Sarnath is a sacred place where Buddha gave his first sermon after getting enlightenment. The site has stupas, temples, and monasteries which signifies the roots of Buddhism. The Dhamek Stupa, built-in 500 AD, stands 43 meters tall, where Ashoka built it following his visit four centuries earlier to the site. It's a peaceful place with the beautiful deer park.
Bharat Kala Bhavan (house of Indian Art) Museum is near Banaras Hindu University, known for its diverse collection of art and artifacts. The museum showcases Indian paintings, sculptures, ancient history, and the culture of India. The architecture of the museum is itself unique as it is designed using multiple styles of architecture design.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which holds significant importance in Hindu mythology. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It's considered a sacred site in Hindu scriptures. Here, visitors can participate in evening aarti, an intense religious practice where devotees offer prayers and light lamps.
Located on the banks of river Ganga, Ramnagar Fort was the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. The fort is an architectural jewel, built-in 18th century and still manages to stand strong. Inside the fort, visitors can witness the interesting collection of paintings, swords, typical royal outfits, and ancient manuscripts.
For more cultural immersion, visitors can explore other famous temples near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, such as Annapurna Devi Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, and Durga Temple. Tourists who want to delve more into ancient history can visit the Archeological Museum, which houses sculptures and artifacts from old temples that now do not exist. It's suggested to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees when visiting religious places. Also, taking the local transport or a guided tour is recommended to avoid confusion and save time.