Nestled in a vintage brown building that lies along the shores of the River Ganges, Balaji Mandir finds itself set between the famed Panchganga Ghat and Balaji Ghat which attracts tourists all year round. This obscure temple is one of those blink-and-you-miss it kinds whose signage is in the Indian Devnagiri script, so you may just want to ask a local to guide you there. The Alamgir Mosque is one of the nearest major landmarks, and a good idea would be to visit both together along with the Bindu Madhava Temple and Shri Matha.
Varanasi is rightly associated with being a city steeped in musical traditions, and what better place to pursue this than at the Shanti Niketan Institute of Music and Culture. Located along the tranquil Ram Ghat, this school offers both basic and advanced courses to those inclined towards Indian classical dance, vocals and musical instruments. It's not uncommon to bump into foreign students who spend long hours grasping the finer nuances of these fascinating art forms. Live concerts each evening are a common occurrence too so make sure to catch one of those while in the city!
The Shri Ram Janaki Mandir enjoys an idyllic location along Ram Ghat, and plays host to a steady stream of visitors each day. Unassuming in nature and size, the temple's interior walls are adorned with paintings of Ram, Sita, Hanuman and Lakshmana, while the center boasts an intriguing black idol of Lord Jagganath. The idols which are bedecked in startling pink clothing and golden garlands make for a beautiful and astonishing sight.
Established in 1807, the Peshwa's Sree Ganesh Mandir is quite old but still holds it's own in this temple town that is clogged with sacred structures and shrines. The colossal brown stone walls loom menacingly above Ganesh Ghat and boast a couple of vantage looking-points at the top. The spectral outlines of this building are easily spotted even while on a boat ride and when seen from afar. It makes for an interesting photo opportunity too!
Located along the busy Dasashwamedh Road is the beautiful sandstone Guru Brihaspathi Mandir (temple) whose entrance is lined with shops selling saffron garments sporting ancient Sanskrit verses, Hindu religious symbols or simply the word 'Kashi' (ancient name for Varanasi). Legend has it that Lord Shiva revealed himself to Guru Brihaspathi thousands of years ago here, and till date Hindu pilgrims consider this temple a must-visit. Thursdays are auspicious and getting past the teeming crowds can be a task but if witnessing spiritual fervor at its height appeals to you, go for it!
Named after a celebrated Bengali lawyer and freedom fighter from India's Independence Struggle, the Chitaranjan Das Park occupies a quiet spot off the busy Dasashwamedh Road. One is likely to encounter crippled beggars, sadhus (holy men) and vagrants who lounge around seeking respite under the leafy trees here. The monsoons witness a flurry of activity in the form of free distribution of food to the less fortunate.