Varanasi Landmarks, Temples and Monuments

(Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India)



Photo of the Benares Hindu University (BHU)The various landmarks located within Varanasi are very distinctive in their appearance and most come in the form of grand Indian temples, often close to the riverfront ghats. The most noteworthy of these religious landmarks include Varanasi's Bharat Mata, the Durga and the extremely famous Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple), which is partly covered in shiny golden.

Varanasi has long been an important city of learning, and the Benares (Banaras) Hindu University is at the very centre of this tradition, being amongst the most important landmarks of its kind. Founded in 1917 as an important centre for Indian education in the fields of art, music and also for studying Sanskrit.


Further picture of the Benares Hindu University (BHU)

Benares Hindu University (BHU)

Benares Hindu University has grown to accommodate around 15,000 students today and now covers some five square kilometres / two square miles in total. The campus offers a very green and relaxed feeling, with tree-lined streets and plenty of open spaces. Landmarks here include the Bharat Kala Museum and also the New Vishwanath Temple, which is particularly notable as it actively welcome all visitors, regardless of religious belief.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Bharat Mata Temple

Address: Vidyapeeth Road, Varanasi, India, IN
Bharat Mata Temple was constructed as recently as 1918 and is dedicated to 'Mother India'. The temple is known for its rather unique marble relief map of India, which resides inside and clearly show the various mountains and oceans which come together to make up landscape. Bharat Mata Temple is easy to find, being situated within the campus of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth. Interesting, the inauguration ceremony in 1936 involved none others than Mahatma Gandhi himself.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: charge, concessions

Durga Temple photo (Monkey Temple)

Durga Temple (Monkey Temple)

Address: Durgakund Road, Varanasi, India, IN
Durga Temple may be relatively small is size certainly is eye-catching, being one of Varanasi's most important of all its historical landmarks. Dedicated to the Goddess Durga, the temple date back to the 18th century and is stained in a red ochre colour. The architecture is typically North Indian Nagara in style and boasts a tall multi-tiered spire (sikhara). Also going by the name of the Monkey Temple, due to the unmistakable presence of inquisitive monkeys, the inner sanctum of the Durga Temple is only open to Hindus, although all visitors are welcome to explore the courtyard.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple)

Address: Lalita Ghat, Varanasi, India, IN
Close to the Lalita Ghat, the city's Nepali Temple is a prominent golden Hindi landmark boasting some truly detailed woodwork, which really stands out as being quite exceptional. The craftsman who created these wonderful carvings originated from Nepal, hence the structure being aptly named as the Nepali Temple. Visitors should look out for the monkeys, which can regularly be seen strutting around the roof and enjoying the sunshine wherever possible.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Vishwanath Temple image (Golden Temple)

Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

The Vishwanath Temple is definitely amongst the most visited and noteworthy of all the Hindi landmarks in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Vishveswara. It is also widely referred to as the 'Golden Temple', since 50 years after its completion in 1776, no less than 800 kg of gold was used to cover the dome and tower above, giving this Shiva temple a rather distinctive appearance. Lying within the very heart of the city centre, the Vishwanath Temple is to be found on the western bank of the River Ganges. Many religious Hindi ceremonies are staged here, often lasting well into the night.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Tulsi Manas Temple

Address: Durgakund Road, Varanasi, India, IN
The Tulsi Manas Temple is situated just a short stroll from the Durga Temple and is fairly modern in appearance, being built of white marble as recently as the sixties. This appealing Varanasi landmark contains two-tier walls, which features detailed engravings of various religious scenes, including a number taken from the ancient Hindi book, the Ram Charit Manas (Tulsi Ramayan). Outside, the surrounding gardens have been landscaped sympathetically and add to the overall impact.
Open hours: daily - 06:30 to 11:30, 15:00 to 21:00
Admission: free