10 Best Things To Do In Varanasi For An Enigmatic Vacation

Varanasi is a very beautiful north Indian city set in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The history of this city dates back to the 11th century B.C. It is regarded as the spiritual capital of India and undoubtedly serves as a residence for countless Hindu pilgrims. There are many things to do in Varanasi that will leave you spellbound and compel you to stay there forever. From seeking prayers at the temple to bathing in the holy Ganges, there is a lot to experience in the spiritual city.

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10 Things To Do In Varanasi

Varanasi, known as one of the oldest cities globally, is equally among the most lively cities. Enroll in the most distinctive and enriching experiences in Banaras and have a rewarding journey. Here is a compilation of the top activities to enjoy in Varanasi that will provide you with a delightful vacation experience. Keep reading!

• Explore The Ghats
• Boat Ride On the Ganges
• Watch Evening Aarti
• Take A Tour Of Sarnath
• Witness The Buddhist Intervention
• Take The Holy Bath In the Ganges
• Witness The Magnificent Sunset
• Explore The Magnificent Weaver’s Village
• Tour Of The Oldest Temple
• Relive Your History

 

1. Explore The Ghats

 

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the major Ghats located in the beautiful city of Varanasi which lies in the Ganges. In terms of location, it is relatively near the renowned Vishwanath Temple. To provide a short background on this magnificent Ghat, it is believed that Lord Brahma established it to honor Lord Shiva. Some also think that Lord Brahma is believed to have offered ten horses during the Dasa-Ashwamedha Yajna conducted here.

These ghats also serve as the location for Varanasi festivals that have been celebrated for centuries, and you should join in. According to the history of this Ghat, it was constructed by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in 1748 and subsequently reconstructed by Queen Ahilyabahi Holkar of Indore in 1774. The guests can also see the observatory constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1737, located directly in the Ganges.

2. Boat Ride On the Ganges

A Sunset Boat Ride on the Ganges is one of the top things to do in Varanasi. Your trip is incomplete without the soul-stirring ride on the quaint waters of the holy river. There is no more dramatic moment than soaking in the view of the setting sun on the river. Ask your rower to sing some folk songs to make it even more memorable. Take inspiration from Bollywood movies that have featured this scene time and again. FYI, it is also one of the best things to do in Varanasi for kids.

Cost:- 100 rupees per person

3. Watch Evening Aarti

One of the most spiritual things to see in Varanasi is watching the evening aarti by the Ghats. You might have experienced the enchanting atmosphere in Rishikesh or Haridwar, so you already anticipate how enlightening your time in Varanasi will be.

The ghats become busy during the aarti period. Therefore, ensure you arrive early. Remember to purchase an aarti thali to immerse yourself in the experience completely. When the melodious tone of aarti reaches your ears, you experience genuine joy.

4. Take A Tour Of Sarnath

Just 10 km outside Varanasi lies the famous Buddhist pilgrim spot called Sarnath. In case you didn’t know, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha preached for the first time after achieving enlightenment. So, if you are in search of enlightenment or spirituality, then you know where to go when you are on a vacation in Varanasi.

A lot of stupas and structures have been built by the kings who followed Buddhism. Apart from being the center of spirituality.

5. Witness The Buddhist Intervention

Dhamek Stupa is a remarkable and massive stupa that is well situated at Sarnath about 13 km away from the magnificent city of Varanasi. The stupas originated as pre-Buddhist tumuli which are said to have ascetics buried in an appropriate seated position known as chaitya.

This is considered to be a very holy and sacred place for Buddhists, the reason being, right after the par Nirvana (Liberation) of Buddha, his remains are said to have been cremated and then the ashes were divided and buried under eight mounds. (Two mounds own the urn and embers).

Tracing back to its inception, the Dhamek Stupa was built in 500 CE which replaced an earlier structure said to be commissioned by the great and recognized Mauryan king Ashoka. Visitors are welcome here to witness and relive the history and get a glimpse of our past.

6. Take The Holy Bath In the Ganges

As we all know, the Great Ganges is a very sacred river in Hinduism and it is widely believed to wash away our sins only by bathing in the waters of the holy Ganges River. The Ganges has been known to offer spiritual charm to Varanasi for decades.

Believers are seen chanting prayers to appease and get blessings from the River Goddess. It is highly considered to be of salvation and purification and an endless number of pilgrims throughout the year visiting the Ganges. People are flooding down here from the different parts of the country, let alone the world in pursuit of attaining moksha and liberation from the cycle of birth and death just by dipping in the holy Ganges River.

There are more than 84 Ghats in Varanasi leading to these waters and you can experience and witness the pilgrims bathing since the early crack of dawn.

7. Witness The Magnificent Sunset

The Ghats that elegantly stretch along the Ganges River, situated in Varanasi, are undoubtedly the most charming and captivating view to witness in this sacred city. Visitors can walk along the Ghats during sunset and enjoy incredible, unforgettable moments with friends and family.

During your time in Varanasi, it is essential to explore the Ghats, and experiencing the sunsets here is unparalleled. With multiple Ghats to explore, you can always select your location to experience the enchanting sunsets. Since the Ghats can be quite busy, it’s best to arrive early to experience the most beautiful views that you will cherish forever.

8. Explore The Magnificent Weaver’s Village

The weavers from Varanasi have undoubtedly garnered their fair share of recognition and prestige globally for their captivating works of stunning masterpieces.

In the realm of silk weaving, Sarai Mohana village stands unmatched, as the villagers possess exceptional weaving abilities passed down from their forefathers. Who has not heard of the famous Varanasi sarees, regarded as some of the best sarees in India, and they are undoubtedly crafted right here in the core of Varanasi. The sarees produced here are famous for their gold and silver brocade (zari), luxurious embroidery, and, of course, their high quality silk.

Nearly all Indian brides wish to don these saris on their wedding day. Guests are invited to explore the mentioned village to learn about the weavers’ skills and gain insights into the artistry behind the sarees created here, which can take between 15 days to 6 months to complete.

9. Tour Of The Oldest Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is among the most revered and famous Hindu temples in Varanasi, believed to be a true homage to Lord Shiva. It elegantly rests on the western shore of the Ganges River. There are a total of 12 Jyotirlingas (Most Sacred Shiva Temples) worldwide, and the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple is among them. Varanasi was formerly called Kashi, which is how the temple got its name.

Numerous visitors honor Lord Shiva year-round, making the location frequently very congested. If Varanasi is known for its temples, then Kashi Vishwanath Temple must be the most frequented one of all.

 

 

10. Relive Your History

The splendid Ramnagar Fort is an effective fort in Varanasi. It is situated close to the Ganges on its eastern shore. The renowned Tulsi Ghat is visible from this location since it is directly across from the fort.

The fort is constructed primarily of solid sandstone and symbolizes authentic Mughal architectural style; it is believed to have been built in 1750 by the famous Kashi Naresh Raj Balwant Singh. Tourists can see the Veda Vyasa Temple and the royal living quarters, both of which are definitely worth seeing.

There is a charming museum that offers a view of our rich history, and the area also features the holy Dakshin Mukhi Temple of Hanuman.

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