Top Places for Art and Cultural Activities in Varanasi

A trip to Varanasi cannot be complete without understanding its rich heritage. The art and cultural activities in Varanasi will give you an insight into the city's history, traditions, and artwork. While visiting the cultural attractions in Varanasi would prove to be informative, attending its artsy events will leave you entertained. From cultural performances to historical monuments that give you a glimpse of the past, take a look at this list to know Varanasi better. Include these in attractions in your itinerary for Varanasi and have a great vacation.

Check the list of top places for art and culture in Varanasi:

  1. Sarnath

    Religious Site, Observatory, Statue

    An old Buddhist story tells us the Bodhisattva is a deer and offers his life to the king. The king was planning to kill the doe for his feast. He was so moved that he created a park as a sanctuary for deer. Sarnath from Saranganath means “lord of the Deer”. Sarnath is a city located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi. It is near the confluence of the Ganges and the Gomati rivers i...Read more
  2. Dashashwasmedh Ghat

    4.6 (1675 Votes)
    Dashashwasmedh Ghat

    Religious Site, Outdoors, Water Body, Landmark

    The sound of the conch is a call for prayers. Come to the Dasaswamedh Ghat to rejoice in the Agni Puja. Young priests in saffron coloured dhotis starts the aarti by chanting mantras and songs. They light up brass lamps and incense sticks next to the puja thali.  This aarti is a dedication to Lord Shiva, River Ganges, Surya, (sun) Agni (fire) and the whole universe. Dashashwasmedh Ghat is o...Read more
  3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    4.7 (1293 Votes)
    Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, View Point

    Feel close to God when you are in a temple. Feel blessed to be there and carry this closeness when you return home to your everyday life. Your presence at the temple will give you a clearer sense of purpose and peace. Visit and revel in the history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and receive spiritual perspective. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also known as the Golden Temple dedicated to th...Read more
  4. Kaal Bhairav Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    Come out of your worldly difficulties. Your mind is heavy with problems which is crucial. Who can you share them with? Where can you find peace? You cannot think or see clearly at home and you need attention. Enter Kaal Bhairav Temple, the dust of disturbance will be lifted. The fog and haze you are in will settle. You will find a path that did not exist before, find solutions to unanswered que...Read more
  5. Manikarnika Ghat

    4.5 (1561 Votes)
    Manikarnika Ghat

    Religious Site, Water Body

    Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation Ghat of Varanasi. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred Ghats in Benaras. According to the Hindu mythology, being burned here provides an instant doorway to freedom from the cycle of births and rebirths. It is believed Lord Vishnu meditated here for many years and left his footprints in a circular marble slab. According to mythology Lord Vi...Read more
  6. Assi Ghat

    Religious Site, Water Body

    It was a joyous moment for Goddess Durga. She triumphantly killed the demon Shumba-Nishumba. And to mark her victory she threw her sword in the Assi River. The place where the sword fell resulted in a big stream, known as Assi River. This was then known as Assi Ghat. Assi ghat is described as Saimbeda Tirtha. This means that if you take a dip in the waters here, even once, all your sins will be...Read more
  7. Durga Temple

    4.5 (1413 Votes)
    Durga Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    The Durga temple was constructed in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani but in a North Indian style. The temple has a rectangular tank of water called the Durga Kund meaning a pond or pool. The pond has stone stairs on all sides and a watch pillar at each corner. It has multi-tiered spires and is red in colour, representing the colour of Durga. The Kund was connected to the river thus the ri...Read more
  8. Bharat Mata Temple

    4.3 (1153 Votes)
    Bharat Mata Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    The Bharat Mata Temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. This is the only temple dedicated to Mother India and is within the campus of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth. This shrine houses a map of undivided India carved out of marble with plains, mountains, and oceans. Mahatma Gandhi hoped this temple would serve as a cosmopolitan table for all Indian...Read more
  9. Nepali Temple

    4.5 (1169 Votes)
    Nepali Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Outdoors

    Nepali architecture is a unique strain of art and pragmatism. Nepal is situated in between trade routes from India to Tibet and China. Therefore Nepali architecture has been influenced by these cultures. The Nepali Temple in Varanasi is a replica of the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. There is evidence to suggest that the land was actually transferred by the ruler of Varanasi to the N...Read more
  10. Harishchandra Ghat

    Religious Site, Temple, Water Body

    A man bound by duty, resilience, and honesty, a king in more ways than one. Such a man was King Harishchandra. He was the 36th king of the Solar system. His fable is very popular and taken as a yardstick for an ideal life. His name meant having golden splendour. He never took back his word and never uttered a lie in his life. This was tested heavily in his life that led to destitution and separ...Read more
  11. Panchganga Ghat

    Religious Site, Water Body, Landmark

    Inspiring and tranquil, a wonderful combination for nirvana. Let spirituality lure you to Panchganga Ghat where the rivulets Dhutapapa and Kirana join the mythical confluence of the Yamuna, Sarasvati and the Ganga. The rivulet Dhutapapa which means Cleansed of Sin and Kirana, Sun’s Ray will enlighten your spirit. The five sanctified rivers meet at Panchganga Ghat making this place holy. I...Read more
  12. Sankat Mochan Temple

    4.7 (995 Votes)
    Sankat Mochan Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    Lord Hanuman is a Hindu god and an ardent devotee of Rama. If you dedicate yourself to Lord Hanuman, he will protect you from the anger of planet Saturn. People have ill placed Saturn in their horoscope and to remedy this visit Sankat Mochan Temple. This temple is devoted to the avatar of the divinity who removes all difficulties and sufferings. It is believed that temple has been built on the ...Read more
  13. Narad Ghat

    4.3 (1208 Votes)
    Narad Ghat

    Religious Site, Water Body

    Narada was a celestial sage. He practised sage hood and linked it to self-cultivation and strived for balance. He believed in harmony and human perfection. He dedicated his life into finding a balance between himself and other human beings. He wanted the greater order of things. He emerged from the forehead of Lord Brahma, the Creator. Hindu mythology tells us how he chanted the name Narayana, ...Read more
  14. Golden Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Entertainment

    The Golden Temple in Varanasi, India is a pious Hindu temple. This is a Viswanath temple, very frequently visited by the Hindu tourists in the city. This temple is very famous for its Aarti as well. This is one experience you will cherish forever in life. Make sure to visit the temple early in the morning due to fast growing queue later in the day. No electronic gadgets like a camera and mobile...Read more
  15. Munshi Ghat

    4.4 (1 Vote)
    Munshi Ghat

    Religious Site

    Just beside the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat is the Munshi Ghat in Varanasi. This Ghat is also very scenic in view and holds historical architectures in the background. You will be delighted by the atmosphere here early in the morning. With the rising sun and River Ganga in the front, you will be immersed in spirituality. This place is not very far, and you may also get good deals on boat rides on...Read more