Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the entire world, and it provides a unique, sacred, and enriched cultural experience that can best be enjoyed in just a day. Be it spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, or those just curious, Varanasi is a place that welcomes all types of travelers. Some places to visit in Varanasi in 1 day include the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the serene Assi Ghat, and the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat, where you can witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. Utterly famous for its colorful ghats, ancient, monumental temples, and spiritual atmosphere, Varanasi is the kind of place that is so vibrant, alive, and full of devotion. This one-day trip through Varanasi will give you a perfect opportunity to experience the rich culture and spirituality, whether you travel on a budget or prefer something more immersive.
Top Places To Visit In Varanasi In 1 Day: A Perfect Trip Guide
The top places to visit in Varanasi in 1 day are the indescribably alluring locations, delivering an eternal experience that is full of spirituality and culture. As this holy city with its sacred gats, historic temples, and colorful streets depicts, you can see the vivid picture of the timeless traditions of India. If the purpose of your visit is a spiritual retreat or cultural adventure, Varanasi is the perfect destination for a one-day journey.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is one of the most sacred places in the Hindu world and one of the must-visit ones. The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a very important spiritual center that attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The golden spire of the temple is its unique feature, and the sanctum has one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
Location: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
Entry Fee: Free (Special darshan options available)
Timings: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
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Dashashwamedh Ghat is the brightest and most lively ghat among all in Varanasi. Vibrant Ganga Aarti in the evening is a big attraction here. The ghat’s name comes from a myth where Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses here. The Aarti ceremony is held daily, and it is interesting to see how it draws people from all over the world.
Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open all day (Ganga Aarti: 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM)
3. Assi Ghat
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Assi Ghat, located at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi rivers, is a peaceful place that is liked by both the locals and visitors. A yoga lesson or a boat ride at dawn would be a beautiful way to start your bamboo day. A peaceful environment provides interactions with nature and invites help to our minds to find peace and clarity.
Location: Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open all day
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4. Sarnath
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Sarnath is one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage sites where the Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. The site consists of ancient stupas, the Ashoka Pillar, and the Sarnath Museum, which contains a large collection of e.g., Buddhist artifacts and sculptures.
Location: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India
Entry Fee: INR 25 (Approx.)
Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
5. Manikarnika Ghat
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Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, where burning dead bodies is the foremost kind of activity. It attains deep inner importance because it is said that people whose corpses are cremated on this ghat gain moksha (freedom) from life’s bondage. Manikarnika Ghat shows the connection of the cycle of life to death and life.
Location: Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open all day
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6. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
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Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is one of the oldest and most attractive institutes of higher learning in the country. The large campus contains multiple points of interest, like the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which displays a vast collection of Indian art and metalware.
Location: Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Museum)
7. Tulsi Manas Temple
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Tulsi Manas Temple, constructed in 1964, or Lord Rama Temple is the temple dedicated to Lord Rama. This particular temple is of utmost importance as it is the very place where the saint-poet Tulsidas wrote the epic ‘Ramcharitmanas’. The temple walls have poetic excerpts from this classic.
Location: Tulsi Manas Temple, Sankat Mochan Rd, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
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8. Ramnagar Fort
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Ramnagar Fort is a historical fort that sits on the eastern bank of the Ganges and was built by the Maharaja of Varanasi in the 18th century. Besides, the fort’s museum offers a great collection of antique cars, royal costumes, and medieval weapons, as well as a rich collection of manuscripts.
Location: Ramnagar Fort, Ramnagar, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221008, India
Entry Fee: INR 20 (Approx.)
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
9. Durga Temple (Durga Kund Mandir)
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Durga Temple, or Durga Kund Mandir, as it is called, is a centuries-old temple that is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple’s beacon-like red color and the stunning view of the nearby pond make it a very picturesque site. The temple is a popular place for pilgrims, especially during the Navratri festival.
Location: Durga Temple, Durga Kund Rd, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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Best Time To Visit Varanasi
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Varanasi is one of the oldest and most religious cities in India. It can be traveled anytime throughout the year, but each season has its characteristics. It depends on what someone would like to encounter in this city which is considered to be the spiritual one.
Winter (October to March): It is during winter that attractions by far receive the most visitors due to their cool climatic conditions, with temperatures between 5 °C and 15 °C. Thus, it is possible to visit ghats, temples, and markets during a tour, and the climate is cool and pleasant. Unlike during the day, you do not have to worry about the heat while catching a glimpse of the well-known Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Winter is also the most favorable for the boat ride on the Ganges River, as it contributes a lot to feeling the spiritually energetic environment of Varanasi.
Monsoon (July to September): Monsoon season in Varanasi is moderate to heavy rains. This is the time when the city is full of green forestation and the Ganges River is at its best flooded with water. However, the region receives heavy rainfall, and this can lead to waterlogging in the area, hence not very suitable for touring because of the beautiful view. As such, the monsoon remains a beautiful season in which there is relatively low traffic and a rather magical feeling around the ghats. If you fancy the monsoon rains, then this could be the best time to visit the country.
Summer (April to June): The climate of Varanasi is extreme, and especially summer is very hot and dry, and the temperature ranges between 25 c to 45 c. Visiting the city, especially its attractions, may be a problem because of high temperatures. Though it doubles the temperature and the crowds are at their minimum, it is time to go visit the temples and the ghats leisurely. It is advised that most of the outdoor activities be done in the early morning and in the evening in the summer. However, this state can be enjoyed if one can put up with the heat; it is less of a hurried city as compared to other times of the year.
You May Also Like To Read: Things To Do In Varanasi
If you are thinking about a trip to Varanasi and want to know what can be seen in this ancient city, use this guide. Get the exciting places to visit in Varanasi in 1 day where the culture, history of the country, and traditions of Indian people are blended. If you have a desire to perform rituals at Kashi Vishwanath temple, enjoy a ride on the river Ganges at dawn, or watch spell-bounding Ganga Aarti, Varanasi is the place that offers you such experiences of a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Varanasi In 1 Day
What are the main attractions for a one-day visit in Varanasi?
Fascinating places are temples, ghats, Sarnath, and Manikarnika Ghat; Kashi Vishwanath Temple; and Dashashwamedh Ghat. All the places represent the spiritual and cultural diversities that exist in the city.
What is a good way to access Varanasi?
Varanasi by air—Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport—and by rail—Varanasi Junction. Both of them afford direct communications to the city.
When is the most appropriate time to visit Varanasi?
Traveling to Varanasi is possible throughout the year, but the most suitable season to travel and explore the city is during winter, which is from October to March. This is perhaps the best time to go out sightseeing and have other outdoor activities.
Is it allowed to take a boat ride in the Ganges River?
Indeed, boat cruises are pleasant, as are the ways of observing the Ganges ghats in Allahabad-L Dumitrescu. Especially in the morning when it is still dark up to the time for sunrise or before dawn, one can have astonishing views and rides.
What kinds of food should I eat while in Varanasi?
You can taste local items such as chaat, kachori sabzi, lassi, and Banarasi paan for a more real-time tour experience. This food reflects the modern style of street food of Varanasi.
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