Varanasi — Where Every Stone Tells a Story of Faith

Varanasi — also known as Kashi or Benares — is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India. Situated on the western banks of the holy Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, this ancient city has been a center of learning, spirituality, and devotion for over 5,000 years.

For pilgrims visiting from Ayodhya (just 200 km away), Varanasi is a natural extension of a sacred journey. At Divi Tour & Travels, our Ayodhya–Varanasi 2-day tour package covers all the key spiritual sites. In this guide, we walk you through the 7 places you absolutely must visit on your first trip to Kashi.

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple (The Jyotirlinga)

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most sacred temple in Varanasi and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas — the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva in all of India. After the grand Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was inaugurated in 2021, the temple complex has been transformed into a breathtaking spiritual experience spanning 50,000 square feet.

The idol of Lord Vishwanath (Shiva) is housed in the inner sanctum. The original lingam is believed to be swayambhu — self-manifested — and dates back thousands of years. A darshan here is said to grant moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

Timings: 2:30 AM – 11:00 PM | Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM (the most spiritually powerful)

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat — The Grand Ganga Aarti

Every evening as the sun sets over Varanasi, the banks of the Ganga at Dashashwamedh Ghat transform into a spectacle of divine light and sound. Ganga Aarti performed here every evening at 7 PM is perhaps the most visually stunning ritual in all of India.

A dozen priests dressed in saffron, holding massive oil lamps with multiple tiers of flame, perform a highly choreographed 45-minute ceremony with conch shells, bells, incense, and Vedic chanting. Watching this from a boat on the Ganga is an experience that stays with you for a lifetime.

• Best view: From a boat — book a river boat 30 minutes before Aarti begins
• Reach by: 6:15 PM to find a good spot
• Note: Mornings also have a smaller but equally moving Aarti at sunrise

3. Sarnath — Where Buddha First Taught

Just 10 km from Varanasi is Sarnath, the sacred site where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. For Buddhists worldwide, Sarnath (also called Mrigadava or Deer Park) is one of the four most sacred pilgrimage sites.

The Dhamek Stupa, built in 500 CE, marks the exact spot where Buddha gave his first discourse on the Dhamma. The Sarnath Museum houses the world-famous Ashoka Lion Capital — the national emblem of India — dating to the 3rd century BCE.

Even for non-Buddhist pilgrims, Sarnath offers a profoundly peaceful experience and a fascinating window into India's ancient history.

4. Manikarnika Ghat — The Sacred Burning Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest and most ancient cremation grounds in the world. Hindus believe that dying in Kashi guarantees moksha, and Manikarnika is where that final liberation happens. Funeral pyres burn here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — a constant, eternal fire that has not gone out for centuries.

Visiting Manikarnika is a deeply humbling, perspective-shifting experience. The ghat reminds every visitor of life's impermanence and the ultimate truth of existence. It is not a morbid sight — rather, it is a sacred celebration of the soul's journey onward.

Important: Photography is strictly prohibited at Manikarnika. Visit with a local guide and dress modestly.

5. Assi Ghat — The Peaceful Sunrise Ghat

Assi Ghat, located at the southern tip of the main ghat complex, is where the Assi river meets the Ganga. It is one of the most popular ghats for morning yoga, meditation, and sunrise boat rides. The atmosphere here is calmer than the crowded central ghats.

Every morning, a small Ganga Aarti is performed here by priests and locals. The sunrise view from a boat at Assi Ghat — with the golden light falling on the ancient ghats — is something photographers and spiritual seekers return to Varanasi for again and again.

6. Kaal Bhairav Temple

Lord Kaal Bhairav is the guardian deity of Kashi — a fierce manifestation of Shiva who is believed to protect the city and its inhabitants. Visiting Kaal Bhairav Temple before any other temple in Varanasi is considered essential, as you need his permission to enter Kashi.

The temple is located in the narrow lanes of the old city. The idol of Kaal Bhairav is striking and powerful — black in colour, adorned with garlands and ornaments. The temple is always crowded but the darshan is quick.

Unique offering: Devotees offer sharab (liquor) to Kaal Bhairav — one of the very few temples in India where this practice is followed. The prasad is also unusual and distributed to devotees.

7. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Sankat Mochan — literally meaning "the remover of sufferings" — is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, believed to have been founded by the great saint-poet Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas. It is one of the most beloved temples in Varanasi, deeply connected to the Ramayan tradition.

The temple has a special significance for devotees of Lord Ram visiting from Ayodhya — as Hanuman Ji is the greatest devotee of Ram. The atmosphere here on Tuesday and Saturday is especially vibrant with bhajans and a constant flow of devotees.

Plan Your Ayodhya–Varanasi Pilgrimage with Us

Our Ayodhya–Varanasi 2-Day Package covers all 7 sites above, with comfortable AC transport, an experienced local guide, and the flexibility to go at your own pace. Starting at just ₹3,999 per person.

Call 9795846332 or WhatsApp us to book. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏