Kashi

Certainly, Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is an ancient city overflowing with spiritual significance and cultural treasures. Here are some additional must-visit places to add to your itinerary, beyond the popular tourist spots:

• Manikarnika Ghat: A cremation ghat, Manikarnika is one of the most sacred places in Varanasi. Hindus believe that cremation here grants liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Rituals are performed here 24/7, and witnessing them can be a deeply moving experience. Keep in mind that photography is not allowed here.

  

  Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi

• Panchganga Ghat: Considered especially holy, Panchganga Ghat is the confluence of five rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Dhutpapa, and Kirana. Taking a dip here is believed to wash away sins. Pilgrims also perform puja (worship rituals) here.

  

  Panchganga Ghat, Varanasi

• Assi Ghat: The southernmost ghat on the Ganges, Assi Ghat is known for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic beauty. It’s a great place to people-watch, take a boat ride, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. You can also find yoga sessions and meditation classes offered here.

  

  Assi Ghat, Varanasi

• Sarnath: Located about 10 kilometers from Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Here, Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Sarnath is home to several Buddhist monasteries, temples, and stupas, including the Dhamek Stupa, which marks the place where Buddha preached his first sermon.

  

  Dhamek Stupa, Varanasi

• Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century, the Jantar Mantar is one of the five such observatories he built in India. The observatory instruments are architectural wonders and were used to measure the movement of the sun, moon, and stars.

  

  Jantar Mantar, Varanasi

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Established in 1916, BHU is one of the largest residential universities in Asia. The sprawling campus is home to numerous temples, museums, and gardens. Visitors can take a heritage walk around the campus to admire the architecture and learn about the university’s history.

  

  Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

• Tulsi Manas Mandir: A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama, the Tulsi Manas Mandir is known for its seven domes and its depiction of the Ramayana, the Hindu epic, on its walls.

  

  Tulsi Manas Mandir, Varanasi

• Ramnagar Fort: Located on the opposite bank of the Ganges from Varanasi, Ramnagar Fort is a 17th-century fort that now houses a museum. The museum collection includes royal artifacts, weapons, and a fascinating collection of vintage cars. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges to get a view of the fort.

  

  Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi

• Seva Kunj and Nidhuban: These are revered sites located near Varanasi. Seva Kunj is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna and Radha Rani used to meet. Nidhuban is a sacred forest with numerous groves planted by devotees. Legend has it that the trees here dance mysteriously at night.

  

  Seva Kunj, Varanasi

• ISKCON Vrindavan: ISKCON, or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is a renowned organization promoting Krishna consciousness. The temple complex in Vrindavan, though not technically in Kashi, is a vast and impressive structure, featuring a large temple hall, gardens, and guest houses.

  

  ISKCON Vrindavan

Adding these hidden gems to your itinerary will allow you to experience the rich tapestry of Kashi beyond the well-trodden tourist path.

• • Manikarnika Ghat: Manikarnika Ghat is the most famous cremation ghat in Varanasi. Hindus believe that cremation here grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Visitors can watch the cremation ceremonies from a distance, but photography is not allowed.
    

    Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi

• Assi Ghat: Assi Ghat is a popular ghat located at the southern end of Varanasi. It is a good place to relax and watch the world go by. Visitors can also take a boat ride from here or go for a walk along the Ganges River.
  

  Assi Ghat, Varanasi
• Sarnath: Located about 10 kilometers from Varanasi, Sarnath is the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Sarnath is a major Buddhist pilgrimage destination and is home to several Buddhist temples and monasteries.
  

  Sarnath, Varanasi

These are just a few of the many sightseeing places in Kashi (Varanasi). With its rich history, spiritual significance, and unique culture, Kashi is a city that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.