Called the oldest and holiest city of India, Varanasi is not limited to religious rituals and cremations. This city is a unique blend of life, culture, music, art and traditions which is difficult to find anywhere else. Varanasi tourism not only gives you the experience of faith, but this city touches your soul deeply. In this article, we will explore the places you must visit in Varanasi to explore its spiritual side.
We will also look at the must-visit places in Varanasi for tourists and things to do in Varanasi. In short, everything about Varanasi tourism will be discussed briefly here.
Specialty of Varanasi City Tour
A new experience awaits you at every step as you explore Varanasi City. Strolling through the narrow streets with old buildings and temples takes you closer to the cultural heritage of Varanasi.
The lifestyle of the people in Varanasi is worth observing. They start their day early and the evenings end with silent prayers and gratitude. Due to these reasons, even the walking tours in Varanasi are quite famous.
Places to Visit and Top Tourist Attractions in Varanasi
When you think about the places you must visit in Varanasi, the list is very long. The major attractions of Varanasi city are its ancient temples. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankatmochan Temple, Durga Kund and Tulsi Manas Temple stand out among these ancient temples.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the first place in every Varanasi travel guide. You must also not miss out on the best ghats to visit in Varanasi. Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat are also among the top attractions in Varanasi city.
Ganga Aarti & Boat Journey
Ganga Aarti is such an experience of Varanasi which is difficult to describe in words. Thousands of lamps are lit in the evening, the echo of mantras fills the atmosphere with devotion. After this, if you take a Varanasi boat trip, then the mind gets overwhelmed by seeing the flow of the Ganges and the beauty of the ghats. The boat trip at sunrise in the morning is equally amazing.
Assi Ghat and the Splendor of the Ghats
It is not possible to talk about the best ghats to visit in Varanasi and not mention Assi Ghat Varanasi. This ghat is the center of youth, travelers and artists. Here you get to see yoga in the morning, literary seminars and music programs in the evening. Dashashwamedh Ghat is known for its grand Ganga Aarti and Manikarnika Ghat for its unique significance.
Famous Temples of Varanasi & their Spiritual Significance
Visit the famous temples in Varanasi if you want to dig deep into its spiritual side. These temples are not just places of worship. Here you will find peace and soul rejuvenating experience like never before.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the sacred place for devotees of Shiva. You can also visit the Durga Temple and Sankatmochan Hanuman temple to offer your prayers. If you want to explore the spiritual side of Varanasi, you must visit these temples during your Varanasi city tour.
Cultural Heritage of Varanasi
The cultural heritage of Varanasi is so rich that understanding it is a journey in itself. The gharanas here have given recognition to classical music, dance and literature all over the world.
The Banaras Gharana is famous for the melodious tunes of tabla and sitar. Even today many artists can be seen practicing in the streets. This city has also been the center of Indian knowledge tradition and this is the reason why the culture here is alive even after thousands of years.
Street Food & Shopping in Varanasi
When you visit Varanasi, do try the street food of Varanasi. Kachori-Jalebi, Tomato Chaat, Banarasi Paan and Malaiyo in winter will make your taste buds dance with joy. Shopping in Varanasi should also be on the travellers’ list. Don’t forget to buy brass artefacts, wooden toys, banarasi silk sarees, and religious objects while shopping in Varanasi.
Historical Sites in Varanasi City
To know the history of the city, it is also important to see the historical sites in Varanasi city. Witness the grand Mughal architecture by visiting the Ramnagar Fort. Visit Sarnath Temple to experience the glory of the Buddha. Explore the hidden gems in Varanasi in the form of small temples and local markets during the walking tours in Varanasi.
Which is the Best Time to Visit Varanasi?
Thinking about which is the best time to visit Varanasi? If you want to visit the city when the weather is pleasant, choose a time between October to March. You can explore the places you must visit in Varanasi without any issues during this period. Varanasi can also be your summer escape destination. During summer, you may sit by the ghats situated on the Ganges and enjoy the cool breeze.
Must-Visit Experiences for Tourists
If you are a first-time visitor, there are several places you must visit in Varanasi. These places include the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath temples, and Dashashwamedh Ghat. You must also experience the morning bustle of Assi Ghat, history of Ramnagar Fort and peace of Sarnath. All these experiences make your trip complete and memorable.
Final Thoughts
Varanasi is not just limited to food, festivals and cremations. There are many places to visit in Varanasi. You can also go through the things to do in Varanasi that are mentioned above. Tasting Varanasi street food itself is a rare opportunity you should not miss out on. Find more about the spiritual side and historical places in Varanasi through other blogs published on our site.