Things to do in Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

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  One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the temple is home to Lord Shiva, also known as Shri Vishwanath or Vishweshwara.

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  Lower sections of the domes, inner walls, and the door frames of the temple are all covered in pure gold, giving it the name ‘Golden Temple’.

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  During Maha Shivratri Mahotsav, the temples across the city are tastefully decorated, with Kashi Vishwanath as the epicentre of all joyous festivities.

Important things to know

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  Temple Timings: 2:30 am to 11:00 pm.

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  Darshan Timings: Morning: 4:00 am to 11:00 am | Evening: 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

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  Aarti Timings: Mangala Aarti: 3:00 am to 4:00 am | Bhog Aarti: 11:15 am to 12:20 pm | Saptirishi Aarti: 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm | Night Shringar/Bhog Aarti: 9:00 pm to 10:15 pm | Night Shayan Aarti: 10:30 pm to 11:00 pm

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  Online Tickets: For special aartis, Rudrabhishek, Mahadev Puja & more, temple offers online ticket booking services.

Other Popular Temples in Varanasi

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  Durga Kund Mandir: A red stone temple on the banks of a rectangular waterbody (kund), home to the guardian of Varanasi - Goddess Durga. Temple Timings: Morning: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm | Evening: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

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  Maa Annapurna Temple: Set next to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, it is dedicated to the Goddess Annapurna. Temple Timings: Morning: 4:00 am to 11:30 am | Evening: 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Aarti Timings: 4:00 am

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  Kaal Bhairav Mandir: A shrine dedicated to the powerful & fierce expression of Lord Shiva, Kaal Bhairav. Temple Timings: Morning: 5:00 am to 1:30 pm | Evening: 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm

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  Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir: Said to be built by Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century, the temple welcomes devotees with heartwarming chants of Hanuman Chalisa. Devotees especially pay a visit to this temple on Tuesdays & Saturdays. Temple Timings: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm

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  Shree Gauri Kedareshwar Mandir: Often listed among sacred sites in Varanasi, this temple is a Dwadash Jyotirlinga mentioned in the Hindu religious texts (Kashi Khand). Located along the Kedar Ghat in Varanasi, it is popular for its unique architecture. Temple Timings: 3:00 am to 11:00 pm

Must Visit Attractions in Varanasi

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  Dashashwamedh Ghat: Most prominent riverbank, ideal to experience evening Ganga Aarti complete with fire-lit lamps & chants.

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  Ramnagar Fort: An 18th- century architectural marvel known for its carved pavilions, unique astronomical clock & Ramleela.

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  Assi Ghat: The southernmost spot of the main ghat where boat rides begin & early morning yoga sessions are held.

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  Bharat Kala Bhavan: Home to eleven galleries showcasing city's rich history through paintings, sculptures, textiles & more.

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  Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath: A notable Buddhist structure where Buddha is said to have visited after attaining enlightenment.

Best Areas to Stay in Varanasi

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  Varanasi Junction Railway Station: With easy connectivity to the temples & marketplaces, this area offers convenience & hotels for all budgets.

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  Assi Ghat: The stay options around this ghat are ideal for those looking to soak in peace that early morning Ganga aartis bring.

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  Godowlia: The bustling streets of this market area with hotels & homestays all around, are perfect for shoppers & devotees alike.

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  Varanasi Cantonment: Offering proximity to popular ghats, temples & the railway station, the budget & luxury hotels in this area are great options for pilgrims.

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  Dashwasamedh Ghat: Homestays & guest houses surround this lively ghat where priests are seen performing rituals, evening aartis & lighting lamps.

Good to Know Before you Travel

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  How to Reach: Catch a flight to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or board a train to either Varanasi Junction or Kashi Railway Station.

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  What to Buy: Banarasi silk sarees, handicrafts like Gulabi Minakari, copper products & glass beads are a few popular souvenirs among travellers. Top markets to visit include Thatheri Bazaar, Vishwanath Gali & Godowlia Market.

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  What to Eat: Street food scene in Varanasi is elaborate with dishes like aloo kachori, baati chokha, tamatar chaat, malaiyyo & rabri jalebi making it to the must-try list. Don’t forget to end the meals with a Banarasi paan.

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  Ramnagar Ramleela: Performed within the premises of Ramnagar Fort, ten days before Dussehra every year.

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  Sankat Mochan Music Festival: Organised annually on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, this festival lasts from 4 to 5 days where various dance & music performances are staged by the artists.

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  Dev Deepawali: With thousands of diyas lining the ghats and melodious sounds of grand Ganga Aarti filling up the streets, Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali is the ‘Diwali of the Gods’. The festival is celebrated on Kartik Purnima in honour of Lord Shiva’s victory over evil.