Planning to visit the famous temples in Varanasi but confused about where to start and what to visit next? This practical temple guide helps you explore Kashi in a sensible order, covering major Shiva temples, Devi temples, Hanuman temples and important spiritual landmarks.
Temple in Kashinagari
Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is home to some of India’s most revered Hindu temples. For a first-time visitor, the easiest approach is to explore the old-city temples on Day 1 and the southern Varanasi temples on Day 2.
The route below is a practical sightseeing plan, not a compulsory religious sequence. Temple timings, queues and access arrangements can change.
Famous Temples in Varanasi: Quick List
Day 1: Old Kashi Temple Route
Begin with the historic old city, where several important temples are located relatively close to one another. Walking is often more practical here than taking an auto through narrow lanes.
Stop 1: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Start your temple tour at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and the spiritual centre of Kashi. Allow extra time for security checks, queues and darshan.
Check the official temple website for current entry rules, timings and booking information.
Stop 2: Maa Annapurna Temple
After Kashi Vishwanath, visit Maa Annapurna Temple, dedicated to the goddess associated with nourishment and food. Its location near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple area makes it a convenient next stop.
Stop 3: Vishalakshi Devi Temple
Continue to Vishalakshi Devi Temple, an important Shakti worship site in the old city. It is a natural addition to the same temple walk.
Stop 4: Kaal Bhairav Temple
Next, travel to Kaal Bhairav Temple, dedicated to a fierce form of Lord Shiva. In local religious tradition, Kaal Bhairav is regarded as the guardian of Kashi. Allow time for the transfer to the Vishweshwarganj area.
Stop 5: Sankata Devi Temple
If time permits, visit Sankata Devi Temple near the Sindhia Ghat area. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sankata and can be included as an additional old-city spiritual stop.
Suggested finish: Explore nearby old-city lanes or visit a ghat. If you want to attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, plan your evening around the latest local schedule and crowd conditions.
Travel note: Old Kashi has narrow lanes and busy walking routes. Wear comfortable footwear and avoid scheduling too many fixed-time visits on the same day.
Day 2: Southern Varanasi Temple Route
On the second day, focus on southern Varanasi. These temples are generally easier to combine in one outing using an auto-rickshaw or cab between stops.
Stop 1: Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Start at Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is one of Varanasi’s best-known temples and attracts devotees throughout the year. Allow additional time on Tuesdays, Saturdays and festival days.
Stop 2: Durga Kund Temple
From Sankat Mochan, continue to Durga Kund Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is recognised for its distinctive red appearance and nearby kund, or pond.
Stop 3: Tulsi Manas Mandir
Next, visit Tulsi Manas Mandir, associated with Goswami Tulsidas and the Ramcharitmanas. It is a useful stop for visitors interested in devotional literature and temple architecture.
Stop 4: New Vishwanath Temple, BHU
Continue to Banaras Hindu University and visit the New Vishwanath Temple, also known as Birla Temple. It is distinct from the historic Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the old city.
Follow campus access rules and check the temple’s current visiting arrangements before going.
Stop 5: Bharat Mata Temple — Optional
If you have time and transport, add Bharat Mata Temple. It is known for its relief map of India rather than a conventional deity idol. This stop is outside the immediate southern temple cluster, so consider travel time before including it.
Other Famous Temples to Add If You Have More Time
- Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple: A well-known Shiva temple in the Daranagar area.
- Batuk Bhairav Temple: Dedicated to Batuk Bhairav, a form associated with Lord Bhairav.
- Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Temple: A historic Shiva temple in the city.
- Kedareshwar Temple: A Shiva shrine at Kedar Ghat.
- Nepali Temple: Located near Lalita Ghat and noted for its traditional Nepali-style architecture.
Add these temples according to your hotel location, available time and local transport conditions. Avoid trying to cover every shrine in a single day.
Best Temple Tour Plan for Varanasi
If You Have Only One Day
- Morning: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple and Vishalakshi Devi Temple.
- Late morning or afternoon: Kaal Bhairav Temple.
- Later afternoon: Sankat Mochan, Durga Kund and Tulsi Manas Mandir, if time and traffic permit.
- Evening: Ganga Aarti, subject to the schedule.
This is an ambitious plan. For a more comfortable visit, choose either the old-city temples or the southern temple cluster rather than rushing through both.
If You Have Two Days
Day 1 — Old Kashi: Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna, Vishalakshi, Kaal Bhairav and Sankata Devi.
Day 2 — Southern Varanasi: Sankat Mochan, Durga Kund, Tulsi Manas Mandir, New Vishwanath Temple at BHU and Bharat Mata Temple if time permits.
If You Have Three Days
Use the first two days for the routes above. Keep the third day for additional temples such as Mrityunjay Mahadev, Batuk Bhairav, Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev, Kedareshwar and the Nepali Temple, depending on your interests.
Important Tips Before Starting Darshan
- Check temple timings and entry requirements before leaving your hotel.
- Carry only permitted belongings to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and follow its security instructions.
- Keep extra time for queues and traffic, especially during festivals.
- Use walking routes for narrow old-city lanes and an auto or cab for longer transfers.
- Dress respectfully and follow local customs at every temple.
- Do not assume every temple is open continuously; some have separate morning and evening hours.
For visitor information, see the Varanasi District Administration’s temples of importance and the Kashi Official Portal’s religious places directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which temple should I visit first in Varanasi?
For a temple-focused first visit, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a natural starting point. You can then visit Maa Annapurna and Vishalakshi Devi in the old-city area, followed by Kaal Bhairav if time permits.
Can I visit all famous temples in Varanasi in one day?
You can visit several major temples in one day, but visiting every important temple comfortably is difficult because queues, traffic and separate opening hours affect the schedule. Two days are more practical.
Which temples are near Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Maa Annapurna Temple and Vishalakshi Devi Temple are among the nearby religious sites. Kaal Bhairav and Sankata Devi require additional travel within the city.
Which temples can be combined in one route?
A practical southern route combines Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Kund Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and New Vishwanath Temple at BHU. The old-city temples are better explored as a separate group.
Plan Your Kashi Darshan with Kashinagari
The best way to explore Varanasi’s temples is to group nearby places together, allow enough time for darshan and avoid rushing through every stop. Start with the temples that matter most to you, then add other shrines according to your schedule.
Explore more guides on Kashinagari.com for Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi’s famous ghats, Ganga Aarti and other travel tips.