Varanasi's Best Tourist Spots + Taxi Bookings
Quick Tour Packages with Taxi Included:
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat + Ganga Aarti
📍 25km from airport | ₹690 taxi + boat ₹150 = ₹840 total ⏱️ 40 min drive | 📅 6:30 PM ceremony BOOK THIS PACKAGE
2. Sarnath Buddhist Circuit
📍 32km from airport | ₹690 taxi + ₹20 museum = ₹710 total ⏱️ 50 min drive | 🏛️ Dhamek Stupa + 4 temples BOOK THIS PACKAGE
3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
📍 15km from airport | ₹600 taxi ⏱️ 25 min drive | 🕉️ #1 Sacred site BOOK THIS PACKAGE
4. NaMo Ghat Light Show
📍 24km from airport | ₹690 taxi ⏱️ 35 min drive | ⛲ 7:00 PM show BOOK THIS PACKAGE
5. Assi Ghat Morning Aarti
📍 28km from airport | ₹750 taxi ⏱️ 60 min drive | 🌅 5:00 AM ceremony BOOK THIS PACKAGE
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
Updated 2025 timings: Ganga Aarti Timing Varanasi 2025 | Dashashwamedh Ghat Boat Ride & Aarti Guide
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
Cover all 84 ghats: 84 Ghats Boat Tour Varanasi — complete route maps, top ghats, and pricing guide.
🚖 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
Complete pilgrimage itinerary: Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Ganga Aarti Spiritual Journey 2025
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














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