Last Updated: 16-May-2024
For a middle-aged person living in India, visiting Varanasi at some point in his/her life is almost a given. The reason is the storied history and religious significance of the place as well as the architecture and art that has forever preserved the past here. Touted as one of the holiest cities in India, it has loads of temples and ghats that host endless lines of pilgrims from all over the country. Of course, it only adds to the holiness of the fact that the river Ganga passes through Varanasi! There is no shortage of places to visit in Varanasi, and this is just a short list of the top 19 that you should not miss out on if you find yourself in the land of mysticism.
As far as hallowed ground goes, Varanasi is one of the most significant in India. And that’s saying a lot, with India being dotted with temples and holy places. Hindu mythology has spanned the course of several millennia, and for any place to be considered as holy as Varanasi, there has to be ample history attached to it. There is no shortage of tourist places in Varanasi map, which makes it more than worth a visit if you are interested in the culture, tradition, art, and history of India! So, the next time you book a hotel in Varanasi, you know what attractions to visit.
Q: During which time of the year can I plan a trip to Varanasi?
A: Places to visit in Varanasi experience a subtropical climate; the summers are extremely hot here and the monsoons are soaking wet. Thus, the best time to visit Varanasi is during the autumn, winter and spring seasons, i.e. between the months of October and March.
Q: How to reach Varanasi?
A: The easiest way to reach Varanasi is by taking a train to Varanasi Junction or Manduadih Junction. Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport operates direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, Jaipur and many other cities in India as well as abroad. Major places to visit in Varanasi are well connected with both airport and train station.
Q: What are the must-see places in Varanasi tourism?
A: When in Varanasi, it is a must to pay a visit to its glorious ghats and grand temples including Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Temple, among other places to visit in Varanasi.
Q: What are some must-have experiences in Varanasi?
A: Besides exploring its ghats and temples, you must witness the Ganga aarti hosted at Dashashwamedh Ghat every evening and enjoy boating on the river. Boating is one of the most popular things to do in Varanasi.
Q: What to shop for in Varanasi and from where?
A: There are many local shopping places in Varanasi like Godowlia Market, Vishwanath Lane and Thatheri Bazaar from where you can buy Banarasi sarees, brocade, religious items, handicrafts and different knickknacks. You can find many souvenir shops near most of the places to visit in Varanasi.
Q: Suggest some good places to enjoy street food in Varanasi.
A: Kashi Chaat Bhandar and Deena Chaat Bhandar in Godaulia and Chachi Ki Kachori in Lanka are the best places to enjoy authentic street food delicacies of Varanasi like tamatar ki chaat, kachori sabzi, tikki chhole, gol gappe and chhena dahi vada, among others.
Q: Where can I go for dining in Varanasi?
A: Among the best restaurants in Varanasi are Sri Annapurna Restaurant, Canton Royale, Baati Chokha, Aum Cafe, Aadha-Aadha Café, Hotel Kalika, Tandoor Villa, Zaika, Mangi Ferra Café, Itihaas Alley Kitchen, India City, Chrystal Bowl, I:BA, Pizzeria Vaatika Café and Dolphin Restaurant. These are also some of the most amazing places to visit in Varanasi.
Q: Are there any good places near Varanasi for a one-day trip?
A: During your visit to Varanasi, do pay a visit to Sarnath (10 km) which holds immense significance for Buddhist pilgrims and is famous for its many stupas and temples. It is also renowned as one of the most intriguing places to visit in Varanasi. You can also explore Allahabad, located about 130 km away from the city.
