Top 10 Best Things to Do in Varanasi
Varanasi is undoubtedly one of the holiest sites in India that every pilgrim wants to explore. The Hindus have a great reverence for the city, and they come from different corners of the country to visit this place. There are many things to do in Varanasi during your Varanasi tour. Right from exploring the ghats to joining the Ganga aarti in the evening, each activity offers you an experience of a lifetime. If you are planning to visit Varanasi, some of the best activities you can try here are as follows:
Visit the Oldest Temple
Do not forget to visit the oldest temple in Varanasi once you are here. The ancient temple, i.e., the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is one of the most sacred and highly popular temples in Varanasi. Located on the banks of the River Ganges, this temple is a must-visit for everyone. Whether you are an ordinary visitor or a pilgrim, you should visit this holy temple and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. This sacred temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of the world. Varanasi was known as Kashi in the past, which is the reason why the temple is called Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Visiting the temple will be a great experience for you. It is one of the best things to do in Varanasi as it offers you a spiritual experience that you will never forget in your lifetime.
Explore the Ghats
Exploring the beautiful ghats of Varanasi is also one of the top things to do in Varanasi. You can explore many ghats during your trip to Varanasi. One of the major ghats of the city is Dashashwamedh Ghat. Located near the famous Vishwanath Temple, this is one of the most visited ghats in Varanasi. According to a legend, Lord Brahma created it to please Lord Shiva. A Dashashwamedh Yajna was performed at the ghat, and Brahma sacrificed 10 horses on this occasion. Since then, this ghat has become a popular site for pilgrims.
Many festivals are celebrated here, and you can take part in them during your Varanasi trip. Apart from this ghat, there are many other beautiful ghats you can consider exploring during your Varanasi tour.
Take a Holy Bath in the Ganges
Do not forget to take a holy bath in the Ganges when you are in Varanasi. Hindus have a deep reverence for this river. They have a belief that bathing in this river cleanses them of their sins and purifies their souls. They chant prayers and seek blessings from the River Goddess. The Ganges has captivated people for centuries. Thus, you must not forget to bathe in this river during your Varanasi visit. This is undoubtedly the best thing to do in Varanasi.
Witness the Beautiful Sunsets
One of the most amazing things to do in Varanasi is to witness the sunsets here. Visitors enjoy the beautiful sunsets while walking by the ghats. Most of the ghats in the city are overcrowded, so you can choose the best place to watch the sunsets. If you are visiting Varanasi with your family, you can enjoy your best time here. However, it is advisable to reach the ghats early in the evening.
Attend the Evening Aarti
Do not forget to attend the evening Aarti while you are in Varanasi. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The ghats are full of people during the time of aarti. Thus, if you are interested in attending the aarti, make sure to reach the ghat at the right time. Do not forget to purchase an aarti thali to enjoy this event. You will get a unique experience after attending the evening aarti.
Visit Sarnath
You can also consider visiting Sarnath during your Varanasi trip. This is one of the best things to do in Varanasi if you believe in the ideology of Lord Buddha. This is an important Buddhist site and is visited by a large number of pilgrims. Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon here after attaining enlightenment. Buddhists consider it a sacred Buddhist site and come here to experience the mystical aura of this place.
Boat Ride
You can also consider taking a boat ride when you are in Varanasi. If you are with your family, you will have the best time here. Enjoy the soul-stirring boat ride and make your Varanasi trip even more memorable.
Attend Ganga Mahotsav
Attending the Ganga Mahotsav is also one of the amazing things to do in Varanasi. Dedicated to the Ganges River, this festival showcases the rich culture of Varanasi. On this occasion, people dance and sing, and the local artisans display their crafts. You can buy unique souvenirs at this mahotsav. The festival also offers you an opportunity to interact with the local people.
Monkey Temple
Constructed in the 18th century, Monkey Temple is known to be protected by the monkeys. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple is a must-visit place for pilgrims and tourists. The devotees chant several bhajans and prayers in this temple, which creates a mystical atmosphere here. The temple has a Kund which is believed to be connected to the Ganga. The water of the Kund has therapeutic properties.
Banaras Hindu University
Make sure to visit Banaras Hindu University during your Varanasi trip. This is one of the largest universities in Asia, which has a world-class infrastructure. The university imparts high-quality education to its students and is considered one of the best universities in the country. It was established by Annie Besant and Madan Mohan Malviya. The campus of this university spreads over a large area. As many as 13 thousand students study at the university. Those who want to get admission here must undergo an entrance test, which is conducted by the university every year.
Things to Do in Varanasi: Conclusion
Varanasi leaves a lasting impression on the visitors as it is the perfect mixture of culture, history, and spirituality. There are several things to do in Varanasi that offer you an unforgettable experience. You can indulge in many activities during your Varanasi Visit. So, do not waste your time, choose the best Varanasi tour packages, and get ready to immerse yourself in the mystical aura of Varanasi.
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