Varanasi is the land of extremes – from innumerable ghats and their larger-than-life rituals to colorful bylanes – this city of life (Kashi) has a history like no other. It is one of the oldest inhabited places in the world and, as one of the seven holy cities of Hindus, has to be seen once to be mesmerized by its magic. Most people agree that a different world exists within Varanasi, and though it takes some time to make sense of it, it is inviting. Visitors, priests, shopkeepers, and even the roadside barbers – everyone has their own charm.

For those of you coming to the city to witness its grandeur, don’t forget to check out these places:

Ghats: Spiritually majestic and extremely photogenic, the ghats are the lifeblood of Varanasi. From birth to puberty, marriage, children, and even death, every single stage of a human’s evolution has a dedicated ritual here. The city has numerous ghats, some of which can be a little dirty. We advise seeking help from a local, who can organize a visit to a cleaner, less populated ghat and even get you comfortable seats to witness the daily aarti.

The Grand Ganga: The Ganga offers a whole different view of Varanasi. You can hire one of the boats to cross the river, listen to the boat rowers singing prayers and folk songs, and feel the vibrations of the environment changing you from within. Watching the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat from the water is an experience of a lifetime.

Sarnath: The place of the first sermon of Buddha after his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Sarnath presents a holistic view of history. It is a very peaceful place where you can sit quietly and try meditation. Besides the famous Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath has old temples that you can view in 2-3 hours. The entry fee is ?100.

Evening Puja at Dashashwamedh Ghat: This ghat needs no introduction. For decades, people from different countries have visited Dashashwamedh to get a glimpse of India’s traditions and culture. The ghat gets an enormous footfall on an average day, but despite that, no one seems to have any complaints. The aarti begins at 6:00 pm, but try to arrive a little earlier to get a good seat.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Being a place of historical importance, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple experiences a huge rush every day. However, the security and maintenance arrangements are up to the mark and very impressive. When visiting, beware of the local pundits and pundas who claim to take you through an inside road for a quick darshan. The temple opens its gates to ticket holders daily at 2:30 a.m. General Darshan is allowed from 4:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the second aarti performed at 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. From 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m., devotees are free to have darshan. The last aarti is performed at 10:30 p.m.

Banaras Hindu University: One of the oldest and largest residential universities in Asia, BHU offers short and long-term courses on many interesting subjects. The university’s campus can be visited on any working day (Monday – Friday) between 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. to get a feel for life here. It can be reached easily by hiring an auto or taxi, and within the university, you can find rickshaws for commuting. One of the best things about BHU is the numerous small eating joints that serve anything from chicken curry to desi paranthas.

Assi Ghat: One of the cleanest areas of Varanasi to sit, eat, or simply walk, it is located on the southern side. To most people, it is where foreign students and researchers can be seen discussing everything from the latest scientific inventions to world politics. However, the finest point of visiting Assi Ghat is the freedom to enjoy local and western delicacies side by side.

The Art Galleries: Run by enthusiastic people who call themselves friends from the last birth, Varanasi boasts some of the finest places to find handicrafts. Kriti Art Gallery, Banaras Art Gallery, and Mehta Art Gallery offer an elusive peek into the work of local artists. Other than their shops here, much of the work from these galleries is sold through exhibitions in India and abroad.

Archaeological Museum: An ancient but very renowned museum, you can see the Ashok Chakra and the Ashok Stambha here. Though the Chakra has lost most of its pieces over time, the Stambha still stands tall to mark the pride of the age in which it was built. Of all the places in Varanasi, this should definitely not be missed. You can also buy souvenirs from nearby shops to remind yourself of your trip later. Photography is strictly not allowed inside the walls, and it takes around 40-50 minutes to see the entire campus.

Durga Temple: The Goddess Durga has been the center of worship for Hindus for a very long time now. This temple is built to honor the mightiness of the Goddess. Built in the 18th century, it’s made of red stones and is a great example of Nagara Art. It can be comfortably reached in an auto or taxi from the railway or bus station and is located on the road to BHU.

Sightseeing Tours: To see Varanasi in its true spirit, you need a local guide. From temples to ghats and religious rituals, there are so many activities to see and places to visit that visitors often get overwhelmed. Many walking tour operators are available in the city to take you through the past, present, and expected future of Varanasi.

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