Benares

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.

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…

Dasaswamedh Ghat

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

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.

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.

Sarnath

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

Dhamekh Stupa

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

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.

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.

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.

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.