8 Best Tourist Attractions in Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is one of the oldest incessantly occupied city on earth. Situated in Uttar Pradesh on the banks of river Ganga, Varanasi is amid the most admired religious destinations in India. Recently, Varanasi declared as first ever SCO tourist and cultural capital.

The city gets its title from two tributaries  — Varuna and Assi — which meet here. The word Kashi is derived from the word ‘Kas’ which means to shine. Pilgrims multitude these ghats to take a holy dip to wash themselves of their iniquities. Varanasi has been synonymous with the grand river Ganga and its numerous creeks. The Ganga Aarti conducted every single evening at Assi Ghat is a sight to witness.

• Assi Ghat

One of the foremost ghats and one of the first of 88 ghats from south to north of the Ganges River is the Assi Ghat. It’s an energetic place of action due to the morning and evening Ganga aarti, with its famous lemon tea and assorted chaats. People enjoy Ganga aarti from cruise (Alaknanda and Bhagirath) and boat ride which doubles their experience of the Aarti. It’s a place of action in the evening and one of the most beautiful places to just sit and enjoy the gaiety of muddled diverse innumerable people and the peaceful Ganges. The sunrise is just an experience you will want to have again and again on the Ganges here reminding that it is always a new beautiful beginning.

• Shri Vishwanath Mandir(BHU)

Vishwanath Mandir also known as Vishwanath Temple (VT) and Birla Temple, is situated inside Banaras Hindu University campus, is dedicated to lord Shiva and is one of the well-known attractions for tourists. It took 35 years for the construction of Shri Vishwanath Temple. It was finally completed in 1966, and it’s said to be the tallest temple in India. As soon as you enter the temple it gives you sense of calmness and purity.

• Kashi Vishwanath Dham (New Corridor)

The Shiva Purana, a holy book of Hindus, mentions Jyotirlinga’s. These are the structural manifestations of Lord Shiva and are considered to be him by Hindus. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most eminent Hindu Temples. It is devoted to Lord Shiva. It has one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or the Jyotirlingams which make it one of the holiest temples of Shiva. This temple is situated on Manikarnika Ghat and is considered as a Shakti Peeth or the place of devotion for the Shaktism sect of Hinduism. Recently, it has been uplifted into Corridor cum dhaam and connected directly to ganga under most prominent project’s of Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji.

• Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University(BHU) also known as Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalaya was established in 1916. BHU is said to be the largest residential university in India. The university’s main campus, spread over 1,370 acres, was built on land donated by the Kashi Naresh Prabhu Narayan Singh, the hereditary ruler of Banaras. BHU is organized into six institutes, 14 faculties (streams) and about 140 subdivisions including IIT-BHU. It has over 65 hostels for resident students. Best attractions to watch when you are visiting the campus – VT, Madhuban, Flower Exhibition (seasonal), Malviya center, Central Library Hall, etc.

• Ramnagar Fort

The Ramnagar Fort is a fortification in Ramnagar, Varanasi, India. It is located near the Ganges on its eastern bank. The sandstone structure was built in the Mughal style in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Maharaja Balwant Singh. The current king and the resident of the fort is Anant Narayan Singh, who is also known as the Maharaja of Benares even though this royal title has been eradicated since 1971.

• Sankat Mochan Mandir

Sankat Mochan Mandir is devoted to Hindu God Hanuman, where thousands of devotees come to offer sweets and flowers. The temple was established by famous Hindu preacher and poet saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century and is situated on the banks of the Assi river, Varanasi.

• Durga Mandir

Durga Mandir was constructed somewhere around 18^th century by Bengali Maharani. Mandir also famously known as Durga Kund Mandir and Durga Temple is one the eminent temple in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great spiritual importance in Hindu Culture and is dedicated to Maa Durga, and attached to the temple there is a Kund (pond) which was earlier connected to river Ganges. One interesting fact about this temple is that, it is believed that the icon of the goddess is not made by anyone instead it appeared on its own in the Mandir.

• Sarnath

Sarnath is known as one of the most famous holiest Buddhist place in the world, and is the place where Gautam Buddha delivered his first lesson/first talk. From then to the 12th century CE – nearly 1,700 years – it continued to be a center of countless learning, a place of pilgrimage and a monastery for monks and scholars. It’s set in a landscaped park and comprises of the well-preserved Dhamekh Stupa (at the same place where the Buddha is alleged to have delivered his first lesson/talk), plus the remnants of Buddhist monasteries, the Ashoka Pillar and Dharmarajika Stupa.