Top 12 Things to Do in Varanasi for a Memorable Experience
Varanasi, the hub of spirituality, is a place with incredible energy. If we look at the history of this city, it traces back to the 11th century B.C. There are endless things to do in Varanasi that will amaze you and compel you to stay there forever. From seeking prayers to shopping, there are many possibilities out there. Varanasi, the oldest town and a riverside ghat, is not limited to spirituality but is a hub of traditional shopping streets and famous eateries. You’ll find this city to be thought-provoking and one of the most beautiful places to find solitude. With 84 ghats in Varanasi, this city is the main hub of spiritual visitors.
Travelling to Varanasi has a different essence because of the old narrow streets of Varanasi, the timeless Ghat by the river, and every related aspect. Sign yourself up for the exciting experiences for a fulfilling visit. Below is a list of must-visit and best things to do in Varanasi for a soul-soothing experience on your vacation. Read along!
12 Unforgettable Experience To Try In Varanasi
The allure of the city goes beyond its spiritual charm. It is a place where history, culture, and daily life intertwine seamlessly. From historic temples to bustling markets to famous eateries, Varanasi offers a unique and immersive experience. Visitors are drawn to the city’s rich tapestry of traditions, the warmth of hospitality, and an opportunity to witness the highest form of spirituality. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, cultural exploration, or simply a glimpse into the soul of India, Varanasi has something to offer to all. Here’s a breakthrough for the best things to do in Varanasi.
1. Temple Tour
2. Boat Ride, Ganges
3. Visiting Ramnagar Fort
4. Walking the Ghats
5. Strolls through the City
6. Visiting Sarnath
7. Taking a Bath in the Ganges
8. Banarasi Saree
9. Visit Village Mohan Sarai
10. Exploring the Food of Varanasi
11. Shopping from Streets
12. Bharat Kala Bhavan
1. Temple Tour
Kashi Vishwanath, the oldest temple among sacred Hindu temples in Varanasi, is a must-visit. Exploring Kashi Vishwanath Temple must be top of your list of things to do in Varanasi. This temple is sincerely dedicated to Lord Shiva and lies on the western bank of the river Ganges. There are 12 Jyotirlingas (Holiest Shiva Temples) in the world, and Kashi Vishwanath is one of them. This city was known as Kashi in ancient times and was inherited from this temple. Thousands of visitors pay tribute to Lord Shiva every year. If you’re visiting Varanasi, this should be on your list. Besides this, Varanasi is home to other Hindu temples, such as the Monkey Temple or Durga Temple, which is known for its red hue and large population of monkeys. The Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, is another temple featuring beautiful marble walls inscribed with verses from Ramcharitmanas.
Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
2. Boat Ride, River Ganga
What can be the most iconic things to do in Varanasi other than a boat ride on the Ganges. The best time to take a boat ride is at sunrise or sunset when the city is bathed in golden light and the ghats are bustling with activity. As you glide along the river, you find people performing the daily rituals, offering prayers, or taking a holy dip. The boat ride offers a unique city perspective with vibrant exposure.
3. Visiting Ramnagar Fort
The incredible Ramnagar Fort is one of the oldest fortifications in Varanasi. Exploring history buffs of Ramagarh fort is considered significant and a Varanasi thing to do. It lies near the Ganges on its eastern bank. The famous Tulsi Ghat can be seen here, opposite the fort. This fort was built mainly out of pure sandstone and reflects the iconic architectural brilliance built in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Raj Balwant Singh. The visitors can also visit Veda Vyasa Temple and King’s residential complex, which is worth a view. An adorable museum also gives you a glimpse of the rich tapestry,, including the Dakshin Mukhi Temple of Hanuman.
Location: Mirzapur Road, Varanasi
4. Walking the Ghats
The ghats of Varanasi have a serene significance for visitors, and you can witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti every evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Priests perform aarti with large lamps, accompanied by the chanting of hymns, sounds of bells, and the aroma of incense. Attending Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a mesmerising thing to do in Varanasi. To give a brief background, it is said that Lord Brahma created the ghats to welcome Lord Shiva. On the other hand, it is believed that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses while Dasa-Aswamedha Yajna was performed. Walking on the ghats of the Ganges River is one of the most beautiful moments you can ever have. The sunset must be one of the Varanasi things to do in your checklist with your loved ones. Exploring the ghats will amaze you at every end, and you will find the perfect spot to enjoy that incredible view. However, it’s best to arrive early as you can find a lot of crowds in the late evening.
Location: Dashashwamedh, Varanasi
5. Stroll Through the City
The narrow valley of the old city somehow tries to tell a story from those ancient buildings, temples, and bustling markets. Walking through these lanes gives you a glimpse of local life and its people as it is an adventurous thing to do in varanasi. You’ll be able to find local shops selling everything under one roof, from silk sarees and handicrafts to delicious street food. Don’t miss the ‘banarasiya Paan’, Varanasi’s betel leaf preparation speciality. If you start searching for things to do in Varanasi, you might miss many in one trip because this city amazes you at every step.
6. Visit Sarnath
Located in Varanasi, Visiting Sarnath is among the most spiritual things to do in Varanasi as it is highly significant as a Buddhist pilgrimage site. This place is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The site has several attractions, including the Dhamek Stupa, the Chaukandi Stupa, the Sarnath Museum, and a collection of Buddhist artifacts and sculptures. Sarnath is a serene place that offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Varanasi. Sarnath is a living reflection of spirituality, where history speaks in every aspect, and it is a fantastic picnic spot near Varanasi. Also visit Dhamek Stupa, a remarkable and massive stupa in Sarnath, which is 13km away from the central city.
7. Take a Bath in Ganges
The holy Ganges River is all about spiritual charm. The sacred water and divinity in prayers offer salvation to those who bathe in the water. People with no age bar dip in the water to absolve their sins and attain peace. People are flooding across the globe for Moksha and liberation from the cycle of birth and death just by dipping in the Ganges river. Varanasi has more than 84 Ghats with stairs leading to the Ganges, and people take baths during the crack of dawn. If you’re in Varanasi, you can do this as a part of the activity list.
8. Banarasi Saree
A trip to Varanasi can only be completed by adding this to your favorite things to do in Varanasi. The markets of Varanasi are filled with shops selling a wide variety of Banarasi sarees and other silk products like scarves and fabrics. Shopping is one of the iconic things to do in Varanasi, as you’ll find fantastic craftsmanship and legacy-rich textile and silk weaving. Shopping for Banarasi silk is a must-do activity when visiting the city.
9. Visiting the Village of Sarai Mohana
You can also see the silk-weaving village to get an insight into the intricate silk-weaving process and the lives of weavers. You will find another side of the artisans at work, creating beautiful sarees and fabrics using traditional techniques. When we talk about silk weaving, nothing beats the Sarai Mohana village, as the villagers are blessed with weaving skills inherited from the prior generation. Who hasn’t heard about the popular Varanasi sarees, considered among the finest sarees in India? Visitors are welcome to visit Sarai Mohana village, enlighten themselves about the craftsmanship of the weavers, and get insights into the secret behind their work.
10. Exploring the Food of Varanasi
Your visit to Varanasi doesn’t start unless you taste the little paradise. There is an endless variety of local street food that you can enjoy in the streets of Varanasi. From crispy Kachoris to bhandara aloo, gorge on tasteful cuisine served with love. The best part of Varanasi food is its reasonable price, starting at Rs 10. Nobody starves in the city of Lord Shiva, for sure. Food in Varanasi can be considered a gastronomical experience. Some of the famous snow cones, roasted peanuts, items like Tamatar Chaat, Pani Puri, Aloo Tikki, and a variety of sweets like Jalebis, Banarasi Kalakand, Rabri, and more. Visiting the food stalls can be one of the most exciting things to do in Varanasi if you are a foodie.
11. Shopping from Streets
Shopping in Varanasi is a great way to bring memories from this holy city. Shopping Banarasi silk in local markets is a prime Varanasi thing to do. The city is also famous for ornate jewels, and you can visit the local market to find intricate patterns and elaborate designs. You can also buy carpets, shawls, stone inlay work, glass bangles, and idols of deities. The main shopping areas in Varanasi include Vishwanath Lane, Thateri Bazar, Chowk, and Godowilia.
12. Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan
This museum in BHU is a famous art and cultural museum that you can visit in Varanasi. It was established during the 1920s and is the oldest museum in India, making it a paradise for literature lovers. Apart from art and painting, a separate section is devoted to a rich collection of Banarasi Sarees, which is unmissable!
FAQs of things to do in Varanasi
What are the most attractive things to do in Varanasi?
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ramgarh Fort, Dhamek Stupa, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Assi Ghat are some of the major attractions in Varanasi owing to their beautiful views that have a fascinating, rich history.
What are the best outdoor activities to do in Varanasi?
A few outdoor activities include a cultural walk, a Varanasi walking tour, attending Ganga Aarti at Ghats, a musical tour, and visiting a museum.
Which month is best to visit Varanasi?
The best time to explore Varanasi is between October and February, when the temperature dips. You can visit Varanasi during the monsoon months, especially in July, August, and September. The city temperature exponentially rises during the summer seasons.
Is it worth visiting Varanasi?
Being one of the oldest and holy cities in the country, a visit to Varanasi will give you countless memories and enlightenment.
Is it safe to visit Manikarnika Ghat at night?
There’s activity on Varanasi’s ghats throughout the day and night, and it’s a great idea to come at different times of day to absorb the different atmospheres. Avoid wandering around Varanasi’s winding lanes after dark if you can avoid it because the city is mostly safe during the day; it’s less so at night.
What is the most famous shop in Varanasi?
Some of the famous things to buy in Varanasi include the Banarasi Saree, Rudraksha Mala, Idols of God, Hand-Knotted Carpets, Banaras Sweets, Conventional Clothing, Bangles and other accessories, and Minak.
How far is Kashi Vishwanath Temple from Varanasi’s main city?
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is 4km away from the main city.
What is the famous street food of Varanasi?
Some famous street foods of Varanasi include Kachori Sabzi, Choora Matar, Dahi Chutney Gol Gappe, Baati Chokha, Tamatar Chaat, Thandai, and Jalebi.
Do performances take place at Dashaswamedh Ghat?
These ghats are also a venue for Varanasi festivals, celebrated for decades. The ceremony is a spiritual experience that attracts hundreds of individuals every day. You should arrive early to get a good spot, as the ghats can get quite crowded.
Is there any hostel in Varanasi for solo travellers or backpackers?
Yes, for an incredible experience you can book a stay at Moustache Varanasi where you will find endless amenities to make your trip exciting.
