Exploring the Unique Places to Visit in Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as the spiritual capital of India, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Located on the banks of the holy Ganges river, Varanasi is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique attractions, Varanasi is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the real India. From ancient temples to modern-day markets, here is a list of the top 12 unique places to visit in Varanasi.

1. The Ghats of Varanasi

The Ghats of Varanasi are one of the city’s most iconic attractions. These ancient steps line the banks of the Ganges and are a popular spot for pilgrims to take a dip in the holy river. The Ghats are also home to a variety of temples and ashrams, and you can witness the ancient Hindu practice of cremation along the river. There are many Ghats to explore, but the most important are the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Manikarnika Ghat, and the Assi Ghat.

The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main Ghat in Varanasi and is a popular spot for pilgrims to take a holy dip in the Ganges. It is said to be the spot where Lord Brahma sacrificed 10 horses to create the holy river. The Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation site and is believed to be the place where the Hindu god Shiva lost his earrings. The Assi Ghat is the southernmost Ghat and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is said that Shiva linga was found in the Ganges here.

Visitors can explore the Ghats of Varanasi on a boat ride or on foot. Witnessing the early morning rituals of Hindu pilgrims along the river is an unforgettable experience.

2. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important temples in Varanasi. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and is said to be the holiest of all Shiva temples. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, and the current structure dates back to the 18th century. The temple is open to visitors from 4 am to 12 pm, and visitors can witness the aarti ceremony which takes place every evening.

The temple complex is also home to the Gyanvapi Mosque, which was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. The temple is a popular spot for pilgrims and is a great place to explore the rich culture and history of the city.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, and it can be easily reached by boat or on foot.

3. The Sarnath Archaeological Museum

The Sarnath Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in India and is located just outside of Varanasi. The museum houses a large collection of Buddhist artifacts from the 3rd century BC and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Buddhism in India. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, which feature a variety of sculptures, paintings, and carvings from the Gupta and Mauryan periods.

The museum is also home to a replica of the famous Ashoka Pillar, which was erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The museum also has a library which houses a large collection of books and manuscripts related to Buddhism. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and entrance is free for Indian citizens.

The Sarnath Archaeological Museum is a great place to explore the history and culture of Buddhism in India.

4. The Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum

The Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum is located in Varanasi and is one of the most important museums in India. The museum houses a large collection of artifacts from the ancient and medieval periods, including sculptures, paintings, coins, and textiles. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, which feature a variety of artifacts from different cultures and periods. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and entrance is free for Indian citizens.

The museum is also home to a library which houses a large collection of books and manuscripts related to Indian art and culture. The museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of India and is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the real India.

The Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum is a great place to explore the history and culture of India.

5. The Tulsi Manas Mandir

The Tulsi Manas Mandir is located in Varanasi and is one of the most important temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Rama and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple complex is located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, and visitors can explore the temple’s galleries, which feature a variety of sculptures and carvings. The temple is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and entrance is free for Indian citizens.

The temple is also home to a library which houses a large collection of books and manuscripts related to Hindu mythology and philosophy. The temple is a great place to learn about Hinduism and is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the real India.

The Tulsi Manas Mandir is a great place to explore the history and culture of Hinduism in India.

6. The Ramnagar Fort

The Ramnagar Fort is located on the eastern bank of the Ganges, just outside of Varanasi. The fort was built in the 18th century by the Maharaja of Benares and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the fort’s galleries, which feature a variety of sculptures and carvings. The fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and entrance is free for Indian citizens.

The fort is also home to a museum which houses a large collection of artifacts from the Mughal and British periods. The fort is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Varanasi and is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the real India.

The Ramnagar Fort is a great place to explore the history and culture of Varanasi.

7. The Benares Hindu University

The Benares Hindu University is one of the most important universities in India and is located in Varanasi. The university was founded in 1916 and is home to a variety of departments, including science, engineering, and humanities. The university also has a library which houses a large collection of books and manuscripts related to Indian art and culture. Visitors can explore the university’s galleries, which feature a variety of sculptures and carvings.

The university is a great place to learn about the history and culture of India and is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the real India. The university is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and entrance is free for Indian citizens.

The Benares Hindu University is a great place to explore the history and culture of India.

8. The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in Varanasi and is one of the most important temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, and the current structure dates back to the 18th century. The temple is open from 4 am to 12 pm, and visitors can witness the aarti ceremony which takes place every evening.

The temple complex is also home to the Gyanvapi Mosque, which was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. The temple is a great place to explore the rich culture and history of the city. The temple is located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, and it can be easily reached by boat or on foot.

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a great place to explore the history and culture of Hinduism in India.

9. The Nepali Temple

The Nepali Temple is located in Varanasi and is one of the most important temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is open from 5 am to 11 pm, and visitors can witness the aarti ceremony which takes place every evening.

The temple complex is also home to the Gyanvapi Mosque, which was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. The temple is a great place to explore the rich culture and history of the city. The temple is located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, and it can be easily reached by boat or on foot.

The Nepali Temple is a great place to explore the history and culture of Hinduism in India.

10. The Durga Temple

The Durga Temple is located in Varanasi and is one of the most important temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is open from 5 am to 11 pm, and visitors can witness the aarti ceremony which takes place every evening.

The temple complex is also home to the Gyanvapi Mosque, which was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. The temple is a great place to explore the rich culture and history of the city. The temple is located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, and it can be easily reached by boat or on foot.

The Durga Temple is a great place to explore the history and culture of Hinduism in India.

11. The Banaras Hindu University Art Gallery

The Banaras Hindu University Art Gallery is located in Varanasi and is one of the most important art galleries in India. The gallery houses a large collection of artifacts from the ancient and medieval periods, including sculptures, paintings, coins, and textiles. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, which feature a variety of artifacts from different cultures and periods. The gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and entrance is free for Indian citizens.

The gallery is also home to a library which houses a large collection of books and manuscripts related to Indian art and culture. The gallery is a great place to learn about the history and culture of India and is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the real India.

The Banaras Hindu University Art Gallery is a great place to explore the history and culture of India.

12. The New Vishwanath Temple

The New Vishwanath Temple is located in Varanasi and is one of the most important temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, and the current structure dates back to the 19th century. The temple is open from 4 am to 12 pm, and visitors can witness the aarti ceremony which takes place every evening.

The temple complex is also home to the Gyanvapi Mosque, which was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. The temple is a great place to explore the rich culture and history of the city. The temple is located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, and it can be easily reached by boat or on foot.

The New Vishwanath Temple is a great place to explore the history and culture of Hinduism in India.

Varanasi is an incredible destination that is filled with unique attractions. From ancient temples to modern-day markets, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking to explore the history and culture of India or simply take in the beauty of the Ganges, Varanasi is a must-visit destination. So, the next time you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, make sure to explore the unique places to visit in Varanasi.