You might get a chance to witness India's spirituality at its most vivacious in the top sites to visit in Varanasi. Observe Hindu devotees purging themselves of sins in the Ganges River each morning at the Banaras Ghats. Later that evening, they will return for prayer rituals involving fire. At the Manikarnika Ghat, a sacred cremation site for Hindus, you can observe perpetually burning funeral pyres. Book Varanasi holiday packages with Swastik Holiday at best price and discover this popular tourist places.

Ganges River

The Ganges River, one of India's most cherished natural landmarks, is named after the Hindu goddess Ganga. From the northern Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the river flows southeast. The Ganges River provides water for drinking and bathing for between 400 million and 600 million people daily. Hindus travel from all over the world to Varanasi to perform rituals and purify themselves in the sacred Ganges water. There are numerous ghats along the river where they can perform these ceremonies. 

Dasaswamedh Ghat

One of the nicest sites to visit in Varanasi is the Dasaswamedh Ghat because of its colourful atmosphere. This tourist destination is a tangle of face-painted sadhus (holy men), boat operators, and flower vendors touting colourful blossoms and cruises along the Ganges River. This spot is perfect for people-watching during the day.

Around 7 o'clock each night, Hindu priests perform the Ganga Aarti at the Dasaswamedh Ghat. The priests put out platters of flower petals and other offerings while dressed in saffron robes, and blow a conch shell to begin the spiritual rite.

Assi Ghat

Varanasi's southernmost main ghat consistently tops lists of the city's most well-known tourist attractions. A Shiva lingam, which is a phallic symbol of the Hindu deity, is Assi Ghat's main draw. It is located beneath a revered fig tree. Every day, hundreds of pilgrims flock there to worship Lord Shiva after washing off in the Ganges River. Swing by Assi Ghat at dawn to participate in daily free morning yoga lessons with live music and hundreds of other people doing downward-facing dogs. Visitors can also attend a different Ganga Aarti performance here in the evening that is a little more secluded and private than the one at Dasaswamedh Ghat. Normally, it begins at 6:30 o'clock.

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat, according to Hinduism, is one of the most fortunate locations for the deceased to achieve moksha (emancipation from the cycle of spiritual reincarnation). The flame that fuels the perpetually burning funeral pyre at this ghat is thought to have been lit for many years. At this location, about 100 cremations occur each day. Many priests or guides offer to take tourists on tours of the intriguing ghat, but some can be harsh in their demands for payment Organize an Unforgettable Birthday Event. 

Dhamek Stupa

Varanasi is undoubtedly dominated by Hinduism, but the village of Sarnath, less than 12 kilometres away, is also home to a sizable Buddhist population. The Dhamek Stupa, a huge stone and brick construction measuring 43.6 metres high and 28 metres in diameter, is located here. The faithful hold that after attaining enlightenment, the Buddha travelled to Dhamek Stupa to deliver his first discourse, which unveiled the Eightfold Path. 

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Hindu pilgrims and visitors alike travel hundreds of miles to go to the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a revered site four kilometres from the Varanasi Junction train station next to the Manikarnika Ghat. Numerous other temples' architecture in India has been influenced by this temple's unique design. Visitors must store their bags, cameras, phones, and other personal items in a nearby locker rental due to the complex's stringent security procedures. 

Banaras Hindu University

The identity of Varanasi has been significantly shaped by Banaras Hindu University since its foundation in 1916. The reputable public university is one of Asia's largest residential universities with more than 25,000 students.

There aren't any hill stations near to Varanasi if you're looking for a get-away from the crowds and the bustling city, so come to this lush 1,300-acre campus instead. Hundreds of towering trees provide shade and provide a breath of fresh air from the hectic environment of the Banaras Ghats.

Ruchika Art Gallery

Want to bring some Varanasi home with you? The only location to go is the Ruchika Art Gallery, which is off of Ravindrapuri Road. The gallery's owner and namesake, Ruchika Mehrotra, created a modest, inviting boutique to showcase a bright collection of paintings that wonderfully capture the spirit of Varanasi and the ghats. The majority of the paintings are small enough to fit in a suitcase as souvenirs, even though some of the larger ones would need to be delivered. Additionally, you can buy some adorable postcards.

Shri Durga Temple

There are other spiritual pursuits outside of the ghats in the area of Varanasi. For Hindus who want to honour the goddess Durga, the Shri Durga Temple is a well-liked destination within five minutes' walk west of Assi Ghat. Due to its vibrant red paint job from top to bottom, the 300-year-old temple is impossible to overlook. The moniker of the temple, "Monkey Temple," provides information on the types of animals that would be scurrying around in this region. The water feature outside the temple may also be home to a pair of elegant swans floating.

Ramnagar Fort

One of the few cities in India without a fort is Varanasi. The Ramnagar Fort is located 14 miles outside of the city.

The 18th-century sandstone fort and palace is no longer in use as a defensive structure; instead, it is now the location of an intriguing museum that is filled with vintage automobiles, elaborate hookahs, old guns, sedan chairs embellished with jewels, and an unusual, more than 150-year-old astronomical clock.