Located in the Uttar Pradesh state, Varanasi is synonymous with the tagline of religious capital of India,’ and it is not a brainer why it is so! If there comes the topic of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi will engrave its name in the list. Attending evening Aarti in Varanasi ghats is one of the best things to do in Varanasi for tourists. Dozens of ghats are flanked around the holy Ganges flowing through Varanasi, where Hindu tourists take sacred baths.
Apart from the fact that Varanasi is the spiritual facet of India, this city in Uttar Pradesh is also famous for the production of silks and brocades with silver and gold thread work. Being the religious hub of India, it is obvious that temples are scattered in Varanasi. But temples in Varanasi are not in the dozens. There are more than 2,000 temples in Varanasi, and each of them holds strong significance.
Browse through the best 7 things to do in Varanasi in 2024:
- Take a bath in the Ganges
- Watch the sun go down
- Go see the temples of Varanasi
- Watch a cremation at one of the ‘burning ghats.’
- Enjoy the delicious food
- Admire the sacred ceremony Ganga Aarti
- Take a boat trip on the Ganges river
1. Take a bath in the Ganges
Spiritual charm runs in Varanasi, and the mighty Ganges flowing through Varanasi is the testimony to it. Attain salvation by taking a morning or evening plunge into the Ganges.
There are around 88 ghats (approx.) in Varanasi, out of which bathing at Manikarnika Ghats is the best deal to purify yourself. Millions of Americans, Russians come to Varanasi annually and bathe in the Holy Ganges.
2. Watch the Sun Go Down
Mother nature does not need a filter, and you will understand when you will watch the sun go down at the Varanasi Ghats. Around 88 ghats are clusters in the temple town of India, and each of them has its own charisma of visiting in the dusk hours.
Take an evening stroll at the holy Ganges Ghats, watch the people bathing, praying, and vendors selling souvenirs. If you want to unfold Hindu mythological significance in the evening, visit Dashwawamedh Ghat, Munshi Ghat, and Tulsi Ghat. Capturing all the 50 shades of pink during dusk hours is the best thing for couples in Varanasi.
3. Explore Temples of Varanasi
2,000 temples (approx.) are scattered in Varanasi, and some of them are Buddhist Hindu temples like Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Unlock the soul-cleansing experience at the Varanasi Temples like Annapurna Temple, Ankatha Temple, Kalbhairav Temple, Mritunjay Mahadev Temple.
You will be enamored with the architecture of temples that depicts Hindu culture and tradition in the best possible way.
4. Watch a Cremation at One of the Burning Ghats
If you are looking to find out the unique things to do in Varanasi, watch a cremation at the burning ghats. Here people come to hospice after dying from their relatives. The cremations of bodies and funerals take place on the banks of the Ganges at several ghats.
People come here to bid the final farewell to the one whom they love. This is something you should experience as an international tourist coming to Varanasi to experience the real splendor of India.
5. Enjoy the Delicious Varanasi Food
Taste Litti Chokha aur Batti Chokha on Varanasi’s visit if you are an ardent street food lover. Enjoying the delicious street food in Varanasi is one of the best things to do with friends.
If you want to start a good morning with a healthy breakfast, relish a plate full of hot kachori sabji with desi ghee jalebi. At the streets of Varanasi, pair the tangy jaljeera with Dahi Chutney wale Gol Gappe or Meethe Golgappe. Taste lassi at Blue Lassi.
6. Admire the Sacred Ceremony Ganga Aarti
Along the famous ghats flanked on the Ganges, the Aarti ceremony happens in the evening, early morning, and evening. This Hindu religious offering ritual involved offering made to deities.
Watch the spiritual gathering and the priests chanting the holy mantras. People come to attend the evening Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat. Capture and breathe the aromas of the flowers during the Ganges Aarti ceremony.
7. Take A Boat Trip on the Ganges River
Enjoying a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River is billed itself in the list of the top things to do in Varanasi in one day! Watch the soft pastel color painting the sky between 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM. Capture locals taking bath on the Ghats and priests chanting holy prayers.
Some people wash clothes also, which will let you experience the ruler facet of Varanasi. Expect to pay 250 INR (approx.) for 2 hours sunrise boating ride and 100 INR (approx.) for a 1-hour boating excursion on the Ganges.
Which of these life-enriching things to do in Varanasi enticed you the most?
Why Visit Varanasi in India?
Inhabited continually for more than 2,800 years (approx.) and still counting, this is the city where you can break from the cycle of rebirth. Whether you call it Banaras or Kashi or Varanasi, it is the same thing. If you want to immerse yourself in the raw devotion, plan to visit Varanasi on your India trip between July to September, and October to May.
See Also: Things to do in Rishikesh
