Varanasi is revered by locals as Kashi or Benaras and boasts centuries of traditions. With its revered ghats and temples that preserve centuries of history.
At nightfall, the ghats become a colourful canvas of temples lit up like candles to mark Hindu faith.
Ramnagar Fort
Ramnagar Fort is one of Varanasi’s premier tourist spots, situated on the eastern bank of Ganges river near Tulsi Ghat and boasting both Indian and Islamic architectural styles. Constructed during 18th century by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh.
Explore this grand fort that now houses both a temple and museum, featuring exquisitely carved balconies, pavilions and towers. An excellent example of Mughal-era architecture constructed using creamy-coloured Chunar sandstone.
Pay close attention while exploring the fort. Be particularly taken with its famous astronomical clock which displays time, year and month in addition to moon and sun positions. Furthermore, this fort hosts an impressive collection of antique displays of royal possessions that you shouldn’t miss!
Durga Temple
Durga Temple in Varanasi is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and holds great religious and spiritual significance due to its mythological connection – Durga is said to have defeated Mahishasura here! Due to this legend, this place holds great religious and spiritual significance for worshippers today.
This imposing temple was constructed using Nagara style architecture and stands as an impressive testament to the expertise and skills of Chalukyan architects. It features corridors surrounding its shrine for easy access.
Goddess Durga, representing power, wealth, and kindness is revered at this temple with great reverence during Navratri festivities. Additionally, Baba Bhaironath, Lakshmi and Saraswati can be found here along with an enormous Havan Kund where daily havans take place. Situated along Sankat Mochan Road close to Tulsi Manas Mandir for added relaxation and spiritual connection this magnificent temple provides the ideal space to recharge oneself as well as connect with divine forces.
Ahilyabai Ghat
Varanasi is revered as one of the holiest cities in India for its narrow lanes, spectacular Ganges riverfront aarti ceremony and holy temples – it has also been known as Kashi or Banaras and known as the City of Lights! Believed to be amongst one of the oldest living cities worldwide.
Ahilyabai Ghat, situated at the southernmost end of Delhi, is famed for its spiritual allure. Attracting pilgrims and seekers from across India, Ahilyabai Ghat’s mysterious aura draws pilgrims who wish to connect with divinity.
Ahilyabai Holkar was part of the Holkar dynasty from Marathwada and daughter of Raja Yashwantrao Holkar of Pune. Her legacy disproved myths regarding women holding positions of power or authority and inspired subsequent generations to seek change for themselves and society as she built numerous temples and riverfront ghats across central India.
Lalita Ghat
Lalita Ghat stands as an epicenter of devotion and spiritual enlightenment in Varanasi. It fosters communal harmony by uniting people from diverse backgrounds in shared devotion. Furthermore, Lalita Ghat holds a significant place in India’s heritage; Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas there.
The Lalita Gauri Ghat was constructed during the early 19th century by Rana Bahadur Shah of Nepal during his exile to Varanasi from 1800-1804. Today it houses both Nepali Mandir and Lalita Gauri Mandir for worshippers to visit.
Cremations take place on Varanasi’s ghats, particularly the Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats, where it is believed that the Ganga River possesses purifying powers which help people achieve moksha, or liberation from rebirth. As well as this ritual activity, people visit these holy city’s ghats for bathing and prayer rituals as well as seeing an impressive Aarti performance every evening – one highlight not to be missed during your visit here is seeing its mesmerizing Aarti performance every evening – something every visitor must experience on its holy city visit!
