Varanasi Beyond the Ghats
Buddhist holy sites, royal forts, silk weaving villages, and ancient universities. Discover the world’s oldest living city beyond its famous riverfront.
The World’s Oldest City Has Layers
Varanasi is synonymous with its ghats -- the stone steps descending to the Ganges where life and death play out in eternal cycles. But this 5,000-year-old city holds far deeper treasures than the riverfront alone reveals. Just 10 kilometers away, Sarnath marks the spot where Buddhism itself was born when the Buddha delivered his first sermon. Across the Ganges, the Ramnagar Fort houses a museum of quirky royal artifacts, from vintage American cars to medieval Mughal armor. In the narrow lanes of the old city, the ashram of Sant Kabir preserves the revolutionary philosophy of a weaver who challenged all religious orthodoxy. At BHU, one of Asia's grandest universities, a marble temple stands as a beacon of caste equality. And in the villages surrounding Varanasi, master weavers continue creating Banarasi silk saris on traditional looms, just as their ancestors did for centuries. As Varanasi transport experts, we have watched travelers transform from ghat-hopping tourists into deep explorers of this extraordinary city. Let us show you the Varanasi beyond the famous riverfront.
Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
Eight extraordinary places in and around Varanasi that go far beyond the famous ghats
Sarnath
Where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, making it one of the four holiest Buddhist sites on Earth. The Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar ruins, and the Sarnath Museum (housing the original Lion Capital -- India's national emblem) are all here.
Ramnagar Fort
The 18th-century fort-palace of the Maharaja of Varanasi sits grandly across the Ganges. Its museum contains vintage cars, astronomical clocks, ivory work, medieval armor, and ornate royal palanquins. During Dussehra, it hosts a month-long Ram Leela that draws thousands.
Chunar Fort
A massive ancient fort perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Ganges, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. From the Maurya Empire to Sher Shah Suri to the British, every major power in Indian history held this strategic fortification. The views from the ramparts are stunning.
BHU Campus & New Vishwanath Temple
Banaras Hindu University, founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, has one of Asia's largest residential campuses. The New Vishwanath Temple inside is a magnificent marble temple open to all, with no caste restrictions -- a deliberate contrast to the old Kashi Vishwanath.
Kabir Math
The ashram and memorial of Sant Kabir, the revolutionary 15th-century weaver-poet who challenged Hindu-Muslim divisions with his philosophy of universal truth. The peaceful complex houses original manuscripts, a meditation hall, and artifacts from Kabir's life.
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
One of India's finest art museums, housed within the BHU campus. Its collection includes rare miniature paintings, ancient sculptures, textiles, and a superb collection of 12th-century manuscripts. The Alice Boner gallery of Indian art and the archaeological section are world-class.
Silk Weaving Villages
The villages and neighborhoods around Varanasi, especially Sarai Mohana, are where Banarasi silk saris have been handwoven for centuries. Watch master weavers create intricate gold and silver zari work on traditional pit looms. Many families have been weaving for 10+ generations.
Alamgir Mosque (Beni Madhav Ka Darera)
A striking 17th-century mosque built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb on the site of a Hindu temple, perched high on Panchganga Ghat overlooking the Ganges. Its towering minarets are visible from across the river and the terrace offers one of the best panoramic views of Varanasi's skyline.
Suggested 3-Day Varanasi Explorer Itinerary
Go beyond the ghats -- discover the layers of the world’s oldest living city
01Day 1 - Sacred History Beyond the River
02Day 2 - Art, Philosophy & Silk
03Day 3 - Ancient Fort & Deep Heritage
3-day Varanasi local cab: ₹3,000-4,000 | From Delhi: ₹12,000 sedan (3-day round trip)
Frequently Asked Questions
1What can I see in Varanasi besides the ghats?
Varanasi has so much beyond its famous ghats: Sarnath (where Buddha gave his first sermon, 10 km), Ramnagar Fort and Museum, BHU campus with its Vishwanath Temple, Kabir Math, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Alamgir Mosque, and the silk weaving villages of Sarai Mohana. Day trips include Chunar Fort (40 km).
2Is Sarnath worth visiting from Varanasi?
Absolutely! Sarnath is one of the four holiest Buddhist sites in the world. It is only 10 km from Varanasi (20 minutes by cab). The Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath Museum (with the original Lion Capital), and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar are all here. Allow 2-3 hours for a proper visit.
3What is Ramnagar Fort?
Ramnagar Fort is an 18th-century fort-palace of the Maharaja of Varanasi, located across the Ganges. It houses a fascinating museum with vintage cars, royal weapons, ivory work, and medieval costumes. The fort is the venue for the famous month-long Ram Leela during Dussehra.
4Can I visit a silk weaving village in Varanasi?
Yes! The villages around Varanasi, particularly Sarai Mohana and areas in the Muslim weaver quarter, are where the world-famous Banarasi silk saris are handwoven on traditional looms. Our drivers can take you to authentic weaving families where you can watch the intricate process and buy directly from weavers.
5What is Chunar Fort and how far is it?
Chunar Fort is a massive ancient fort overlooking the Ganges, 40 km from Varanasi. Dating back over 2,000 years, it was held by everyone from the Mauryas to the Mughals to the British. It offers spectacular river views and has legends linking it to both Buddha and the Pandavas. Allow half a day.
6Is BHU campus worth visiting?
Yes! Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has one of the most beautiful campuses in India. The New Vishwanath Temple inside the campus is a magnificent modern temple open to all castes. The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum on campus has a superb collection of miniature paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts.
7What is Kabir Math?
Kabir Math is the ashram dedicated to the 15th-century mystic poet Kabir, who challenged both Hindu and Muslim orthodoxy. Located in the Kabir Chaura neighborhood, it is a peaceful place with Kabir's original writings and artifacts. A meaningful visit for those interested in Indian philosophy and poetry.
8How many days do I need for Varanasi beyond the ghats?
The ghats need 1-2 days. Add 1 day for Sarnath + Ramnagar Fort + BHU. Add another day for silk weaving villages + Chunar Fort. So 3-4 days total gives you a comprehensive Varanasi experience. Our 3-day itinerary is the most popular choice.
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