Varanasi boasts many historical landmarks that showcase its culture and heritage, from peaceful ghats to luxurious temples – each holds its own captivating appeal.
Varanasi’s iconic ghats are filled with spiritual rituals and cremation ceremonies that provide an alluring view into India’s living culture, including Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat and Man Mandir Observatory.
1. Ramnagar Fort
Varanasi’s Ramnagar Fort is an impressive sight, perched atop an extinct volcano on the east bank of the Ganges river. Constructed from sandstone in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh, the structure today houses both a museum and temple dedicated to Ved Vyasa, author of Mahabharata.
Fort Henry houses a remarkable clock that displays day, week and month information as well as astronomy related to sun, moon and planets. This clock was made during the nineteenth century at a royal court in Varanasi.
Fort Fort is at its most vibrant during the Ram Leela festival held annually from October-November. Scenes from the epic Ramayana are enacted, along with its other highlights: carved balconies, pavilions, open courtyards and Durbar hall. While owned privately by its royal scion, some sections are open for tourist visitation; it even houses an interesting museum which contains traditional palanquins, vintage cars, ornately gilded howdahs (elephant seats), swords antique clocks and hunting trophies from past events!
2. Ashoka Pillar
Ashoka Pillar, India’s official symbol with its four lions standing back-to-back and its four lions standing together back-to-back, was built during King Ashoka’s time and is an incredible monument etched upon its surface. Scholars have noted similarities with pillar capitals from Achaemenid Iran which could indicate cultural exchange during this period.
The pillars feature the Emperor’s edicts which promoted Buddhism as the state religion and provided moral guidelines for his people. Multiple edicts detail ideals of dharma (living according to Buddha’s teachings), emphasizing compassion, goodness, truthfulness and purity as core components.
Some inscriptions document Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and campaign in Kalinga (modern-day Odisha), making these amongst the most well-known and significant pillar inscriptions from ancient India. Other noteworthy pillars with inscriptions can be found at Sarnath and Sanchi; others with tomb inscriptions can be seen near Varanasi ghats; this magnificent architecture must be visited.
3. Chaukhandi Stupa
Chaukhandi Stupa is an ancient landmark of Buddhist culture and one of the must-visit locations in Varanasi. This landmark features a lofty mound topped by an octagonal brickwork building crowned by an octagonal tower, located amid lush green lawns in a tranquil atmosphere – this site is well looked after by Archaeological Survey of India.
Built during the Gupta period (4th-6th centuries), this monument commemorates Buddha meeting his initial disciples. On June 25, 2019 by Archaeological Survey of India it was designated a National Monument.
This historical site is known for providing peace of mind to anyone who meditates within its tranquil ambiance, as well as being said to be where Buddha gave his inaugural sermon. Archaeological excavations have unearthed rare and classic statues, including those depicting Buddha in Dharmachakra Pravartan Mudra and leogryphs with swordsmen – not forgetting an octagonal tower constructed by Govardhan, son of Raja Todarmal in honor of Mughal Emperor Humayun’s visit!
4. Sita Samahit Sthal
Sita Samahit Sthal is both an iconic Hindu temple and cultural landmark that deserves to be visited. At its center stands Goddess Sita – wife of Lord Ram and an icon for this complex. A 110-foot high statue of Lord Hanuman adds another level of interest. A picturesque pond completes this picturesque setting.
The complex also houses an impressive library of ancient texts and manuscripts related to Indian culture, mythology, and philosophy that may prove spiritually enriching for visitors. Reading these works and witnessing ceremonies at the complex may offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
Ram Navami, Diwali and other festivals and events related to Lord Rama and Sita can become especially crowded here, drawing devotees from all over the country and world for pilgrimages and festivals. Therefore it is imperative for visitors to remain open-minded and respect the local cultures when visiting these sites; littering or any form of disrespect could derail this delicate balance between cultural preservation and visitor accessibility.
