Varanasi: Ganges, Ghats and Temples

In Varanasi, the Ganges shapes many of the city’s best-known visitor experiences. The ghats are steps leading down to the river; morning boat rides along the ghats are among the popular visitor attractions. Elsewhere, paths wind through old temples and alleyways, while museums and religious sites offer further insights into the city’s history and culture.

The Ganges, Ghats and Routes Through the City

Those who want to experience Varanasi from the water have several options. The morning boat rides travel along the ghats. The luxury Bhagirathi cruise is a double-decker boat with a capacity of 100 passengers. On board, guests can take a trip past all 84 ghats and listen to audio commentary about significant ghats. Service information may change; check the latest details before planning a trip.

On foot, the Divya Kashi Heritage Walk offers a different focus: the route passes through sacred alleyways, old temples and historic ghats in Varanasi. Route details may change. Unlike the boat route, this walk focuses on the alleyways and temples; both options highlight different aspects of the city.

Temples and Recurring Traditions

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its Sugam Darshan is a ticketed darshan arrangement that can help devotees avoid waiting. The terms of the arrangement may change. Other temples also reflect different chapters in religious history: the Sankatha Devi Temple was built in the 18th century by the King of Baroda.

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple hosts the annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, a festival of classical music and dance. Dates and programme details may change; check the latest information before visiting. Another annual tradition is Nag Nathaiya, a centuries-old event at Tulsi Ghat. Here too, dates and event arrangements may change. Sankat Mochan Mandir is open daily to guests for darshan, but its opening hours are somewhat irregular. Check the hours before your visit.

Museums and the History of Sarnath

Bharat Kala Bhavan is a university museum of national importance with more than 100,000 artefacts. The museum at Ramnagar Fort displays a different collection, including vintage cars, royal palanquins, swords and old guns, ivory work, and antique clocks. The two collections offer different focuses, from a broad range of museum exhibits to a royal collection with clearly specified groups of objects.

The Archaeological Museum, Sarnath displays numerous depictions of Buddha and Bodhisatva originating from Sarnath. The site is also associated with a central religious tradition: the Buddhist Sangha came into being in Sarnath through Kondanna’s enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and is considered a well-preserved tourist attraction; conditions on site may change.

Sarnath has its own railway station, with passenger services to Varanasi and Gorakhpur. As timetables may change, check the connection before setting out.

A Culinary Specialty

Banarasi Paan is considered a culinary specialty in Varanasi. It is prepared by rolling betel leaves with areca nuts and other ingredients. This local taste adds another dimension to visits to the ghats, temples and museums.

Hotels and Travel Planning

When choosing a hotel, you could start by thinking about which experiences you want to shape your stay: a trip on the Ganges, a walk through alleyways and historic ghats, temples and traditions, or museum visits connected with Sarnath.

Discover more destinations: Varanasi, Shivdaspur, Sonbhadra, Bijnor, Amroha, Rae Bareli, Lucknow, Sultanpur.

View the full travel overview: Uttar Pradesh.