Best Places to Visit in Varanasi with Family

Varanasi, or Benares, or Kashi with its history tracing back more than 3,000 years, is one of the oldest existing cities in the world. It is located in the northern Indian province of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the holy river of Ganges. The socio-cultural and religious importance of the city puts Konya in a rather special and sacred context. We are also gonna see the best places to visit in Varanasi with Family.

Varanasi, according to sources, is one of the most ancient cities in the world and has religious significance. As the historical narrative has it, the city was created by the Hindu god, Lord Shiva; hence, the city is a sacred site for Hindus and a destination for pilgrimage. As has been mentioned, Varanasi has been one of the most important religious, educational, and cultural centers throughout its history.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Varanasi 

Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is synonymous with tradition, culture, and spirituality, and it is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is a holy land of India that has huge religious importance and tourists from all over the world visit it annually. Some of the famous tourist attractions include the religious shores of the sacred river Ganges, old temples, joyous festivals, and historical significance. Here are the top 10 best places to visit in Varanasi with family and friends in more detail:

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple 

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple was established in ancient times but has been reconstructed several times over the centuries, with the last construction dating back to the 18th century. The temple complex is an important religious and cultural center for millions of people who visit the place to accomplish rituals and pray.

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat (Best places to visit in Varanasi with Family)

Dashashwamedh Ghat is among the most famous and popular ghats in Varanasi. It is also well-known for the Ganga Aarti which is performed every evening wherein they offer prayers to the river Ganges using lamps, flowers, and incense. The ceremony is quite dramatic and many people come to see the priests waving the aarti with lightning-like movements.

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3. Sarnath

Among the four major Buddhist sites, Sarnath is situated approximately 10 kilometers from Varanasi. It is the place where Gautama Buddha preached his first discourse after attaining enlightenment. The main sites of interest in Sarnath include the Dhamek Stupa, the Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum with its exhibits, including the Ashoka Pillar and the capital with four lions.

4. Assi Ghat (Best places to visit in Varanasi with Family)

Assi Ghat also known as the southernmost ghat of Varanasi is one of the most visited Ghats by the locals as well as the tourists. It is said to be the location where the River Assi joins the Ganges. This ghat is famous for its calm and relaxed surroundings, yoga, and cultural activities. One of these shows is the morning Subah-e-Banaras program which includes a mix of classical music and yoga.

5. Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most revered ghats of Varanasi. It is mainly believed to be a burning place where Hindu ceremonies are conducted to free the soul from the cycle of reincarnation. The ghat is a sacred place, and observing the rites here is touching and inspiring.

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6. Ramnagar Fort (Best places to visit in Varanasi with Family)

Located on the eastern side of the Ganges River, Ramnagar Fort was constructed in the 18th century by Maharaja of Banaras. This fort is built up of sandstone and has influences from both Mughal and Indian architecture. Within the premises, there is a museum that contains old models of cars, the king’s palanquins, different types of swords, guns, and antique clocks. The fort also provides an excellent view of the Ganges River.

7. Tulsi Manas Temple

This temple is devoted to Lord Rama and is situated close to the well-known Durga temple. It has a great historical and cultural value since the poet Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas here. The walls of the temple are inscribed with verses and scenes from Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, which makes it a literary and religious site.

8. Bharat Mata Temple (Best places to visit in Varanasi with Family)

Unlike other temples, the Bharat Mata Temple is not based on the goddesses, but on the concept of Mother India. It was established in 1936 by Mahatma Gandhi and contains an enormous model of India made from marble. The map represents the geographical structure of the country and the artwork is stunning. The temple symbolizes the unity and nationalism of the country.

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9. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

It was established in 1916 and is one of the most renowned universities in India. The large area within its compound has several remarkable structures the New Vishwanath Temple or the Birla Temple. The university has a well-arranged campus and a good natural ambiance, which make it quite appropriate for a walk.

10. Chunar Fort (Best places to visit in Varanasi with Family)

Chunar Fort is about 40 Kms away from Varanasi and it also has a long history of its reign by different dynasties. The fort stands on a hilltop and commands a view over the Ganges and the neighboring countryside. Visiting the fort gives one a historical and even architectural look at the area of the country.

Conclusion

These top 10 places provide a complete feel of Varanasi’s spirituality, history, and lively cultural environment. Every place has its own attractions and history that makes Varanasi an incredible place for tourists. You can find similar blogs like this in Explorer Trips.