Varanasi or Banaras or Kashi is the most famous holy city situated on the banks of Holy Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh. The two words describe the charm of Varanasi – Spiritual and colorful. Varanasi is popular for its bathing Ghats of Holy River Ganges. This place is considered as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites all over the world. Each year millions of tourists from India and across the globe visit Varanasi. There are some amazing things to do Varanasi.
List Of Things To Do In A Varanasi Tour
1. Evening Aarti Ceremony of Holy Ganges
Attending the Evening Aarti ceremony in Varanasi is the most amazing experience. This thing is a must to do while traveling to Varanasi. The picturesque evening Aarti ceremony must be viewed from the Dasawamedh Ghat. During this Aarti ceremony, the large sizes of Brass lamps are used which are accompanied by chorus and people who are waiting to pray. If you want the best experience of the Aarti ceremony, then visit at least one hour before the Aarti. The brass lamps used in the evening Aarti ceremony are almost 4.5 kg. The usual time of evening Aarti ceremony is 6:45 pm.
2. Take A Holy Dip In River Ganga
River Ganges is one of the holiest Hindu River. The sacred river the Holy Ganges offers Varanasi with spiritual charm. People believed that taking a dip in the holy waters wash away all the sins of the person. Taking a dip in the holy river Ganges is one of the major things to do in Varanasi. Varanasi comprises more than 84 Ghats which steps lead to the River Ganges. All the Ghats in Varanasi are used for taking a bath/dip in the holy river Ganga. People who travel to Varanasi no matter, what age, take a dip in river Ganges.
3. Explore The Temples Of Varanasi
The Varanasi city is immensely rich in Hindu tradition and well known for its temples and Ghats. There are many temples in every street of Varanasi. The visits to Varanasi is not complete without visiting its temples. The small street temples of Varanasi are used for daily prayers by locals, and the big temples are related to Hindu mythology and history. The most renowned temple of Varanasi is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple which was built by the Queen Ahilyabai Holker of Indore in the year 1780. This temple in Varanasi is devoted to Lord Shiva. Some of the other temples in Varanasi are Annapurna Temple, Durga Temple, Ankatha Temple, Tulsi Manas, Mritunjay Mahadev Temple, Santakmochan, etc.
4. Boat Ride In Holy River Ganga
Boat ride in River Ganga is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The ride along Ganga River provides an amazing experience. The boat ride takes one through several Ghats and the earlier palaces that are near to the banks of Ganges. The early morning is the best time to enjoy the paranomic view of Varanasi in River Ganga. The sunrise view from the middle of the Ganga river is breathtaking.
5. Exploring The Ghats Of Varanasi
Exploring the magnificent Ghats of Varanasi is one of the preeminent things to do in Varanasi. There are 84 Ghats in Varanasi which steps lead to the holy River Ganges. All the Ghats in Varanasi are praying Ghats, bathing Ghats and incineration sites for Hindus. Some of the major Ghats in Varanasi include Manikarnika Ghat, Mata Anandamai Ghat, Raj Ghat, Assi Ghat, Scindia Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat and many more. All the Ghats in Varanasi offer the captivating and panoramic view of the Holy River Ganges.
6. Sightseeing Tour Of Sarnath
Sarnath is situated 10 km north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of Holy Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. This is the famous Buddhist pilgrimage site where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and where the Buddhist Sangha came in to existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is well known for the Buddhist monuments; it is one of the best things to do while traveling to Varanasi. In Sarnath, Emperor Ashoka built numerous monuments and Stupas for spreading Buddhism. The main attractions of Sarnath are Chaukhandi Stupa, and another one is Dhammek Stupa made from the fusion of bricks and stone.
7. Visit Ramnagar Fort
Ramnagar Fort is one of the famous tourist attractions in Varanasi. This historical site is well known for its cream-colored Chunar Sandstone which offers this fort an enlightened and strong appearance. Ramnagar Fort was built in the year 1750 by Raja Balwant Singh. This fort is mostly used for outdoor shooting and for several films shooting. Ramnagar fort also has a museum that represents the rare collections of Golden and silver buggy in the shape of elephant and lotus, sedan chairs and many more.
8. Shopping At Varanasi
Shopping in Varanasi, is an amazing thing to do in Varanasi. This city is famous for its ornate jewels and Banarasi silk saris. Along with these things, many more interesting items are available in the local market of Varanasi. The area of Varanasi comprises Thateri Bazar, Godowilia, Chowk and Vishwanath Lane. Visit the Varanasi market to buy amazing and different items such as bangles, shawls, carpets, etc.
9. Street Food in Varanasi
Street food, the true essence of a city’s culture and cuisine. Various street food items are popular world over, for their distinct flavours and complicated recipes. When it comes to street foods in India, Varanasi, the holy city of India has a lot of contribut. Situated on the banks of the river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world, and its street food is as elaborate as the city’s history. The food of Varanasi is influenced by nearby states including Bihar and West Bengal, which has been given a different flavour by the locals of the city. Varanasi trip is incomplete, Unless one savours the culinary treats of Banaras. Food is a quintessential part of the Varanasi’s culture. Being frequented by hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists throughout the year, the city’s cuisine is a spin-off between the new and the old, the modern and the old-fashioned. A few handpicked locations and special treats will tickle your taste buds while you’re in Varanasi.
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