Below is a guide for Varanasi Tourist Places to help you track down this city’s profound spirituality, history, and culture.
Tourist Attractions in Varanasi
Tourist places in Varanasi are rich with mythology, relaxed vibes, Hindu rituals, arts, and unique experiences. To make it easier, we have categorized these attractions, helping you track them down based on your interests.Ghats of Varanasi
Varanasi Ghats are quintessential attractions, and most of the purpose is to take spiritual bathing, flaring rituals, and godly ceremonies. Some of the most popular are;1. Dashashwamedh Ghat:
This is an iconic location to perform Ganga Aarti, a must-attend event in this city. Boating from this ghat is one of the most popular activities in Varanasi.- Location: Near Godowlia, market region of Varanasi
- Aarti Time: summer: 7:00 PM and winter: 6:00 PM
- Must Do: Take a dip in the morning, get a boating experience, and pour milk in the river.
2. Assi Ghat:
Varanasi’s biggest ghat is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the finest place for enjoying luxury boat rides.- Location: Shivala, southern side of the Ganga River, Varanasi
- Aarti Time: morning: 5:00 AM and evening: 6:00 PM
- Must Do: Enjoy yoga and music sessions in the morning.
3. Manikarnika Ghat:
This Ghat is Varanasi’s oldest sacred cremation ground, and it sees around 300 cremations daily. Those cremated here are believed to attain freedom from the cycle of rebirth.- Location: Near Godowlia Chowk, Varanasi
- Best Time to Visit: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
4. Scindia Ghat:
As per Hindu Puranas, this site is the birthplace of the fire demigod. Its major highlight is the submerged Shiva Temple, which is expected to be entirely underwater in future.- Location: Near Godowlia Chowk, Varanasi
- Aarti Time: morning: 6:00 AM and evening: 6:30 PM
- Must Do: Hidden temples in the narrow street near the ghat
Temples in Varanasi
Set yourself on a spiritually inclined exploration in Varanasi by seeking blessings from its temples. From standing along the Ganges to tucked within narrow streets, each offers a unique experience.5. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
This revered temple in India is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. According to Hindu mythology, visiting this temple and dipping in the Ganges are critical steps to gaining Moksha.- Timing: 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
6. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple:
This is one of the important Hindu sites dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is said that this is where Tulsidas saw Lord Hanuman and built this temple.- Timing: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
7. Kaal Bhairav Temple:
One of Varanasi’s oldest temples, this sacred site is dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, the fierce form of Lord Shiva. Mythology says a visit here completes your trip, as Shiva appointed Kaal Bhairav as the city’s protector.- Timing: 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM
8. Shri Durga Mata Mandir:
Also known as Durgakund Mandir, as it was built near the sacred Kund, where a dip is believed to offer spiritual cleansing. It is dedicated to the goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kali.- Timing: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Historical and Cultural Sites in Varanasi
Getting profound cultural experience and insight into Varanasi’s history through its popular spots is a unique sightseeing experience. Enjoy it through some of its famous spots, such as;9. Ramnagar Fort:
This 18th-century Fort has a widespread connection from the epic Mahabharata to the eras of the Maharajas. It features an astronomical clock that depicts the current month, week, day, and the planet’s position.- Ramnagar Museum Entry fee: INR 20 for Indians & INR 150 for foreigners.
- Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
10. Man Singh Palace:
This 16th-century palace is a beautiful structure with a fantastic view of the Ganges River. It is an ideal place to find some serenity amidst the chaos of the city’s lifestyle.- Man Singh Virtual Experiential Museum Fee: INR 25
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Museums in Varanasi
Introduce yourself to the artistic side of Varanasi by visiting its famous museum, which holds historical significance.11. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
Located inside the Banaras Hindu University, this art and archaeological museum has more than 1 lakh artefacts that enliven history. It has various galleries that hold prehistoric Harappan materials, sculptures, miniature paintings, coins, paintings, literature, and more.- Timing: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Fee for: Indian INR 20 & Foreigner INR 250
- Average Hours: 3-4 hours
Markets of Varanasi
The colorful, narrow, winding, and graffiti on walls are all relevant terms to describe the markets and streets of Varanasi. Some of the most famous ones that you should not miss are below.| Name of Market | Famous For/ What to Buy |
| Vishwanath Gali | Clothes, household items, Religious items, Kachori Sabzi, Lassi & Chaat |
| Thatheri Bazaar | Metal, Brass Work, and most popular Malai Toasts, Malliyo (winter special) |
| Godowlia Market | Silk embroidery clothes, beads, bracelets, shoes, shawls, and jewellery. |
Places to Visit in Varanasi According to Tour Duration
The choices of tourist places and must-try experiences are as diverse as your imagination. Hence, which tourist attractions are covered on the Varanasi trip in 2 days, 3 days always seems a task. So, check out the details below that give you a better outlook on what to cover for the duration of your trip.| Duration of Tour | Tourist Attractions |
| 2 | Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sarnath, Ram Nagar Fort, Local Markets. |
| 3 | Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sarnath, Manikarnika Ghat, Ram Nagar Fort, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Local markets. |
| 4 | Assi Ghat, Sarnath, Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Ram Nagar Fort, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Local Markets, Ravi Varma Art Gallery |
Nearby Excursions From Varanasi
After enjoying the profound spiritual experience with rich heritage and Indian Culture, add something extra to your travel experience with its nearby attractions.Sarnath:
A sacred Buddhist site that is believed to be the first place where the Buddha first taught.- Known for: Dhamek Stupa is a famous attraction and sitting point for Lord Buddha.
- Distance from Varanasi: 12 km (approx.)
Chunar Fort:
It is just a one-hour drive from Varanasi and one of the finest places to visit from Varanasi within 50 km.- Known for: Historical ruins, Panoramic Views, and Indian History.
- Distance from Varanasi: 28 km (approx.)
Jaunpur:
This small multicultural region near Varanasi offers a delightful tour with its wide variety of historic and religious places.- Known for: Forts and Mosques
- Distance from Varanasi: 69 km (approx.)
Vindhyachal:
With religious significance and settled on the bank of River Ganga, it is a deserving stop to add tourist places from Varanasi within 100 km.- Known for: Ganga River, Temples, and mountain range
- Distance from Varanasi: 63 km (approx.)
Varanasi Tour Packages
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FAQs
Q: 1 Are 2 days enough for Varanasi?
Ans. Yes! You can choose a 2 days trip to Varanasi. But to experience the cultural depth with your pace and laid-back vibes, you can extend the tour as per your preferences.
Q: How many days are good for the Varanasi trip?
Ans. You will need at least 3 days to cover the major attractions of this city. It is one of the ultimate travel destinations, where you will find countless things to see, experience, and enjoy. However, the actual duration depends on the experiences you seek, mode of transportation, attractions you want to explore and many more.
Q: What are the famous places to visit in the 3-day Varanasi Tour?
Ans. This mystifying city brims with attractions, each promising a lifetime experience. Dive into the day-by-day guide for exploring places to visit in Varanasi in 3 days with family and friends.
Day 1: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Ganga Aarti
Day 2: Sarnath, Bharat Mata Temple, Ramnagar Fort
Day 3: Assi Ghat, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University, local markets.
Q: What are the top 5 places to visit in Varanasi?
Ans. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Varanasi that deserve a place on your go-to list.
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Assi Ghat
- Ramnagar Fort