14 Best Things to Do in Varanasi: A Detailed Guide

“Yeh vandan ki dharti hai, abhinandan ki dharti hai.Yeh arpan ki bhumi hai, darpan ki bhumi haiYahaan ki nadi nadi hamaare liye Ganga hai,iska kankar kankar hamare liye Shankar hai”

Spirituality flows in the air. The Country is also known for its colorful festivals, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the ancient city Varanasi or the city of Nizam’s Hyderabad, it offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler on their Indian trips.

Now let’s talk about Varanasi- Shiv Ji Ki Nagr, Before delving into the details, let’s say together, “Har Har Mahadev…”

There are many places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, and Varanasi is one of them which is also known as Kashi or Banaras, and is one of the most ancient and culturally significant cities in the world. This holy city is on the banks of the River Ganges is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the spiritual heart of India. Here is a detailed guide on the best things to do in Varanasi  to ensure you have an unforgettable experience in this timeless city.

1. Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

There is a small mythological stories about the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is said that lord Brahma created this Ghat for inviting lord shiva and another one is that Lord Brahma sacrificed 10 horses in sanskrit and hindi ( Das Ashaswas ), to perform yajna. Every evening Priests perform Ganga Aarti and witnessing that aarti is a sacred thing that should not to be missed.The experience of witnessing the aarti while the Ganges flows beside you is truly awe-inspiring. 

2. Boat Ride on the Ganges

Don’t miss the Morning and evening rides offer the most magical experience of the sunrise or sunset which paints the sky. Best time to take a boat ride for Sunrise is 5.30 Am to 8.00 AM and the sunset ride is during the aarti.

3. Visit Manikarnika Ghat – Burning Ghat

Visiting Manikarnika Ghat will give us insight into the human life cycle. Most of the people come to Varanasi in their old age to die here and be cremated here to get the liberation (moksha). It is believed that if we take a holy dip in this holy ghat in the afternoon time around 12 Pm, we will not have the rebirth (Punarjanma) . This is also one of the must to do things in Varanasi.

4. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Having a sparsha darshan of lord Shiva is one of the most blissful and Sacred things to do as a couple or family to start the spiritual journey. Sparsha darshan is available in the early morning at 4 am and in the evening at 4 pm.

There are also many other temples to visit in Varanasi among the most important ones are

•   Kashi Vishalakshi Temple
•   Durga Temple
•   Annapurna Temple
•   Kalbhairav Temple
•   Mritunjay Mahadev Temple
•   Sankatmochan Hanuman Temple

5. Visit all the Ghats Of Varanasi – spiritual tour

6. Walking In The Narrow Lanes Of Varanasi

You can find the old buildings in the lanes that are winding the streets and will get the best photographs of Varanasi in these narrow lanes from your trip. It’s one of the top things to do in Varanasi for those seeking a true taste of the city.

7. Stroll Along the Ghats In the Night

Take a leisurely stroll along the ghats in the night times to observe the calmness of the river and ghats from the bustling activities of locals and visitors alike in mornings and immerse yourself in the spiritual city. If you want to experience the people performing religious rituals to the vibrant scenes of daily life, the ghats offer a captivating experience in the morning.

8. Visit Banaras Hindu University

It is an esteemed institution that offers more than just education. There is a famous museum named Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum located in the campus. 

The museum showcases several artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and jewelry collections from the past. The recent attraction to BHU is the New Vishwanath Temple which is an exact replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple and it is a beautiful eye-catching Marvel, making it one of the top things to do in Varanasi for cultural and historical exploration.

9. Discover Sarnath

There are  beautiful Buddhist structures, most of them are ruins, you will find some intact which makes it perfect for peaceful strolls and scenic photography. From the Dhamek Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa which were built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. 

10. Explore Ramnagar Fort

The royal family stays there, whose residential quarters are separated from the rest of the fort. Inside the fort you will find two temples worshiping Lord Hanuman and Veda Vyasa.One of the things to do when you visit Ramnagar Fort is visiting the Saraswati Museum. An array of vintage American cars, sedan chairs, and ivory works adorn the museum and It’s a great destination for history enthusiasts and families alike.

11. Visit Tulsi Manas Temple and Ghat

Tulsi Manas temple is constructed on the very same spot where Tulsidas had the vision of SreeRama and got the same as Tulsi Manas Temple and stands as a testament to Tulsidas’s vision and devotion. While Speaking of Tulsidas and his devotion towards Lord Ram in Varanasi, UP we can not miss the Darshan of Ayodha Ram.

Beyond its religious significance, Tulsi Ghat offers breathtaking vistas of the sacred Ganga river. Visitors flock here to partake in rituals, immerse in the holy waters, or simply bask in the tranquil ambiance along the riverside.The temple is a serene and significant cultural site, making it one of the best things to do in Varanasi for literature and history lovers.

12. Where is Weavers village in Varanasi ?

Banarasi silk sarees are made by these waivers and are one of the finest sarees in the country. In every Indian women’s wedding wardrobe you will find one banarasi silk saree.

In the village Sarai Mohana village, you can learn the craftsmanship, their lifestyle and different designs for the sarees. 

Each saree design would be different from other weavers in the village and to finish one saree it takes 15 to one month or sometimes more that to complete. If you want to experience something different then this is one of the unique things to do in Varanasi.

13. Attend a Music or Dance Performance

Varanasi Ramnagar Ramleela is considered to be the oldest and famous in the entire world for its performance. It is held in the month of October every year during the dussehra festival. If you were visiting Varanasi in the time of dussehra and don’t miss to watch this iconic Ramleela. During festivals Varanasi transforms offering a unique and vibrant atmosphere that immerses you in its distinct charm. The most important festivals celebrated in Varanasi are Mahashivarati and Dussehra….. But the holi festival also gives a different vibe.

14. Local Cuisine – Exploring the flavors for the taste buds

Varanasi boasts numerous spots where you can indulge in delectable street food, treating your taste buds to a culinary adventure.For a sweet treat, try the delectable malaiyyo, a frothy winter delicacy and don’t forget to have the lassi and thandai.

Well, with the end of this blog, I hope you have enjoyed the Virtual ride Varanasi that offers an abundance of things to do in Varanasi which cater to every interest, from spiritual journeys to cultural immersions. Exploring  the city with an open heart and mind to truly appreciate its timeless beauty and deep-rooted heritage. So Plan Your Visit to Varanasi – Shiv Ji ki Nagari and immerse yourself in the spirituality and heritage by saying the name of Har Har Mahadeva.