Namaste Varanashi If you are searching for the best Places to Visit in Varanasi Dont worry bcoz you are at right place I will provide you a complete guide on this topic. Here I will Provide you the information about how to reach there, timming & entry fee.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major religious hub in India. The city is situated along the banks of the sacred Ganges River and is renowned for its ghats, temples, and vibrant culture. Millions of tourists, both domestic and international, visit Varanasi every year to experience its spiritual essence and rich heritage. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to visit in Varanasi and delve into the fascinating history behind each of them.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
Overview
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous and revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva & It is the best places to visit in Varanasi. It is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Shiva. The temple’s history dates back to the 3rd century BCE, although the current structure was built in 1780 by the Maratha ruler Ahilyabai Holkar (Ahilyabai Holkar was a very great lady .She established man hindu temples and also known for her justice)
How to Reach
The temple is located in the heart of Varanasi. You can reach there by hiring a taxi or taking an auto-rickshaw from anywhere in the city.
Timings
- Open: 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Aarti: Morning and evening aarti ceremonies are held daily.
Entry Fee
- Free Entry: There is no entry fee for visiting the temple.
Highlights
The temples golden dome, which was added in the 18th century by the Maratha monarch Ranjit Singh, is a stunning sight to behold. The temple complex underwent a major renovation in 2019, which included the construction of a new visitor facilitation center and the restoration of the original architecture. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year, who come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the city.
2. Dasaswamedh Ghat
Overview
Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of the most famous and lively ghats in Varanasi. It is believed that Lord Brahma created this ghat to welcome Lord Shiva.
How to Reach
Dasaswamedh Ghat is easily accessible from the city center. You can walk or take a local taxi.
Timings
- Open: 24 hours
- Ganga Aarti: Daily at sunset (around 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, timing may vary seasonally)
Entry Fee
- Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the ghat.
Highlights
The ghat is known for its daily Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual performed at dusk, where priests perform a synchronized dance while offering prayers with fire, flowers, and incense & it is best place to visit in Varanasi. Visitors can enjoy boat rides along the Ganges River, which offer stunning views of the ghats and temples. The ghat is also surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants, and temples, making it a popular spot for both pilgrims and tourists.
3. Sarnath
Overview
Sarnath is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located just 10 kilometers from Varanasi. It is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
How to Reach
You can reach Sarnath by hiring a taxi or taking a local bus from Varanasi. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
Timings
- Open: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Museum Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Fridays)
Entry Fee
- Sarnath Museum: ₹10 for Indian citizens and ₹250 for foreign nationals.
Highlights
The site is home to several important archaeological remains, including the Dhamek Stupa, a massive stone structure built in 500 CE, and the Ashoka Pillar, which features a famous four-lion capital that has become the national emblem of India. The Sarnath Museum houses a vast collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, including the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka. The site also features several temples, monasteries, and a deer park, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Buddhism and Indian history.
4. Ramnagar Fort and Museum
Overview
Ramnagar Fort is a 17th-century fort located across the Ganges River from Varanasi. It was built by Raja Balwant Singh and served as the seat of the Maharaja of Banaras.
How to Reach
You can reach Ramnagar Fort by taking a boat across the Ganges or by taxi, which takes about 30 minutes from the city center.
Timings
- Open: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee
- Museum Entry: ₹50 for adults, ₹25 for children.
Highlights
The fort features a unique blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture and is home to the Ramnagar Museum, which displays a collection of antique cars, bejeweled sedan chairs, palanquins, and other artifacts that showcase the opulent lifestyle of the Maharajas. Visitors can also explore the fort’s temples, palaces, and gardens, which offer stunning views of the Ganges River.
5. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Overview
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is one of the largest residential universities in Asia and a major center of education and culture in Varanasi.
How to Reach
BHU is located about 5 kilometers from the city center. You can reach there by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Timings
- Open: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies for different departments and museums)
Entry Fee
- Free Entry: Entry to the campus is free, but some museums may have a nominal fee.
Highlights
Founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the university campus is known for its grand architecture, sprawling gardens, and numerous temples and museums. The university is home to several notable attractions, including the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses a vast collection of Indian art and artifacts, and the Vishwanath Temple, a famous Shiva temple located within the campus. Visitors can also explore the university’s numerous gardens, libraries, and cultural centers, which offer a glimpse into the rich intellectual and cultural life of the institution.
6. Assi Ghat
Overview
Assi Ghat is the southernmost ghat in Varanasi and a popular spot for both pilgrims and tourists.
How to Reach
Assi Ghat is easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from anywhere in Varanasi.
Timings
- Open: 24 hours
Entry Fee
- Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the ghat.
Highlights
The ghat is named after the Assi River, which flows into the Ganges at this point. The ghat is known for its lively atmosphere, with numerous shops, restaurants, and ashrams lining its banks. Visitors can participate in yoga and meditation sessions, attend spiritual discourses, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the Ganges River. The ghat is also a popular spot for Hindu rituals and ceremonies, such as the immersion of ashes and the performance of Vedic fire sacrifices.
7. Manikarnika Ghat
Overview
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most significant ghats in Varanasi, as it is considered the main cremation site for Hindus.
How to Reach
Manikarnika Ghat is located in the old city and can be reached by walking or taking a local taxi.
Timings
- Open: 24 hours
Entry Fee
- Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the ghat.
Highlights
The ghat is named after the mythical earring (manikarnika) of the goddess Shiva’s consort, Parvati. It is believed that those who are cremated at this ghat attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Visitors can witness the cremation rituals and the burning pyres, which operate 24 hours a day. The ghat is also known for its numerous shops selling items used in Hindu rituals, such as incense, flowers, and sandalwood.
8. Tulsi Manas Temple
Overview
The Tulsi Manas Temple is a famous Hindu temple located near the Durga Temple in Varanasi. It was built in 1964 and is dedicated to Lord Rama.
How to Reach
The temple is located in the city center and is easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Timings
- Open: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee
- Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the temple.
Highlights
The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, which features a Shikhara-style tower and intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, the epic poem written by the saint-poet Tulsidas. The temple’s walls are inscribed with verses from the Ram Charit Manas, Tulsidas’ famous work on the life of Lord Rama. Visitors can attend daily prayers and rituals at the temple and participate in the annual Ram Navami festival, which celebrates Lord Rama’s birthday.
9. Durga Temple
Overview
The Durga Temple, also known as the “Monkey Temple,” is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Durga.
How to Reach
The temple is located near the city center and can be reached by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Timings
- Open: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee
- Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the temple.
Highlights
The temple was built in the 18th century and features a distinctive red sandstone structure with a tall Shikhara tower. The temple is known for its large population of monkeys, which are considered sacred and are fed by devotees. Visitors can offer prayers to the goddess Durga and participate in the annual Navaratri festival, which celebrates the goddess’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.
10. Alamgir Mosque
Overview
The Alamgir Mosque is a historic mosque located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It was built in 1669 by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb on the site of a Hindu temple.
How to Reach
The mosque is easily accessible from the city center and can be reached by walking or taking a taxi.
Timings
- Open: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee
- Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the mosque.
Highlights
The mosque features a unique blend of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles, with its domes and minarets contrasting with the Hindu-style carvings on its walls. The mosque is known for its stunning views of the Ganges River and the surrounding ghats. Visitors can explore the mosque’s interior, which features intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns, and attend Friday prayers.
11. Banaras Ghats Boat Ride
Overview
Taking a boat ride along the Ganges River is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Varanasi.
How to Reach
Boat rides can be accessed from various ghats, especially Dasaswamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat.
Timings
- Boat Rides: Available from early morning until sunset.
Entry Fee
- Varies: Prices can range from ₹100 to ₹500 depending on the duration and type of boat.
Highlights
The boat rides offer stunning views of the Banaras Ghats and the city’s temples and palaces. Visitors can choose from a variety of boat rides, ranging from short trips along a single ghat to longer excursions that cover multiple ghats. The best time to take a boat ride is during the early morning or evening, when the light is most favorable for photography. Visitors can also participate in the daily Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat from the comfort of their boats.
12. Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat
Overview
it is one of the best Places to Visit in Varanasi.The Ganga Aarti is a daily ritual performed at dusk at Dasaswamedh Ghat.
How to Reach
Dasaswamedh Ghat is located in the city center and can be easily reached by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Timings
- Aarti: Daily at sunset (around 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, timing may vary seasonally)
Entry Fee
- Free Entry: There is no entry fee to witness the aarti.
Highlights
The aarti is a synchronized dance performed by priests while offering prayers with fire, flowers, and incense. The ritual is accompanied by the chanting of mantras and the ringing of bells, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Visitors can watch the aarti from the ghat or from the comfort of a boat on the Ganges River. The aarti is a must-see for anyone visiting Varanasi, as it is a powerful expression of the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
FAQs About Places to Visit in Varanasi
Q1: Varanasi mein kaunse best places to visit hain?
A1: Varanasi mein kuch best places to visit hain jaise Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, aur Sarnath. Ye jagahen apne dharmik aur itihasik mahatva ke liye mashhoor hain.
Q2: Kashi Vishwanath Temple kaise pahunch sakte hain?
A2: Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi ke beech mein hai. Aap taxi ya auto-rickshaw le kar aasani se wahan pahunch sakte hain. Temple ka address hai Kashi Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi.
Q3: Varanasi mein ghats ki timings kya hain?
A3: Varanasi ke ghats, jaise Dasaswamedh Ghat aur Assi Ghat, 24 ghante khule rehte hain. Lekin, Ganga Aarti ka samay shaam ko hota hai, jo aam taur par 6:00 PM se 7:00 PM ke beech hota hai.
Q4: Sarnath ka kya mahatva hai aur kaise pahunch sakte hain?
A4: Sarnath wahi jagah hai jahan Lord Buddha ne apni pehli sermon di thi. Ye Varanasi se 10 km door hai, aur aap taxi ya local bus le kar aasani se pahunch sakte hain.
Q5: Varanasi mein entry fees kya hain?
A5: Kashi Vishwanath Temple aur ghats ke liye koi entry fee nahi hai. Lekin, Sarnath Museum ke liye ₹10 (Indian citizens) aur ₹250 (foreign tourists) ka entry fee hai.
Q6: Varanasi mein street food kahan try kar sakte hain?
A6: Varanasi mein street food ke liye Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Deena Chaat Bhandar, aur Chachi Ki Kachori jaise jagahen mashhoor hain. Yahaan aap tamatar ki chaat, kachori sabzi, aur gol gappe try kar sakte hain.
Q7: Varanasi ka best time visit karne ka kya hai?
A7: Varanasi visit karne ka best time October se March tak hai, jab mausam pleasant hota hai. Is dauran aap ghats aur temples ka achhe se anand le sakte hain.
Q8: Varanasi ke aas-paas aur kaunse tourist places hain?
A8: Varanasi ke aas-paas Sarnath (10 km), Allahabad (130 km), aur Bodh Gaya (400 km) jaise tourist places hain. Ye jagahen bhi dharmik aur itihasik mahatva rakhti hain.
Q9: Varanasi mein kaise travel karein?
A9: Varanasi mein travel karne ke liye aap taxi, auto-rickshaw, ya cycle rickshaw ka istemal kar sakte hain. Walking bhi ek accha option hai kyunki kai jagahen ek dusre ke nazdeek hain.
Q10: Varanasi ke ghats par boat ride kaise lein?
A10: Varanasi ke ghats par boat rides le sakte hain, jo aam taur par Dasaswamedh Ghat aur Assi Ghat se shuru hoti hain. Boat ride ka samay subah ya shaam ka hota hai, aur iski cost ₹100 se ₹500 tak hoti hai, duration ke hisaab se.
Conclusion
Varanasi is a city that offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and culture. From the grand temples and ghats to the vibrant markets and lively festivals, there is something for everyone to explore and discover. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking spiritual enlightenment or a tourist looking to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of India, Varanasi is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind. So, plan your visit to this enchanting city and experience the magic of Varanasi for yourself.
Disclaimer
This article provides information about the best places to visit in Varanasi. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee that all details are correct. Please verify timings, entry fees, and other specifics with official sources or local authorities before planning your visit.
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