15 Best Tourist Spots in Varanasi 2025: Complete Banaras Tourist Places Guide
TL;DR: Top tourist spots in Varanasi include Dashashwamedh Ghat (evening Aarti 6-7 PM), sunrise boat rides (₹800-2,000), Kashi Vishwanath Temple (free entry, ₹300 fast-track), Sarnath (₹20 combo ticket), and Assi Ghat morning ceremonies. Budget 2-3 days minimum. Book Dev Deepawali visits (Nov 12, 2025) 4-6 weeks ahead. Best months: October-March.
Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, offers an incredible array of tourist spots that blend ancient spirituality, vibrant culture, and timeless traditions. Whether you're seeking sacred ghats, historic temples, Buddhist heritage sites, or cultural experiences, this guide covers all the must-visit Banaras tourist spots with practical details including entry fees, timings, and visitor tips.

Top Ghat Tourist Spots in Varanasi

The 84 ghats of Varanasi form the city's spiritual backbone, stretching 7 kilometers along the sacred Ganges River. These stone steps are the most iconic tourist spots in Banaras.
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat: Most Famous Tourist Spot in Varanasi

Why Visit: The most famous Banaras tourist spot and epicenter of Varanasi tourism, renowned for its spectacular evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
What to See:
- Evening Ganga Aarti: Seven priests perform synchronized rituals with multi-tiered brass lamps, conch shells, and sacred mantras (45 minutes duration)
- Thousands of devotees gather on steps and boats
- Golden reflections on the Ganges create magical atmosphere
- Chants of "Har Har Mahadev" echoing across the river
Timings:
- Summer/Monsoon (April-September): 6:45-7:00 PM
- Winter (October-March): 5:45-6:00 PM
- Arrival Tip: Come 60-90 minutes early for good seating
Entry Fee: Free (VIP seating ₹150-500)
Best Experience: View from a boat (₹100-300 per person shared, ₹1,200-2,000 private)
Location: Central Varanasi, easily accessible from most hotels
Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly pathways available
Complete Aarti guide: Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti Timing
2. Assi Ghat: Best Sunrise Tourist Spot in Varanasi


Why Visit: Varanasi's southernmost major ghat offers a more tranquil, authentic experience away from crowds. Popular starting point for sunrise boat rides.
What to See:
- Subah-e-Banaras: Dawn aarti welcoming the sunrise (5:00-5:30 AM)
- Shiva Lingam under pipal tree
- Vibrant backpacker culture with nearby cafes (Vaatika Cafe)
- Free morning yoga sessions
- Evening aarti (6:00-7:00 PM depending on season)
Timings:
- Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM (summer), 5:30 AM (winter)
- Evening Aarti: 6:00-7:00 PM
- Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best For: Quiet contemplation, yoga, authentic local atmosphere
Accessibility: More spacious than other ghats but has steps
Detailed timings: Assi Ghat Aarti Timings 2025
3. Manikarnika Ghat: Sacred Cremation Tourist Spot
Why Visit: Varanasi's most sacred cremation ghat where Hindus believe cremation guarantees moksha (liberation from rebirth cycle). A profound, sobering cultural experience.

What to See:
- Active cremation ceremonies (300 bodies daily)
- Eternal flame burning for thousands of years
- Vedic funeral rituals
- Unique architectural layout
Important Rules:
- Photography STRICTLY PROHIBITED at cremations
- Dress modestly (covered shoulders and legs)
- Maintain complete silence
- No eating, smoking, or phone calls
- Keep respectful distance
Timings: 24/7 operation (best visit 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
Entry Fee: Free (donations voluntary ₹100-500)
Best Experience: View respectfully from passing boat during river cruise
Cultural Sensitivity: This is a place of mourning, not entertainment
Comprehensive guide: Manikarnika Ghat Sacred Cremation Grounds
4. Other Important Ghat Tourist Spots

Harishchandra Ghat: Second major cremation ghat, equally powerful for attaining moksha
Scindia Ghat: Features partially submerged Shiva temple, stunning architectural visual
Panchganga Ghat: Believed confluence of five rivers, significant religious importance
Man Mandir Ghat: Ornate balconies and observatory built by Raja Man Singh
Chet Singh Ghat: Fortified ghat with palace, 18th-century historical significance
Complete ghat guide: Guide to 10 Most Important Ghats of Varanasi
Ganges Boat Rides: Must-Do Tourist Activity




Why Must-Visit: Essential Varanasi experience offering unique perspectives of ghats, rituals, and city architecture impossible to see from land.
Sunrise Boat Ride (5:00-7:00 AM)
What You'll See:
- City awakening with morning prayers and bathing rituals
- Priests performing fire offerings on ghats
- Yoga practitioners and devotees taking holy dips
- Golden light on ancient architecture
- View of Manikarnika cremations from respectful distance
Pricing (2025):
- Shared Boats: ₹150-300 per person
- Private Boats: ₹800-1,500 (4-6 people)
- Duration: 60-90 minutes
Starting Point: Assi Ghat (most popular)
Evening Boat Ride with Ganga Aarti (5:30-7:30 PM)


What You'll See:
- Floating perspective of synchronized Ganga Aarti
- Thousands of diyas (oil lamps) on the river
- Illuminated ghats and temples
- Ambient temple bells and chants
Pricing:
- Shared: ₹200-300 per person
- Private: ₹1,200-2,000
- Luxury Cruises: ₹2,500-5,000
What to Bring: Warm clothing (October-February mornings), sunscreen, hat, camera
Booking: Hotel concierge, Varanasiguru.com, or negotiate at ghats (price first!)
Complete boat guide: Sunrise Boat Ride Ganges and Morning Boat Ride Varanasi Price
🚖 Need Transport to Visit These Tourist Spots?


Kashi Taxi offers comfortable, reliable vehicles to cover all Varanasi tourist spots efficiently:
- Full-Day Sightseeing: ₹2,500-6,500 (sedan to Tempo Traveller)
- Airport/Railway Transfers: ₹900-2,500
- Licensed Guides Available: ₹1,600-2,000/day
- Custom Itineraries: Visit spots at your own pace
📱 WhatsApp for instant booking: +91 94503 01573
See pricing: Varanasi Day Tour Cab Charges | Tempo Traveller for Groups
Temple Tourist Spots in Varanasi


5. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Premier Temple Tourist Spot



Why Visit: Varanasi's spiritual epicenter and one of India's twelve sacred Jyotirlingas (manifestations of Lord Shiva). The most important temple tourist spot in Banaras.
What to See:
- Black stone Shiva Lingam in sanctum
- Iconic gold-plated spire (visible from ghats)
- Newly renovated Vishwanath Corridor
- Ancient temple architecture
Timings:
- General Darshan: 4:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Extended Hours: During Shravan month (July-August)
Entry Fee:
- General Entry: Free
- Sugam Darshan (Fast-track): ₹300
- Mangla Aarti (Early morning): ₹350-1,800 (varies by day/season)
- Other Aartis: ₹180 each (Bhog, Sandhya, Shringar)
- Children under 12: Free
Entry Rules:
- No leather items (shoes, belts, bags)
- Modest dress required
- Mobile phones/cameras not permitted in sanctum
- Valid ID for special darshan
Best Time: Early morning (4:00-6:00 AM) or late evening (after 8:00 PM) to avoid crowds
Location: Heart of old Varanasi, pedestrian-only Vishwanath Gali
Peak Crowds: Fridays, Mondays, Shravan month, Maha Shivratri
6. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Why Visit: One of Varanasi's most beloved temples, believed to remove obstacles and grant wishes. Founded by poet-saint Tulsidas in 16th century.
Timings: 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Days: Tuesdays and Saturdays (especially auspicious for Hanuman worship)
Accessibility: Barrier-free infrastructure with ramps and wheelchair provisions
7. Durga Temple (Durga Kund)

Why Visit: Iconic red-colored temple near BHU campus with picturesque pond (kund). Dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
What to See: Temple architecture, sacred pond, resident monkeys
Caution: Monkeys can be aggressive - avoid visible food
8. New Vishwanath Temple (BHU/Birla Temple)

Why Visit: Modern temple on Banaras Hindu University campus featuring serene architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Contrast to old city temples.
Timings: 4:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
What to See: Marble architecture, temple complex, sprawling BHU campus
Best For: Peaceful contemplation away from crowds
9. Tulsi Manas Mandir
Why Visit: Temple where Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas (Hindi version of Ramayana). Walls inscribed with verses.
Timings: 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
What to See: Ramcharitmanas inscriptions, architecture, peaceful gardens
10. Bharat Mata Temple: Unique Patriotic Tourist Spot
Why Visit: One-of-a-kind temple dedicated to Mother India (not a deity). Features spectacular relief map of undivided India carved in white marble.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
What to See: Marble map showing mountains, plains, oceans to scale
Best Visit Days: Republic Day (Jan 26), Independence Day (Aug 15)
Location: Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus, 3 km from Varanasi Junction
Buddhist Heritage Tourist Spots Near Varanasi


11. Sarnath: UNESCO Buddhist Tourist Spot
Why Visit: One of Buddhism's four most sacred sites where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment (528 BCE). Essential day trip from Varanasi.
Distance: 10-13 km from Varanasi city center
Travel Time: 30-45 minutes
What to See:
Dhamek Stupa
- Massive 43.6m high, 28m diameter cylindrical brick structure
- Built during Gupta period (5th century CE)
- Marks exact spot of Buddha's first sermon
- Intricate stone carvings at base
Sarnath Archaeological Museum
- Houses India's national emblem: Lion Capital of Ashoka
- 5th-century Buddha sculptures
- Dharmachakra (Dharma Wheel) from Ashoka Pillar
- 6,832 artifacts (3rd century BCE - 12th century CE)
Ashoka Pillar
- Polished sandstone pillar (250 BCE)
- Original Lion Capital now in museum
- Ashoka's edicts still visible
Other Attractions
- Chaukhandi Stupa
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihar (modern temple with Japanese murals)
- Thai, Tibetan, Sri Lankan temples
Timings:
- Museum: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Fridays)
- Archaeological Site: Sunrise to sunset daily
Entry Fees:
- Museum Only: ₹5 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners)
- Combo Ticket (Museum + Site): ₹20 (Indians), ₹250 (foreigners)
- Children under 15: Free
Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours
Transport:
- Taxi Round Trip: ₹600-1,200
- Auto-rickshaw: ₹200-400
- Tempo Traveller (groups): See Varanasi to Sarnath Tempo Traveller
Historical Tourist Spots in Varanasi
12. Ramnagar Fort & Museum
Why Visit: 18th-century fort (built 1750) on eastern Ganges bank featuring royal artifacts, vintage cars, and panoramic river views.
Timings:
- Winter: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Summer: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee:
- Museum: ₹20-75 (Indians), ₹150-200 (foreigners)
- Children (5-12): ₹10-20 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners)
What to See:
- Vintage cars collection
- Royal costumes and weaponry
- Palanquins and artifacts
- Durbar Hall with frescoes
- Saraswati Bhawan library
- Riverside panoramic views
Distance: 12-15 km from central Varanasi (30-40 minutes)
Special Event: Famous Ramnagar Ramlila during Dussehra
Monsoon Note: May require ferry access when water levels rise
Cultural & Educational Tourist Spots
13. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)


Why Visit: One of Asia's largest residential universities (established 1916) featuring beautiful campus, museums, and temples.
What to See:
- New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple)
- Sprawling green campus (1,300+ acres)
- Bharat Kala Bhavan museum
- Architecture and planning
Entry: Free access to campus
Best For: Morning/evening walks, peaceful atmosphere
Getting There: 5 km from Varanasi Junction
14. Kala Bhairav Temple

Why Visit: Dedicated to Kala Bhairav (Kashi's protector deity). Important Shaivite temple with unique black deity idol.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Special Tradition: Devotees offer alcohol (traditional practice)
Location: Near BHU area
Shopping & Market Tourist Spots
15. Traditional Markets of Varanasi
Vishwanath Gali (Temple Lane):
- Traditional shops and street food
- Religious items, souvenirs
- Leads to Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Godowlia Market:
- Central market hub
- Street food paradise
- Clothing, accessories
Thatheri Bazaar:
- Brass items and traditional utensils
- Handicrafts
- Authentic Banarasi products
Gyanvapi Area:
- Famous for Banarasi silk saris
- High-quality textiles
- Bangle shops
Best Shopping Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Bargaining: Expected and encouraged
Quick Reference: Tourist Spots by Category
Sacred Ghats (Free Entry)
- Dashashwamedh Ghat - Evening Aarti ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Assi Ghat - Sunrise ceremonies ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Manikarnika Ghat - Sacred cremations ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Temples (Mostly Free)
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Main Jyotirlinga ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Durga Temple (Durga Kund) ⭐⭐⭐
- New Vishwanath Temple (BHU) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Tulsi Manas Mandir ⭐⭐⭐
- Bharat Mata Temple ⭐⭐⭐
Buddhist Heritage (₹20-250)
- Sarnath Complex - Dhamek Stupa + Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Historical Sites
- Ramnagar Fort & Museum (₹20-200) ⭐⭐⭐
Cultural Spots
- Banaras Hindu University (Free) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Kala Bhairav Temple (Free) ⭐⭐⭐
Activities
- Sunrise Boat Rides (₹800-2,000) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Traditional Markets (Window shopping free) ⭐⭐⭐
Best Time to Visit Varanasi Tourist Spots

Optimal Season: October - March
Month-by-Month:
- November-December: 10-25°C, perfect weather, Dev Deepawali (Nov 12, 2025)
- January-February: 5-20°C, coolest months, crisp mornings
- March: 15-30°C, pleasant before summer heat
Avoid:
- April-June: 30-45°C extreme heat
- July-August: Heavy monsoon, submerged ghats
Detailed seasonal guide: Best Time to Visit Varanasi
How to Get Around Tourist Spots

Local Transportation:
Auto-rickshaws: ₹30-100 for city trips (negotiate first)
Cycle-rickshaws: ₹20-50 for short trips in narrow lanes
App-based: Uber/Ola available
Taxis (Full Day):
- Sedan: ₹1,800-3,000
- Innova: ₹2,400-3,500
- Tempo Traveller (groups): ₹6,500
Walking: Best for ghat area and old city
Important: Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is no-vehicle zone (walk or e-rickshaw final stretch)
Complete transport guide: Varanasi Transport Price Guide 2025













![Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi: Visitor Guide [2025]](/images/manikarnika-ghat.jpg)


![Sunrise Boat Ride Varanasi: Step‑by‑Step [2025 Guide]](/images/sunrise-boat-ride.jpg)