Sightseeing in Varanasi: Ghats, Sarnath, Ramnagar

October 18, 2026

The main sights of Varanasi sit in four clusters: the river and old city, the south around the university, Sarnath outside the city and Ramnagar across the water. Many are active places of worship, so go quietly, cover shoulders and knees, and take shoes off when asked. Prices are in Indian rupees (INR, about 95 to the US dollar), and fees and hours change.

Old city and river

Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Corridor. The corridor, opened in December 2021, connects the temple to Lalita Ghat. Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt the temple in 1780, and Ranjit Singh paid for the gold plating in the 1830s. The temple stays open from 03:00 to 23:00, and general entry is free. Phones, cameras, gadgets and pens must stay in the free lockers. The queue-skip Sugam Darshan is INR 300, and a foreign darshan ticket at the head-office help desk is INR 600, with the original passport. Gate staff control entry to the sanctum, so follow their instructions. The trust FAQ lists the rules.

The ghats. Most people see them at sunrise from the steps or from a boat. Manikarnika and Harishchandra are working cremation grounds, and visitors keep away, stay silent and do not use cameras. Refuse anyone who offers a rooftop viewing for money. The Ganga is polluted, so do not bathe in it or drink it, and from July to September check that boats are running.

South of the city

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Linked with the poet Tulsidas, and home to monkeys, so keep bags closed.

Durga Mandir. In Durgakund, in the south of the city near the university and Assi. A red temple from the 18th century beside a kund. It is a long way from Manikarnika.

Banaras Hindu University. The New Vishwanath (Birla) Temple was built from 1931 to 1966 and has a 77 m spire. Everyone is welcome, entry is free, shoes come off and photography is not allowed. Hours vary by source. The Bharat Kala Bhavan museum on the campus closes on Sundays at least, so confirm its hours first.

Rajghat Study Centre. A Krishnamurti Foundation centre on the river at Rajghat with a library and bookshop that day visitors may use.

Sarnath

About 10 km from the ghats. UNESCO inscribed Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath on 25 July 2026. The park includes the Dhamek and Dharmarajika stupas, the Ashoka pillar remains and the Chaukhandi Stupa from 1588. The Lion Capital of Ashoka is in the museum, which is open 10:00 to 17:00 and closed on Fridays. Fees are not officially confirmed, so ask at the gate. The UNESCO article covers the inscription.

Ramnagar

Maharaja Balwant Singh built the fort in 1750. It is about 14 km by road via the bridge. The Saraswati Bhawan museum displays vintage American cars, palanquins, weapons and an astronomical clock from 1852, and it is open 10:00 to 17:00. A listing gives about INR 200 for a foreign adult, which is not an official fee.

Moving between them

Cars and buses stop at Godowlia or about 1.5 km before the temple, and e-rickshaws and walking cover the rest. For guided sightseeing, browse Varanasi sightseeing tours and ask what the price includes.