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Varanasi Tourism

Varanasi is one of the holiest cities of India cladding the west bank of the River Ganga. Also known with the name of the City of Lights or Kashi, Varanasi has a spectacular history which goes back to more than 3000 years.  Varanasi is home to more than its fair share of temples and a string of serene ghats where pilgrims can be seen performing various rituals.

Major Attractions in Varanasi:

Assi Ghat

Spirituality seekers must visit Assi Ghat to pay homage to Lord Shiva. Here a huge lingam is worshipped. While during the day the ghat remains busy with pilgrims and travelers, during evening hours it turns into a serene place good enough to meditate.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

This is the busiest ghat of Varanasi where it is said that Lord Brahma sacrificed 10 horses in a yajna here. Dashashwamedh Ghat has heartwarming spiritual vibes and hosts the grandest Ganga aarti during evening hours. The sight of thousands of clay lamps floating on the Ganga water during evening is breathtaking.

Ahilyabai Ghat

Here streams of devotees can be seen taking a dip into the holy water of River Ganga to wash away their sins. Visit here during early morning hours to relish a Ganga boat ride to delve into the calmness of the surroundings. The ghat looks beautiful with multicolored boats lined up along its edges.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

This is the most famed temple of Varanasi. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple structure is home to many small shrines visited by streams of devotees and vacationers.

Tulsi Manas Temple

Tulsi Manas Temple is the place where Tulsidas wrote the Hindu epic Ramayana. Birla family funds this temple. It was built in white marble in 1964 and showcases numerous verses and scenes from Ramcharitmanas. 

Monkey Temple

Monkey Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga but is named as Monkey Temple due to excessive population of monkeys residing here. It was raised by a Bengali Maharani in a Nagara style of architecture. Non-Hindus are allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the temple.

Food of Varanasi

Varanasi is a great heaven for the devotees of Indian food. The food here depicts the local cultures and traditions. Every festival here is associated with good food with distinct flavors. Kachori Sabzi and Choora Matar are perfect breakfast options. Indulge in some street food items like Dahi Chutney Gol Gappe, Baati Chokha, Tamatar Chaat and Chena Dahi Vada for mouthwatering flavors. Banarasi Paan is also a must try for travelers.

Shopping in Varanasi

When visiting Varanasi, do not miss to go for a shopping spree. The city has numerous authentic souvenirs which cannot be found anywhere else. No traveler visiting here ever misses a chance to carry some Holy Water of Ganga with them. Banarasi Silk Saris make a perfect Indian wear and are exported from here to all over the world. One can also buy crystal and stone shivalinga sold in most of the shops. Other popular things one can buy from Varanasi are Gulabi Minakari items, glass beads ornaments, Rudraksha mala, etc.

When to Visit Varanasi

Months from October to March are ideal to visit Varanasi. In November, the city hosts a five-day festival called Ganga Mahotsav which must be witnessed by every traveler.

How to Reach Varanasi

By Air:

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi is well inked to other Indian cities.

By Rail:

The Varanasi Junction railway station has connections with all parts of India.

By Road:

Varanasi has a wide network of roads and is well connected with neighboring states by state-run buses.