Varanasi

One of the oldest, richest, and holiest shrines of India is located in the sacred city of Varanasi and is known as Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Named Kashi, due to the ancient name of Varanasi, the glorious temple commemorates the mighty Lord Shiva and is a part of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Thousands of devotees travel from miles away to witness its soothing spiritual ambiance and seek blessings from their god. Sun glistens on the towering spires and domes made out of pure gold. As you walk through the gates, you can hear the soft rushing sounds of river Ganges nearby. Miniature shrines of various Hindu deities encircle the main hall of Sabha Griha. And at the heart of this hall, standing on a silver platform is the magnificent brown stoned effigy of Lord Shiva. Having braved the ravages of cultural wars, this temple has been demolished and reconstructed many times. Hence, this temple is not only an eminent pilgrimage site but also a prominent historical landmark.Distance from Varanasi: 5.3 kmBest Time to Visit: Shivratri and Rangabhari Ekadashi

Dashashwamedh Ghat is known for conducting the liveliest aartis along the holy river Ganga to immerse the visitors into divine bliss. A prominent member of the tourist attractions in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat, got its name due to the legend of Lord Brahma sacrificing 10 horses, or das Ashwamedh, in order to perform a yajna. Every sunset, the ghat gets illuminated by the light of diyas lit to commence the sacred rituals. Priests gather and chant prayers in unison as they move the diyas in circles and pay their obeisance to the god. A huge crowd gathers to participate in this ceremony. The refreshing aura that sets in during the evening witnesses hundreds of tourists thronging the ghat to relax on the steps leading to the river waters. You can also spot many boats floating in the river. Due to the divine ambiance and religious significance, it is a must amongst the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days.      Distance from Varanasi: 5.5 kmBest Time to Visit: Kartik Purnima

Another name amongst the unmissable places to visit in Varanasi is Assi Ghat. Frequented by college-goers and tourists alike, this ghat offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Varanasi's chaotic lanes. Pilgrims bathe in the holy waters of River Assi and offer flowers to the Shivlinga before resting on the steps of the ghat. Ancient texts claim it to be the place where the revered saint and poet, Tulsidas, retired before his death. You can relax under the shade of peepal trees lining the shore, or take a boat ride to witness the panoramic sunsets. Every day, at the break of the dawn, the ghat is crowded by devotees chanting prayers as the priests light the diyas and perform the ceremonial aarti.      Distance from Varanasi: 7.2 kmBest Time to Visit: Shivratri

Many legends surround the etymology behind Manikarnika Ghat, the oldest riverfront and one of the most religious tourist attractions in Varanasi. Mentioned in many ancient scriptures and religious texts, Manikarnika ghat is said to be the place where Devi Sati set herself on fire and also the birthplace of the fearless queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai. Temples of many Hindu deities surround its periphery while the holy waters of river Ganga flow peacefully alongside. Giving a peek into the traditional life of Varanasi, this place is visited every year by thousands of pilgrims performing the last rites of their departed loved ones. A holy well, believed to be dug by Lord Shiva to recover the fallen earring of Goddess Sati, is present at the top of the stairs. Distance from Varanasi: 5.5 kmBest Time to Visit: Summer season, from March to June

Pearly white facade greets the eyes as one walks through the lush green gardens of Tulsi Manas Temple. Constructed in 1964 by the Thakur Surekha Das family, the marble structure of this temple is renowned for its mesmerizing architecture. Believed to be the site where the ancient poet Tulsidas sat to pen down the holy epic of Ramcharitmanas, this temple is now one of the most revered religious places to visit in Varanasi. Symbolizing the grace and simplicity of the Hindu religion, Tulsi Manas Temple celebrates the glorious journey of Lord Rama and his wife, Goddess Sita. Intricate carvings depicting the scenes from Ramayan form the colorful murals lining the inner walls. During auspicious festivals, tales from Ramcharitmanas are narrated through puppets by local performers. Distance from Varanasi: 6.7 kmBest Time to Visit: Monsoon season, from June to August

This is a small fort located on the little diversion between Varanasi and Prayagraj, and it has played a significant role in shaping the history of India. The fort is situated on the banks of river Ganga and is also called Tilismi Quila or Magical Fort because it was featured in the novel “Chandrakanta”. Some of the most popular movies, like Gangs of wasseypur were also shot here. The Fort has witnessed the reign of several dynasties such as the Mauryans, Gupta dynasty of the Mughals, etc. Chunar Fort is also known for stone trading as it is located in Kaimur Hills, which is the only place in this region that is known to produce good quality stones.Distance from Varanasi: 32 kmBest Time to Visit: Anytime between 9 am to 5

Resting near the quiet shores of River Ganges is the majestic historical monument of Ramnagar Fort. Chunar sandstone forms the foundation of this creamy colored structure, which was built as the residential fort of Raja Balwant Singh. Even today, it houses the present Maharaja of Varanasi, whose residential quarters are separated from the rest of the fort. Two temples worshipping Lord Hanuman and Veda Vyasa are present inside the complex. Verdant gardens, fountains, elaborate halls, carved balconies, and decorated courtyards mark the beautiful features of its Mughal architecture. The Durbar Hall was converted into a museum which is now known as Saraswati Bhawan. The museum houses an intriguing collection like an armory, vintage cars, royal palanquins, and multicolored murals of Maharajas. Situated opposite the Tulsi Ghat, Ramnagar Fort is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi and can be accessed by pontoons.      Distance from Varanasi: 14 kmBest Time to Visit: October to March, during the festivals of Raj Mangal and Dussehra

Humans have eventually provided their reverence, a new richer meaning, simpler and more precise language in the forms of shrines. This has enabled every single being to have the accessibility of that divine source. With such words, we can aptly describe the exquisite shrine named Alamgir Mosque. This mosque is located near Panchganga Ghat and is amongst the top religious attractions of Varanasi. On the bank of the Ganges, this 17th-century monument stands tall and glorious. This mosque is also known as “Beni Madha Ka Darera” and “Aurangzeb’s Mosque” from the fact that Emperor Aurangzeb built it. It has 2 minarets and 3 domes that gives its structure a distinguishable and magnificent outlook. But a tragedy in 1948 demolished a few portions of the mosque, which is now being guarded and preserved by our government. A perfect amalgamation of evening sunset near the giant mosque and the water gushing out from the fountains in the garden, one can absorb the best of nature at this site.Distance from Varanasi: 5.6 kmBest Time to Visit: October