—making it a vibrant spot to experience the soul of Banaras in a fresh, peaceful setting.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is known for conducting the liveliest aartis along the holy river Ganga to immerse the visitors into divine bliss. A prominent member of the tourist attractions in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat, got its name due to the legend of Lord Brahma sacrificing 10 horses, or das Ashwamedh, in order to perform a yajna. Every sunset, the ghat gets illuminated by the light of diyas lit to commence the sacred rituals.
Another name amongst the unmissable places to visit in Varanasi is Assi Ghat. Frequented by college-goers and tourists alike, this ghat offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Varanasi's chaotic lanes. Pilgrims bathe in the holy waters of River Assi and offer flowers to the Shivlinga before resting on the steps of the ghat.
Many legends surround the etymology behind Manikarnika Ghat, the oldest riverfront and one of the most religious tourist attractions in Varanasi. Mentioned in many ancient scriptures and religious texts, Manikarnika ghat is said to be the place where Devi Sati set herself on fire and also the birthplace of the fearless queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai.
Another prominent riverfront in this pilgrimage city is Shivala Ghat. Surrounded by historical landmarks and some of the most intriguing places to visit in Varanasi, this ghat is visited by photography lovers who wish to capture the captivating vistas of sunrise and sunset.
Monkey temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and was constructed in the 18th century by the Queen of Bengal as a center of devotion. The temple is known to be guarded by monkeys, which can be even fed by the devotees. It also has a kund that is known to be connected to Ganga, and its water is known to have therapeutic properties.
This is a small fort located on the little diversion between Varanasi and Prayagraj, and it has played a significant role in shaping the history of India. The fort is situated on the banks of river Ganga and is also called Tilismi Quila or Magical Fort because it was featured in the novel “Chandrakanta”.
Pearly white facade greets the eyes as one walks through the lush green gardens of Tulsi Manas Temple. Constructed in 1964 by the Thakur Surekha Das family, the marble structure of this temple is renowned for its mesmerizing architecture. Believed to be the site where the ancient poet Tulsidas sat to pen down the holy epic of Ramcharitmanas, this temple is now one of the most revered religious places to visit in Varanasi.
Resting near the quiet shores of River Ganges is the majestic historical monument of Ramnagar Fort. Chunar sandstone forms the foundation of this creamy colored structure, which was built as the residential fort of Raja Balwant Singh. Even today, it houses the present Maharaja of Varanasi, whose residential quarters are separated from the rest of the fort. Two temples worshipping Lord Hanuman and Veda Vyasa are present inside the complex.
Humans have eventually provided their reverence, a new richer meaning, simpler and more precise language in the forms of shrines. This has enabled every single being to have the accessibility of that divine source. With such words, we can aptly describe the exquisite shrine named Alamgir Mosque. This mosque is located near Panchganga Ghat and is amongst the top religious attractions of Varanasi. On the bank of the Ganges, this 17th-century monument stands tall and glorious.
The favorite stop of shopaholics visiting Varanasi is the bustling lanes of Godowlia Market. Stretching at a distance of about 3 km, this market is present in the vicinity of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and is one of the oldest local bazaars of the city. With old buildings forming the boundaries of its lanes, the narrow street is lined with shops and stalls of local vendors selling all kinds of commodities. Frequented by locals who visit the market to purchase groceries, hardware, and household items, this market is famous for its silk embroidery.
Another beloved stop of shopping lovers is the crowded market of Vishwanath Gali. Packed with excited tourists and localities, this market is smaller compared to Godowlia Market but has a wide variety to satisfy its customers. From tailored and readymade fabrics to wooden handicrafts, you can find anything and everything over here.
The front gate of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), known as Singh Dwar, is an iconic landmark in Varanasi that reflects a blend of traditional and colonial-era architecture. Serving as the grand entrance to one of Asia’s largest and most prestigious universities, the gate symbolizes BHU’s rich legacy of knowledge, culture, and spiritual learning. Its majestic structure welcomes students, visitors, and scholars into a serene, tree-lined campus that has been a center of excellence for over a century.