Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital, boasts some of the country’s most captivating temples and Ghats – take your time exploring them all! Varanasi offers visitors many memorable sights to see! Attend the Ganga Aarti Ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most spectacular experiences to have in Varanasi. Witness its captivating crowd, brass lamps, aroma of flowers and incense sticks as well as its mesmerizing chants for an unforgettable sight! Here you get to know Top Things to do in Varanasi.
Ganges Boat Ride – One of the Top things to do in Varanasi
One of the premier experiences to enjoy in Varanasi is taking an early morning boat ride on the Ganges River at sunrise. This truly memorable event captures all of its spiritual meaning within Hindu religion and how closely tied it is with water itself. Start your tour early morning by meeting a boatman at one of the riverside steps (ghats). Sail along the Ganges as local pilgrims perform devotional rituals in its sacred waters and bathe themselves in them.
Once your boat ride is complete, head to a temple or ghat to witness a Ganga Aarti – a Hindu fire offering ceremony on the riverbank involving devotees chanting prayers while offering flowers, incense and candles while lighting candles. Varanasi offers plenty of ways to cruise along the Ganges, from group tours and cruiser rentals, to individual cruises that start from 100 rupees per person (shared boat) up to 250 for single cruisers depending on budget and desired time on river.
Ganges Bathing
Experience India like never before by bathing in the Ganges – one of its holiest rivers according to Hindu belief – which is said to cleanse away sin and help achieve Moksha, or salvation.
At 6.10am local time – considered the most auspicious time according to astrology – millions of devout Hindus, led by religious men covered with ash-covered holy signs, made their way towards the Ganges for cleansing purposes during Kumbh Mela. Millions flocked there from across India as part of this annual pilgrimage dedicated to purifying believers of their sins and entering its waters as part of this mass bathing ceremony. Book Now Varanasi Tour Packages
Before entering the water, devotees line up to witness Akharas – religious congregations composed of Hindu saints – set off in procession on silver chariots. Tens of thousands of pilgrims follow behind and fill small containers with river water to take home with them.
Temples of Varanasi
One of the must-see sights in Varanasi is visiting its temples. As an ancient city and religious hub, Varanasi draws thousands of pilgrims each year who bathe in Ganges River’s sacred waters as well as perform funeral rites. Kashi Vishwanath, or the Golden Temple as it is commonly referred to, is one of the major highlights in Kashi. Devoted to Lord Shiva, it stands as one of India’s holiest sites.
Varanasi boasts many historic temples that hold spiritual significance, such as Lalita Ghat, Durga Kund and Mrityunjay Mahadeva Temple. As long as you’re here, why not visit Ravaneshwar temple as well? Renowned for its disease curing abilities, it offers the perfect spot to soak in holy waters and practice yogic meditation. Manikarnika Ghat is also home to cremations; two-thirds of total cremations take place here annually. Book Maharajas Express
Stroll along the river
Varanasi’s holy river Ganges draws thousands of devotees, sadhus, and sages every day seeking to cleanse themselves of sin and enter moksha-nirvana – ultimate freedom from suffering and eternal bliss. Though the ghats are bustling with life, it is best to maintain some distance from their busy crowds and pandits attempting to educate you about them by telling their tale and then demanding payment.
Viewing the Ganga Arti (holy procession) every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat and Rajendra Prasad Ghat is one of Varanasi’s most celebrated attractions. Beyond the ghats, Old City offers many cafes where visitors can dine and sip a cup of tea or coffee. Here, they can also indulge in popular street-food dishes like kachoris, choora matar, meethe golgappe and tamatar chaat at popular eateries throughout this neighborhood.
Banarasi paan – betel leaf and areca nut dish — is another delectable street-food treat worth experiencing while visiting any major city! Known for its royal taste, this dish should definitely make an appearance!.
Related Tour Packages
- Varanasi Spiritual Tour
- Varanasi Sunrise Ghat Tour
- Varanasi city tour with Ganga Aarti
- Varanasi Prayagraj Trip
Aarti Ceremony of Dusk
Experience Varanasi like never before by attending its Aarti Ceremony of Dusk. Held daily at Dashashwamedh Ghat, this ceremony is one of its most beloved rituals and should not be missed! A Hindu ceremony known as an Aarti ceremony involves praying to the Ganges river with chanting, bells, fire and flowers. As part of their spiritual ceremony, young pandits perform an elaborate and inspiring ceremony on a stage facing the river, with movements in sync with hymn chanting and cymbal cymbals.
An Aarti service at Varanasi will allow you to experience its spiritual charms. After attending, take a boat ride along the Ganges to admire its bathing Ghats and cremation sites! Both first time travelers as well as frequent visitors can appreciate this enriching spiritual experience! Renting a local English/Hindi speaking guide will save both time and money while guaranteeing you an unforgettable experience in Varanasi.
Weaver Village
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in India. Situated in Uttar Pradesh, this pilgrimage destination has long been revered. As the birthplace of religious cultures and customs, Dhaka is home to several sacred sites and customs as well as being famed for silk weaving.
Banarasi saris are among the finest designs ever, and considered an essential component of an Indian woman’s wardrobe. Crafted from delicate silk fabric and decorated with intricate brocade and metallic threads in gold or silver colors, these exquisite pieces can only be found here in Banarasi’s. Varanasi weavers use traditional techniques, their narrow lanes resonating with the sound of old looms.
Weavers in Gujarat produce not only sarees, but a wide range of fabrics ranging from heavy brocade to light silk, as well as Buddhist brocades. Zari and silk yarns are among the main yarns used. Varanasi weavers face many difficulties today. In addition to an inconsistent power supply, they must compete with mass-produced lookalikes produced in China and cannot make ends meet.
Sarnath Tour – One of the top things to do in Varanasi
Sarnath is an iconic Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon after attaining enlightenment, drawing devotees from around the globe. Today it remains a revered location amongst Buddhists today. Sarnath, located near Varanasi and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its numerous landmarks such as Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamek Stupa and Ashoka Pillar.
Our half-day tour to Sarnath takes you there so you can explore all of its monuments with an expert guide and chauffer-driven car at your side. Our tour begins with complimentary pick-up and drop-off from any hotel/residence within Varanasi city limits, where our representative is happy to assist with any inquiries or inquiries that arise. Next stop on this adventure? Sarnath with its iconic Chaukhandi Stupa and Dhamek Stupa as well as experiencing its spellbinding Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat.
Remains of old Varanasi
Varanasi (Benares or Kashi), one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, serves as the spiritual heartland for many Hindus and draws pilgrims and tourists from around the globe to bathe in its holy Ganges river, perform religious rituals, or participate in funeral ceremonies. Varanasi also offers an insight into its past through archaeological excavations, with archeologist Vidula Jayaswal currently engaged in excavations at Kashi-Rajghat with help from ASI (Archaeological Survey of India).
Her efforts are invaluable as she adds new knowledge and provides an accurate basis for reconstructing ancient history. She discovered that settlement here occurred significantly earlier than what is revealed from inscriptions or texts. Manikarnika Cremation Ghat offers another fascinating sight, where each year thousands of people come to be burned along the riverbanks. While witnessing such an emotional experience may be challenging, its impressive site boasts numerous fires that continue burning 24/7.
Shopping spree in Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. Boasting an extensive cultural legacy, this ancient metropolis attracts numerous Hindu pilgrims each year. Varanasi is an engaging blend of ancient and modern traditions, boasting ancient temples, sacred rituals, breathtaking architecture, and jaw-dropping cremation ceremonies that make the city an irresistibly inviting pilgrimage destination.
Varanasi offers numerous shopping attractions, especially its bustling markets. Here you will find handicrafts, clothing, idols and much more for sale. Silk weaving is an artform in Mumbai and Banarasi sarees are staples for any Indian woman’s wardrobe. Available in a range of shades and colors, Banarasi sarees make the perfect fashion statement.
Varanasi offers shoppers another shopping attraction in the form of the world’s largest manufacturing unit for glass beads in various hues that can be used in a range of jewelry designs. Varanasi offers much more than silk and jewelry; there are also delicious sweets sold from street stalls that cater to those with an especially sweet tooth. These sweets will surely satisfy anyone with an obsession for sweet treats!
Foodie Time in Varanasi
Varanasi is home to an abundance of foodies who relish in enjoying local delicacies. You’ll find an array of street foods, low-budget eateries and high-end restaurants throughout this vibrant city. Blue Lassi Cafe stands out among Varanasi’s top dining spots as an iconic eatery serving delicious signature lassis such as butterscotch. Tourists and locals alike frequent this cozy eatery!
Varanasi offers an outstanding variety of cuisine, ranging from signature chaats to North Indian classics – the ideal destination to sample some of India’s best food! If you want a taste of some incredible Indian flavors, look no further than Varanasi! This delicious chaat is composed of boiled potatoes, green chilies, coriander and other ingredients, creating a delightful combination that’s sure to satisfy your hunger! Its spicy yet tangy flavors will definitely hit the spot.
Golgappe is an incredible street snack in Varanasi that won’t break the bank – its tart flavors are impossible to resist and will leave you feeling like you’re on vacation! Varanasi is home to numerous vendors offering Paan, a delicious betel leaf-wrapped snack. Choose your preferred flavor! Several stalls across Varanasi specialize in these savoury and sweet bites made of betel leaves wrapped with spices or sweet fillings – be sure to grab one while in town!
