Vishwanath Temple

Getty Images/Flickr RF

Banares Hindu University

Varanasi


Long regarded as a centre of learning, Varanasi’s tradition of top-quality education continues today at Banares Hindu University, established in 1916. The wide, tree-lined streets and parkland of the 5-sq-km campus offer a peaceful atmosphere a world away from the city outside. On campus is Bharat Kala Bhavan, a roomy museum with a wonderful collection of miniature paintings, as well as 12th-century palm-leaf manuscripts, sculptures and local history displays.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Varanasi attractions

1. New Vishwanath Temple

0.31 MILES

Famed for its impressive, 76m-high marble tower. On the campus of Banares Hindu University.

2. Bharat Kala Bhavan

0.37 MILES

On the Banares Hindu University campus, this museum hosts a wonderful collection of miniature paintings, as well as 12th-century palm-leaf manuscripts,…

3. Tulsi Manas Temple

1.47 MILES

The walls of this modern, marble, sikhara-style temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ram Charit Manas, the Hindi version of the Ramayana.

4. Durga Temple

1.59 MILES

This temple, dedicated to the goddess Durga, was built in the 18th century by a Bengali maharani and is stained red with ochre. It's also known as the …

5. Assi Ghat

1.76 MILES

The furthest south of the main ghats and one of the biggest, Assi Ghat is particularly important as the River Assi meets the Ganges near here and pilgrims…

6. Tulsi Ghat

1.82 MILES

Named after a 16th-century Hindu poet, Tulsi Ghat has fallen down towards the river, but in the month of Kartika (October/November) a festival devoted to…

7. Bachraj Ghat

1.91 MILES

This small ghat is marked by three Jain temples.

8. Ramnagar Fort & Museum

1.98 MILES

This crumbling 17th-century fort and palace, on the eastern bank of the Ganges, isn't a prime attraction, but the eccentric museum has some interesting…