Places To Visit In Varanasi Sightseeing

Ganges is famous with the religious minded Hindus owing to their beliefs about the river’s power in washing away their sins. Whether you take a dip in the river Ganges or not, you should not miss the river in your trip to Varanasi. You would love a walk along the river as you get to see the place busy with activity through out the day. Riding on the boat during sunrise and sun set will give you spectacular views. The cultural richness of the river is amazing and the views are stunning.

Sarnath is situated 10 km from Varanasi. The place is famous as this was where Buddha made his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. Emperor Ashoka, who was an ardent follower of Buddhism, erected a stupa at Sarnath somewhere around 234 BC. In the centuries to come, more structures were constructed.

The most famous ghat in Varanasi is the Manikarnika Ghat. This is a place of cremation by the Hindus. If you are ready to experience with all boldness how it feels to see the continuous cremations taking place, this could be the place. You might wonder if this is a place worth the visit on a vacation, you may change your mind once you are here.

Man Mandir Ghat is yet another Ghat in Varanasi and an old one too. The place is worth the visit if you love to view the architectural splendor of the Rajput in full form. Man Singh of Jaipur, the Rajput King, built a palace in this place in the year 1600.

Ramnagar Fort was constructed by the King of Banaras in the year 1750 AD. It was built using red stones. It gains significance being an astronomical wonder. The big clock in the palace shows the day, week, month, year and details the astronomy of the space objects.

Chunar Fort is located on the banks of the river Ganges and a 40 km away from the city. The fort was constructed by Ujjain King Vikramaditya for Bharthari, his brother. The fort has historical importance and it served as a significant post when the battle between Humayun and Sher Shah took place.

It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha. Here gravitate the teeming millions of India to seek benediction and spiritual peace by the darshan of this Jyotirlinga which confers liberation from the bondages of maya and the inexorable entanglements of the world. SRI KASHI VISHWA NATH TEMPLE simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and bhakti. Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India.

Situated at the confluence of Ganga and Asi rivers, Assi Ghat is the southernmost Ghat in Varanasi, where pilgrims bathe before paying their homage to Lord Shiva in the form of huge lingam situated under a peepal tree. Assi Ghat also constitutes the southern end of conventional city. Another lingam worshipped here is the Asisangameshwar lingam representing the lord of confluence of the Asi, enshrined in a small marble temple near the Assi Ghat.

The Dhamekh Stupa is the most remarkable and massive structure at Sarnath. Built partly in stone and partly in brick, the Dhamekh Stupa is 28 meter in diameter at the base and 43.6 meter in height. The stone facing the lower part is decorated with delicate floral carvings of Gupta period. Dhamekh Stupa has a particular significance at Sarnath as it signifies the place where buddha delivered his first sermon.

Chaukhandi Stupa is one of the important Buddhist Stupas at Sarnath. It is a lofty mound of brick, whose square edifice is surrounded by an octagonal tower. The Chaukhandi Stupa is said to be originally a terraced temple during the Gupta period (4th to 6th Century). Govardhan, the son of Raja Todarmal, gave the present shape to the Chaukhandi Stupa.