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Parks and Green Spaces in Varanasi: Best Spots to Relax

वाराणसी के पार्क और हरे-भरे स्थान: आराम के सर्वश्रेष्ठ स्थल

Parks and Green Spaces in Varanasi: Best Spots to Relax

Parks and Green Spaces in Varanasi

Discover leafy escapes along the Ganga and beyond the ghats.

Varanasi blends ancient ghats with pockets of greenery that offer calm amid the city's spiritual energy. From the sprawling campus of BHU to the quiet gardens near Sarnath, these spaces invite morning walks and evening reflection. Locals and visitors alike seek them out for shade, fresh air, and a break from the narrow lanes of the old city.

At a Glance

1300acres at BHU
5major public parks
16th Corigins of garden traditions
84ghats with green edges
3 kmriverside promenade
12months of visiting

Where to Find Green Spaces

Explore these distinct types of parks scattered across neighbourhoods like Lanka, Cantonment and Assi.

🌅

BHU Gardens

Extensive lawns and tree-lined paths inside Banaras Hindu University near Lanka.

🛕

Sarnath Deer Park

Historic Buddhist site with open meadows and shaded walking trails.

🌊

Assi Riverside

Grassy patches and seating areas at the southern end of the ghats.

🪷

Tulsi Manas Park

Small urban garden near the temple with flower beds and benches.

🚣

Rajghat Gardens

Quiet green zone near the railway bridge with river views.

Historical Timeline

500 BCE

Deer Park at Sarnath

First recorded green sanctuary linked to Buddha's teachings.

1916

BHU Campus Founded

Madan Mohan Malaviya establishes the vast green university grounds.

1950s

Public Parks Added

City authorities develop neighbourhood gardens near Cantonment and Sigra.

2000s

Ghat Promenades

Modern walkways and lawns created along Assi and Rajghat.

Tips from people who live here

Best time

Visit early morning or just before sunset when temperatures are pleasant and birds are active.

How to reach

Auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws connect major parks from Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh and the Cantonment area.

What to wear / bring

Light cotton clothes, comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle; carry a light shawl for evenings near the river.

Local etiquette

Respect quiet zones near temples and avoid feeding wildlife in the deer park at Sarnath.

Frequently asked questions

Are the parks free to enter?

Most neighbourhood parks and BHU grounds are open to the public without entry fees, though some temple-adjacent gardens may request small donations.

Which park is best for families?

Sarnath Deer Park offers wide open spaces and is popular with families, while BHU lawns provide plenty of shade for picnics.

Can I cycle through these green spaces?

Cycling is allowed on the wider paths of BHU and along the Assi promenade; bring your own bicycle or rent one near Lanka.

Are there any parks near the main ghats?

Small green patches exist at Assi Ghat and near Rajghat; the larger parks lie a short ride away in the Cantonment or university area.

What wildlife might I see?

Expect monkeys, birds and occasionally deer in Sarnath; BHU gardens host many resident bird species year-round.

Is it safe to visit after dark?

Stick to well-lit areas near the Cantonment or main roads after sunset; most visitors prefer daylight hours for the quieter parks.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A hidden gem in Varanasi is the Assi Ghat area, which, while known for its ghats, also features a serene park nearby where visitors can relax amidst greenery and enjoy views of the Ganges. Another lesser-known spot is the Ramnagar Fort's gardens, offering a peaceful retreat with historical significance and scenic surroundings.
In Kashi, particularly at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Shivling is considered highly sacred, and touching it is generally reserved for priests and devotees during specific rituals. Visitors are typically not allowed to touch the Shivling directly, but they can offer prayers and perform rituals from designated areas.
In Varanasi, you can find a range of accommodation options near parks and green spaces. Popular areas include hotels and guesthouses near Assi Ghat, which is close to the scenic Assi River and nearby parks, as well as the area around the Sarnath archaeological site, which offers a peaceful environment. Additionally, some hotels may have gardens or green spaces for relaxation.
While not a park or green space, the Manikarnika Ghat is often considered the scariest ghat in Varanasi due to its association with cremation rituals and the presence of burning pyres. Visitors may find the atmosphere intense and somber, as it is a significant site for Hindu funeral rites. For a more relaxing experience, consider exploring parks like the Beniabagh or the Rajendra Prasad Ghat.