Places to visit in and around Varanasi
Varanasi or Kashi of the olden times is an important pilgrimage destination of the country and is steeped in religious and mythological importance. A visit to Varanasi will awaken you to the importance of Hindu culture and religion. The city is dotted with innumerable temples and ghats and that makes Varanasi the country’s spiritual capital. The city is often visited during a pilgrimage tour that involves two other adjoining religious destinations; i.e. Gaya and Allahabad. Thus, Kashi Allahabad Gaya tour is one of the most sought-after pilgrimage expeditions of the country. When you visit Varanasi in the course of this tour, don’t forget to visit the following sightseeing places in Varanasi…read on to learn more:
Kashi Vishwanath temple
Kashi Vishwanath temple is a Jyotirlingam shrine of Lord Shiva and is the 12th among all the Jyotirlingams present in the country. The temple is also known as ‘Golden temple’ because three of its spires are made of pure gold. Near about 3000 devotees visit the temple each day.
Durga Temple
This 18th century temple of Goddess Durga exhibits a beautiful Nagara style of architecture. The idol of the goddess enshrined here has not been installed by anyone but is a self-manifested one. A queen of Bengal had built the Durga temple along the banks of the Durga ghat. The Durga temple is also known as the Monkey Temple because of the huge population of monkeys within the temple premises.
Ramnagar fort
The magnificent Ramnagar Fort dates back to the 18th century and stands opposite to Tulsi ghat. Raja Balwant Singh had constructed this fort in the year 1750. The small museum housed within the fort showcases rare collection of vintage American cars, medieval royal costumes, ivory crafts, mammoth astronomical clock.
Sarnath
Sarnath is a Buddhist pilgrimage destination located about 13kms from the city of Varanasi. This place has a serene ambiance quite unlike the chaotic gullies and frazzled ghats of Varanasi. Lord Buddha had delivered his first sermon in this very place and thus Sarnath holds a place of special importance for the followers of Buddhism. The best attractions of Sarnath include Dhamek stupa, Chaukhandi stupa, Mulagandha kuti vihar, Thai temple, Ashokan pillar, Chinese temple.
Dasaswamedh ghat
Dasaswamedh ghat is one of the most popular of Varanasi ghats and is famous for its evening Ganga aarti. Legends say that Lord Brahma had created this ghat and had performed a special sacrifice or yagna known by the name of Dasaswamedh yagna.
Bharat Kala Bhavan
Bharat Kala Bhavan is actually a museum set up in the year 1920 with the sole purpose of exhibiting the culture, art and traditions of India. At the time of its inception Rabindranath Tagore had functioned as the honorary chairman of Bharat Kala Bhavan. The museum exhibits historical displays, sculptures and paintings and houses an art gallery showcasing the works of Nicholas Roerich.
Tulsi manas temple
Tulsi Manas Temple is a beautiful temple constructed out of pure white marble and is housed within the campus of Benaras Hindu University. The temple has been named after the composer of Ramcharitamanas, poet Tulsidas. The Birla family had sponsored the construction of this temple. Several verses from the epic poem are inscribed on the walls of Tulsi manas temple.
Sankat mochan hanuman temple
Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya had built this lord Hanuman temple in the 1900’s. Hanuman Jayanti festival is celebrated with great pomp at this temple. Laddoos are offered as Prasad to the deity in the temple.
Chunar fort
Chunar fort is an ancient, dilapidated fort located about 23kms from the holy city of Varanasi. Tales of the fort being blessed divinely makes the rounds everywhere among the local people. The history of this fort of unique aesthetic appeal may be traced back to the 11th century.
Nepali temple
King of Nepal had set up this temple around 19th century in the style of Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu; Nepal. The temple is an abode of Lord Shiva and reflects the beauty of pagoda style Nepali architecture.
Varanasi Fun City
Vanarasi Fun City is an amazing water park with a number of exciting rides like mammoth roller coasters, high velocity swings etc. Even tourists these days are fond of visiting this water park.
