Varanasi

Pilgrims come to Varanasi from all around the globe to purify themselves in the holy water of the river Ganga and perform rituals at the ghats. Consider waking up early and taking a sunrise cruise along the river – approach a boatman hanging out along the ghats. In the early evening, purchase a small floating offering filled with flowers and a dia, and release it onto the River. This sacred experience will connect you deeply with Hindu culture which will stay in your mind for rest of your life.

Direction Coordinates:

Assi Ghat: 25.2886° N, 83.0065° E

Dashashwmedh Ghat: 25.3062° N, 83.0103° E

Varanasi’s southern-most ghat is Assi Ghat. Central attraction of Assi Ghat is a Shiva lingam beneath a sacred fig tree. It attracts thousands of pilgrims, who come to worship Lord Shiva after bathing in the Ganges River. You can see Ganga Aarti here in the evening, which is more intimate than that of Dasaswamedh Ghat. You also can join Subha-e-Banaras. Address: Nagwa Rd, Anandbagh, Dumraon Colony, Varanasi

You will fall in love with the ritualistic atmosphere of the Dasaswamedh Ghat. You can spend hours by appreciating the beauty of Ganga Aarti and river Ganges rippling with the Moonlight. Address: Dasaswamedh Ghat Road, Bangali Tola, Varanasi

Manikarnika Ghat, the perpetual cremations that happen at this ghat, is considered to be the most auspicious place for getting moksha ( free from rebirth cycle). The funeral pyres at this ghat burns 24 x 7 Days, and dozens of cremations take place every day. If you want, you can take a chance to see a cremation up close. Address: Near Lalita Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi\

Direction Coordinates:

Assi Ghat: 25.2886° N, 83.0065° E

Dashashwmedh Ghat: 25.3062° N, 83.0103° E

Manikarnika Ghat: 25.3108° N, 83.0141° E

If you are in Varanasi, you should not lose any chance to see Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple near the Manikarnika Ghat. This sacred structure embellished in 800 kilograms of pure gold is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also popularly known as The Golden Temple of Banaras. Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi

Direction Coordinates: 25.3109° N, 83.0107° E

Sugam Darsah book tickets online: https://shrikashivishwanath.org/frontend/home/poojaList

You should not miss to see this 300 years old Shri Durga Temple that is dedicated to the goddess Durga. It’s just five minute walking distance from Assi Ghat. Address: Durgakund Road, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi.

Sankat Mochan Temple, Lord Hanuman is selflessly worshipping his Lord, Rama. Tulsidas, the author of the Ramacharitamanasa was the founder of Sankat Mochan Temple. It is believed that the temple has been built on the spot where Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman. Address: Sankat Mochan Rd, Padampuri Colony, Jawahar Nagar Colony,Bhelupur, Varanasi

Direction Coordinates:

Shri Durga Temple: 25.2886° N, 82.9992° E

Sankat Mochan Temple: 25.2828° N, 83.0001° E

"Khoob ladi mardani vo to Jhansi vail rani thee"...Kashi has the pride of being the birthplace of Rani Lakshmibai. It is a must-visit small memorial located near the river Ganga.

Address: 72Q4+V78, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005

Direction Coordinates: 25.2897° N, 83.0057° E

The observatory was made in 1917 by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh. It is situated on the Maan Mandir ghat and is one of the five observatories in India. Prime instruments within the observatory are the Samrat Yantra, the Digamsa Yantra, the Nadivalaya Yantra, the Chakra Yantra, and Dakshinottara Bhitti Yantra.

Address: Dashashvamedh ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

Direction Coordinates: 25.3076° N, 83.0108° E

Besides Hinduism, Buddhism has a major presence in the village of Sarnath which is 20Kms away from BHU. Here, you will find the Chaukhandi Stupa and 1500 years old Dhamek Stupa, where Buddha give his first sermon after enlightenment. At Sarnath Museum, you can see the 'Lion Capital of Ashoka' of Ashoka Pillar, which became the National Emblem of India in 1950. At last, you can pay a short visit Tibetan Temple.

Direction Coordinates: 25.3716° N, 83.0252° E