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Varanasi

Varanasi Attractions

Your guide to the top places to visit in Varanasi, India, for culture and history.

Things to do in Varanasi – top Varanasi must-see attractions

Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, where its ghats, temples, and stupas tell thousands of years of spiritual and cultural history. The architecture ranges from ancient riverside stone steps and towering temple spires to Mughal-era forts and Buddhist monuments. Explore the sacred rituals at Dashashwamedh Ghat, pay respects at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, or discover the Buddhist heritage at Dhamek Stupa in nearby Sarnath. Check out the list below for the top places to visit in Varanasi, India, and start planning your itinerary.

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Historic Site
Historic Site
Shrines
Shrines
Monuments
Monuments
Temples
Temples
Rivers
Ancient Sites
Ancient Sites
Art & Culture Lovers
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Why visit?
  • Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony
  • Ancient riverside stone steps
  • Boat ride views
History Geeks
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Why visit?
  • 12 Jyotirlinga shrine
  • Original 18th-century rebuild
  • Gold-plated temple spire
Sarnath
History Geeks
Sarnath
Why visit?
  • Deer Park site
  • Dhamek Stupa ruins
  • Archaeological museum
Nature Lovers
Assi Ghat
Why visit?
  • Yoga sessions by the river
  • Sunrise boat rides
  • Riverside historic steps
Art & Culture Lovers
Ganges River
Why visit?
  • Sacred river boat rides
  • Panoramic ghat views
  • Dawn ritual bathing sites
Art & Culture Lovers
Ganga Aarti
Why visit?
  • Nightly fire ritual ceremony
  • Priests chanting in unison
  • Riverside crowd experience
History Geeks
Manikarnika Ghat
Why visit?
  • Ancient cremation site
  • Sacred Hindu pilgrimage spot
  • 24-hour ritual fire
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Art & Culture Lovers
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Why visit?
  • Hanuman devotion prayers
  • 11th-century temple origins
  • Classical music performances
Ramnagar Fort
History Geeks
Ramnagar Fort
Why visit?
  • 17th-century Mughal fort
  • Durga Khund museum inside
  • Riverside panoramic views
Dhamek Stupa
History Geeks
Dhamek Stupa
Why visit?
  • 5th-century Buddhist stupa
  • Carved ornamental stonework
  • Sarnath archaeological zone
Varanasi
India
India

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