In this blog post, you will find a list of the best things to do in Varanasi. Most of these activities you can plan on your own. Some of the tours can be booked online in advance.
Sunrise boat ride
The Ganges is a sight at daybreak and a serene, ethereal location at first light. A few boats are gliding up and down the river as the sky is painted in colours. Along the way, the ship will pass numerous temples and all of the various ghats. An experience that perfectly captures the spiritual essence of India is a sunrise boat trip on the Ganges in Varanasi.
The city starts to wake up as morning rises, and the Ganges, a river that Hindus worship, come to life. This is the best thing to do in Varanasi. Temple bells ring in the air as pilgrims complete their morning ablutions in the river and devotees offer prayers. Your boat is moving along the holy river quietly where you can observe these ancient rites and customs. On every trip to this historic city is the dreamlike morning boat ride, which gives a close-up view of Varanasi.
Visit the Burning Ghat.
It is a humble experience to visit the burning ghat. One of the best things to do in Varanasi, namely Manikarnika Ghat. Manikarnika Ghat is considered by Hindus to be one of the holiest sites on the Ganges. Through cremation, people are freed from the cycle of reincarnation and death. It’s a place of extreme contrasts; although it faces mortality head-on, there’s also an underlying sense of acceptance and serenity. This guided city tour is the finest way to see Manikarnika Ghat.
This place has powerful views and noises that can arouse a range of feelings, from seriousness to curiosity. Given that this is a sacred and very personal location for many tourists. Taking pictures is not allowed at all. Seeing the ceremonies performed at the burning ghat offers a profound understanding of Hindu spiritual and cultural customs.
Head to Blue Lassi
In 2015, Blue Lassi, a little bistro in the wall, celebrated its 75th anniversary. The hundreds of pictures on the wall are proof that it has always been and still is a family endeavor.
Lassi is a yogurt drink. But the ones at Blue Lassi are a tad fancier than the typical cup you may find on the street. The lassis are created by hand in a variety of flavors. Before choosing your toppings, you can choose from a variety of base tastes, such as peach, mango, banana, or pomegranate. This well-liked Varanasi Food Tour offers a variety of stops, including Blue Lassi. One of the best things to do in Varanasi.
Experience the Aarti Ceremony
One of the best things to do in Varanasi is attend the Aarti ritual in Varanasi. Every evening, this spiritual ceremony draws both locals and visitors to the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the Ganges River’s banks. A group of teenage priests dressed in traditional garb start the synchronized rite as the sun sets. The temple bells and the rhythmic chanting of prayers are accompanied by their movement. The most well-liked approach to witnessing this magnificent occasion is through the well-regarded Aarti Ritual and Boat Ride.
The Ganges River is revered as a living goddess during the Aarti ceremony. Where the aroma of burning incense, blossoming flowers, and lamp smoke permeate the air. The ancient city and the holy river serve as the ceremony’s backdrop of spirituality and devotion. One of the highlights of any journey to Varanasi is witnessing this ancient tradition with your family and friends.
Visit the significant temples of Varanasi.
An intimate connection with the rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual foundations of Varanasi can be established by visiting its remarkable temples. There are innumerable temples in the city, each with an impressive architectural design and a distinct history. One of the most significant Hindu temples devoted to Lord Shiva is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Begin your temple tour here. The temple has a calm, heavenly aura, despite the busy alleys that lead to it. This guided city tour is the ideal method to see Varanasi’s temples.
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman shrine, which is devoted to Lord Hanuman and receives thousands of worshipers every day. Don’t miss the Durga Temple, popularly called the Monkey Temple because of its stunning red hue. Finally, the New Vishwanath Temple, housed on the grounds of Banaras Hindu University. Which is a stunning example of contemporary architecture that is well worth seeing. It is an exact reproduction of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple, with its soaring structure and elaborate embellishments. Every trip to a temple offers new perspectives on Hindu mythology, the spiritual significance of the city. So, do not miss out on the best things to do in Varanasi with your friends and family.
