Varanasi: Ghats, Temples and Nearby Sarnath

Varanasi can be viewed through its riverfront, history, and architecture. The ghats along the Ganges and the temples offer distinct, tangible points of interest. Nearby, but a place in its own right, is Sarnath, with its Buddhist temples. The following topics present Varanasi and its surroundings by both subject matter and geographical location.

The Ghats along the Ganges and Their History

Varanasi has 88 ghats, or steps leading down to the Ganges; the number can change over time. The term refers to a specific feature of the riverfront and distinguishes the ghats as a topic from the temples. This makes it possible to consider Varanasi first in terms of its relationship with the Ganges, without equating the ghats with all of the city’s sights.

Most of the ghats were rebuilt after 1700, when Varanasi was part of the Maratha Empire. This statement applies to the majority and does not imply that all the river steps share a single date of construction. The distinction between rebuilding and a single construction date is important for understanding their history. If you are interested in the development of the area, this gives you a specific point of reference in time: the river steps belong to a history linked to the period after 1700 and the city’s membership in the Maratha Empire at that time. The number and the history answer different questions: the number indicates the extent of the ghats, while the rebuilding history places the majority in a particular period.

Temple Architecture and Well-Known Names

The temples also offer different points of interest. The shikhara of the Durga Temple is a tall, multi-tiered tower whose shape resembles a mountain peak. This identifies a specific architectural feature: the comparison concerns the shape of the tower, not a general description of the entire temple. If you pay attention to architectural forms, the shikhara offers a clear point of reference for understanding the Durga Temple.

The Saint Ravidas Temple in Kashi is also known as the “Second Golden Temple of Kashi.” The focus is therefore on the form of an architectural feature at the Durga Temple, and on an additional well-known name for the Saint Ravidas Temple. These two perspectives allow for a concise distinction: you can identify the Durga Temple by the described tower shape, and the Saint Ravidas Temple by its well-known name as well.

Sarnath as a Separate Place Nearby

Another nearby place is Sarnath, about 13 km from Varanasi. Sarnath is in the surrounding area, but is not part of the city. It has Buddhist temples representing various Buddhist traditions and countries of origin; the most important Buddha temple there is the Mulagandhakuti Vihara Temple. This distinction is helpful when planning a trip: the ghats and temples mentioned in Varanasi are part of exploring the city, while the Buddhist temples belong to Sarnath. The approximate distance identifies Sarnath as a nearby place in its own right. At the same time, it offers a thematic focus alongside Varanasi’s river steps and temple features.

This suggests a specific question to help you choose a destination: Would you like to focus mainly on Varanasi’s ghats and temples, or would you also like to include Sarnath and its Buddhist temples? If you are looking for a hotel in Varanasi, these topics can serve as a starting point for deciding on the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Shivdaspur.

Go to the broader travel overview: Varanasi.