When I came to Varanasi from my hometown for studies, I thought it would be like any other place, but the crazy energy and playfulness that Varanasi has is not found anywhere else. I was very fond of travelling since childhood and travelling to Varanasi is something that always remains alive within me.
Walking through the streets, ghats and lanes of Varanasi, seeing hot jalebis and hot kachoris at the shops and seeing paan in the mouths of the people here makes me feel as if I am a local here.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Ganga Aarti at the ghats are very famous here. People from far and wide come here to travel and experience Varanasi.
SWARWVED MAHAMANDIR
Swarved Mahamandir, located in Umraha, Varanasi, is the world’s largest meditation center, inaugurated in December 2023 by PM Narendra Modi. Spanning 300,000 sq. ft across seven floors, it can accommodate 20,000 meditators and features 3,137 Swarved verses engraved on Makrana marble, a 125-petal lotus dome, 101 fountains, and intricately carved wooden doors. Named after the spiritual scripture Swarved by Sadguru Shri Sadafal Devji Maharaj, it offers meditation, yoga, and spiritual workshops in a serene environment. The temple is open 8:00 AM–9:00 PM in summer and 8:00 AM–8:00 PM in winter, with early morning meditation from 4:00–6:00 AM and evening sessions from 6:00–8:00 PM. Entry is free, modest attire is recommended, and photography is not allowed. Visitors can also explore the library, Gurukul, and Gaushala. The best time to visit is October to March, and it is easily accessible from Varanasi Junction or Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport.
TULSI MANAS
The Tulsi Manas Mandir is made of white marble and depicts the entire Ramayana as written by Valmiki. It is a three-story temple. On the first floor, we find idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, and a very beautiful hall made of white marble. On the second floor, there are beautiful sculptures and a 3D depiction of the Ramayana made of wood. Outside, there is a very beautiful park with various kinds of flowers.
The best time to visit the Tulsi Manas Mandir is during the day when everything is illuminated and the flowers and leaves sparkle in the sunlight.
he temple is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Sankat Mochan Road / Durgakund area, in the Bhelupur neighbourhood.
It was completed in 1964, built by the Sureka family (from Howrah / Kolkata region).
📍 Location: Near Durga Mandir, Varanasi
🕓 Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free
🌸 Best Time to Visit: October to March
KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE
Visiting Kashi Vishwanath was a beautiful and motherly experience for me. There is a mystical aura present in the temple which purifies even the sinful souls. Fragrant incense sticks or cold water falling on the white floor are present in every corner. After the darshan there, devotees often go to the ghat on Dussehra and take a bath in the Ganga and stay till evening to watch the Ganga Aarti. The best time to visit Vishwanath ji is in the evening or early morning.
Originally built centuries ago and reconstructed several times, the temple’s current structure was completed in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The temple’s gold-plated spire and dome, donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, shimmer under the sun, adding to its divine aura.
A visit to Kashi Vishwanath is believed to free one from all sins and grant moksha (liberation). Devotees often combine their temple visit with a dip in the Ganga at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most sacred rituals in Hinduism.
Location: Vishwanath Gali, near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi
Timings: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free (Special Darshan tickets available)
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or during Maha Shivratri for the grand celebrations
SARNATH
Sarnath is one of the 4 famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is known for Lord Buddha, who came to Sarnath from Bodh Gaya to preach his four noble truths. Sarnath is considered the birthplace of Buddhism, and monks, saints, and Buddhists from far and wide come here to worship Lord Buddha.
Speaking of architecture, Sarnath has several notable structures such as the Ashoka Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, the Archaeological Museum, the Deer Park, and many other things. The Ashoka Pillar was built by Emperor Ashoka. The museum houses numerous artifacts and ancient objects that bring history back to life, dating back to the time of Ashoka’s empire. The Deer Park here is also extremely beautiful and a very peaceful place. Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 (for Indian visitors) Best Time to Visit: November to February
Sarnath beautifully blends history, spirituality, and serenity — a must-visit destination for anyone seeking inner peace and a deeper connection to India’s spiritual roots