Let’s be honest. Varanasi is hard work. It is not a place where you relax by a pool. It is a city that grabs you by the collar. But if you are willing to get a little uncomfortable, the list of places to visit in varanasi offers something you cannot find anywhere else on Earth.
I have broken down the spots that actually matter, based on how they feel, not just what they are.
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The Chaos and The Silence
When you look for places to visit in varanasi, you are usually trying to find a balance between noise and peace.
1. The Reality of Dashashwamedh Ghat Most guides will tell you this is the “main ghat.” What they don’t tell you is that it is an assault on the senses. Standing here during the evening prayer is intense. Thousands of people, ringing bells, fire—it is overwhelming. But it is also the most alive spot on the list of places to visit in varanasi. You don’t come here to see a sight; you come here to feel the energy of the crowd.
2. The Fortress of Kashi Vishwanath I used to find visiting this temple difficult because of the narrow lanes. Now, with the new corridor, it feels massive. It is the spiritual engine of the city. Among all the places to visit in varanasi, this is the one where you feel the sheer weight of history. It is crowded, yes, but standing in that line is part of the pilgrimage.
3. The Morning Calm of Assi Ghat If Dashashwamedh is the chaos, Assi is the antidote. This is my favorite spot. It is the southernmost point of the main city. It is one of the few places to visit in varanasi where you can actually hear yourself think. I recommend sitting here at 6 AM with a cup of lemon tea. It changes your entire perspective on the city.
4. The Truth of Manikarnika This is the hardest place to visit. It is the burning ghat. It is not a tourist attraction, and treating it like one is wrong. But it is an essential part of the places to visit in varanasi because it forces you to confront mortality. It is raw and real. Watch from a distance, be respectful, and put the camera away.
5. The Escape to Sarnath After two days in the city, you will need a break. Sarnath is that break. It is green, organized, and quiet. Seeing the Dhamek Stupa feels like stepping into a different century. It is the only spot on the list of places to visit in varanasi where the loudest sound is birds chirping.
How to Go: Kolkata to Varanasi
Since you are starting from Kolkata, getting here is straightforward. You have two main options to reach these places to visit in varanasi.
- By Train (Recommended): This is how most people travel. The best option is the Vande Bharat Express from Howrah. It leaves in the morning and reaches Varanasi in about 7 hours. It is clean and fast. If you prefer to sleep, take the Vibhuti Express or the Amritsar Mail overnight.
- By Flight: There are direct daily flights from Kolkata (CCU) to Varanasi (VNS). The flight time is only about 1 hour and 20 minutes. It is the quickest way if you are short on time.
My Recommended 2-Day Plan
You don’t need a complex itinerary. You just need to beat the crowds.
Day 1: The Water
- Sunrise: Start at Assi Ghat. Take a boat north. Seeing the architecture from the river is the only way to truly understand the scale of the places to visit in varanasi.
- Afternoon: Get lost in the Galies (lanes) near Godowlia.
- Sunset: Watch the Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Day 2: The Land
- Morning: Go to Kashi Vishwanath. The earlier, the better.
- Afternoon: Take an auto to Sarnath. It is a 30-minute ride that takes you out of the madness.
- Night: End your trip with a clay cup of Blue Lassi near the burning ghat.
Where to Stay (Min 3-Star Hotels)
Finding a clean, comfortable hotel is critical here so you can rest after walking around the places to visit in varanasi. Here are three solid options ranging from 3-Star to Luxury.
1. Brijrama Palace (Luxury Heritage) This is a fortress on the river. You arrive by boat. It is silent inside.
- Verdict: If you have the budget, this is the best hotel in the city.
2. Hotel Costa Riviera (4-Star) Located in the Cantonment area. It is far from the river, but it is modern, very clean, and has excellent service.
- Verdict: A safe, high-quality choice if you want to escape the noise of the places to visit in varanasi at night.
3. Hotel Grapevine (3-Star) This is a reliable 3-star hotel located in the Cantonment area. The rooms are spacious and it has a decent restaurant.
- Verdict: Great value for money. It offers all the necessary amenities like AC and Wi-Fi without the luxury price tag.
Popular Foods in Varanasi.
1. Kachori Sabzi
The quintessential breakfast of Varanasi. You will find two types: Choti Kachori (stuffed with spicy potato mix) and Badi Kachori (stuffed with lentils aka Dal). Both are served with a spicy, flavorful potato curry (Aloo Rassa).
- Best Places: Ram Bhandar, Thatheri Bazaar.
2. Malaiyyo (Winter Exclusive)
This is a frothy, airy dessert available only in the winter months (Nov-Feb). It is made by churning milk overnight under the open sky (absorbing the dew) and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and pistachios. It melts in your mouth like a cloud.
3. Banarasi Paan
No trip to Varanasi is complete without its world-famous Paan (betel leaf). It is a digestive and a mouth freshener, stuffed with areca nut, lime, catechu, and sometimes silver leaf (warq).
- Note: You can ask for “Meetha Paan” if you don’t want tobacco.
4. Tamatar Chaat
Unique to Varanasi, this is a spicy tomato mash cooked with spices, chickpeas, and topped with crunchy sev and namak paare. It is served in small clay pots (kulhads) which add an earthy flavor.
Best places to visit in varanasi.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
This is one of the best places to visit in varanasi. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and arguably the most important temple in the city. The temple’s gold-plated spire is a stunning sight, and the complex has been recently renovated with the new Kashi Vishwanath Corridor connecting it directly to the Ganges.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
This is are also one of the best places to visit in varanasi . It is best known for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti performed every evening. Priests in saffron robes perform synchronized rituals with brass lamps, bells, and chanting, creating an unforgettable spiritual atmosphere.
3. Sarnath (Dhamek Stupa)
Located just about 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is a peaceful contrast to the city’s chaos. This is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. The massive Dhamek Stupa and the ancient ruins of monasteries make it a must-visit for history buffs and those seeking peace.
4. Assi Ghat
Situated at the confluence of the Ganga and Assi rivers, this ghat is famous for its peaceful vibe. It is the perfect place for a sunrise boat ride or to attend the “Subah-e-Banaras” (morning cultural event) which includes yoga, music, and a morning Aarti.
5. Ramnagar Fort
Located on the eastern bank of the Ganges in Varanasi, this sandstone fort was built in the 18th century. It has a vintage charm with a museum displaying vintage cars, palanquins, and armory. The view of the sunset over the river from here is spectacular.
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