What comes to your mind when we say Varanasi? Indian culture, traditions, famous Ganga Aarti right? What if we say there are many more things to do and places to visit in Varanasi and provide you with different experiences?
Varanasi also known as ‘Banaras’ is the oldest city of human civilization in the world. Being the oldest city, this city has stored the traditions and cultures of India till today. You might see many ancient monuments and heritages in the world showcasing the history of their country but the follower of the centuries-old customs and rituals are seen in Varanasi. The centuries-old traditions are still profoundly followed by the people in this city.
If you are visiting for the first time then many things might be your first time experiences. Symboled as the holiest city in the world Varanasi is the preferred place of many foreign tourists who plan to travel to India. If you are one of those and planned a trip to Varanasi then this blog is for you. In this article, we have mentioned the 8 Best places to visit in Varanasi.
List of 8 Famous Places To Visit in Varanasi
1. Witnessing the Grand Ganga Aarti
Ganga Aarti
Oh, this is the most mesmerizing thing that you will witness in your whole trip to Varanasi. It indulges you completely and the hypnotizing bells sound will make you forget everything for a moment. This lifetime experience will make you feel ecstatic and relaxed. As you reach to the ‘Ganga Ghat’, the spectacular view of the Ganga Aarti is witnessed from the Dasawamedh Ghat.
Not to forget, you must visit the spot at least one hour before the Aarti if you want to have the good look. The people visit Ghat from all over the world and the crowd of people gathers to pray. The priests dressed in traditional clothes ‘Dhoti kurta’ holding the large Brass lamps and chanting the mantras together is just beyond words. The usual time for the Aarti is 6:45 in the evening. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Varanasi.
Location: Dasawemedh Ghat, Varanasi
Time to visit: All day
2. Morning boat ride
Boat ride in Ganga
The boat ride in the river Ganges is the other best thing to do in Varanasi. You will get the best view of this city in the morning while riding on the boat. The people start their day by taking a holy dip in the river and doing prayers to nature. It shows the century-old culture of India that you can witness. The quintessential boat ride will allow you to see the different Ghats and the places near the Ganges river.
The best time to enjoy the ride is between 5:00 to 8:00 AM in the morning. This is the time when the silent river and the beautiful sunrise will enthrall you. It is astonishing to see that most people start their day as early as 5 am in morning.
Location: Ganga Ghat, Varanasi
Time to visit: All day
3. Holy bath in the River Ganga
Holy dip in Ganga
Visited in Varanasi but not taking the holy dip in the river Ganga will restrict you from experiencing a whole lot of different experiences. The river Ganga is considered one of the holiest rivers in India and it is said that it purifies from all the sins committed by the person knowing and unknowingly.
Bathing in the river is one of the best things to do in Banaras. It is believed that the Ganga gave salvation to sixty thousand ancestors and came on the earth. She came in the form of a human being and it is said that her falling force was so much that Lord Shiva had to hold her in his matted hair.
Location: Ganga Ghat, Varanasi
Time to visit: All day
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4. Varanasi Temples
There is a number of temples where you will find a statue of different God and Goddesses. You can explore the famous temples in this city and get to know the stories of the temples. Almost at every road and crossing, you will find a temple where people visit to offer their morning and evening prayers. The small temples are mostly for the people offering their daily prayers whereas the large ones are for showcasing the Hindu culture and history.
The best part of the temples is their architecture. The popular temples are Kashi Vishwanath or Golden Temple, Durga Temple, and Baba Keenaram Sthal. So, what are you waiting for? Take a ride in the city and explore the famous temples.
Location: Varanasi
Time to visit: Mostly open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
5. Sightseeing to Sarnath
Sarnath
The coexistence of the culture is what Sarnath shows. A few kilometers away from the busy Varanasi city there is a small village called Singhpur. Where Varanasi is popular for its Hindu culture and customs, Simnghpur’s Sarnath denotes the Buddhism culture. This place is also famously symbolized as the deer park where the Gautam Buddha gave his teachings for the first time.
Location: North-East of Varanasi
Time to visit: Open all day except Friday
6. Visit local market
Wandering on the streets of Varanasi in the afternoon and thinking what to do? Visit the local market of Varanasi where you will find a wide range of clothes both in traditional Indian and modern style. Not only clothes but jewelry, decore, and many other things. The famous cloth is Banarsi sarees, Kanchiwaram sarees, and shawls. Plus, home decor like carpets, idols of Buddhist and Hindu God and Goddesses. It is also the best way to sightseeing in Varanasi and meets the local people.
Location: Varanasi
Time to visit: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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7. Ramnagar Fort to witness the elegance and beauty
Ramnagar Fort is another one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. The Ramnagar Fort is famous for its cream color Chunar Sandstone which makes the fort look elegant and beautiful. This fort is not that old compared to the other forts and monuments in the country, its aesthetic design is what makes it popular around the world. It attracts many foreign tourists and educates them about Indian history.
Location: Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi Rd, Ram Nagar, Ramnagar
Time to visit: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
8. Know about Ramanaya at Tulsi Manas
Tulsi Manas
The walls at Tulsi Manas are carved with the stories of Lord Ram and Sita. The full Ramanaya story you will find on the walls of the temple is written in Hindi. The picturesque surrounding will attract you and provide you peace and joy. Furthermore, you can spend your whole day sitting in the garden and meditating. Isn’t it sounding like the best meditative place? From the hustling and busy city life, this place will make you feel relaxed and ecstatic.
Location: Tulsi Manas, Durgakund, Bhelupur, Varanasi
Time to visit: 5:30 to 12:00 AM & 3:30 to 9:00 PM
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Conclusion
We have mentioned the list of exciting places to visit in Varanasi. We have included the most popular spots for you to extract the essence of the Varanasi to its fullest. Exploring the Ghats and meeting with new people is what makes it a fun and adventurous trip. Without giving a second thought just pack your bags and head towards the life-changing journey of the beautiful Banaras city.
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