Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.)

One of the largest residential University in the whole of Asia, B.H.U is located in Varanasi. The campus area is spread over 1300 acres. Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in the year 1917 A.D., it has 6 universities with a total of 14 streams. There is a temple of Vishwanath in the campus which was built by the Birlas with exquisite architecture

Bharat Kala Bhawan

This art and architectural museum is located within the Banaras Hindu University premises. The collections in this museum include beautiful miniature paintings, archeological findings, pieces of decorative art, textiles, costumes, sculptures and materials of historical significance. Bharat Kala Bhawan. Considered as the best University Museum in India. The museum is closed only on Sunday and on weekdays it remains open from 10 am to 4 pm.

Durga Temple

Durga Mandir is located about 1.3 kms from Banaras Hindu University on the Sankat Mocchan road. This 18th century temple has red stone work and is a good example of Nagara art. This temple is worth a visit.

Tulsi Manas temple

In the year 1964 this white marble temple was built by a family from Varanasi in the place where the 16th century saint Goswami Tulsidas had written the Hindu epic, Shri Ramacharitmanas. Dedicated to Lord Rama this temple is located on the Sankat Mochan road about 250 metres away from the Durga temple. Close to this temple is the Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple.

Ashoka Pillar

Located at Sarnath, 10 kms from Varanasi, this Ashoka Pillar is a 50m tall stone pillar with a sculpture of four lions standing back to back, atop an Ashoka Chakra. The Ashoka Chakra rests on an inverted lotus. A graphical representation of the pillar with lions is adopted as the official emblem of India since 1950.

Ramnagar Fort

This fort built with red stones was earlier a residence of the Former Maharaja of Varanasi. It is at a distance of 14 kms from Varanasi. It houses a museum which displays a fleet of vintage cars used by the Royal family including the swords, old guns, costumes, palaquins etc.

Jantar Mantar

It is an observatory built by the then Maharaja of Jaipur, Raja Jai Singh, who was enthusiastic about astronomy. It has many instruments which can read the movement, speed and properties of the stars and planets.