As one of India’s holiest cities and a religious center, it is home to a number of temples, each of which is unique in terms of architecture and the range of deities it houses. Check out the famous temples & cafes In Varanasi for a place of worship and spiritual retreat.
Banaras
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is an Indian city known for its temples. It is known for its beautiful and magnificent temples. Thousands of devotees go from all over the world to visit the city. Take a look at some of the city’s most well-known temples.
Varanasi is the country’s spiritual capital. Since the birth of civilization, it has been the home of Hinduism, which has grown and flourished there. People think that God created this city specifically for them to live in. People constructed various temples along the Ganges’ ghats as civilization progressed. The little town of Banaras (Varanasi) has accumulated around 2000 temples and religious constructions over the years.
List of famous temples & cafes In Varanasi
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Only Jyotirlinga In Uttar Pradesh
The famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple would not be missing from any list of attractions to visit in Varanasi. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and has been mentioned in the holy scriptures. The current construction of the temple is made up of a number of smaller shrines in the Vishwanath Galli.
Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 3 am – 11 am, 12:30 pm – 08 pm, & 09 pm – 11 pm Famous For: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas Built-In: 1777 Built By: Rani Ahilyabai Holkar
2. Tulsi Manas Temple – Where Ramcharitmanas Was Written
The Tulsi Manas Temple, where Tulsidas penned the Hindu epic Ramayana in an Awadhi dialect of Hindi, is one of Varanasi’s major tourist attractions. The Birla family funded the temple, which was built in white marble in 1964. The walls of the mandir are carved with verses and scenes from the Ramcharitmanas.
Address: Sankat Mochan Rd, Durgakund Rd, Near Jalan, Varanasi, 221005
Timings: 5 am – 12 pm & 04 pm – 09 pm Famous For: The ancient Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas Built-In: 1964 Built By: Sureka Family of Howrah
3. Durga Temple – The Fabled Old World Legend
This mandir, often known as the monkey temple, is one of the fabled locations to visit in Varanasi. The temple was built by a Bengali Maharani in the 18th century and is painted crimson with ochre. The idol of Goddess Durga in the temple is said to have appeared on its own, rather than being built. If you’re seeking things to do in Varanasi in two days, this is a must-see attraction.
Address: 27, Durgakund Rd, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Timings: 5 am – 11 pm Famous For: Dedicated to Maa Durga Built-In: 18th century Built By: Rani Bhabani of Natore
Varanasi (Banaras)- History & Facts, How to reach
4. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
This temple, which is located on the banks of the Assi River, is one of Varanasi’s most popular tourist attractions. This temple is well-known not only for its spirituality but also for its historical significance. The temple, which was built in the 1900s by the well-known freedom warrior Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, is visited by Hanuman and Lord Rama followers.
Address: B41/140-B-1-P, Bhogabeer Colony, behind Sankat Mochan Mandir, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Timings: 8 am – 7 pm Famous For: Situated on the banks of Assi River Built-In: 18th century Built By: Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya
5. Nepali Temple – Feel The Essence Of Lord Shiva
This temple is among the ancient temple in Varanasi, the sacred city. The temple is dedicated to the great Lord Shiva, is one of the city’s best 19th-century masterpieces. It is similar to the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, which was founded by the King of Nepal. Apart from its religious significance, the architecture of this temple draws a large number of visitors, making it one of the most popular Varanasi attractions.
Address: near Lalita Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours Famous For: One of the oldest Shiva temples Built-In: 1843 Built By: Rana Bahadur Shah & Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah Deva
6. Chinese Temple – Dedicated To Lord Buddha
This temple is devoted to Lord Buddha is known as a Chinese Temple. It is designed in the Chinese architectural style and is primarily painted in various tones of red and yellow. The front is plain, but the interior is lavishly and exquisitely adorned. The meditation hall is spacious and calm, with a spiritual aura around you.
Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Timings: 8 am – 6 pm Famous For: Dedicated to Lord Buddha Built-In: 1939 Built By: Chinese devotees
7. Tibetan Temple – Marvel At The Tibetan Architecture
Lord Buddha taught his followers the four truths of existence at this beautiful temple with Tibetan architecture. Visit this temple and be amazed by the Buddhist paintings that grace the building’s walls. Another unique element of the temple is the prayer wheel, which when revolved clockwise releases strips of paper with chants written on them.
Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Timings: NA Famous For: Soothing ambience, Religious purpose, Spiritual Built-In: NA Built By: Tibetan Monks
8. Batuk Bhairav Mandir – Temple With Healing Powers
The temple is a center of devotion for Aghoris and Tantriks, as well as a source of tremendous energy, positive vibes, and religious significance. Batuk Bhairav, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, is honored. The light, which is claimed to have healing abilities, is another unique aspect of the shrine.
Address: Rathyatra Kamachha Rd, Near Kashirag Apartment, Maharana Pratap Colony, Gurubagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Timings: 4 am – 10:00 pm Famous For: Religious activities Built-In: 17th century Built By: NA
9. Bharat Mata Mandir – Worship Mother India
As the name implies, it is a one-of-a-kind temple dedicated to our motherland, Mother India. This temple is unique in that it is not dedicated to anyone god or lord. A relief map of India engraved in marble may be found in the temple. Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta, a liberation fighter, was the inspiration for the temple.
Address: Vidyapeeth Road, Cantt Road Lalapura, Chanuwasatti Chandua Chittupur, Guru Nanak Nagar Colony, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 7 am – 5:30 pm Famous For: A huge map of undivided India carved in marble Built-In: 1936 Built By: Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta
Best Cafes In Varanasi
You may take a break from the exhausting sightseeing and exploring the town by visiting one of these excellent cafes in Varanasi, which serve mouthwatering dishes while offering dreamlike views of Varanasi’s ghats.
1. Brown Bread Bakery
The Brown Bread Bakery is City’s First Organic Bakery, located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, is a rooftop restaurant popular for its European Breakfast buffet. This cafe’s organic shop sells exquisite cheese, biscuits, and cakes, making it one of Varanasi’s most famous tourist destinations. It is frequently visited by both Indians and foreigners.
Address: D 25/42 Ganga Mahal, Bangali Tola Rd, Pandey Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 7 am – 10 pm Average cost for two: INR 500
2. Lotus Lounge
The Lotus Lounge is a lovely, peaceful venue placed right over Mansarovar Ghat where you will find The Most Famous Terrace Lounge, making it one of the best Varanasi tourist attractions. Their terrace, which is furnished with lounge cushions and tatami mats, is a beautiful location to unwind after a day spent soaking in the ambiance of Banaras. While sipping your Hot Chocolate, sit here and think about eternity.
Address: Sonarpura Rd Below Lotus Lounge Restaurant, Manasarowar Ghat, Manasarowar, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 8:30 am – 10 pm Average cost for two: INR 600
3. Open Hand Shop & Cafe
The Open Hand Shop & Cafe, located near Assi Ghat, is a popular tourist attraction in Varanasi. The best thing about this cafe is its newly renovated environment and furniture and A Lively Modern Space, which make it an ideal hangout spot. The Open Hand Shop & Cafe, which sells fascinating handicrafts manufactured by the local people, is widely visited by foreign tourists.
Address: B1/128-3 Assi ghat Road Opp Sparrow Cafe Dumraun, Assi – Lanka Rd, Bagh Colony, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Timings: 8:30 am – 10 pm Average cost for two: INR 450
Nearest Tourist Places to visit in Varanasi
While there are many locations to see in Varanasi, here is a selection of places to visit for a day trip or a short journey around the city.
1. Gyan Vapi Well – The Well Of Knowledge
The Gyan Vapi well is located within the Gyanvapi Mosque, which was built on the site of the collapsed Kashi Vishwanath Temple by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It was one of the most important and nicest locations to visit in Varanasi because it houses the Shiva lingam.
Address: 31-24, Gyanvapi Main Road, Lahori Tola, Gyanvapi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours Famous For: Religious purpose, Spiritual Built-In: 1664 Built By: Aurangzeb
2. Ramnagar Fort & Museum – The Mughal Era Fort
The Ramnagar Fort, situated across the Tulsi Ghat, is an 18th-century collapsing ruin in need of restoration. The crimson sunset is seen from inside its courtyard, though, is incentive enough to put Ramnagar Fort on your list of things to do in Varanasi. This vintage museum on this old rampart is known for its rare collection of old American cars, ivory sculptures, medieval costumes, and a massive astronomical clock. When planning a trip to Varanasi, don’t forget to include this location in your itinerary!
Address: Ram nagar, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221008
Timings: 10 am – 05:30 pm Famous For: Sightseeing, Photography Built-In: 1750 Built By: Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh
3. Chunar Fort – A Spooky Little Rampart
The Chunar Fort, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur region, is around 23 kilometers southwest of Varanasi and is undoubtedly one of the top Varanasi viewing experiences. Chunar’s earliest recorded history is from the 16th century when it was home to a Mughal emperor’s garrison, Babar. Some of his soldiers’ graves are still revered here. The fort is considered divinely blessed and is one of the most popular day-trip destinations in and near Varanasi.
Address: Tammanpatti, Uttar Pradesh 231304
Address: Tammanpatti, Uttar Pradesh 231304 Timings: 8 am – 5 pm Famous For: Historic, Sightseeing, Phootgraphy Built-In: 1029 Built By: King Sahadeo
4. Sarnath – The Famed Historical Ruins
Sarnath is located 13 kilometers northeast of Varanasi, is one of India’s most famous Buddhist pilgrimages, and will provide you with the best Varanasi sightseeing experience. After squeezing their way through Kashi’s agitated ghats and gullies, it’s a popular site to visit around Varanasi for those seeking quiet and isolation. The Buddha came to Sarnath in search of his former colleagues after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya, and thus gave his first speech here. Sarnath is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Varanasi. The Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins, the Archaeological Museum, the Chaukhandi Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Chinese & Thai Temple and Monastery are all popular tourist attractions in Sarnath.
Address: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Timings: Always open Famous For: Historical ruins, Sightseeing, Photography Built-In: 300 BC Built By: Emperor Ashoka
Best shopping Places in Banaras
- Godowlia Market
- Chowk & Vishwanath Gali
- The Banaras Silk Emporium
- Shri Gandhi Ashram Khadi Bhandar
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