Colourful and Spiritual are the Best Ways to Describe Varanasi: 10 Best Places to Visit in and Around Varanasi to Brighten Your Vacation (2020)

For spiritual seekers, Varanasi is an essential pilgrimage site. For others, the city is a vibrant, colourful and complex destination that will make you feel you have stepped back in past. This is the city where life and death are happening continuously and both of them are celebrated equally. Sitting along the ghats, enjoying a boat trip on the Ganga, walking about its chaotic bazaars and visiting its many temples is something that many visitors find makes for not only a compelling experience but also a spiritually uplifting one. But there is a need to be careful of scammers that abound in the city. Be alert and do not be swayed by a persuasive salesman offering exotic trips and items, and you will be fine!

Varanasi welcomes a large number of tourists all around the year, mostly Indian pilgrims but also from abroad. Since it is located in the northern region, it typically experiences acute summers and acute winters. During summer the temperature usually remains between 27 degrees to 45 degrees, while in winter the temperature falls as low as 5 degrees. During the monsoon, the temperature is moderate, 24-32 degrees but the rains can make sightseeing difficult. Definitely avoid Varanasi during summer as it can be incredibly difficult to manage the heat. The ideal time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and welcoming and you get plenty of opportunities to appreciate the city's stunning sights.

Your visit to Varanasi is considered incomplete without having not seen the evening Ganga Aarti performed at Dasaswamedh ghat. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the oldest of the ghats though the current one we see was built by Maratha ruler Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in 1748.

The spectacular Ganga Aarti takes place every evening here in front of hundreds of devotees and visitors. In this deeply moving and beautiful ceremony, the holy river Ganga is praised and prayed to use diyas or lights, incense, flower, Ganga idol. Chantings and pious bhajans reverberate making the entire affair dreamlike. According to folklore, apart from living people, souls from the other end that has left earth an eternity ago also comes to visit the aarti. A mesmerizing experience, the aarti in summer starts at 7 p.m. while in winter the aarti starts at 6 p.m. and lasts for around 45 minutes.

Situated in the Durga Kund, Goddess Ma Durga is considered the saviour of the city Varanasi. This Durga temple was constructed by a Bengali maharani but the temple features the North Indian style. Legend has it that the deity appeared on her own here. This serene place engulfed in mystery and spirituality is an attraction for thousands of devotees; especially during Navratri. The temple is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Besides the temple, there is a beautiful pond that is known as Durga Kund adds charm to the eyes of the spectator.

The main attraction of Varanasi, the reason millions come to this city just to get a glimpse of is the Kashi Vishwanath temple. An age-old monument and an important religious site, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has been a part of India's history, mythology and scriptures.

Spread over a large complex, the temple has several entrances which can be confusing to new visitors. The core entrance is gate number 1 and you will come to know that it is called Visheshwar Gali. But chances of getting lost amidst vendors and frauds are too high here. We would suggest you take a rickshaw till gate number 4. Here submit your gadgets and other valuables to a local vendor before you enter the front door. As you enter the temple you will feel the rich history and spiritual atmosphere awash over the stone walls and buildings. Several other deities located in separate temples can be found here including Ma Annapurna.

A major Indian university Banaras Hindu University is a place that attracts students from all over the world. Set up in 1916 by famed educationist and freedom fighter Madan Mohan Malaviya, the university is spread over a huge campus. Plan a visit here to check out its collection of historical buildings, the beautiful gardens as well as other places of interest inside like the Bharat Kala Bhawan (an art museum) and an ancient temple. You can explore the grounds on your own or take one of the walking tours that will have a guide to walk you through the sights. Don't forget to stop by the university's canteen and sample some of their yummy snacks.

Enjoy a slice of the bygone era with a visit to Ramnagar Fort which was built by the erstwhile king of Banaras. This 17th-century fort and palace is located on the east side of the river and has within a collection of structures as well as a museum with an eclectic collection of royal collectibles and a temple. Walk around the fort grounds enjoying the historic feel, the Mughal architecture and then head to the temple to take in the sunset over the Ganges which promises to be a breathtaking sight.

Experience the blissful glory of the Ganga and the city as it awakens at this unique community event that's held every morning. The event starts before sunrise at Assmi Ghat the southernmost ghat on the Ganga. Running for around two hours (5 am to 7 am in summer and 5:40 am to 7 am in winters) the event includes several activities typically Vedic chanting, yoga sessions and musical tributes by renowned artists, and then the final ending of a glorious aarti ceremony celebrating the Ganga. To complete the divine experience, plan a boat ride from Assmi ghat to Manikarnika Ghat as this allows you to enjoy the views of the rising sun over the city and the river.

Located on the banks of the Assi river, this temple was established by famed poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas honouring one of Hinduism's major gods, Lord Hanuman. Built-in the early 16th century, it is one of the oldest temples of the city. The temple is called Sankat Mochan as it is believed that the presiding deity relieves devotees of all their problems. Be sure to receive the holy 'prasad' is besan ka laddoo which is said to be very delicious. The large temple complex is overrun by monkeys so be careful of your valuables while walking through. Tuesdays and Saturdays are special days of worship so expect huge crowds.

Although not counted among the must-visit ghats, Kedar Ghat offers a strong spiritual vibe that attracts devotees. It is believed that whosoever visits this temple will receive similar blessings as what one receives on visiting the famed char Dham site of Kedarnath Temple. On the ghat is the ancient Kedareshwar Temple which one of the 12 jyotirlingas in the country. You will also find here a small water body Gaurikund near the temple that is supposed to have healing powers so do consider taking a dip here.

An important Buddhist pilgrimage spot, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha first preached to his disciples about the path to Nirvana. Located around 13 km outside the city of Varanasi, the complex today has a collection of stupas, monuments and temples built by Emperor Ashoka and others to commemorate this important site. The top monuments to visit here are Chaukhandi Stupa where Lord Buddha first met his 5 disciples, Dhamekh Stupa where he gave his first preaching, Bodhi Tree which is an offshoot of the original tree under which Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment and Ashoka Pillar. There are numerous temples built in the complex dedicated to Lord Buddha that you can explore. The Archaeological Museum is also an interesting visit as it contains various artifacts and documents related to Buddhism and its history.

The profound experience of experiencing cremations at Manikarnika Ghat is not be missed while you are in Varanasi. This ghat is one of the few reserved for cremations and is considered to be the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. It is thought that those who are cremated here attain 'moksha' or nirvana, the ultimate goal of a human soul as per Hinduism. It can be an incredible experience to see the preparations being carried out for funerals as also the actual cremation itself. Do remember, while you are free to watch without causing disturbances, photography is strictly forbidden.

With 80+ ghats and over 20,000 temples, Varanasi has much to offer. But apart from its holy sights, Varanasi's rich heritage offers a variety of experiences that make up its unique character. Be sure to pencil in some time to explore these as well so you get a full picture of this ancient city. Here we offer three such suggestions.

A visit to Varanasi is incomplete without tasting its scrumptious street food. There is the number of famous eateries that you will find dotted through its winding narrow streets... Most popular stops include Deena Chat Bhandar for its tamatar Chaat, Godowlia to sample thandai at one of the many shops there, Kachauri Gali for kachoris (try Kachori Sabzi) and Kashi Chaat Bhandar which is a popular stop for all sorts of chaat items. Other must-try food items include the famous Banarasi paan (try Deepak Tambul Bhandar) and also desserts

Soak into the unique atmosphere of this sacred city by going on a walking tour with an experienced guide. Usually lasting for 2-3 hours, such tours offer marvellous insights into this fascinating city, its history and culture. You will get a chance to visit some of its important historic lanes and buildings as well as walk by the River Ganga and the ghats.

Located on Dashashwamedh Road, this major city market is choc-a-bloc with stores lining every inch of its narrow roads. Shops here (both wholesale and retail) sell a dizzying variety of stuff from fine silk clothes to wood items and groceries. The buzzing market remains crowded always so be ready for it. Remember to bargain if you are interested in picking up something. Not keen on shopping? Walking through this market is still a worthwhile experience as it is a great way to get a closer look at local culture.