The Ghats of the Ganges to BHU: 5 Best Places to Visit in Varanasi

Varanasi: India's Spiritual Vortex Believed to be the oldest inhabited city in the world, the holy city of Varanasi occupies an exalted place in India's religious ethos. With ritual chants and ringing temple

Varanasi: the spiritual vortex of India

Believed to be the oldest inhabited city in the world, the holy city of Varanasi occupies an exalted place in India's religious ethos. With ritual chants and tinkling temple bells echoing along the sacred banks of the Ganga River from dawn to dusk, a sublime spiritual energy permeates the air here.

Besides spectacular aarti ceremonies, ancient temples, medieval streets and cremation ghats, it is the city's timeless heritage that captivates the soul.

Join us as we explore the top 5 attractions in Varanasi for an enriching look at their enduring allure.

The Ghats of the Ganges of Varanasi: where ritual meets the sacred stream

The iconic ghats – stone steps leading down to the sacred river Ganga – offer the best insight into Varanasi's living heritage that unfolds every day. Of the 88 ghats that line the crescent-shaped waterfront, you can visit early in the morning when locals bathe, offer prayers to the sun god, practice yoga or cremate loved ones at select burning ghats.

The evenings bring spectacular aarti ceremonies with music, fire and lights. Dashashwamedh Ghat is an excellent starting point to wander from Manikarnika cremations to Assi blessings, Harishchandra auspicious rituals and more along 5 km of moving heritage.

Don't miss: The hypnotic evening aarti at Varanasi's largest Dashashwamedh Ghat culminates with floating diyas downstream, carrying prayers to the sublime infinity.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varnasi: Revered Jyotirlinga Shrine

Among Hinduism's twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, no place has more spiritual weight than the highly revered Kashi Vishwanath temple complex in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although the original structures were repeatedly invaded and rebuilt, their enduring appearance remains powerfully magnificent. Admire the towering spiers covered in 800 kg of gold leaf atop the shrine, silver arches and idols that attract millions of devotees every year.

Enjoy five centuries of heritage and walk through narrow crumbling alleys with locals and sadhus to get here. Join the queues for a quick but divine darshan as you visit the inner sanctum.

Top tip: Visit during Mahashivratri celebrations for the most heightened spiritual euphoria.

Sarnath Varanasi: Exploring the Enduring Legacy of Buddhism

Just 10 km from Varanasi is Sarnath, where a deer park witnessed Buddha delivering his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Today, his powerful legacy is still visible in the priceless ruins, temples and museums of the peaceful archaeological site.

Admire the Ashoka Pillar topped by four back-to-back lion sculptures, the fifth-century Dhamek Stupa, monasteries, bodhi tree shrines that mark the real site of Buddha's first teaching, and moving exhibits such as the original Lion Capital of Ashoka, preserved at the museum here. Also attend singing ceremonies in lavishly decorated temples to complete your spiritual stay in Sarnath.

Best spot: Giant modern relief map that visually summarizes the story of Buddha's journey to enlightenment.

Manikarnika Ghat of Varanasi: Witnessing the transition of mortals

Along the river lies an ancient burning ghat that fulfills the most profound mortal journey in Hinduism: cremation and passage to the next life. Cover your head as a mark of respect before entering the bustling Manikarnika Ghat, where the pyres are continuously lit day and night by doms in white robes. You can walk past piles of wood or witness processions carrying shrouded bodies to the holiest fire.

Facing mortality allows us to think more deeply about the meaning of life itself. Don't take photos here; instead, silently honor this poignant soul transition that physically manifests in Manikarnika.

Insider Tip: Be discreet, speak softly and wear modest clothing when visiting cremation ghats.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Discovering a center of art and culture

Asia's largest university spreads over 1,300 hectares along Ganga and is a hub for classical arts and culture in addition to higher academics. It will take almost 20 years to complete the entire construction. Admire the architecture that fuses Hindu, Mughal and Rajput design with the Vishwanath Temple's motto engraved on the entrance ceiling: 'speech is enlightenment'. Attend the Dhrupad musical gatherings with students or watch craft weaving demonstrations on the BHU campus.

The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum also offers a glimpse into the region's prized heritage collections of painting, sculpture, textiles and more. Don't forget to visit the tea houses on the Laneway, where intellectual discussions are spiced up!

Top tip: Get the most cultural action at the annual Pulse Performing Arts Festival, organized by BHU students.

Beyond the Famous Five: more to discover

With extra time in mystical Varanasi, you can bathe and connect with locals at heritage wells like Lolark or worship at vibrant temples like the black-and-gold 18th-century Durga Mandir. Take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Sarnath or delve deeper into spiritual philosophy at the Sankat Mochan Tibetan Monastery.

There is always more magic to discover if you just keep following the ancient stone alleys in India's holiest metropolis!

Immerse yourself in the elusive charm of Banaras

On the path to discovering India's profound spiritual riches, every stone and drop of muddy water at the eternal Kashi is sacred. Lose yourself as you walk through the cosmic maze of crumbling trenches where life and death are seamlessly intertwined. Absorb the elusive charm of Varanasi through sunrise boat rides steeped in hymns, evening artis with jingling bells and cycle rickshaw stories that reveal what material eyes cannot see. You will surely leave with a soul immersed in redemption!