Varanasi Sightseeing: 10 Best Weekend Getaways in Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath temple is a popular Hindu temple having 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ruler of the Universe. If you are a devotee of Shiva, you must not miss visiting this temple during Shiv Ratri. The 800kg gold plating over the temple’s tower, the colourful lights, and decoration around the temple is worth a sight and definitely one of the best Varanasi tourist attractions.

This Varanasi sightseeing place has an intense story behind it. It is believed that Lord Brahma performed the Dasa Ashwamedh sacrifice at this Ghat. To experience the celestial manifestation of lights- Diwali, visit this place during the Kartik Purnima and do not miss the legendary evening Ganga Arti. Nearly hundreds of people are present on the banks of Ganga for this Aarti, the experience will be overwhelming and beyond your imagination.

Bodh Gaya is a village in the northeast of Bihar, a few kilometres far from Varanasi, popularly known for the Bodhi tree where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is home to the magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the giant Buddha statue. This place is filled with pilgrims, who flock here to explore the direct descendant of the Buddha tree, pay their tribute to the shrines, monasteries, and the temples that have an appeasing effect. Along with this, you will also get to explore the other six sacred sites, including the lotus pond and Tibetan refugee market.

If you are an architecture lover, Khajuraho is one of the best weekend getaways from Varanasi. The place has a group of monuments and is home to many Hindu temples and Jain temples, which are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage. Here you will witness the undeniably beautiful Nagara style architecture and erotic sculptures built during the Chandel dynasty. This 12th century profusion of temples and architecture is barely any far from Varanasi and definitely worth a visit! .

Lucknow, a cultural centre, famous for its monuments, kebabs, Nawabs, and culture will definitely be one of the perfect weekend getaways from Varanasi. Situated on the banks of river Gomti, Lucknow is best known for Tehzib (mannerism), the pride of Lucknow people. To escape from the urban city’s hustle and bustle and get lost in the Royalty, Lucknow would be the best place.

Offering a lot to explore and experience, Lucknow definitely needs to be your stopover for at least a couple of days and you can book your hotel stay on our hotels platform to pick from hotels, villas, BnBs and homestays and earn miles on your completed stays

Tibetan temple is a shrine with undeniably gorgeous Tibetan architecture. It is the temple that will take you back in time, as it is the place where Lord Buddha taught his disciples the principles of life. The edifice of the beautiful Shakyamuni statue here will stun you! The temple is also decorated with Thangka, traditional Buddhist paintings. One of the most striking features of this temple is the prayer wheels when rotated clockwise these wheels release strips of paper with chants written on them.

A pioneer institute that educated many legends of India, was built in 1916 by Mohan Madan Malviya. Along with the long list of notable alumni and faculty, the university is also home to nearly 30,000 students making it the largest residential university of the continent. While you are wandering for Varanasi sightseeing do not miss this place.

The 17th century mosque, built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, is an architectural paradise and one of the best Varanasi sightseeing places. It is said that Emperor Aurangzeb built this mosque demolishing a Lord Shiva temple. If you are a history buff, you will love visiting this beautiful Indo-Islamic architecture built with gorgeous minarets and high domes.

Also Read: 9 Best places to visit in Varanasi in 2020

Manmandir ghat is also a 17th century built by the Varanasi Maharaja. The observatory of the ghat was later on built by Sawai Jaisingh II. Here if you go to the extreme northern side, to the balcony of the Ghat, you will get a beautifully detailed view of the holy river Ganga. Indeed, this is a million-dollar sight, so don’t wait anymore, book your flights , earn miles on all your bookings for yourself and your loved ones and get going on this holy adventure!.

To escape the bustling Varanasi sightseeing and to enjoy some solitude, visit the Chinese temple. The temple is dedicated to Gautam Buddha and follows the Chinese version of Buddhism. Along with the serene vibe of this place, there is also a meditation hall where you can spend time with your thoughts.

Varanasi is a paradise for travellers who want to learn the history and culture of India. Along with this, Varanasi sightseeing has a lot to offer, the beautiful bazaars selling Banarasi sarees, the undeniably delicious cuisine, the architecture, and the holy experience is all worthy. So, what are you waiting for? Head on to InterMiles, make your flight and hotels bookings and get ready to embark on a memorable and rewarding trip.

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