Things to Do in Varanasi: Explore the Spiritual Heart of India

December 31, 2024

Varanasi, Benaras, or Kashi, whatever you call it, is one of the oldest living cities globally. The prominence of this area is revealed in Hindu mythology, making it an ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus since ancient times.  

best things to Do in Varanasi

Discover the various things to do in Varanasi, learn about the story of the freedom struggle, pay homage to the various deities, or spend a few moments of peace in the holy ghats, witnessing the overall beauty of the city. 

Book the Uttar Pradesh Tour Packages, and on your trip, witness firsthand why Mark Twain was stalled by the sanctity of Banaras and penned, “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together. ”

Here Are The List of 15 Things to Do in Varanasi

Steeped in history and spirituality, Varanasi offers a myriad of experiences that captivate every visitor. From sacred rituals to cultural explorations, the city has something for everyone. Dive into this curated list of 15 Things to Do in Varanasi to uncover the charm and essence of this ancient city along the Ganges.

1. Explore the Ghats of the Ganga River

Explore Ganga River 

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the significant Ghats located in the beautiful city of Varanasi and is one of the top things to do in Varanasi. The lore of this spectacular ghat reveals that Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. Some also believe that Lord Brahma is said to have sacrificed ten horses while Dasa-Ashwamedha Yajna was performed here, hence the name. 

Apart from the Dashashwamedh Ghat, take a trip down the other ghats of Varanasi, like Assi Ghat or Manikarnika Ghat, to witness the mesmerising hour-long ritual of aarti moored at the boats around the ghats. Experience the unique activity of floating diyas on leaf platters decorated with flower petals on the holy Ganges, which is one of the finest things to do in Varanasi at night. 

  • Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Varanasi, Godowlia
  • Timings: Anytime of the day 
  • Famous For: Walking around and witnessing Ganga Aarti 

2. Explore the Temples

Explore the Temples

For ages, Varanasi has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus. They believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi will attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Hence, temples have become one of the best Places To Visit In Varanasi and receive a heavy pilgrim footfall all year round. 

Standing tall on the banks of the holy Ganges, the beautiful city of Varanasi cradles the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, and the Bharat Mata Temple. To witness the testament of amalgamation and unity of various cultures is one of the top things to do in Varanasi. 

  • Location: Varanasi 
  • Timings: Variable 
  • Famous For: Seeking blessings from various deities 

3. Ride a boat on the Ganges River 

Ride a boat on the Ganges River 

A Sunset Boat Ride on the Ganges is one of the popular things to do in Varanasi. Your trip is incomplete without the soul-stirring ride on the quaint waters of the holy river. There is no more dramatic moment than soaking in the view of the setting sun on the river. 

Request your rower to sing some folk songs to make it even more memorable. Take inspiration from Bollywood movies that have featured this scene time and again. If you are looking for Places to visit in Varanasi in 1 day, then be sure to keep this activity on your list of things to do. 

  • Location: various ghats 
  • Timings: variable 
  • Famous For: soaking in the ethereal views. 

4. Witness the Ganga Aarti 

Witness the Ganga Aarti 

One of the most spiritual things to do in Varanasi is watch the evening aarti by the Ghats. Famous for its age-old traditional aarti, the elaborate and lively ceremony takes place every evening. The blowing conch shells, clanging cymbals, and chanting holy mantras create a surreal atmosphere as the promises venerate the Ganga at daybreak. The several-tier brass lamps are illuminated with hundreds of tiny flames, which the saffron-draped priests use to pay homage to the holy river. 

Take a trip to one of the finest places to Visit in March in India to witness this mesmerising hour-long ritual moored at the boats around the ghats. Experience a unique activity of floating diyas on leaf platters decorated with flower petals on the holy Ganges. It is one of the most beautiful things to do in Varanasi at night. 

  • Location: Dasaswamedh Ghat
  • Timings: Summer: The Aarti begins at around 7 PM and lasts about an hour, Winter: The Aarti begins at around 6 PM.
  • Famous For: age-old traditional aarti

5. Shop for Banarasi Silk

One of the fun things to do in Varanasi is go shopping. There are many famous knick knacks in Varanasi, such as Banarsee silk sarees, chikankari, and religious items. 

Varanasi is known throughout India for producing very fine silk and Banarasi saris, including traditional Banarasi saris with gold brocade. To lay your hands on these artisanal pieces, this is one of the Best Places To Visit In North India

  • Location: Thatheri Bazarishwanath Lane, Godowlia Market, Golghar, Rajan Silk Market, Dal Mandi Market.
  • Timings: Variable
  • Famous For: Benarasi silk saree, chikankari, Ganges water

6. Visit Sarnath 

Visit Sarnath

Near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers lies one of the top places that you must include in your list of things to do in Varanasi in 3 days called Sarnath. This is where Gautam Buddha first taught about his Dhamma and the place of inception of the Buddhist Sangha through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Devotees and philosophers flock around these parts to explore some of the most important things to do in Varanasi, including the Dhamek Stupa Sarnath Museum. 

To soak in the essence of Buddhism, Sarnath take the India tour packages today!

  • Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
  • Timings: Always open
  • Famous For: Historical ruins, Sightseeing, Photography

7. Explore the Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

One of the top destinations in your list of things to do in Varanasi in 2 days,  Banaras Hindu University is the first Indian University established by a great visionary Indian, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The campus houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, showcasing a vast collection of Indian art, and the New Vishwanath Temple, symbolising the universal values of spirituality and unity. 

As one of the best things to do in Varanasi in 3 days, explore the New Kashi Vishwanath Temple on campus, the fascinating Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and other notable structures.

  • Location: Semi Circle Road No. 3 Opp Institute of Mgmt Studies, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
  • Timings: 10:30 AM-4:30 PM
  • Famous For: instrumental in the dissemination of knowledge on Indian art and culture

8. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Standing tall on the banks of the holy Ganges, the beautiful city of Varanasi cradles the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, exploring which is one of the holiest things to do in Varanasi in one day. Millions of Indians gravitate towards this temple, seeking benediction and inner peace by the darshan of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Devotees say that by darshan of this Jyotirlinga, people can be liberated from the eternal bondage of Maya and attain enlightenment. 

Most people see visiting this as the foremost Things to do in Banaras, and some even consider it the most sacred temple in the country. The legend of the Kashi Vishwanath is over a couple of thousands of years, and it is hard not to be awed by the spirituality of the temple when you visit it. The mesmerising milky white marble architecture of the temple contrasts with the domes wrapped in gold, glistening under the sun. Many devotees believe this temple has a soul-cleansing capability, and to experience the same, take a trip to this one of the best places to visit in India with family. 

  • Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
  • Timings: 3 AM - 11 AM, 12:30 PM - 08 PM, & 09 PM - 11 PM
  • Famous For: take the 12 Jyotirlinga tour package to visit One of the twelve Jyotirlingas

9. Visit the Ramnagar Fort

Visit the Ramnagar Fort

Step back in time as you enter the majestic Ramnagar Fort, a testament to Varanasi's rich cultural past. Situated on the eastern bank of the river Ganga, opposite Tulsi Ghat, exploring the 18th-century red sandstone fort is one of the best things to do in Banaras. Believed to be the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras, this imposing structure is extremely captivating with its grandeur as it rises from the riverbank, accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from Varanasi.  Be sure to keep this place on your list of Things to do in Varanasi in 2 days.

  • Location: Varanasi Rd, Uttar Pradesh 
  • Timings: open from around 9.30 to 10 AM to 5 PM with a break in the noon from 1 to 2 PM
  • Famous For: historical artefacts

10. Try the Local Cuisine

Varanasi’s culinary journey is like a vibrant tapestry woven with an explosion of flavours, textures, and fragrances that will tantalise your taste buds and leave an indelible mark on your palate. This holy city is not just a spiritual haven but a gastronomic paradise, and trying out all the delectable cuisines is one of the top Things to do in Banaras. 

As it is one of the Best Places To Visit In Winter In India, prepare for an unforgettable culinary adventure with an array of must-try dishes that define the essence of Varanasi’s rich food culture. Some of the popular cuisines of Benares include Kachori Sabzi, Aloo kachori, Baati Chokha, Laaiya Channa, Tamatar Chaat, Dahi Chutney Golgappe, Choora Matar, and more. 

  • Location: Behind Yellow Doors Diner, Shree Shivay Thali Dining Varanasi, 1916 Cafe & Restaurant, The Palate at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV Varanasi, Baati Chokha Restaurant.
  • Timings: variable 
  • Famous For: Trying out Baati Chokha, Laaiya Channa, Tamatar Chaat, Dahi Chutney Golgappe, and Choora Matar are top things to do in Varanasi.

11. Visit the Jantar Mantar

Among the hidden historical places in India, the medieval observatory of Jantar Mantar stands out. It is located on the terrace of Manmahal, which towers above the steps of Manmahal Ghat. The ghat and the mahal were creations of Man Singh, dating back to around the 1600s. Checking out the Jantar Mantar terrace is one of the best things to do in Varanasi, providing an amazing view of the meandering Ganges.

  • Location: 8256+488, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Observatory, Man mandir, Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Dashaswmedh, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
  • Timings: 6 AM-5 PM
  • Famous For: witnessing light-and-sound show is one of the top Things to do in Banaras

12. Take a Walk Along the Assi Ghat

Take a Walk Along the Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat draws travellers from all over the globe, some looking for liberation, some for solace, or others for research purposes. Exploring this exact junction where the Ganges meets the Assi River is one of the popular activities in Varanasi. The lingam of Shiva, established under the peepal tree, is worshipped with an elaborate holy fire ritual coupled with blowing conch sounds and clanging bells. 

The air around this place feels heavy with spiritual fervour as devotees and priests chant mantras, making it one of the spiritual things to do in Banaras. Apart from the mind-calming rituals, you can enjoy boat rides and yoga sessions in this ghat while listening to devotional music.

13. Explore the Silk Weaving Villages

The Silk Weaving Villages is Varanasi's popular weavers’ village, where the talented local weaving community produces the famous exclusive Varanasi or Banarasi silk sarees. As one of the Unique things to do in Varanasi, it is an opportunity to actually be among the village communities of India and get personal, in-depth insights into their lifestyle.

The Banarasi sarees made by these waivers are among the finest saris in India and are known for their gold and silver brocade or zari, fine silk, and opulent embroidery. Indian women wear them on occasions such as festivals and marriage parties. Witnessing the process and collecting their craft is among the top Banaras things to do.

  • Location: The village is situated on the bank of River Varuna on the sacred Path of Varanasi
  • Timings: Anytime
  • Famous For: collecting Banarasi silk sarees is among the top things to do in Banaras

14. Witness The Buddhist Intervention

Witness The Buddhist Intervention

Exploring the beauty of Dhamek Stupa, situated at Sarnath, is among the best Things to do in Banaras. The stupas originated as pre-Buddhist tumuli, which are said to have ascetics buried in an appropriate seated position known as chaitya. 

This is considered to be a very holy attractions in Varanasi for Buddhists, the reason being, right after the par Nirvana (Liberation) of Buddha, his remains are said to have been cremated, and then the ashes were divided and buried under eight mounds. Tracing back to its inception, the Dhamek Stupa was built in 500 CE, which replaced an earlier structure said to have been commissioned by the great and recognised Mauryan king Ashoka. 

Visitors are welcome here to witness and relive the history and get a glimpse of Banaras famous things.

  • Location: Dharmapala Rd, Singhpur, Sarnath, Varanasi
  • Timings: NA
  • Famous For: a sacred place for Buddhists

15. Take The Holy Bath In the Ganges

Take The Holy Bath In the Ganges

The Ganges is considered the holiest Hindu River, and it imposes a spiritual charm to the city of Varanasi. The river Ganga normally flows Southeast, but in Varanasi, it reverses its course and flows from North for a while. There are around 88 Ghats, and bathing in these are among the revered things to do in Kashi: Dasaswamedh, Prachin Hanuman Ghat, Assi Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Lalita Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, and Rajendra Prasad Ghat. 

The river Ganga is personified as a goddess and is worshipped by Hindus. People often chant prayers to please the goddess. The waters of the Ganges are considered to be very pure.

Take a trip down to these sacred places to Visit in February in India, and take part in the holy ritual of bathing in the Ganges to wash away the penitent sins. Spreading one's ashes in the water upon death may improve one's karma and gain salvation. 

Festivals like Makar Sankranti, Kumbh Mela, and Ganga Dussehra attract millions of people from far away to cleanse their sins in the Ganga and lead better lives. If you are visiting during that time, be sure to experience these venerated Varanasi things to do. 

  • Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Timings: NA
  • Famous For: Hindus believe that a dip in the Ganga river purifies the soul and leads to moksha

Why choose Trip Planners India? 

A journey down the city of culture must not only be reserved for older people going on a pilgrimage but is also one of the Best Places to Visit in India Before You Turn 30. As it has a lot of knowledge and experience to impart, people of any age group can embark on a journey to Varanasi. 

If you plan to take a trip to these parts on your next vacation, choose among the best tour packages in India. 

At Trip Planners India, we offer a wide range of customisable Varanasi tour packages to suit every kind of traveller looking to reach these parts from anywhere in the country. Enjoy unbeatable deals and discounts, the convenience of online booking, and instant confirmations. 

Intrigued to take a trip down the old lanes of Varanasi? Contact our 24/7 customer support today and partner with us, allowing us to make your holiday memorable.

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