Top Rated Attractions in Varanasi

Previously known as Lolark Ghat, Tulsi Ghat is one of the prominent ones which enjoys its association with ancient India's most revered saint and poet - Tulsidas who composed the Ramcharitramanas right here. In fact, the little house where he lived has still been preserved with a few personal belongings as well as a piece of wood from the boat used to cross the river. This ghat comes alive in October and November which are both auspicious months in the Hindu calendar. Spiritual discourses, Indian classical concerts, dance recitals and even wrestling matches bring together foreigners and locals who participate rapturously in the riverfront festivities.

The holy city's Banaras Art Gallery is a thriving fine art exposition space established in the year 1988. Set up to promote the vibrant culture and illustrious heritage of the city, it supports various modern as well as tribal artistes of the region. Art lovers can explore myriad art works depicting Varanasi in various forms and portrayals. The gallery also runs the PUNARWAS art program in a bid to provide a successful platform to emerging artistes.

This is the unofficial yet lionized home of long-term backpackers, researchers and students who have chosen to stay on for extended periods of time in Varanasi. The southernmost ghat on the long stretch of ghats, life at Assi is as indulgent as the water buffaloes who wallow around for hours on end in the Ganges. Despite its distance from the main burning ghats, travelers head here for a break from the intrusive touts, guides, fake holy men, beggars, boat men, masseurs and even children who participate with great fervor in the contrived chaos. Assi has a large Jewish community and this is reflected through the hotels and cafes with names such as Haifa and Yafah which serve up typically Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush and kawwah (Arabic Coffee). Assi Ghat has been mentioned in the ancient Indian Vedic texts and commands the respect of Indian pilgrims too who arrive here in boats or on foot for a holy dip.

Located on the first floor of the same building as Wow India is Assi Ghat's very own Qeritica Art Gallery which welcomes visitors into its air-conditioned confines accentuated by stark white walls and pristine floors. Boasting 12,000 pieces of art in its permanent collection, this versatile space often doubles up as a venue for symposiums, awards and art camps. The friendly curators will gladly show you around and even take you to the adjacent Banares Sculpture Gallery.

The adorable green pasture and the well maintained walkways define the visual aesthetics of this prime location in Varanasi. Maintained by the government of Uttar Pradesh, the park is the memorial of the spiritual master Sant Ravidas. The centrally placed fountain and the platform with a statue of the saint provide a surreal ambiance to Sant Ravidas Park in the evenings. Lot of people from around the locality visit the park for a relaxed outing. Flocks of tourists and pilgrims also can be spotted here unwinding.

Established in 1920, this museum of Banaras Hindu University has a vast collection of artifacts portraying the cultural and artistic heritage of the region. Patronized by renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore, and art historian Rai Krishnadasa, the museum boasts an authoritative collection of decorative art, textiles and archeological materials. The collection is organized through specific galleries such as Mahamana Malviya Gallery, Nicholas Roerich Gallery, Chavi (Painting Gallery), Nidhi Gallery and the likes. The painting collection at Bharat Kala Bhavan richly portray the captivating expression of Indian fine art.