Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, spiritual significance, and historical palaces. Here are some of the best palaces you can visit in Varanasi:
1.Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most famous and oldest ghats in Varanasi, renowned for its spiritual and cultural significance. Here’s what makes Dashashwamedh Ghat a must-visit spot in Varanasi:
Dashashwamedh Ghat is a main ghat in Varanasi located on the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh. It is located close to Vishwanath Temple. There are two Hindu legends associated with the ghat: according to one, Brahma created it to welcome Shiva, and in another, Brahma performed 10 Ashwamegha Yajna, Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna.
Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Hours;Open 24 hours
2.Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, India, is deeply entrenched in Hindu mythology and religious practices. This ghat is renowned as the principal cremation site in Varanasi, where Hindus believe that being cremated ensures liberation from the cycle of rebirth and death. Mythologically, it is said to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati dropped their earrings, making it a site of immense spiritual significance. The ghat is continuously active with cremations, embodying the eternal cycle of life and death, and is surrounded by numerous small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visitors and pilgrims flock to this ghat to witness its unique and profound rituals, contributing to its cultural and spiritual prominence.
3.Panchganga Ghat
Panchganga Ghat, one of the five most revered ghats in Varanasi, India, holds immense spiritual significance, as it is believed to be the confluence of five sacred rivers: the Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana, and Dhutpapa. This ghat is renowned for its rich historical and religious heritage, with the ancient Alamgir Mosque, built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, standing prominently on its steps, symbolizing a blend of Hindu and Islamic influences. The ghat is a vibrant hub of religious activity, especially during the Kartik Purnima festival, when devotees gather for holy dips and rituals. Its serene atmosphere, combined with the historical grandeur and continuous flow of pilgrims, makes Panchganga Ghat a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in Varanasi.
4.Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat, located at the confluence of the Assi River and the Ganges in Varanasi, India, is one of the city’s most popular and lively ghats. It holds immense cultural and religious significance, often bustling with pilgrims, tourists, and locals who come to perform rituals, take holy dips, and partake in the vibrant atmosphere. Known for its scenic beauty, Assi Ghat is also a hub for cultural events, yoga sessions, and Ganga Aarti, making it a central spot for both spiritual and social gatherings. The ghat’s vibrant energy, combined with its serene riverside ambiance, offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Varanasi, drawing visitors from all over the world.
5.Shivala Ghat
Shivala Ghat, situated along the western bank of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India, is known for its historical significance and architectural beauty. The ghat is named after the large Shiva temple that dominates the area, attracting devotees and tourists alike. It was constructed by King Balwant Singh of Banaras in the 18th century, and the region around the ghat is dotted with old mansions and palaces, showcasing the grandeur of the bygone era. Shivala Ghat is a quieter, less crowded spot compared to some of the more famous ghats, offering a serene and reflective atmosphere for visitors. The ghat’s combination of historical depth, religious importance, and peaceful environment makes it a notable and tranquil landmark in the bustling city of Varanasi.
6.Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir
Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir, located in Varanasi, India, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama and named after the saint-poet Tulsidas, who composed the epic Ramcharitmanas. Built in 1964, the temple is renowned for its pristine white marble structure and the beautiful landscaped gardens that surround it. The walls of the temple are adorned with verses and scenes from the Ramcharitmanas, offering a visual representation of the epic and making it a significant center for religious learning and devotion. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a hub for cultural activities, celebrating the works and teachings of Tulsidas. Its serene ambiance, combined with its spiritual and cultural heritage, attracts devotees, scholars, and tourists, making it a prominent landmark in Varanasi.
7.Ganga River
In Varanasi, the Ganga River holds unparalleled spiritual and cultural significance, deeply intertwined with the city’s identity and daily life. Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is often referred to as the spiritual capital of India, and the Ganga River is its lifeblood. The river’s ghats—stepped embankments leading to the water—are the focal points of the city’s religious and social activities. These ghats, such as Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, Assi, and Harishchandra, are scenes of daily rituals, including the iconic Ganga Aarti, where priests perform elaborate ceremonies with lamps and chants, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists.
8.Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in Varanasi, India, is one of the most revered and holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also known as the Golden Temple due to its golden spire, it holds immense spiritual significance and attracts millions of devotees from around the world. The temple stands on the western bank of the Ganges River in the heart of Varanasi’s old city
9.Sankat mochan hanuman temple
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, located in Varanasi, India, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god known for his devotion to Lord Rama. This temple holds significant spiritual and cultural importance, attracting devotees seeking blessings and relief from troubles and obstacles (“sankat mochan” translates to “reliever of troubles”).
10.Ganga Aarti
The Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is a mesmerizing and deeply spiritual ritual that takes place every evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the oldest and most prominent ghats along the Ganges River. This ancient city of Varanasi, also known as Kashi, comes alive with the rhythmic chants, the scent of incense, and the flickering light of oil lamps during this sacred ceremony.
Famous Markets in Varanasi
1. Godowlia Market
Godowlia Market is a bustling and vibrant marketplace located in the heart of Varanasi, India. It is one of the oldest and busiest markets in the city, offering a rich tapestry of traditional goods, local crafts, and everyday essentials. The market’s name derives from its proximity to the Godowlia Crossing, a central point in Varanasi that connects several important roads and lanes.
Traveller Information:
- Famous for: Oldest market, Central Business District of Varanasi
- Duration: 3-4 Hours
- Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
2. Vishwanath Lane Market
Vishwanath Lane Market, situated near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, India, is a bustling marketplace known for its religious items, traditional crafts, and vibrant atmosphere. This market holds significant importance for pilgrims and tourists visiting the temple, offering a variety of goods ranging from spiritual artifacts to local handicrafts.
Traveller Information:
- Famous for: Market with varieties of products
- Duration: 3-4 Hours
- Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
3. Thatheri Bazaar
Thateri Bazar, also known as Thatheri Bazar, is a traditional market located in Varanasi, India. It is known for its specialty in brassware and metal crafts, particularly items made by artisans skilled in metalwork. The name “Thateri” or “Thatheri” likely derives from “thathera,” which refers to metal craftsmen or smiths in Hindi.
Traveller Information:
- Famous for: Smith works, metalwork, stone inlay work, and Minakari
- Duration: 3 – 4 Hours
- Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
4. Rajan Silk Market
Rajan Silk Market, located in Varanasi, India, is renowned for its exquisite Banarasi silk sarees, which are considered among the finest in the world. This market is a vibrant hub for silk weaving and trading, offering a wide range of silk fabrics, sarees, and other traditional textiles.
Traveller Information:
- Famous for: Banarasi sarees, Banarasi Dupattas
- Duration: 4-5 Hours
- Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
5. Gyanvapi Market
The most crowded and bustling market in Varanasi, where you can also have a glimpse of the Gyanvapi Mosque, which was built by Emperor Aurangzeb. The market is just adjacent to the mosque and is famous for bangles, shawls, masks of Hindu deities, and other products. The unique and vibrant colors of the products here are an amazing feature of the market. Beautiful and designer lampshades are yet another feature that never fails to impress the visitors of t
Traveller Information:
- Famous for: Bangles, Shawls, Designer lampshades
- Duration: 3 – 4 Hours
- Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Best Food Place In Varanasi
Best Paan- Rajendra Chaurasia Paan
This one is close to Chowk Thana near Godowlia and my search for the best paan in Varanasi ended here. I love meetha paan and kept sampling paan throughout the day (Ok, i didn’t stain any walls!). Rajendra Chaurasia Paan has had its fair share of visitors with even Indira Gandhi eating a paan here once!
Deena Chaat Bhandar – Gol Ganj
One day had begun with me walking the entire length of the ghats, meeting a fellow backpacker (who was staying in the same hostel as me) and coming back after visiting Rajghat. We were very hungry, after hardly having had anything to eat all day and literally gorged when we found our way to Deena Chaat Bhandar.
Everything was good here, gol gappe, aloo tikki, palak chaat and tamatar chaat. The UK guy couldn’t stop thanking me after this fantastic experience
Shri Ram Bhandar – Thateri Bazaar, Chowk Thana
My vote for the best breakfast in Varanasi, Ram Bhandar’s kachori sabzi washed down with a kulhad of hot chai.
Undoubtedly, Varanasi’s finest place for breakfast. We were taken here on the UP Tourism local walk and absolutely loved the kachori and sabzi breakfast. Plus, there are also desi ghee jalebis and some gorgeous doors when you walk in through the lanes.
Rajaram Lassi – Thateri Bazaar
One of the finest lassi in all of Varanasi. Tip : Best to enjoy breakfast at Ram Bhandar and then head here for the creamy lassi! Don’t blame me if you want to doze the rest of the morning away.
In various conversations these are the names that popped up; I couldn’t go there either because of the season/unavailability/logistical issues or because the shop hadn’t opened yet for the day.
Kashi Chaat Bhandar
It had been a crazy sort of day when I had walked everywhere and had decided to not eat anything substantial because I wanted to try out the street food. By evening, I was very very hungry and here comes Kashi Chaat Bhandar. Locals expressions while eating said it all and I asked for their best offerings.
