Think you’ve seen all of Varanasi? Think again. While the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Ganga Aarti attract crowds, the true soul of the city lies in its lesser-known corners. From forgotten ghats to quirky ruins and underground temples, this guide to Varanasi’s most offbeat places will take you beyond the usual tourist map.
Table of Contents
1. Pink Temple, Sarnath
Sivali Vietnamese Buddha Temple or the pink temple is a new addition to the Sarnath. It is home to a massive idol of Buddha that is often described as the most beautiful Buddha idol in India. The temple is located off the main Sarnath campus and not many people know about this place.
The monk who built this temple saw a dream and sold his entire property to start the construction. Even today he lives here and feeds poor kids every evening.
Google Maps location: Pink Temple Varanasi
2. Chinese Temple, Sarnath
The Chinese Monastery or the Chinese Buddhist temple is located near Sarnath Chowk in Varanasi. It was founded in 1939 by Yut-Le-Yun, A Chinese monk, and scholar who migrated here to seek peace. Temple has a very beautiful architecture much of which was added later in 1958.
Upon entering the vicinity you will be greeted by the astonishing Chinese design and the lush green lawns which have Indian emblems standing on the bright yellow platforms. The temple is painted in classic Tibetian colors and the red Chinese lamps stand up to the aesthetics. Even after being so easily accessible It remains peaceful all year round and is one of the most beautiful offbeat places to visit in Varanasi.
Google Maps location: Chinese Temple
3. Korean Temple, Sarnath
The Korean temple/Monastery is located close to the Pink temple in Sarnath. It was built in 1995 to provide shelter to the Korean pilgrims. The temple has beautiful lawns and a Korean-style stupa which looks quite different from the regular stupas we see everywhere.
Just a few steps away is a monument of friendship that marks the Silk Route friendship of India & Korea. The main temple has a nice praying hall with statues portraying the first sermon of Lord Buddha.
Google Maps location: Korean Temple
4. Tomb of Lal Khan, Rajghat
The tomb of Lal Khan is located near Malviya Bridge, Raj Ghat. It’s a mausoleum of a Mughal Nobel located inside the dismantled Raj Ghat fort. The complex also contains newly excavated remains of an ancient settlement that dates back to the first to third century AD.
The mausoleum and its lawns are very well maintained by ASI and the entry is free. In a city full of hustle this place makes the time go slow. The beautiful architecture and magnificent views of the Ganges, Rajghat Bridge, and Ghats make it worth a visit!
Google Maps location: Tomb of Lal Khan
5. Nandeshwar Ghat
Nandeshwar Ghat is one of the most famous shooting locations in Varanasi. The perfect Haveli overlooking the Ganges and Malviya bridge, a small Akhada, and the temples right under a banyan tree is a natural movie set. It is one of the most peaceful and cleanest ghats in Varanasi. So far more than 50 films have been shot here including movies like Masaan, Half-girlfriend, Mukti Bhawan, and Super 30.
Google Maps location: Nandeshwar Ghat
6. Alamgir Mosque
Built by Aurangzeb in 1663, the Alamgir mosque is located at the Panch Ganga Ghat. It is an Indo-Mughal-style structure with a small pond that is rumored to be twice as deep as the height of the mosque.
The mosque overlooks the Ganges River and provides a beautiful view of all the ghats. It might get you marine drive vibes with added peace and serenity!
Google Maps location: Alamgir Mosque
7. Phulwari Restaurant and Sami Cafe
If you are tired of the city’s noise and the crowd then head over to this cafe and make yourself comfortable at the king’s own property. Yes, you read it right this property belongs to the king of Varanasi so technically you’re hogging at his place.
The cherry on top is the hidden Kashi Raj Kali temple which will accompany you while you sit under the roof made of grapevines. Very few locals know about the existence of this temple and it has an interesting story behind which you can read here.
Google Maps location: Phulwari Restaurant and Sami Cafe
8. Lolark Kund
Located near Tulsi ghat, Lolark Kund is one of the oldest sacred sites in Varanasi. According to folklore, Lolark(trembling sun) Kund contains the sperm of the Sun. Perhaps it’s a site of a small meteorite impact that happened in ancient times.
Every year about half a million people take a dip in this Kund on Lolark Shasti in hopes of getting offspring. The Kund remains quiet and peaceful all year round and looks beautiful with emerald blue water.
Google Maps location: Lolark Kund
9. Tulsi Manas Mandir
Tulsi Manas Temple is believed to be the site where Tulsidas wrote a few parts of Ramcharitra Manas. It is a beautiful temple made of white marble and has 4 small lawns.
Inside the temple, there are moving idols that depict the scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. This place is a treat for both pilgrims and tourists(Even better if you’re with kids!).
Google Maps location: Tulsi Manas Mandir
10. Durga Temple, Ramnagar
Believed to be around 500 years old, Durga temple is located in Varanasi around 3KM away from the Ramnagar Fort. It was built for the royal family of Kashi Naresh and has very impressive stone carving. The temple also has a large stone-built pond in front of it and there is a nice small garden right next to it.
It is said that the Maison who renovated the temple killed himself by jumping off it’s top because he found some follies in the upper structure which were impossible to be fixed.
Google Maps location: Durga Temple, Ramnagar
Now that you know about these offbeat places to visit in Varanasi how about checking out The best street food options? (A must if you are a foodie!)
If you have any questions or you would like to join a guided walk in Varanasi and explore all these places like locals then feel free to contact us.
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