Banaras is also known as Varanasi (popularly called Kashi). This city is considered one of the world’s oldest cities. Whenever you visit Banaras, you will hear the bells, aartis, trumpet, and a cow worshipped in every corner. As you walk a little further, you will see the serene Ganges with tourists flouting to take a holy dip. As written in the words of famous author Mark Twain, Kashi is a land of heritage, culture, and traditions, and all these combined make the city even more spectacular and holy. There are some of the beautiful places to visit in Banaras.

Many Hindus believe the people who die here are blessed by the almighty itself. It is also believed that the Ganges has the power to wash away all our sins and evil deeds. But, Varanasi is more than just a pilgrimage site. This place is best for attaining calmness and peace. It is also known as the learning centre of civilisation.

Lord Buddha preached his first sermon in this holy city, and the place is known for the Vedic religion. It is a commercial and industrial centre for exporting Muslin and cotton. Perfumes, ittars, flowers, garlands, ivory works and most famous Banarasi sarees. With the blend of culture and heritage, it has slowly evolved and embraced the contemporary world. The city is renowned for its most attractive river frontage with ghats and steps lined up to welcome devotees.

Some of the attractive places to visit in Banaras:

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath temple is sometimes referred to as the Golden Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the unique places to visit in Banaras that originated from the connection of two rivers, Varana and Asi. These two rivers joined the Ganges as their final abode. A local tribe named Kashi, who used to live here in ancient times, changed the place to Kashi. Inside the Vishwanath temple, there is a Jyotirlinga of Shiva, a holy piece representing Lord Shiva. Tourists visit the temple to see the divine aarti and get lost in the holiness of devotional music and hymns.

• Category: Religious
• Timings:
  • Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM (Morning)
  • Bhoga Aarti: 11:15 AM to 12:20 AM (Noon)
  • Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM (Late-Evening)
  • Shringara Aarti: 9:00 PM to 10:15 PM (Night)
  • Shayana Aarti: 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM (Night)
• Location: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka. 
• Entry Fee: 251 INR

2. Har-ki-Paidi Ghat

Every day, when the sun sets in and the sky is coloured in beautiful ombre red, you can hear the bells from the Ganges Har-ki-Paidi ghats from afar. The Ganga Aarti is performed in the three holiest cities: Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Watching and seeing this grand aarti is a religious experience in itself. But, what is its significance? This Aarti is performed in these ghats with the fire lit on a massive lamp and that small Diya with flowers also floating in the Ganges. Goddess Ganga is offered prayers and prasad. This place is one of the best places to visit in Banaras.

• Category: Religious
• Best time to visit: All around the year
• Timings: Aarti: 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Har-ki-Paidi ghat ( evening) 
• Location: The venue is Dashashwamedh Ghat, Banaras. 
• Entry Fee: free 

3. Dashashwamedh Ghat 

This ghat is one of the unique places to visit in Banaras. When the sun goes down and night is about to spread its wings, the chants of hymns and spiritual songs begin. The prayer to worship the God and Goddess of the river is performed with an array of pandits singing the chant. This place is nothing compared to the spectacle. In one area, you will see a devotee going down on his knees and praying to God and on hand, you will know this place jostling with tourists. If you want to have a closer look, ride a boat and stay still on the river. The ghat is noisy as well as serene. 

• Category: Religious
• Best Time to Visit: July to October
• Timings: opening time is 8:00 am, and closing is midnight. It is open seven days a week. 
• Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Godowlia, Ghats of Varanasi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 
•  Entry Fee: free

Read More – https://www.travelfoxx.com/15-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-ayodhya

4. Banaras Hindu University

This University is world-renowned for being one of the world’s oldest universities. Its foundation was laid in 1919. The university is also one of the largest universities in Asia; the place also is the third-best in India and the 10th-best in the world. Students from all over the world come here to study and learn about Banaras culture and traditions. The sprawling campus is spread over 1300 acres of land. The place was once donated by King Kashi Naresh, who was the last emperor of Kashi. 22 Km away from this University is Babatpur Airport. This university is one of the best places to visit in Banaras for couples.

• Category: Educational
• Best Time To Visit: October to March
• Timings: The university is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for all tourists.
• Location: University Rd, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005.  
• Entry fee: Free 

5. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

If you take a stroll away from Banaras Hindu University, you may come across the beautiful temple of Sankat Mochan Hanuman. The temple attracts thousands of tourists every day who come to take the blessings of Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman is considered the god of protection and is one of the best places to visit in Banaras with friends. Tourists can also buy the red pedals for offering or taking as a prasad. This mountaintop location presents tourists with a beautiful view of the archetypal idol of Lord Hanuman. It is one temple that is designed in a typical North Indian style. 

• Category: Religious
• Best Time To Visit: October to March
• Timings: it opens at 10:00 am hours and closes at 10:00 pm.
• Morning aarti is at 4 am and night aarti at 9 pm.    
• Location: Sankat Mochan Rd, Padampuri Colony, Jawahar Nagar Colony, Bhelupur, Varanasi. 
• Entry Fee: free

6. Assi Ghat 

This ghat is one of the famous places to visit in Banaras. The ghat is considered one of the most popular locations for seeing the Ganga Aarti. The place is always bustling with students from all around the world. You can come across a researcher, a doctor or a lonely engineer. More than 500 tourists come early in the morning to see the glowing and rising sun. The ghat can accommodate more than 25,000 people during festivals and carnivals. The busiest time to visit this ghat is Diwali when approximately 60,000 tourists come here to celebrate and light diyas. Tourists can light a lamp, fly a hot air balloon and even ride a boat. 

• Category: Religious
• Best Time To Visit: October to March
• Timings: 24 hours. 
• Location: Nagwa Rd, Assi ghat, Anandbagh, Dumraon Colony, Varanasi. 
• Entry Fee: free

7. Vishwanath Gali

If you want to go on a shopping spree and shop for world-famous Banarasi sarees, then you are in the right place. This place is one of the best places to visit in Banaras. Vishwanath Gali is famous mainly for its textile market. Clothes are made of muslin and cotton. The history of this Gali goes back to 1780. This year, Ahilyabai ordered the reconstruction and modelling of the famous Vishwanath temple, which was earlier demolished by the last Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Pilgrims and tourists started visiting this place, eventually pumping in life and energy. If you are looking for clothes with affordable rates and good quality, this would be your dream destination.

• Category: Religious
• Best Time to visit: October to March
• Timings: you can see it any time you want.
• Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.  
• Entry Fee: Free

8. Tulsi Manasa Temple

Tulsi Manasa temple was constructed in 1964 and this place is among the unique places to visit in Banaras. Devotees flock to this place to offer prayers to Lord Rama. The temple is named after the famous Hindi poet Tulsi Das. The temple is constructed in the Shikhara style of architecture. And this temple has all the inscriptions engraved on the wall of this temple. The inscription of Ram charit Manas which was written by Tulsidas, is engraved on the wall. Various poems and stories are engraved on the pillars and walls. You can also watch plays based on Lord Rama and his ardent follower Hanuman. If you want to enjoy the puppet show, you must visit the place during Saawan (i.e. July and August).

• Category: Religious
• Best time to visit: October to Visit
• Timings: Morning Hours: 5:30 am to 12:00 pm. Evening Hours: 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm. 
• Location: Sankat Mochan Rd Durga Kund Marg Near Jalan, Varanasi,  
• Entry Fee: ₹3 per person. 

9. Nepali Temple

Nepali temple is one of the oldest temples located in Banaras. The temple is not connected to Nepal, but it is a 19th-century temple with pictures and idols of Lord Shiva. The temple got this name from India’s neighbouring place, Nepal, due to the king of Nepal. This place is one of the best places to visit in Banaras with friends. He started the construction of this age-old temple which also resembles the Pashupatinath Temple situated in Kathmandu. The temple is built with intricate stones and fine details. Some pillars and walls are made up of terracotta, stones and wood carvings. The magnificence and beauty of the Nepali temple allure devotees from all over the world.

• Category: Religious
• Best Time To Visit: September to November
• Timings: 4:00 am to 9:00 pm   
• Location: near Lalita Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 
• Entry Fee: Free

10. Kedar Ghat 

Banaras is one of the unique places to visit in Banaras, which signifies ancient culture and heritage. There are so many old buildings, temples as well as ghats. These places speak history more than words or people. One of such place is this ghat which is cleaner than most other places for taking a holy dip. Pilgrims and devotees flock to this destination to pray to Lord Shiva and wash away their sins. Kedar Ghat also has a beautiful temple called Kedareshwar. The ghat has a spiritual vibe and beautiful and lush greenery surrounding the place. 

• Category: Religious
• Best Time To Visit: May to June, September to October
• Timings: Can be visited any time
• Location: Cedar Ghat Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka. 
• Entry fee: Free

11. Gyan Vapi well

GyanVapi well is a sacred place for Hindu followers. This is one of the best places to visit in Banaras, and it is well-built inside the premises of the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Millions of tourists come every year during Maha Kumbh to visit the Ganges. But the water of this well of Kashi Vishwanath temple is considered even more sacred than the Ganges itself. But, due to offerings of the devotees, debris has been deposited at the pit of the well, making it unclean and unhygienic to use. Many people believe that emperor Aurangzeb tried to destroy this temple to protect the place; a priest threw away the idol of Shiva and jumped into this well as well.

• Category: Religious
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Timings: 08:00 am. Closing Time, 10:00 am
• Location: 31-24, Gyanvapi Main Road, Lahori Tola, Gyanvapi, Uttar Pradesh 
• Entry fee: Free

12. Tibetan temple, Varanasi

The Tibetan temple was constructed keeping in mind the Tibetan culture. The devotees of Lord Buddha mainly visit the Tibetan temple. Lord Buddha is known to preach the Buddhist religion and taught his disciples the seven truths of Dhamma. This temple is one of the best places to visit in Banaras for couples. The interior of the premises has an idol of Shakyamuni along with prayer wheels that are adorned with garlands and beautiful flowers. The place also has paintings of Buddhism called Thangka. When prayer wheels are rotated in a clockwise direction, they release small chits of paper with different chants and slogans.

• Category: Religious
• Timings: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm 
• Location: 92GG+VH9, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
• Entry is free

13. Gyanvapi Mosque

This mosque is considered equal to the Jama Masjid of India. This mosque was built on the site of a previously demolished older temple of Vishweshwara, and it was shattered by the last emperor Aurangzeb in 1669. You can locate this mosque in the heart of Banaras. It is near the Dashashwamedh Ghat along the lines of the river Ganges. Todar Mal constructed the Vishweshwara temple in alliance with the Brahmin family of Kashi. This mosque is one of the best places to see in Banaras. In 1669, emperor Aurangzeb ordered that the temple not be built on the site and told workers to break it. Instead of a temple, this Mosque was constructed in its place. The mosque is named Gyan Vapi, which means well of Knowledge in English.

• Category: Religious 
• Timings: whenever you feel like
• Location: 31-24, Gyanvapi Main Road, Lahori Tola, Gyanvapi, Uttar Pradesh 
• Entry is free

14. Batuk Bhairav Mandir

This temple is dedicated to Bhairav God, one of Lord Shiva’s many incarnations. This incarnation of Lord Shiva was born from the Third eye of God Shiv. It is a famous place to visit in Banaras and is worshipped by Aghoris and Tantrik. This place is considered to be of great religious importance. Akhand Deep is a unique feature of this temple which is sacred and is believed to be burning for years. The lamp is believed to have great healing powers. 

Category: Religious

Best Time to Visit: In the winter months

Timings: 4 am to 12:30 pm

Location:  Kamccha, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Entry fee: Free

15. Alamgir Mosque

The mosque is above the Panchganga Ghat, and Aurangzeb built it in 1669. It is also said that this mosque was built over the temple’s ruins that Aurangzeb demolished. The minarets are weak, and they collapsed in 1948 during floods and killed a few people. This mosque is a mix of both Hindu and Islamic architecture. The ghat where this mosque is located is said to be the spot where five streams unite. This place is one of the most popular places to visit in Banaras. 

Category: Religious

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Timings: 24 hours

Location:  Panchganga Ghat, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Entry fee: Free

Frequently Asked Questions for Best Places To Visit In Banaras:

1. Are Varanasi and Banaras the same places?

Yes, Banaras and Varanasi are both the same places. The city is also called Kashi, located in the southern part of India’s largest state Uttar Pradesh. The place is located on Gange’s left side. It is also considered one of the sacred and holy places in India. 

2. Why is this city considered a sacred and pious place in India?

Banaras is considered among the best places to visit in India. Many devotees and pilgrims come to take a holy dip at the Ganges. The dip is meant to wash away the sins. The second best thing about Banaras is the Ganga Aarti. 

3. What is the oldest name of this city? 

This sacred city is known by many names like Banaras, Varanasi and even Kashi. Kashi is also known as the oldest place and most lively city globally. 

4. Who initiated the construction of Banaras ghats? 

Banaras ghats, also known as Varanasi ghats, were built under the regime of Marathas. The place was constructed and built in the 18th century. Many kings and emperors built this place, including Holkars, Bhonsles, Marathas, Peshwas and Maharaja of Benaras. 

5. Who reconstructed the Manikarnika temple? 

As mentioned in the history books, the temple’s construction and inception started in the 5th century. The stairs, which are made of stones, were made in the year 1303. The temple was reconstructed in the year 1730 under the regime of Bajirao Peshwa. 

6. According to the legends, which goddess fell in Varanasi? 

As legends believe, Sati’s eyes or even her earrings fell into the Varanasi, which led to the formation of Vishalakshi, popularly known as Shakti Pitha. However, if tourists ask the local priests and pujaris, they believe her whole body fell into Varanasi, as seen in the idol of Shakti Pitha. 

7. Who is known as the present Kashi Naresh? 

The eighth generation of the Kashi family is represented by a 65-year-old man known as Prem Singh. 

8. Was Kashi once known as a princely state? 

Yes, in the times when the British conquered India, Banaras was named a full-fledged princely state at that time; it was ruled by the Naresh dynasty. 

9. Banaras are popular with so many ghats. But, which is the most popular one? 

Dashashwamedh Ghat is known as the most visited and famous ghat in Banaras. The ghat is situated on the outer banks of the river Ganges. The place is nearby the Kashi Vishwanath temple. 

10. Is the Kashi Vishwanath temple constructed with gold or stones? 

Kashi Vishwanath temple was built under the regime of Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The temple is made up of gold plates that were donated by the famous king, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. 

11. What is the most famous and delicious food item in Banaras? 

Banaras is famous for its delicious food items such as kachori sabzi, Chena Dahi vada, choora matar, thandai and lassi, and dahi chutney wale Gol Gappa, among other things. 

12. What are some of the famous ghats to take the holy dip? 

Some of the famous ghats that are in situated Banaras areas are: 

• Rajendra Prasad Ghat.
• Dashashwamedh Ghat.
• Assi Ghat.
• Lalita Ghat.
• Darbhanga Ghat.
• Kedar Ghat.
• Chet Singh Ghat.
• Scindia Ghat

13. What are some activities I can do in Banaras? 

People visiting Banaras can take Ganges’s holy dip. Or they can hear Sufi songs, and devotional music or go to a temple. Shopping for Banarasi sarees is a must for everyone. 

14. What are some precautions visitors need to take in Banaras? 

Visitors are not allowed to click pictures at cremation grounds. Not to talk in vulgar language or set the alarm. People are also advised not to spit or pee anywhere in public. 

15. Is holy drink bhang available to drink for everyone? 

Bhang is a holy drink that is available at festivals like Maha Shivratri. As Banaras is the place to offer prayers, bhang is considered a pious drink to offer to Lord Shiva. People can drink the bhang (lassi), bhang ladoos or any other item made with it. 

16. What are the best months to visit the Banaras or Varanasi? 

The best time to visit Banaras is during the winter months. As winters are quite chilly, the place looks more mesmerising with prayers and blessings. 

17. Name the spoken languages in Banaras.

People in Banaras speak a mix of Bhojpuri and Hindi. However, the oldest language of this holy place is the Sanskrit language. 

18. What religion do the people of this city follow? 

People who are Banaras mostly follow Hinduism. Hindu religion accounts for almost 84.2% of the total population. Whereas the Muslim population is approximately 14.88%.

19. How ancient is Banaras city? 

The ancient city of Banaras was almost built and established around 500 years ago. But, modern scholars and academic researchers believe the city is about 3000 years old.

 20. Is drinking alcohol banned in Varanasi?

No, drinking alcohol is not banned, but consuming alcohol near temples and holy places is banned.

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