Nestled beside the holy Ganga, Varanasi is one of India’s most popular tourist spots. It is considered to be the oldest continually inhabited city and the holiest of all sacred cities. Varanasi, also referred to as Kashi, Avimukta, and Benaras, has long been a center of study and spirituality. Travelers flock here to bathe in the Ganga, receive blessings from the numerous temples, and die here, since it guarantees they will enter paradise directly! Nevertheless, whether it’s a visitor’s first or tenth visit, there are plenty more things to do in Varanasi for those who are mesmerized by its allure.
Read More: Things to do in Lucknow || Things to do in Noida || Things to do in Mussoorie || Things to do in Surat
Top 9 Place in Things to do in Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the holiest sites in the nation, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is mentioned in the Puranic texts, has been constructed and destroyed several times throughout the ages, is home to the famed Jyotirlinga, and is thought to be the temple where one might acquire moksha via prayer. One of the best things to do in Varanasi is to visit it to ask the Lord for favors.
| Location | Lahori Tola, Things to Do in Varanasi |
| Timing | 4.00 am – 8.30 pm |
| Fees | From ₹180 – ₹300 for various aartis or queueless darshan |
- Take an early morning boat ride on the Ganga
One of the most renowned rivers in the nation, the Ganga (also known as the Ganges) is at its most tranquil and lovely when it flows through Varanasi. Getting up early to take a boat trip over this body of water that resembles the ocean is undoubtedly one of the must-do activities in Varanasi. Take in the sights of daily life on the banks of the river, the melodious chants and bells ringing out from the temples, and the peaceful, serene waters. Don’t forget to take a picture with the skyline in the background for your Instagram account.
| Where | From Dashwamedha Ghat, Things to Do in Varanasi |
| Timing | 1-hour boat ride starts from 5.30 am |
| Charges | Between ₹50 – ₹100 |
- Explore the city’s temples
One of the best things to do in Varanasi is to visit the temples, which are scattered around the city and each have a unique history and architectural style. Varanasi is essentially the spiritual center of India. See the beautiful examples of Nagara architecture at the Durga Kund Temple, the Kaal Bhairav Mandir (where one must ask the city’s presiding deity for permission to remain here, according to legend), the Maa Annapurna Mandir, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, and the Vishalakshi Temple, a shaktipeeth devoted to the goddess Sati.
- Be mesmerized by the evening aarti at Dashwamedha Ghat
Varanasi is a study in contrasts, and nowhere is this more evident than in the dramatic setting of the blazing pyres on Manikarnika Ghat juxtaposed with the grandiose ambiance of the daily evening prayers, or aarti, at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. However, witnessing the majesty of the gathering of hundreds of people, feeling the overwhelming positive energy, and gaining a priceless experience make the aarti one of the things you simply must do when visiting Varanasi.
| Timing | Starts at 6.00 pm in winter and 7.00 pm in summer |
Read More: Things to do in Nainital || Things to do in Visakhapatnam || Things to Do in Bangalore
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Since ancient times, Varanasi has been regarded as one of India’s most significant centers of learning; the Banaras Hindu University is carrying on this legacy today. BHU was founded in 1916 and is a recognizable organization. One of the most popular things to do in Varanasi is to visit it and take in its serene atmosphere, architecture, and hallowed interiors. A visit to the Bharat Kala Bhavan, an inspirational museum featuring a vast collection of antiquated manuscripts, sculptures, and miniature paintings among other displays, should be included in your itinerary.
| Location | Ajagara, Things to Do in Varanasi |
| Timings | 10.00 am – 6.00 pm (Mon-Fri) |
| Fees | Free |
- Take a dip in the Ganga
Thousands of pilgrims visit this location each year to immerse themselves in the Ganga, believing it to be the source of all forgiveness for sins. This is one of the greatest things to do in Varanasi, therefore you should do the same. You would have had the amazing experience of taking a bath in one of the most talked-about rivers in the world, regardless of whether your sins are absolved!
Also Read:- Good time to Visit Lonavala || Best Things to do in New Braunfels || Things to do in Ireland || Things to do in Gokarna
- Be surprised at the Jantar Mantar
Unaware that Varanasi was home to a Jantar Mantar? Indeed, one of the most interesting yet unusual things to do in Varanasi is to visit it and be amazed by how accurate its instruments are. A variety of instruments, including the Samrat Yantra, Digamsa Yantra, Chakra Yantra, Nadivalaya, and Daksinottara Bhitti Yantra, are part of the observatory that Maharaj Jai Singh II constructed in the middle of the 1800s. They track the motion of celestial bodies, altitude, and local time.
| Location | Near Dasashwamedha Ghat, Things to Do in Varanasi |
| Timing | 6.00 am – 5.00 pm |
| Fees | Free |
- Explore Varanasi’s many ghats
One of the nicest things to do in Varanasi is to explore the numerous ghats that line the banks of the Ganga. You would be shocked to learn that none of them are nearly alike because they are all distinct and fascinating due to the various legends and histories that are associated with them. See as many as you can, but Assi, Munshi, Dashwamedha, and Manikarnika ghats are the ones we’d suggest.
- Visit the imposing Ramnagar Fort
Built in 1750 by Raja Balwant Singh, the then-king of Banaras, this beautiful sandstone fortress in Chunar served as the royal residence. The fort, which has balconies, gardens, and pavilions adorned with ornaments, is a notable example of Mughal construction and overlooks the Ganga. Your fort excursion must include a visit to the Dakshin Mukhi temple, which is devoted to Lord Hanuman, as well as an intriguing museum that holds unique antiques and artifacts. This is one of the most fulfilling things to do in Varanasi. Additionally, you’re in for a treat with the special Ramlila arranged at the fort if you can time your vacation to coincide with Dussehra.
| Location | Mirzapur – Varanasi Road, Purana, Ramnagar, Things to Do in Varanasi |
| Timing | 10.00 am – 5.00 pm |
| Fees | ₹15 per adult, ₹10 per child |
Summing it up
Uttar Pradesh is home to the stunning city of Varanasi in northern India. This city’s history dates all the way back to the eleventh century B.C. Given its reputation as India’s spiritual center, the city undoubtedly hosts a vast influx of Hindu pilgrims. Varanasi offers a plethora of activities that will enchant you and make you want to stay forever. There’s plenty to do in the spiritual city, from bathing in the sacred Ganges to praying at the temple.
Read More: Things to do in Patna || Nearest Metro Station Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi || Nearest Metro Station to S Rohilla, Delhi
Frequently Ask Questions
Q1: Which Varanasi attractions are the most popular?
Ans: The best places to visit in Varanasi include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ramnagar Fort, Dhamek Stupa, Dasaswamedh Ghat, and Assi Ghat because of the city’s breathtaking scenery and intriguingly rich past.
Q2: How can I stay in Varanasi overnight?
Ans: Varanasi offers a plethora of nighttime activities, such as participating in the Ganga Aarti while admiring the breathtaking Ganga River vista, taking a Ganges riverboat trip, exploring the ancient Varanasi, and paying a visit to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Q3: Which outdoor pursuits in Varanasi are the best?
Ans: You can engage in a variety of activities in addition to the breathtaking vistas and monuments. A few of them are: Cultural Walk, Varanasi Walking Tour, attend evening artis at ghats, Musical tour, visit an archeological museum.
