Activities in Varanasi include watching the magnificent evening Aarti, visiting temples in Varanasi, taking a holy dip in the Ganges River, strolling along the ghats, trying local street food, early morning boat riding in the Ganges River, visiting Dashashwamedh Ghat, and many more.
Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi comes into our minds in an orangy warm tone. It is because, Kashi is the land of saints wearing saffron garments, chanting prayers, the red flaming Aarti, and the temple bells. Being a Hindu religious site, things to do in Varanasi are mostly associated with faith itself. It is also famous for the bathing ghats, lined along the Ganges River.
Travelers mostly come to Varanasi for spiritual enlightenment or salvation. According to Hindu religious practice, people also deposit the ashes of their dead family members. Dead bodies are also cremated live at the ghats of Varanasi. As a tourist, if you are seeking what to do in Varanasi, you will also have options for the best things to do in Varanasi. Attending the sight of the evening Aarti or the waving of flaming multi-tiered lamps, a boat ride in the Ganges river early morning, exploring the close-set temples in Varanasi, sightseeing at Sarnath shopping at local Benarasi markets.
A visit to the historical fort of Ramnagar and trying a visit to the famous Jantar Mantar are the most famous activities to do in Varanasi. Along with that visiting the weaver's village, where the famous Banaresi silk is woven, is one of the must-do things in Varanasi.
Adventure Fun Activities in Varanasi
Though Varanasi is a religious site, several adventurous and fun activities are available in Varanasi. The Varanasi adventure places are high-altitude mountains, gushing waterfalls, lush green woods, and landscapes. The most popular outdoor activity in Varanasi is boating. The boating rides start in the early morning in the Ganges River Ghats. The view of Varanasi while boating is mesmerizing and unique. Along with that Varanasi has water skiing, river rafting, kayaking, windsurfing, and more. Knockout, a gaming zone in Varanasi, will be a good option to visit with children for fun games.
Things You Can Experience Only in Varanasi
The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat which starts at sunset is the most popular thing you can watch in Varanasi. It stretches for about 45 minutes and witnessing this is one of the unique things to do in Varanasi only. A visit to the Kabir Math, where the renowned early poet lived and preached, visiting the magnificent Banaras Hindu University, the top university of India, visiting Jantar Mantar or Mann Mahal, trying out the Bhang Lassi, visiting the Tulsi Ghat where the Pehelwan's Akhara is situated are some of the other offbeat things to do in Varanasi.
Things To Do in Varanasi at Night
As Varanasi is a holy city, bars are selectively available in the city. Bars are only available in some of the luxury hotels. As an alternative, at night you can visit the beautiful Assi Ghat and enjoy a dining experience at authentic Indian restaurants and trail the old cultural city of Varanasi. You can try Bhang Lassi and traditional paan instead of regular booze. The Ghats shine bright during the night by the flames of Aarti and lamps. The reflection of the temples and lighting in the water is mesmerizing.
Dining in Varanasi
As said above, Varanasi offers some of the best authentic Indian dishes. You can arrive at Assi Ghat and try out some. It is also recommended to try some street foods, which is an integral part of Indian cuisine and culture. Hot and crisp kachoris, chaats, samosas,chooda matar,baati chokha can leave you drooling. Some of the best restaurants in Varanasi are Baati Chokha restaurant, The Yellow Chilli, Bowl of Compassion, Tadka, The Palate.
Shopping Places in Varanasi
The Varanasi Markets are mostly local and traditional. Benares is famous for the Benarasi Silk and sarees. The Thatheri Bazaar is popular for brass items, antiques, and religious artifacts. The Viswanath Lane sells designer bangles, wooden toys, and decor items. Godowlia and Golghar are for footwear, home decor, and clothes. Rajan Silk Market sells the popular Benarasi Saree. Chowk and Urban Hatt sell handloom products.
Sightseeing in Varanasi
The Varanasi sightseeing is vast and the whole city is adorned with a warm tone. The best sightseeing locations in Varanasi are Ramnagar Fort a historical fort, a walking tour at the old cultural and spiritual trails of Old Varanasi, cremating rituals in the Ghats, evening Aarti, and the historical Sarnath Temple. The Dasaswamedh Temple, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan temple, and the magnificent Banaras Hindu University can also be viewed. While sightseeing you will experience the uniformity in the architecture of the city. Temples, universities, and hotels are all similar in architecture here.
Where to Stay in Varanasi?
If you want to explore Varanasi on foot, it is better to stay near the Ghats. Also, you can experience the most Varanasi vibe at such hotels. The Palace on the Ganges, The White Canyon Varanasi are some of the best hotels near the Ghats, which can get you the most worthwhile Varanasi experience. For luxury stay seekers, go for Taj Ganges, Radisson Blu, Ramada, and Rivas. For an affordable stay in the city, you can go to Diamond Hotel or JS Residency.