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Varanasi: Sacred Soul & Essential Sights

Varanasi centers on the sacred Ganges, where the Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghats host daily rituals and prayers. The city’s spiritual significance extends to Manikarnika Ghat, a major cremation site, and the nearby Sarnath, where the Dhamekh Stupa marks the location of Buddha’s first sermon. Architectural highlights include the 18th-century Ramnagar Fort, the red-stone Durga Temple built in the Nagara style, and the Nepali Temple, known for its intricate wood carvings inspired by Kathmandu’s Pagoda architecture.

Varanasi: Sacred Soul & Essential Sights — Kaart

Samuel Bourne / Public domain

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Manikarnika Ghat(KOSTRI)

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest cremation grounds among the sacred riverfronts, located on the banks of River Ganges, in the city of…

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Dasaswamedh Ghat

The primary ghat on the Ganges, known for hosting the nightly Ganga Aarti ceremony and its proximity to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

25 Cents FC / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Assi Ghat (START)

Situated at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi rivers, this southern ghat is the site of the daily Subah-e-Banaras morning prayer and cultural rituals.

Harita Shah / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Ramnagar Fort

This 18th century fort may have lost some lustre since its glory days, it is still an excellent place to take some photographs though.

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Sarnath

A significant Buddhist pilgrimage destination where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. The site includes ancient ruins, monasteries, and an archaeological museum.

Ritwick / Public domain

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Dhamekh Stupa

Dhamek Stupa is a massive stupa located at the archaeological site of Sarnath in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Henk Kosters / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Durga Temple

An 18th-century temple built in the Nagara style of North Indian architecture. It is characterized by its red-stained stones and a multi-tiered shikhara.

kawanet / CC BY 2.0

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Gyanvapi Mosque

A 17th-century mosque built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It is located directly north of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and incorporates elements of Mughal architecture.

Matt Stabile / CC BY 2.0

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Nepali Temple

A 19th-century wooden temple commissioned by the King of Nepal. Built in the pagoda style, it features detailed wood carvings and is a replica of Kathmandu's Pashupatinath Temple.

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Turtle WLS

A 7-kilometer protected stretch of the Ganges River dedicated to the conservation of freshwater turtles and the preservation of the river's biodiversity.