10 Things to do in Varanasi District That You Shouldn't Miss

June 5, 2021 Franklyn Hardiman

Discover the best top things to do in Varanasi District, India including Banaras Ghats, Ganges River, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Sarnath, New Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Ganga Aarti, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple).
Restaurants in Varanasi District

1. Banaras Ghats

Varanasi 221002 India
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,836 reviews

Banaras Ghats

One of the oldest cities of India, Banaras acts as an important religious center. The numerous bathing ghats (steps) along the bank of the Ganges attract huge crowds of pilgrims.

Reviewed By Satish1955 - Bengaluru, India

The Ghats in Varanasi are Riverfront steps leading to River Ganges, There are nearly 88 ghats in Varanasi where bathing, pooja ceremonies are held. The most prominent of the ghats and by far the largest and cleanest is Dashashwamedha ghat where Bramha performed Ashwamedha yagna. You need to reach the ghat from the main road near Godaulia crossing by rickshaw. You have to spend time in the ghat to soak in the atmosphere of the milling crowds, saadhus, cows, dogs, touts etc. The best way to see other ghats is to take a sunset boat ride on Ganges from Dashaashwamedha ghat. A single private rowing boat ride followed by viewing Ganga Aarthy from boat will cost you about 1500. Prominent ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra ghats where bodies are cremated 24 hours, Assi ghat, Bramha ghat etc . If you are travelling in winter make sure you are carrying adequate warm clothes

2. Ganges River

Varanasi India
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,970 reviews

Ganges River

Reviewed By Phillip8789 - Terrigal, Australia

We had the opportunity to walk many of the Ghats, be on the Ganges for sunrise and sunset, observe people bathing, washing clothes, seeing cremation services and observing the Ganga Aarti devotional ritual being performed. This is a unique experience - being able to be on The Holy River is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Nothing we have seen in our overseas travels compares to this.

3. Assi Ghat

Sdkfjl, Varanasi 221005 India http://uttarpradesh.gov.in/en/details/assi-ghat/310032003800
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,233 reviews

Assi Ghat

Reviewed By tmagrawal - New Delhi, India

If you are first timer and wants to see both morning and evening aartis my suggestion is to stay near assi Ghat as you won't have to walk half a km if you choose to stay near dashaswamed Ghat. You can take a boat ride in the evening and see evening aarti at dashaswamed Ghat as well as visit vishwanath temple in one go and attend morning aarti and subah banaras at assi Ghat.

4. Manikarnika Ghat

Ghasi Tola Road, Varanasi 221001 India
Excellent
56%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,161 reviews

Manikarnika Ghat

Reviewed By Storyteller688502 - Chennai (Madras), India

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi held in great reverence by Hindus. There are different lores associated with this place. One of the lore is as follows. It is believed that Mata Sati sacrificed her life after her father humiliated her husband Lord Shiva in a yagna. Lord Shiva took her burning body to the Himalayas. On seeing the unending sorrow of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu sent His Divine chakra to cut the body into 51 parts which fell at different places on earth. Shakthi Peets have been established at all these places. It is believed that Mata Sati's ear ornaments fell on this place by the side of the Ganges and hence the name Manikarnika ghat came into existence. The Shakti of Manikarnika is addressed as Vishalakshi & Manikarni.

5. Dasaswamedh Ghat

Dasaswamedh Ghat Road Bangali Tola, Varanasi 221001 India
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,953 reviews

Dasaswamedh Ghat

India Trip Offer Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganga River. It is located close to Vishwanath Temple and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu legends are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva

Reviewed By SSRaju - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The main ghat of Varanasi where there is action 24/7, the epitome is the Ganga Aarti performed every evening, witnessed by tens of thousands from the shore and from the river on boats. An elaborate affair that is truly breathtaking. Once a filthy spot, now it is absolutely clean and gleaming.

6. Sarnath

Sarnath Via-Anlabereni, Varanasi 759026 India
Excellent
53%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,928 reviews

Sarnath

The Dhamekha stupa and other imposing structures adorn this holy site where Buddha first preached his message.

Reviewed By meriyatra - Mumbai, India

Very beautifully maintained and excellent facilities provided by the ASI and the Govt of India. Very impressed! The information provided is good. The place is neat and clean. A nominal fee is taken as entry charges. The museum is excellent. The highlight being the Ashok Chakra. It’s amazing to know that the national emblem is an integration of Buddhist philosophies. Truly unity in Diversity! For those who seek peace this historical place where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining Nirvana is THE place to meditate in, the energies here are absolutely amazing! Loved being there and spending quality time in the place where the Teachings were given.

7. New Vishwanath Temple

Banaras Hindu University Campus, Varanasi India
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 584 reviews

New Vishwanath Temple

Reviewed By ssn2008 - Chennai (Madras), India

Temple was built nicely good location must visit place to get the blessings of load shiva can spend 2-3 hrs

8. Sankat Mochan Temple

Sankat Mochan Road Saket Nagar, Nagwa Lanka, Varanasi 221005 India http://uttarpradesh.gov.in/en/details/sankat-mochan-temple/310032003600
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 361 reviews

Sankat Mochan Temple

Reviewed By sankalp_sharma_vns - Varanasi, India

Divine Experience.... a must visit ....its a very old temple of Lord Hanuman along with Lord Ram, Laxman & sita

9. Ganga Aarti

Dashashwamedh ghat Road, Varanasi 221001 India
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 244 reviews

Ganga Aarti

Reviewed By Travel_Revival - Melbourne, Australia

Nightly ceremony on the ghats along the Ganges, celebrated by 7 priests, is a colourful, musical, vibrant celebration of the river. Arrive early as it is always crowded and vantage points are taken up quickly.

10. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

Lahori Tola, Varanasi 221001 India 0542- 2390550 [email protected] https://www.shrikashivishwanath.org/Index.aspx
Excellent
52%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
6%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,670 reviews

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

Standing on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges, Varanasi is the oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India. It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanath.

Reviewed By neeshtir2019

We went through the tiny "galis" of Benaras, to reach a booth where we bought tickets to go to the temple. Beware of plenty of "priests" attempting to lure you into giving more money for access to the temple. Once you get your tickets, you proceed through security check and VIP gate to get to the Darshan and Abhishek. Another awestruck experience, definitely worthwhile. No cameras or bags allowed inside but you have locker rooms near the security posts to keep your belongings.

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