One of the oldest cities in the world Varanasi famously called Banaras situated in Uttar Pradesh. The history of Varanasi is 11th B.C. old and therefore, considered a spiritual city of India. The city is the home of plenty of Hindu pilgrims and mesmerizing river of the Ganges where you can perform your prayers.
Varanasi is filled with spiritual places which will compel and spellbound you with their positive vibes. You can do plenty of things in Varanasi from a holy dip in the Ganges to witnessing a spiritual vibe during âGanga Aartiâ, you can take part in plenty of spiritual rituals.
In this article, we have listed the top 10 things to do in Varanasi that you can enjoy with your family and friends.
Visit the oldest temple
Varanasi is known as the land of pilgrims and one of the most significant is the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The temple beautifully lies on the western ghats of the holy river Ganga. Varanasi back in the day was known as Kashi so, Kashi Vishwanath comes from that. People visit here to pay tribute to Lord Shiva throughout the year. Kashi Vishwanath is the most visited temple in India and holds a significant place in the Hindu culture. The hub of the temple, Varanasi is the must-visit place and Kashi Vishwanath is the must-visit place in Varanasi. It is one of the most famous Hindu temples in the world.
Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Must-do things: When visiting temples make sure to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple because it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (12 holiest Shiva temples). Travelers visiting to Varanasi make sure that they visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Morning boat ride in the Ganges
A morning boat ride in the river of the Ganges is the best way to start your day and witness the beauty of the city. Ganga is considered the holiest water in India and people here perform their prayers to the holy river Ganga. Blue sky, peaceful surroundings, and still river are what you need in your Varanasi tour. As you explore the city in the boat ask your rower to sing a folk song, believe us it will give you joy and happiness that you have never experienced. It is one of the best things and places to visit in Varanasi for a couple.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: Any time
Must-do things: Witnessing the beautiful River Ganga which is the most beautiful thing you would see in Varanasi. Make sure that you take a boat ride during the evening and witness hypnotizing sunrise
Explore the Ghats
The privately owned ones in this area are well-known for their early-morning boat cruises, which offer stunning, all-encompassing views of the area. The Mata Anandamai Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Munshi Ghat, Raj Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Scindia Ghat, and Raj Ghat are a few of the significant Ghats that can be seen during a journey to Varanasi.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is presumably the most well-known of these. Its convenient location and breathtaking beauty make Varanasi a magical spot to visit. It is near the Vishwanath Temple. There are two Hindu legends that are linked to the Ghat. According to one of them, Lord Brahma received Lord Shiva here. If you are planning 3 days trip to Varanasi then you must first explore Ghats because it is one of the best places to visit.
Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi
Timing: Opens 24 hours
Must-do things: Participate in the grant âGanga Aartiâ in the evening which looks aesthetic and magnificent and gives you a peaceful vibe.
Holy dip in the Ganges
The Ganges River is regarded as the holiest river in Hinduism. According to local legend, bathing in these sacred waters will atone for sins and purify the soul. Hindu religious books actually frequently advocate washing in the Ganges to atone for sins committed in this life or previous ones in order to achieve salvation.
One of the main things to do in Varanasi is to swim or take a bath in the Ganges' sacred waters. Ganga, the older sibling of the goddess Parvati, the bride of Lord Shiva, represents the river. According to legend, Ganga came to earth to save 60000 ancestors. Along with Varanasi sightseeing make sure that you take a holy dip in the river Ganga.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: Any time
Must-do things: Numerous people travel to the Ganges all year long because it is revered as a source of redemption and purification.
Travel to Buddhist Intervention
The ascetics are claimed to have been interred in the proper seated position, known as chaitya, in the pre-Buddhist tumuli that gave rise to the stupas. For Buddhists, this is a very holy and sacred location because it is said that immediately following Buddha's attaining Nirvana (Liberation), his corpse was burned, and the ashes were subsequently split and interred under eight mounds. The urn and the embers are owned by two mounds.
Location: Dharmapala Rd, Singhpur, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Must-do things: Dhamek Stupa is one of the remarkable Buddhists which is situated 13 kilometers away from the beautiful Varanasi.
Witness mesmerizing sunset
One of the best things to do in Varanasi if you love food is to savor the native cuisine on the streets. You can enjoy a plate of Baati Chokha or a scrumptious breakfast of Kachori Sabzi at Ram Bhandar or Thatheri Bazaar.
Choora Matar and Meethe Gol Gappe will put you in a food coma if you're in the mood to nibble. The well-known Makhan Malaiyoo or Nimish is served during the winter months in Varanasi if you have a sweet craving.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: Any time
Must-do things: At dusk, people can wander along the Ghats and have some mind-blowing and unforgettable moments with their loved ones.
Explore Weaverâs village
Because of their intriguing work creating some of the most stunning works of art, the weavers of Varanasi have undoubtedly earned their fair share of recognition and reputation on a global scale. Nothing rivals the Sarai Mohana hamlet when it comes to silk weaving since the locals are gifted with their weaving abilities, which they inherited from their forefathers.
Who hasn't heard of the well-known Varanasi sarees? They are unquestionably manufactured right here in the center of Varanasi and are regarded as some of the finest sarees in all of India. Visitors are invited to the aforementioned village to learn more about the workmanship of the weavers and to gain some insights and knowledge.
Location: A small town 5 kilometers away from the main city.
Timing: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Must-do things: The sarees produced in this region are renowned for their fine silk, lavish needlework, zari, or gold and silver brocade.
Tour to Sarnath
The well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath is about 10 kilometers outside of Varanasi. In case you weren't aware, Sarnath is the site of the first sermon that Lord Buddha gave after being enlightened. So, when you're on vacation in Varanasi and looking for spirituality or enlightenment, you know where to go. The rulers who practiced Buddhism erected several stupas and other buildings. In addition to being the center of spirituality, it also presents an incredible. It is one of the best things to do in Varanasi, India.
Location: Dharmapala Rd, Singhpur, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Must do things: When on vacation in Varanasi, you know where to go if you're looking for spirituality or enlightenment. The rulers who practiced Buddhism erected several stupas and other buildings.
Taste mouthwatering street food
For foodies, Varanasi's ghats are a small paradise. You can find a never-ending selection of regional street food on Varanasi's streets. Enjoy delicious local cuisine prepared with passion, from spicy aloo puri to crunchy kachoris. The best part is how reasonably priced the cuisine is in Varanasi. A plate of puri also is available for Rs. 10. No one ever goes hungry in Varanasi. That much is true. If you ask your taste buds, it's one of the most daring things to do in Varanasi in 3 days.
Location: Puran Das Road, Gol Ganj, Kachori Gali, Mandir Gali
Timing: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Must-do things: Street foods are famous in Varanasi but make sure that you taste the famous âBanaras Paan.â Fire Paan, Ice Paan, and Sweet Paan are famous here. There is more variety in Paan.
Shopping
In Varanasi, popular products to purchase include religious artifacts, chikankari, and Banarsee silk sarees. Visitors to Varanasi are required to bring a bottle of holy Ganges water back to their homes. Additionally, you could purchase glass beads, shiva lineages, or rudraksha mala. Varanasi has a variety of malls, however, the local bazaars are the finest places to shop there. Thatheri Bazaar is one of the best places to visit and do shopping in Varanasi.
Location: Thatheri Bazaar, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Must-do things: Wool and silk items are sold in numerous stores. If you're looking to buy some goods for your home, this location is nirvana.
Final Thoughts
Varanasi is known for its ancient and rich heritage which is perfectly shown when you visit this magnificent city. They say âvalleys in Varanasi are worth touringâ, hit the streets of Banaras becuase there are lots of things that you can do while traveling small towns and valleys.
Additionally, people in Varanasi are the sweetest in the world and they would even give you space in their home and offer delicious food. This city is well-reputed and has a significant place not only in India but the world. The city has plenty of things to offer to its visitors that come from all over the world. When visiting the beautiful city of Varanasi with your family and friends, make sure to meet the locals.
People visiting Varanasi from India might have some idea about the culture and traditions of Varanasi but people visiting outside from India should expect a cultural shock because it is going to be overwhelming for them. So get ready for a 180 cultural shift in Varanasi and lose yourself in the serenity of the environment.