Top Things to Do in Varanasi

Varanasi, the oldest living city on the planet & the holiest city of India, offers uniquely exotic experiences to the visitors. Varanasi, also popularly called Banaras, presents so many varied and vivid sights and activities that it imprints an indelible mark on a visitor’s psyche. Along with the pilgrimage tag that the city holds, Varanasi is rich in cultural, historical and architectural heritage, thus, ensures lot more things to do. The devotees, pilgrims, travellers, artists, and adventurers from all over the world visit the city to soak in the experiences of Kashi, as Varanasi was known in the past. Varanasi is said to be the city of Lord Shiv (शिव नगरी) and placed on Lord Shankar’s trident (त्रिशूल). People from across the globe gather in Varanasi during numerous festivals (Dipawali, Dev Deepawali, Ganga Dussehra, Hanuman Jayanti, Ganga Mahotsav etc). But, a lot of people keep coming to Varanasi everyday to participate and/or watch several religious rituals and rites. Many cultural activities like Ganga Aarti, Subah-e-Banaras are performed daily. Also, the city holds extreme regards in the hearts of the Hindus as it is situated on the banks of the holiest river Ganga. Among the popular activities & top things to do in Varanasi are as under:

Morning boat ride in Ganga: Well, the view and joy of boat ride in Ganga during early morning hours, precisely dawn-time, is literally magical. It is such a delightful experience to feel and explore the lives of people on the ghats of Banaras. The view of the enchanting scenic beauty of sunrise from the centre of River Ganga is one of the most epic sights ever. More than anything, the ride is peaceful and serene. Many tourists equally appreciate boat ride in Ganga during sunset hours. Mostly evening boat rides are preferred by those who wish to see evening Ganga Aarti on Dashashwamedh Ghat from the front. It is advised to experience both of these.

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: The sight of the evening Ganga Aarti on the banks of River Ganga with the mystical sounds of hymns, prayers, and chants is an experience that stays for lifetime in the memory of a traveller. There are 88 ghats in Varanasi and Ganga as mother goddess is worshipped on all ghats but the most appropriate ghat to experience the evening Ganga Aarti is Dashashwamedh Ghat. The brass lamps, diyas (earthen oil lamps), overly attractive sadhus, priests, hippies etc contribute to make the evening Ganga Aarti of Banaras something more than just pleasant. Though tradition of Ganga worship in the form of aarti is continuing since time immemorial but present form and format of evening Ganga Aarti on Dashashwamedh Ghat of Varanasi are inspired of grand aarti ritual at Har ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar.

Subah-e- Banaras at Assi Ghat: Subah – e – Banaras is a fantastic initiative started that serves the purpose of providing eternal peace to the visitors through the morning Ganga aarti, morning raga, Vedic chanting, and yoga. All the activities are done before the dawn. To feel the spiritual essence, having a visit to the Assi Ghat to experience Subah – e – Banaras is purely solace. This cultural extravaganza is organized daily with large public participation, contributing to the preservation and fostering of classical Hindu ethos and cultural uniqueness.

Heritage Walk through ghats & narrow alleys: To explore actual Banaras, one needs to meander through narrow but buzzing-with-activities alleys. Frankly speaking, Varanasi is city of alleys, opening ultimately on one of the 88 ghats on the banks of River Ganga. One has not explored Banaras the correct way if a person hasn’t taken a casual walk through the ghats and the narrow alleys of Kashi city. A walk alongside the ghats and into the alleys of Banaras would give one entirely different perspectives of the city. While roaming leisurely and curiously into the thin lanes, the ancient buildings and peculiarly traditional lifestyle remind a tourist about exotic olden golden days of Varanasi. Experience personally the lively hustle bustle of life while walking through the ghats. Heritage Walk in Varanasi is a very sought after activity and tourists have it on priority in Varanasi tour itinerary.

Taste delicious street foods of Varanasi: Definitely Banaras is the holiest Indian city with presence of holiest river Ganga, 88 sacred ghats, hundreds of temples, and lots of other things, but the next top thing that makes Varanasi a paradise for the travellers is the street food of the city. One is sure to have an ultimate gastronomical experience. Tamatar chaat, kachori, pani puri, aloo tikki, jalebi, rabdi, Banarasi kalakand, malayya, launglata, baati chokha etc are some of the delicacies to relish in Banaras. It is suggested that a traveler must taste delicious cuisines of Varanasi while exploring Banaras.

Visit Buddhist pilgrimage Sarnath: Sarnath is another amazing historical place located just at a distance of about 12 km from Varanasi. Sarnath, a Buddhist holy site of great importance, was the place where Gautam Buddha first taught about Dhamma after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. It is a beautiful and a picturesque site to explore and seek some peace. Sarnath, where ‘Dharmachakrapravartana’ took place, is one of the four major pilgrimages of the Buddhists.

Watch Varanasi & Ganga while taking dinner in rooftop restaurant: There are several beautiful rooftop restaurants in Varanasi that have an incredible view of Ganga and the entire city from the top. Having dinner while enjoying incredibly enchanting view of Ganga is also a relieving and relaxing thing to do after having done enough exploration of the city.

Explore pottery makers’ village: Banaras is that one city that shows the variety and a difference in the lives of different people. The weavers & potters’ villages are major village clusters at the outskirts of Banaras city to explore and watch the craftsmen working. In these villages, craftsmanship and stories of the artisans are something fresh to know about.

Experience spirituality and observe religious rituals in temples of Varanasi: One of the holiest pilgrimages of the Hindus, Varanasi is known as the city of Lord Shiva. Being located on the banks of River Ganga makes Varanasi sacred. Vishwanath Temple of Varanasi is one of the ‘dwadashjyotirlingams’ (द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंग). and As per religious scriptures and belief, on the occasion of Dev Diwali festival, the gods alight on earth in Varanasi. The presence of the sadhus (साधु - saints), rishis (ऋषि – sages) and priests (पुजारी) imparts an ethereal ambience of spirituality to Varanasi. The religious rituals performed on every ghat of Varanasi are different and something totally informative to soak in the minds. There are different ghats for different purposes and there are so many new rituals performed everywhere in this city. Among famous temples of Varanasi are Sankat Mochan Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, Annapurna Temple etc.

Celebrate Holi: The cultural capital of India, Varanasi, is famous for its festive exuberance. Among the famous festivals of Varanasi, Holi holds special significance. Holi, a great Hindu festival of colors, is celebrated throughout the country in all major cities and towns. But, there are two cities in India where Holi is celebrated in a leisurely grand way. The two cities are Mathura and Varanasi. The vibe of the Kashi city during Holi is next level and the gestures that the city shows during this festival makes it one of the top places in India to celebrate the festival during Holi vacation.

Do relish Paan & ‘Thandai’: Banaras is famous for a lot of things. ‘Paan’ and ‘thandai’ are the two most top rated things that make Banaras famous worldwide. Paan is a speciality of Banaras and tasting its variety over there is a must. Though ‘thandai’ is a common health-drink throughout the country these days but its originality can be tasted only in Varanasi. It is a must try again.

Shopping in Varanasi: Varanasi is famous for a lot of things when it comes to shopping. Banarasi saree is one of the most famous products of Varanasi. Banarasi sarees are testimony to high degree of traditional craftsmanship preserved and fostered in the holy city of Varanasi, the commercial hub of eastern Uttar Pradesh and northern Bihar. Shopping the authentic Banarasi saree could be a great deal here. Glass beads and wooden souvenirs are some of the other things to get back to one’s home from a trip to Banaras. Varanasi is globally known centre of manufacturing of rugs and carpets. Shopping in Varanasi is surely a pleasant experience.

Varanasi Tour Packages

Golden Triangle with Mathura Varanasi Haridwar Rishikesh Tour

Golden Triangle with Mathura Varanasi Haridwar Rishikesh Tour

10 Nights / 11 Days
Destination : Delhi- Jaipur-Abhaneri- Fatehpur Sikri- Agra- Varanasi-Haridwar-Rishikesh

Incredible India with Diwali Tour

Incredible India with Diwali Tour

15 Nights / 16 Days
Destination : Delhi-Udaipur-Jaipur-Abhaneri-Fatehpur-Sikri-Agra-Orchha-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Mumbai-Goa

North India Heritage Tour

North India Heritage Tour

9 Nights / 10 Days
Destination : Delhi – Jaipur – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri- Agra- Gwalior- Orchha-Khajuraho - Varanasi

Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour

Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour

7 Nights / 8 Days
Destination : Delhi - Jaipur - Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Varanasi - Sarnath - Delhi

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