Forget the guidebooks, Varanasi whispers secrets in the gurgling Ganges, in the saffron hues of dawn aarti, and the clattering bangles of spice vendors. In this blog, you will explore 10 best things to do in Varanasi!
This ancient tapestry hums with life, spirituality, a vibrant thread woven through bustling bazaars and hidden temples.
Dive into the chaos, lose yourself in the cacophony of chai stalls and boatmen’s chants. Unravel the mysteries of silk weavers and ancient rituals, let the Ganges wash away your worries.
Varanasi is more than a city; it’s an experience that will paint your soul with a million colors. Come, let’s explore the magic beyond the guidebooks.
Table of Contents
10 Best Things to do in Varanasi
Ganga Arti in Varanasi
Both Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat in Varanasi offer a mesmerizing experience of Ganga Aarti, though they differ in their setting and atmosphere and it remains one of the best things to do in Varanasi.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Known for its grandeur, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a spectacle that draws thousands of visitors every evening.
Seven pandits, adorned in traditional attire, perform the ceremony on a raised platform, accompanied by the rhythmic ghanta naad (clanging of cymbals), shankhnaad (conch shells), and chanting of hymns from ved.
The flickering flames of hundreds of diyas and lamps, reflected on the Ganges’ surface, create a mesmerizing scene.
This ghat holds immense historical significance, believed to be where King Divodas performed ten Ashwamedha Yajnas. The current structure was built by Peshwa Bajirao in the 18th century.
Assi Ghat
Compared to the grandiosity of Dashashwamedh, the Aarti at Assi Ghat offers a more intimate and serene experience. The ceremony takes place on smaller platforms scattered along the ghat, creating a sense of personal connection with the ritual.
Assi Ghat is a haven for backpackers and travelers, lending a bohemian charm to the Aarti. You’ll find a younger crowd here, often accompanied by musicians and street performers, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Ultimately, the choice between Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghat for your Ganga Aarti experience depends on your personal preferences. If you seek grandeur and spectacle, Dashashwamedh is the place to be. If you prefer a more intimate and serene setting, Assi Ghat will be a better fit.
Shop for Banarasi Souvenir
Markets in Varanasi are the true magic you would ever experience. From iconic Banarasi silk fabric to handcrafted home decor items, generational craftsmanship reflects through every piece in the market.
Here are a few things that you can buy from Banaras
– Elegant pure Banarasi Silk Saree, Dupatta, Shawls
– Brocade jackets, sarees, and even dupattas, all shimmering with gold and silver threads.
– Royal Zardozi (the art of embroidery with gold and silver threads)work on fabrics like cushion covers, wall hangings, wearable fabrics
– Intricately carved furniture, handcrafted jewelry boxes, and even miniature elephants
– Metal artifacts such as brass diya, bells, windchimes, etc.
Explore Varanasi markets and find the perfect piece for you. Bargaining with sweet talks always works in Banaras markets. So, do not hesitate to strike a conversation with the shopkeepers; they might also tell you the story behind the artifact and how it was created.
Remember, in Varanasi, every purchase is not just a souvenir, but a story waiting to be told!
Street Food In Varanasi
Ah, Varanasi street food! A vibrant tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas that paint a picture of this ancient city as much as its ghats and temples. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with an explosion of spices, sweet treats, and savory delights.
Experience Subah-e-Banaras
Subah-e-Banaras is a Hindi phrase that literally means “Morning in Varanasi.” It is a special experience that combines the beauty of the city’s sunrise with the spiritual and cultural significance of the Ganga River.
Subah-e-Banaras is a government initiative in Varanasi offering dawn rituals and cultural activities on the banks of Ganga.
Launched in 2014, it blends yoga, chants, Vedic hymns, and boat rides into a 2-hour morning program. This tourist attraction, starting at sunrise, promises spiritual freshness and connection with nature.
Classical music accompanies the rituals, while daily changing yoga poses aim for physical and mental well-being. Witnessing this sunrise spectacle on the Ganga is one of the best things to do in Varanasi.
Visit Temples in Varanasi
In Varanasi, temples whisper ancient tales on every corner. Cobblestone lanes lead to towering gates, carved deities greeting you with silent blessings.
Kashi Vishwanath, the crown jewel, hums with devotees, offering prayers to Shiva, lord of the universe.
Annapurna, goddess of bounty, fills your plate with prasad, promising nourishment for body and soul. Monkeys watch as Hanuman, their divine kin, is worshiped for strength and resilience.
The Ganga whispers eternal songs at Durga Kund, where devotees seek purification. Tulsi Manas, an ode to Ramayana, serenades with painted stories on its walls.
In Varanasi, temple bells chime an invitation, their call echoing through millennia of faith.
Immerse yourself in the divine chaos, feel the pulse of eternity in every chant, every incense wafting past.
This is Varanasi, where temples are not just sacred spaces, but gateways to the very soul of India!
Watch Serene Sunset in Varanasi
As the last rays of sun fade away, and the first stars begin to twinkle in the darkening sky, the sunset in Varanasi transcends the merely beautiful. It becomes a meditation on the cycle of life and death, the eternal dance of light and darkness.
It’s a reminder that here, at the confluence of time and eternity, every moment is precious, every sight a blessing.
So, if you ever find yourself in Varanasi, don’t just pass through. Find a quiet spot on one of the ghats, let the sunset paint your mind with its breathtaking hues, and allow the city’s soul to whisper its ancient tales.
Boat Ride in Varanasi
Boat ride in Varanasi is one of the topmost things to do in Varanasi as it offers a great picturesque view of the ghats and temples.
Locals also tell tourists about the history and significance of the ghats en route.
You can get boats from many ghats. However, boat rides from Manikarnika ghat in daytime, Dashashvamedh ghat at Sunset, and early morning boat ride to and from Assi ghat are popular and offer unique experiences.
Watching sunset during a boat ride is also a serene experience in Varanasi.
Varanasi offers a variety of boat rides to suit your preferences:
Traditional rowboats: The classic way to experience the river, offering a peaceful and intimate journey.
Motorboats: Faster and more efficient, ideal for covering larger distances or reaching specific destinations.
Luxury cruises: Indulge in a pampered experience with comfortable seating, refreshments, and even guided tours.
Explore Ghats in Varanasi
Exploring the ghats of Varanasi is an experience that will undoubtedly etch itself onto your soul. These ancient steps leading down to the sacred Ganga River are not just landing points, but vibrant arteries pulsating with life, spirituality, and history.
Each ghat whispers its own unique story, and together, they weave a tapestry of the eternal city’s magic.
With over 80 ghats lining the Ganga’s edge, Varanasi offers a diverse tapestry to explore.
Dashashwamedh ghat, Assi ghat, Harishchandra ghat, Manikarnika ghat are some of the most popular ghats in Varanasi.
While these are the must-visit ghats in Varanasi, don’t hesitate to wander off the beaten path. Explore the quieter stretches, like the serene Tulsi Ghat or the colorful Bengali Ghat.
Strike up conversations with locals, savor a cup of chai at a riverside stall, and let the ghats unfold their secrets to you.
Remember, exploring the ghats is not just about ticking off sights but about soaking in the atmosphere, respecting the spiritual significance, and connecting with the soul of Varanasi.
So, come with an open mind, a curious heart, and be prepared to be swept away by the magic of these ancient steps.
Visit Sarnath
Sarnath, just a 10-km hop from the ancient streets of Varanasi, offers a delightful contrast to the bustling ghats and vibrant chaos. This sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site whispers stories of spiritual awakening and the first sermon of Lord Buddha himself.
With its historical significance, peaceful atmosphere, and diverse cultural offerings, Sarnath promises a unique and enriching experience.
From stepping into the footprints of Buddha to uncovering ancient treasures, your Varanasi trip will be incomplete without a visit to this spiritual haven.
| Read->>> 9 Best Places to Visit in Sarnath |
Cremation at Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is the most famous cremation ghat in Varanasi. It is believed that the ashes of those who are cremated here will attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
The cremation process at Manikarnika Ghat is a solemn and sacred ritual. The body is washed and dressed in new clothes, and then placed on a pyre of wood. The pyre is lit by a priest, and the family and friends of the deceased chant prayers and mantras.
The cremation process can take several hours, depending on the size of the body and the type of wood used. Once the body is completely burned, the ashes are collected and scattered in the Ganges River.
Harishchandra Ghat is another important cremation ghat in Varanasi. It is believed that the ashes of those who are cremated here will be reborn as Brahmins.
The cremation process at Harishchandra Ghat is similar to that at Manikarnika Ghat.
Cremation is a sacred ritual in Varanasi. It is a time for the family and friends of the deceased to grieve and to celebrate the life of the departed.
Final Words,
This ancient city hums with the vibrant melody of life, where spirituality is a thread woven through bustling bazaars and hidden temples.
Dive into the chaos, lose yourself in the cacophony of chai stalls and boatmen’s chants. Unravel the mysteries of silk weavers and ancient rituals, let the Ganges wash away your worries.
Varanasi is more than a city; it’s an experience that paints your soul with a million colors. Come, let’s explore the magic beyond the guidebooks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Varanasi
What are the things to do in Varanasi with Kids?
Varanasi is also a fascinating place to visit with kids. Go for a boat ride in Ganga river, witness ganga arti at Dashasvamedh Ghat- the best way to introduce your kids to Hindu culture and traditions, take a stroll on ghats and narrate them their history, head to Nehru park for fun playing session, etc.
What are the things to do in Varanasi at night?
Witnessing ganga arti at night is one of the iconic things to do in Varanasi at night. Apart from this, you can take a night boat ride in the river Ganga. All ghats get illuminated with lights and lamps (on dev deepavali). You can strol around these ghats. Enjoy a Traditional Dinner at a Riverside Restaurant.
What are the things to do in Varansi in a day?
Enjoy a sunrise at Ganga while taking a early morning boat ride. Enjoy scrumptious street breakfast in one of the alleys and then head to Kashi Vishwanath temple. Walk through narrow lanes of Varanasi. In the afternoon, if time permits, head to Sarnath. In early evening, come back to varanasi and witness the magic of Ganga Arti!
Things to do in Varanasi in 3 days
Explore different ghats on foot, enjoy boat rides in Ganga, witness serene sunrise and sunset and attend Ganga Ari on the first day. On the second day visit Kashi Viswanath Temple and head to Sarnath, the Buddhist Pilgrimage city and spend a day exploring it. In the evening you can come back and enjoy the vibrant street food like malayyo, banarasi paan, kachori, chaat, etc.
Start your 3rd day with a visit to the Ramnagar Fort, then take a boat ride to Chunar Fort. For your last evening in Varanasi, you can do some shopping for souvenirs in the bustling markets of the old city. You can find a variety of items, including silk sarees, Banarasi brocades, and handcrafted souvenirs.
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