Discover the Soul of India: Places to Visit in Varanasi

Varanasi is the place where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. This city, often referred to as Kashi or Banaras,and it is one of the best spiritual destinations in Indian tours. As it is not just a pilgrimage site for millions of Hindus but also a treasure trove of history, culture, and vibrant local life. 

Uttar Pradesh is a state that offers lot of things to do, and Varanasi offers a lot of things to explore……. This is one of the Historical places in India. When you step in this place you will feel the solace and your mind finds peace. Even if you’re not spiritual, you’ll still fall in love with Varanasi.The modern outer neighborhoods offer more room and follow a more organized layout. The holy city is encircled by a road called Panchakosi, and it is believed that Once in a lifetime one should walk through that road and visit the city.

Most of the people come to Varanasi in old age to stay there and die there so that they can find peace and solace in the external world.  

 If you are looking for the best places to visit in Varanasi, you’re in for a captivating journey that touches your soul and awakens your senses. Let’s explore the top attractions and must-see places in Varanasi in detail.

1. The Ghats of Varanasi

• Dashashwamedh Ghat:

Dashswamedh Ghat is the most famous of them all. This ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in the holy city of Varanasi. The bustling ghat is the site of the grand Ganga Aarti and is famous for Ganga aarti.

This ceremony takes place every evening in the Dashswamedh Ghat in Varanasi. Watching the priests perform the elaborate rituals with fire and chanting sacred mantras creates a mesmerizing and spiritual experience. 

The aarti lasts about 45 mins. The hour-long ritual can be watched from the ghat or boats moored at the river bank. Devotees float smaller diyas on leaf platters in the river as an obeisance to the holy Ganga. The innumerable lamps flowing in the water make for an unforgettable sight.This is one of the places to visit in varanasi.

• Manikarnika Ghat:

Manikarnika Ghat is another significant ghat in Varanasi. This Ghat is the highest position among other ghats by the holy scriptures in Hindu puranas. It is believed that goddess Sati or Adhi Shakti, jumped into the fire and immolated herself, Lord Shiva carried her burning body to the Himalayas.

He was overwhelmed by boundless grief there. Lord Vishnu, touched by his suffering, sent his Divine Chakra (one of his weapons), which sliced Goddess Adi Shakti’s body into 51 parts. Each place on Earth where her body parts landed was designated as a Shakti Peeth. 

Since her earrings fell at this ghat, it was established as a Shakti Peeth and named Manikarnika, derived from the Sanskrit word “Manikarna”, meaning earrings. Manikarnika Ghat is known for its burning ghats and cremation rituals. Witnessing the rituals here can be a profound experience, reflecting the circle of life and death in Hindu belief. This is one of the places to visit in varanasi.

• Assi Ghat:

Assi ghat is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its serene environment. It is located in the southern part of the holy city of varanasi at the joining of ganga and river Assis. Early mornings at Assi Ghat offer beautiful views of the sunrise over the Ganges, as people perform yoga and take holy dips in the river.

Assi Ghat varanasi famous for its evening aarti, most of the tourists visit this ghat to view the aarti and get a glimpse of local varanasi culture. Well there are so many  mythological tales around this Assi ghat. It is believed that goddess Durga after killing Shumbha – Nishumbha, threw her sword which landed in this place and the spot where the sword landed gave rise to a river known as Assi. 

According to another mythological tale, Lord Rudra (an aspect of Lord Shiva) became enraged with the Asuras and eradicated 80 of them at this very site. This is how it earned the name Assi, meaning “80” in Hindi. However, after slaying the Asuras, Lord Rudra regretted his actions and wished he hadn’t resorted to violence. Consequently, he renounced all forms of aggression and declared Varanasi as a symbol of non-violence. This is one of the places to visit in varanasi.

• Harishchandra Ghat:

Harishchandra Ghat is also an important place, known for its traditional cremation rituals. It is believed that being cremated here leads a person to attain salvation. The ghat offers insight into the city’s age-old customs and beliefs surrounding life and death.

Why does the ghat have the name harishchandra ghat? Well there is an interesting story about this. It is believed that King Harishchandra, the great king of varanasi worked at the cremation grounds to establish the truth and justice. 

The king gave all this kingdom and sacrificed his wife and son and passed his final test. The god was finally rewarded for his truthfulness and he rewarded him with kingdom, throne and son.

The legendary King Harishchandra story is narrated with as much zeal today as it was thousands of years back and his character is used as a perimeter to measure a man’s honesty and integrity of character.

A boat ride along the ghats, especially during sunrise or sunset is the world’s best sunset and it is a way to experience the beauty of Varanasi.