LandmarkTaj Mahal
Agra · Uttar Pradesh
The greatest monument to love ever built — a flawless white-marble mausoleum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
TemplePhoto: Ashvin Kaitabhya, clicked by Abhishek Pandey · CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Varanasi · Uttar Pradesh
One of the holiest Shiva temples in the world — the golden-spired heart of Varanasi, now set in a grand riverfront corridor.
Timings
Darshan from very early morning till night (multiple aartis)
Entry
Free (special darshan passes available)
Best time
Early morning; weekdays
Time needed
1–2 hours (queues vary)
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, and the spiritual anchor of Varanasi. Its gold-plated spire and dome — gilded with over 750 kg of gold — rise above the old city, drawing millions of pilgrims each year.
Recently, the temple has been reconnected to the Ganga by the grand Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, a sweeping riverfront complex that has transformed access to the shrine. The devotion here is intense and the atmosphere electric.
Don't miss
- ›The golden-spired main shrine.
- ›The new Kashi Vishwanath Corridor linking temple to river.
- ›The charged atmosphere of the aartis.
Good to know
Security is strict — phones and bags are usually not allowed inside (lockers available). Queues can be long; special-darshan passes speed entry. Dress modestly.
Plan your visit
Timings
Darshan from very early morning till night (multiple aartis)
Entry fee
Free (special darshan passes available)
Best time to visit
Early morning; weekdays
Time needed
1–2 hours (queues vary)
How to reach
Old city, near the ghats, Varanasi
Travel help: Rajasthan Tourism 1364 · India Tourist Helpline 1363(toll-free). Timings & fees are indicative — please verify locally before visiting.
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