Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Sitting on the western bank of the sacred River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, this city is far more than a travel destination. It is a living, breathing centre of spirituality, art, learning and ritual that has drawn pilgrims, scholars and travellers for thousands of years. Walking through its narrow lanes, watching the sun rise over the ghats, and witnessing the evening Ganga Aarti are experiences that stay with visitors long after they leave.
If you are planning a trip and searching for the best tourist place in Varanasi, this guide covers every major attraction, from the famous ghats and temples within the city to the tourist places near Varanasi that make an easy day trip. Whether you have two days or a full week, this list will help you plan a well-rounded itinerary.
Before you dive in, if you are still working out logistics, it helps to check the best time to visit Varanasi and how to reach Varanasi so your plans line up with your schedule.
Why Varanasi Deserves a Spot on Every Traveller's List
Varanasi is often called the spiritual capital of India. Hindus believe that dying here, or having one's ashes immersed in the Ganga at this spot, brings liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This belief has shaped the entire character of the city. More than 80 ghats line the riverfront, thousands of temples fill its lanes, and the sound of temple bells, boat oars and chanting fills the air from before dawn until late at night.
Beyond its religious significance, Varanasi is also a hub of art, music, weaving and food. The city is famous for handwoven Banarasi silk sarees, classical Hindustani music, and street food that ranges from kachori sabzi to the famous Banarasi paan.
Famous Tourist Places in Varanasi
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous and busiest ghat in Varanasi. According to legend, Lord Brahma performed a ten horse sacrifice here to welcome Lord Shiva back to the city, which is how the ghat gets its name. This is also the site of the grand evening Ganga Aarti, a ceremony where priests perform synchronized rituals with fire lamps, incense and chanting as hundreds of visitors watch from the steps and from boats on the river. If you plan to witness this ceremony, it is worth checking the Ganga Aarti time in Varanasi in advance so you can arrive early and get a good spot.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred Shiva shrines in India. The current structure was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, and its dome is plated with pure gold, which is why it is also referred to as the Golden Temple. The recently developed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has made the temple far more accessible, connecting it directly to the ghats through a wide, organised pathway. Since temple hours and darshan timings can change around festivals, it is a good idea to check Varanasi temple timings before your visit.
3. Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the two active cremation ghats in Varanasi and is considered one of the most sacred spots in the city. Hindus believe that cremation here breaks the cycle of rebirth and grants moksha, or liberation. The atmosphere is intense and deeply spiritual. Visitors are welcome to observe respectfully from a distance, and it is one of the most talked about tourist places in Varanasi for those seeking to understand the city's philosophy around life and death.
4. Assi Ghat
Located at the southernmost point of the Varanasi ghats, Assi Ghat sits at the confluence of the Ganga and the Assi rivers. It has a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere compared to the crowded central ghats and is popular with students, researchers and long-term travellers. Every morning, the Subah-e-Banaras program takes place here, featuring Vedic chanting, yoga and classical music performances starting around sunrise. It is one of the best places to watch a peaceful sunrise over the river.
5. Sarnath
Just 10 to 13 kilometres from the city centre, Sarnath is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is believed that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon here after attaining enlightenment. The site is home to the Dhamek Stupa, the Ashokan Pillar, a deer park, an archaeological museum housing the original Lion Capital of Ashoka, and monasteries built by different Buddhist countries in their own architectural styles. Sarnath is easily combined with a Varanasi city tour and is a must-visit for history and culture lovers.
6. Ramnagar Fort
Built in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh, Ramnagar Fort sits on the eastern bank of the Ganga, opposite Tulsi Ghat. Constructed from sandstone, the fort houses a museum displaying vintage cars, weapons, royal costumes and rare manuscripts. Its Durbar Hall is one of the most impressive parts of the structure and offers a glimpse into the royal history of Varanasi.
7. Banaras Hindu University and New Vishwanath Temple
Banaras Hindu University, founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, is one of the largest residential universities in Asia and home to a beautiful, green campus. Within its grounds stands the New Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple, a replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The university also houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which showcases sculptures, paintings and historical artefacts.
8. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Situated near the Assi River, this temple was built in the early 1900s by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is one of the most visited temples in the city, known for its calm atmosphere and the constant presence of langurs in the surrounding trees, considered symbolic of Hanuman's blessing.
9. Tulsi Manas Temple
Built in 1964, Tulsi Manas Temple marks the location where the poet saint Tulsidas is believed to have written the Ramcharitmanas. The temple walls are inscribed with verses from this epic, and the structure itself is built from white marble, giving it a distinct and serene appearance compared to the older stone temples in the city.
10. Man Mandir Observatory
Located near Dashashwamedh Ghat, this 18th century observatory was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and contains a collection of astronomical instruments used to study planetary movement, prepare calendars and calculate time. It offers a unique look at the scientific traditions that flourished alongside the religious life of the city.
For a more detailed walkthrough of how to fit these sites into a short trip, this guide on places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days is a useful reference.
Best Tourist Places Near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
If you have extra time, several tourist places near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh make excellent day trips. These destinations combine natural beauty, history and pilgrimage value, and most are reachable within one to two hours by road.
Sarnath remains the closest and most significant nearby attraction, located roughly 10 to 13 kilometres away and easily covered in half a day.
Chandauli is around 40 kilometres from Varanasi and is known for the Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Devdari Falls and Rajdari Falls. The cascading waterfalls and green landscape offer a refreshing change of scenery from the busy city ghats, and the area is best visited between October and March.
Sita Samahit Sthal, located in the Bhadohi district about 44 kilometres from Varanasi, is a revered temple believed to mark the spot where Goddess Sita descended into the earth. It holds both historical and mythological importance for pilgrims travelling through the region.
Vindham Waterfalls, near Mirzapur, sits about 90 kilometres from Varanasi and is often visited along with nearby caves and temples in the same district.
Mukkha Waterfalls, in the Sonabhadra district around 60 kilometres away, is another scenic spot, particularly striking during the monsoon season, and is often paired with a visit to the Lakhaniya Cave Paintings nearby.
Varanasi All Tourist Places: Planning Your Visit
With so many tourist places in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh spread across ghats, temples, museums and nearby excursions, it helps to prioritise based on how many days you have.
- One day: Focus on Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the evening Ganga Aarti.
- Two days: Add Assi Ghat, Sarnath, Manikarnika Ghat and Banaras Hindu University.
- Three days or more: Include Ramnagar Fort, Tulsi Manas Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple and a day trip to Chandauli or Sita Samahit Sthal.
Final Thoughts
Varanasi is not a city you simply see, it is a city you experience. From the spiritual intensity of Manikarnika Ghat to the calm mornings at Assi Ghat, from the golden spires of Kashi Vishwanath to the quiet green campus of Banaras Hindu University, every corner of this ancient city has a story to tell. Pair your city visit with a short excursion to Sarnath or the waterfalls of Chandauli, and you will leave with a complete picture of what makes Kashi one of the most remarkable destinations in India.
If you would rather leave the planning to experts, explore our Varanasi tour packages for curated itineraries covering all the best tourist places in Varanasi and beyond.
