Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city geography is defined by its ghats — a series of stone steps descending to the Ganges — where cremations, ritual bathing, and daily religious life occur in open public view.
Places
Dashashwamedh Ghat
The main and most active ghat in Varanasi. The evening Ganga Aarti — a choreographed fire ritual performed by priests at the river's edge — takes place here every evening at sunset.
Timing: Open daily. Evening Aarti — held just after sunset
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the twelve Jyotirlinga of Shiva and the most sacred temple in Varanasi. The current temple was built in 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar. Non-Hindu visitors are not permitted inside the main sanctum.
Timing: Open daily. 3:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹600 (visit the temple trust helpdesk here and pay in cash; a copy of your passport and visa is required)
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Manikarnika Ghat
The primary cremation ghat in Varanasi and one of two active burning ghats on the Ganges. Cremations take place here continuously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This is an active and sacred site.
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Assi Ghat
The southernmost major ghat in Varanasi. A gathering point for students, scholars, and sadhus — the atmosphere is quieter and less commercially intense than the ghats near Dashashwamedh.
Timing: Open daily. Morning Aarti — held at sunrise. Evening Aarti — held just after sunset.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Sarnath
An archaeological site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, circa 528 BCE. The site contains the Dhamek Stupa (3rd century CE), excavated remains, and the archeological site museum.
Timing: Archaeological sites — Open daily, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Museum — Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed Fridays.
Entry Fee: Archaeological sites (3) — ₹300 (cash at counter) or ₹250 (online pay) each. Entry is free for children below 15 years. Museum — ₹5 (cash at counter or online pay). Entry is free for children below 15 years
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Ramnagar Fort
A sandstone fort built in the 18th century and the seat of the Maharaja of Varanasi. The fort contains a museum with vintage cars, palanquins, royal costumes, and astronomical instruments.
Timing: Open daily. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹200 (cash at counter)
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Bharat Mata Mandir
A temple built in 1936 dedicated not to a deity but to Mother India (Bharat Mata) — the sanctum contains a large marble relief map of undivided India instead of a religious idol.
Timing: Open daily. 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Alamgir Mosque
A 17th-century mosque built by Aurangzeb on the site of a Vishnu temple. The structure combines Mughal and Hindu architectural elements — the lower section retains the original temple stonework.
Timing: Open daily. Closed to non-worshippers during prayer times.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Tulsi Manas Temple
A white marble temple built in 1964 on the site where the poet-saint Tulsidas is said to have composed the Ramcharitmanas — the 16th-century Hindi retelling of the Ramayana that is among the most widely read texts in India.
Timing: Open daily, 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Ganga River
A boat ride along the Varanasi ghats is the primary way to see the full stretch of ghats, the city's skyline, and the activity on and around the steps. Early morning (pre-sunrise) and evening (around the Aarti) are the most active periods on the river.
Timing: -
Entry Fee: Negotiate the fare and duration before boarding
Getting There
Varanasi is connected by rail, air, and road. Most international travelers arrive from Delhi. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes, airport, and bus terminal information below.
Varanasi — Stations, Airport & Bus Stands
Rail Stations: Varanasi Junction (BSB)
Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
Bus Terminals: Varanasi Bus Stand
By Train
Search “Varanasi” as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). A city may have multiple railway stations — select the main one (usually named after the city) and choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.
By Flight
Search by city name across Air India Express, Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Buddha Air, Spicejet — these cover the full domestic and international network from Varanasi airport.
By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus or AbhiBus to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (RSRTC) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.
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