Varanasi Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India)

The winding alleyways around central Varanasi are filled with sights, sounds, character and many quality Indian tourist attractions. Boat trips along the River Ganga (Ganges) really do offer a very unique memory, passing countless impressive attractions along the route through central Varanasi.

Further city attractions include numerous Indian 'ghats', which are simply the series of steps which leads people down to the riverfront, with many of the city's most impressive being built at the request of wealthy leaders or maharajas. Tourists really should try and experience some of the ghats firsthand, since they can become an integral part of city life and something that the city has become well known for.

Cruises / River Trips

The majority of tourists actually choose to enjoy a cruise as early as 05:30 or 06:00 in the morning, when the dawn light is very special and the temperature pleasantly cool. Alternatively, sunset trips are also extremely popular attractions in their own right. One of the most popular boat trips offering in Varanasi heads south between the Dasaswamedh Ghat and the Harishchandra Ghat. Further boat trips are available and head past most of the ghats, including the Assi Ghat, where people often choose to be rowed to the Harishchandra. The rowing boats on offer tend to be small, usually taking no more than four passengers. Most cruises last around one hour and you should always bargain hard for the best price, which is usually hugely over inflated for tourists.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: charge, concessions

Ghats

There are many picture-postcard ghats lining the banks of the River Ganges in Varanasi and these have become major tourist attractions in their own rights. Locals and pilgrims regularly frequent the ghats, often coming down to the waterfront to bath and relax. However, tourists are not advised to bathe in the River Ganges, as the water quality is very poor, despite attempts to clean it up. Look out for the possible sight of a 'burning ghat', where bodies are actually cremated in full view, before their ashes are scattered in the actual river itself. Some of the most popular ghats within the city of Varanasi are as follows:

• Assi Ghat - a very popular spot, with some good shops, hotels and Internet cafes
• Bachraj Ghat - contains three very attractive Jain temples
• Dasaswamedh Ghat - one of the city's busiest ghat attractions and conveniently located within the centre of Varanasi, being just a stone's throw from Godaulia. There are a number of shrines and large statues alongside the riverfront
• Hanuman Ghat - one to look out for, with its attractions appealing to both locals and tourists alike
• Harishchandra Ghat - amongst the oldest of all the ghats in Varanasi and known for its cremations, including the son of Raja Harishchandra
• Kedar Ghat - a very bright and colourful place, with regular bathers and a shrine attracting South Indians and the Bengalis
• Mansarowar Ghat - constructed by the Raja Man Singh of Amber
• Meer Ghat - visitors come here on their way to a very noteworthy Nepali temple close by, where erotic sculptures await
• Munshi Ghat - a place of extreme beauty. It is well worth bringing your camera here
• Panchganga Ghat - dominated by the imposing Alamgir Mosque, where it is said that five rivers come together and converge
• Rham Ghat - built by the wealthy and influential Maharaja of Jaipur
• Scindhia Ghat - dating back to 1830 and originally so enormous and elaborate, that it actually collapsed into the Ganges, being rebuilt soon after
• Shivala Ghat - a rather plush spot, created by the Maharaja of Benares
• Someswar Ghat - also known as the 'Lord of the Moon Ghat' and known for its reputed healing properties

Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Man Mandir Observatory

Address: Man Mahal Palace, Man Mandir Ghat, Varanasi, India, IN
The Man Mandir Observatory is located within the Man Mandir Ghat, next to the Dashashvamedh Ghat and some 5 km / 3 miles from Varanasi train station. Part of the 17th-century Man Mahal Palace complex, the observatory was added in the late 1730s and enjoys impressive views across the River Ganges. The astronomical instruments are quite small, extremely old and very interesting, although the setting and adjacent hall remain the main attractions here. Often overlooked, the Man Mandir Observatory in usually very quiet and offers a peaceful spot, away from the crowds outside in the ghats.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: charge, concessions available, children under 15 years old are free