Varanasi is a city in Uttar Pradesh that is situated in the heart of the Ganges valley in the state’s southeast.

One of the oldest cities still in existence is Varanasi, also known as Benaras or Kashi.  Varanasi has long been a significant centre of study since Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first speech upon enlightenment, is only 10 miles distant. Sanskrit, yoga, the Hindi language, spiritualism, and mysticism are all promoted in the sacred city. There are about 23,000 Hindu and Buddhist temples in Varanasi, many of which have a long history and are incorporated into Hindu mythology. The experience of visiting a temple during Mahashivratri, Diwali, or Dusshera is much more divine since worshippers might see unusual and captivating rites performed.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Varanasi travel essentials

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1. Ganges River

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Save on Google Maps.

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2. See the Ghats

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Save on Google Maps.

3. New Vishwanath Temple

Location: Banaras Hindu University Campus, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Save on Google Maps.

4. Ramnagar Fort & Museum

Location: Varanasi Rd, Purana, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh 221008, India. Save on Google Maps.

5. Durga Mandir, Ram Nagar

Location: Ramnagar Fort, Ram nagar, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh 221008, India. Save on Google Maps.

6. Benaras Hindu University

Location: Ajagara, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India. Save on Google Maps.

7. Silk Weaving factory

8. Sarnath

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India. Save on Google Maps.

Where to go beyond Varanasi

New Delhi

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Location: Delhi, India. Save on Google Maps.

New Delhi Travel Essentials

Agra

Location: Uttar Pradesh, India. Save on Google Maps.

Agra Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

Kolkata

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Location: West Bengal, India. Save on Google Maps.

Kolkata Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Varanasi that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Varanasi

Varanasi tourist spots, things to do in Varanasi, where to go in Varanasi & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Varanasi

Click below & search recommended Varanasi hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price, travel dates, and sort by review ratings. I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

AgodaBooking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Don’t Stop Here

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