20 Places To Visit Near BHU ( Banaras Hindu University)

BHU is one of the leading universities in India located in Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world known for its religious and traditional value. Though the core university structures and facilities deserve admiration, there is a lot one can do and see in the immediate vicinity. While some tourists are fascinated by numerous age old temples and ‘pious’ lanes, some are more inclined towards the markets, malls and parks in and around BHU. In this detailed insight, we will show you places that you can’t afford to miss when visiting this famous university.

Places To Visit Near BHU ( Banaras Hindu University)

1. Temples: A Spiritual Journey

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is often called the spiritual capital of India. The area around BHU is home to several important temples that showcase the city’s rich religious heritage.

a) Vishwanath Temple (on BHU campus)

Adjacent to the Banaras Hindu University, the Vishwanath Temple is a beautiful architectural designed temple for Lord Shiva. This temple which was constructed in the 1930 has become popular as New Vishwanath Temple to avoid confusion with the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is a religious shrine that is white marbled with beautiful engravings on the outer and inner walls that attract many visitors who are either interested in the temple or its architecture.

b) Durga Temple

Famous for its monkey inhabitants, thus the name Monkey Temple, Durga Temple looks very alive and active. This temple, built in the 18th century is devoted to Goddess Durga and captures the influence of North and South Indian architechture. The temple is painted red and has a multi-tiered shikhara or spire, both interesting features for photography enthusiasts.

c) Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

The Sankat Mochan Temple is one of the well-known temples in Varanasi and it is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple was started by the poet –saint Tulsidas, the author of Ramcharitmanas and has a sacred importance to the devotees of Hanuman. Tuesdays and Saturdays are the busiest days to visit the temple since the devotes believe that Hanuman should be worshipped on these days.

d) New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple)

Another temple in modern landscape of Varanasi is the New Vishwanath Temple which is also referred as Birla Temple has been constructed by industrialist Birla family. This magnificent temple was built of white marble and is dedicated to the Shiva lingam; it is a place for silence and meditation.

2. Ghats: Where Life Meets the Ganges

The ghats of Varanasi are an integral part of the city’s identity. These stepped embankments along the Ganges River serve as gathering places for religious ceremonies, daily rituals, and social interactions.

a) Assi Ghat

Situated in the southern most limit of Varanasi Assi Ghat is livelier and closer to Banaras Hindu University. This makes Christ Church Cathedral suitable for the natives and tourist as it has gotten a balance between the spiritual and social activities. The morning hours at Assi Ghat are spiritual and photographers love to capture early morning Yoga, boating and Gangā Ārtī.

b) Dashashwamedh Ghat

Regarded as the most important of the ghats in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat draws crowds in the millions for the evening Ganga Aarti. A worshiping program that the young priests carry out every morning is a dancing and chanting exercise aimed at worshipping the Ganga, the sun, and fire. This ghat remains crowded and is one of the best places where one can feel the true energy of Varanasi.

c) Manikarnika Ghat

This one is more well-known and is regarded as the most important site where cremation process takes place in Varanasi and being such, Manikarnika Ghat has a deep spiritual meaning. Although one may not wish to become a spectator to such a ritual, watching the cremation from a distance is not wrong if one is to understand the Hindu view concerning life, death, and rebirth.

d) Tulsi Ghat

Renowned for being inextricably connected with arts and literature, it is known as Tulsi Ghat owing to its link with poet Tulsidas. This it used in hosting of cultural events and music concerts especially at festival time. It also contains Lolark Kund, a curious well that is supposed to enrich the couple with children.

3. Parks: Green Oases in the Holy City

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Varanasi, these parks offer a refreshing retreat for nature lovers and those seeking a moment of tranquility.

a) Ravidas Park

This park is located in the central city and named after the 15th-century mystic poet Sant Ravidas; in fact, the locals visit the park mainly for recreational purposes. Including the manicured lawns, walkway, and safe play structures for the kids yet a site for relaxation like the park designed in Ravidas Park.

b) Lanka Park

Located in the Lanka region close to BHU, this elegant but petite park is preferred especially by students. It has become even more perfect for sitting and reading a book or engaging in a conversation without the noise of the busy city.

c) Amphitheatre (on BHU campus)

The BHU campus does not count as a park strictly, but one cannot omit the amphitheater dedicated to performances. This cultural event specialty location represents various aspects of cultural performances, thus allowing the visitors to be entertained by the lively university culture.

4. Malls and Shopping Areas

For those looking to indulge in some retail therapy or experience modern amenities, Varanasi offers several options near BHU.

a) IP Mall (Sigra)

IP Mall is of the biggest malls of Varanasi situated in Sigra area of the city. It has a combination of domestic and global marker products, food court and a multi-plex cinema business. It turns out to be a good scene to escape the sunlight and some modernities as well.

b) PDR Mall

Yet another shopping area is PDR Mall, which is commercial establishment for shopping and fun activities. Consisting of fashion; accessories and clothing outlets right up to electronic products stores, food court to gaming area that suits the different ages and sex.

c) Lanka Market

For a more local approach towards shopping, one can go to Lanka Market close to BHU. This is a market zone where people can find small stores, and street stands with clothes, accessories, home decorations, food and even gadgets. It is especially ideal for purchasing some gifts or for trying the kinds of food in the region.

5. Other Attractions

Beyond temples, ghats, and modern amenities, the area around BHU offers several other attractions that showcase the city’s historical and cultural significance.

a) Ramnagar Fort

On the other side of the Ganges River from the main city, Ramnagar Fort is a 17th-century chateau transformed into the dwelling of the Kashi Naresh of Varanasi. There is a museum in the fort showcasing royal items, toys, and some ancient cars and some fancy astronomical clocks imported from America. Trip to the fort is one of the attractions preferably by a boat which provide scenic views of the skyline of Varanasi.

b) Sarnath

Sarnath is at a close proximity to BHU, this is the place where Lord Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The archaeological site covers such attractions as Dhamek Stupa and the remnants of monasteries. There is the Sarnath Museum of art, where they have preserved a large number of Buddhist items like the Lion Capital of Ashoka Maurya that has become the national emblem ofIndia.

c) Bharat Kala Bhavan (museum on BHU campus)

The Museum of this university is full of calendar art and cultural information of India. Among the articles it houses are sculptures that date back to the ancient period, miniature paintings, textile features and manuscripts that are rarely found. It stands out with an archaeological section that displays items from as early as the Indus Valley civilization.

d) Jantar Mantar

Originated at the end of the 18th century, the positioning of Varanasi’s Jantar Mantar astonished the future generation as it displayed the abilities of medieval India in sciences. Though not as massive as the one in Jaipur, this Jantar Mantar also contains several effective and attractive pieces of astronomical equipment, so the science lovers should visit it.

e) Banaras Locomotive Works

For the history lovers or the lovers of Industrial history in particular, there is a splendid place to visit – Banaras Locomotive Works, previously known as Diesel Locomotive Works. The public area is not fully accessible; nevertheless, the outer area and the locomotive museum gives an overview of the railway history of India.

Conclusion

Indeed, the sphere of influence of Banaras Hindu University is miniature Varanasi itself – the city, which is recognised as the epitome of the search for the spiritual throughout centuries and at the same time, reflecting the striving towards the material and in innovations in the present epoch. It ranges from the tranquil ghats of Nanda at Varanasi by the River Ganges through the commerce of selling fishes at the Lanka Market to sight-seeing of the temples and malls among other places.

When you are choosing these different spots you will be so engulfed in the cultural, historical and religious experience of the city of Varanasi. Whether you are a student studying at Banaras Hindu University, a devotee going on a seeking for spiritual destination or a traveller, you will find plenty of things to do and explore in and around Banaras Hindu University to create a plethora of memories of this fabulous town.

Ensure that you observe cultures and etiquette when touring this areas especially the worship places, spending ample time observing and feeling the pace of the area. It is one of the oldest cities in the world that will give out information to the visitor gradually and in turn if one comes with an open mind, and a curious spirit, they will learn a lot. Therefore, leave the territory of BHU and begin a journey of exploration through one of the most interesting cities in India!

Author: Team Banaras Trip