Best Things to do in Varanasi
If they’re two words that can best describe the charm of Varanasi, it has to be Spiritual and Colorful. Though the claim that it is one of the oldest cities in the world is not yet confirmed, there is no doubt that the city has a vast cultural heritage and is known to every Hindu around the world, as the place to be visited at least once in their lifetime. Following are some of the best things do in Varanasi on your next visit to the city of lights.
Varanasi is one of the holiest city of India, is always bussing with millions of visitors throughout the year. The city of lights was once known by the name of Kashi. However, it was renamed after the Varuna and Asi Rivers, the city always shines and shimmers with millions of candles, lights and floating diyas.
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Explore Temples in Varanasi
A visit to Varanasi for any reason is incomplete without exploring the myriad of temples in the city. One can find a temple almost on every road crossing or road in Varanasi. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most revered of all and remains top of the to-do list when visiting Varanasi. It was built in 1780 by the Queen of Indore, Ahilyabai Holker.
Another temple built during the 18th century, Durga Temple is quite popular in the city. Legend says the statue of the Goddess in the temple was built by the Goddess herself. Millions of devotees visit the temple every year during the time of Navratri.
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Boat Rides
If you want to enjoy the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi, going on a boat ride in the morning is one of the best things to do. The devotion of pilgrims engaged in their various ceremonies along with the panoramic views of the cities are simply awe-striking. The best time to enjoy the serenity of boat rides of the Ganges River is in the morning from 5 AM to 8 AM. One boat ride in the Ganges River will unfold the wide religious significance of the city to you. The rides usually start from Dasawamedh Ghat and ride up to Harishchandra Ghat and then back to Dasawamedh Ghat.
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Witness Ganga Aarti
Watching the Aarti Ceremony in Evening at Varanasi is once in a lifetime experience. This spectacular sight can be witnessed from Dasawamedh Ghat. For the event, large sizes lamps made from Brass are used along with the chants and people who are waiting to pray. Try and visit the place at least one hour before the ceremony starts, so that you can witness how the preparations for the Aarti is done. The brass lamps used are quite heavy and weighs around half a kilogram. The night sky radiates with these lamps as the incense sticks purify the atmosphere. The Aarti is performed each day, starting at 6.45 PM in the evening.
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Dip in the Holy Waters of Ganges
Ganges River is considered to be the Holiest Hindu River. Legend says, a single dip in the water of Ganges River will wash away all of your sins and will free you from the cycles of Rebirth. Taking a bath in the water of Ganges remains to be one of the top things to do in Varanasi. The river is connected with 84 ghats in Varanasi, and the step of each of them leads to the Ganges River. Visitors can learn more about the rich heritage of Ganges River by opting for the boat ride that will give you more insights into its historical significance.
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Sightseeing Tours of Sarnath
Live the beauty of Varanasi with your own eyes. Only a few kilometers away in the village of Singhpur, lies a Hindu Religious Center. Referred to as Deer Park, Sarnath is the place where Buddha first came and taught the people of India the meaning of Dharma. The tour to the village starts early in the morning and is generally for up to half a day. Another popular tourist location is the Ramnagar Fort. It was built by Raja Balwant Singh in the 1750 and is the perfect blueprint of Mughal Architecture. The fort is sporadically used for Shooting of various Bollywood films. These are the must-visit locations when in Varanasi.
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Shopping In Varanasi
You have lost a major piece of a visit to Varanasi if you did not take back some of the delicate and intricate souvenirs from the city of lights. From handmade carpets to handwoven intricate weaves of Banarasi Sarees, there is absolutely something for everyone and everything for someone. Known especially for its Banarasi Sarees, there isn’t any other place in the world, where you will find as gorgeous and pristine Banarasi Weaves. The JDS Varanasi has a rich history of Banarasi Sarees and is a must-visit shop for everyone, regardless if you are buying it or not. Do visit and learn about the treasures of Varanasi.
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Explore the City of Lights on Foot
Have some free evening time? There is no better pleasure you can serve yourself with, rather getting on your own foot and exploring the city with your friends and families. Take a stroll around the ghats and experience the rich spiritual fervor that the place has to offer. You will be missing the uniqueness of these 84 ghats if you moving from one place to the other within automobiles. Get on your own feet and explore the beauty yourself in the evening. It’s a delight.
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Cross the Ganges River through Malviya Bridge
Malviya Bridge is a double-decker bridge which was started in 1887. It has a rail track on the lower deck and road on the upper deck that stretches 1048 meters. It was renamed in the year 1948 and was previously known as Dufferin Bridge. Enjoying the panoramic views is an absolute delight as you travel from one end to the other. Going through the Bridge remains to be an absolute must do things, when in Varanasi.
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Pay a Visit to Bharat Kala Bhavan
Established by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, the Bharat Kala Bhavan is situated in the Banaras Hindu University. It remains to the house of more than 100,000 artifacts which includes textiles, paintings, decorative and costumes arts. The collection of Indian paintings at the Bharat Kala Bhavan is considered to be priceless. The museum in itself is so aesthetically pleasing that one forgets about all the troubles while exploring the arts in it. It is one of the must do things in Varanasi. Do visit on your next visit and explore the most historical items from the past.
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A Course on Ramayana
Need a quick course on Ramayana? Get yourself on your way to Tulsi Manas Temple in the city of Lights. You will find the entire Ramayana inscribed on the marble inside the temple. There isn’t anything like this in the world. You can even get the look at the original manuscript of the book there. Make the most of your time in Varanasi and do explore the richness and cultural diversity that the city has to offer.
Festivals & Events in Varanasi
Here are many fairs and festivals in Varanasi all through the year.
Bharat Milap (Oct-Nov) celebrates the homecoming of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile, which falls a day after Dussehra.
Mahashivratri is a huge festival here as well and attracts thousands of devotees every year. On Buddh Purnima, a colorful fair in Sarnath witnesses a large gathering of Buddhists as it marks the birth of Lord Buddha.
The Ramleela is an enactment of the Ramayan and goes on for an entire month during October-November.
The Dhrupad Mela is a 5-day music festival in March, on the Tulsi Ghat that brings together famous artists from India and abroad.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
The best season to visit Varanasi is between October and March when the temperatures are in a comfortable range of 5-15 degrees Celsius. The winter months are also the occasion of festivals in Varanasi. Dussehra and Bharat Milap are celebrated in quick succession in September/October followed by the festival of lights, Diwali. The Ganga Festival also takes place in November where people come from far and near to pay respect to the holy river Goddesses.
The summer and the monsoon falls in months of April to September/October and it gets really hot at this time.
How to Reach Varanasi
Varanasi is easily accessible by air, railways and road networks.
By Air
The nearest airport to reach Varanasi is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, 25 kilometers from the city center. Regular domestic flights, as well as the flight from Kathmandu and Thailand, are also available. From the air terminal; buses, auto, and cabs are easily accessible to the city.
By Rail
Varanasi Railway Station enjoys regular connectivity of trains from all over India. Mughal Sarai Railway station, 10 kilometers from the city also offers train options to numerous destinations in India. The railway station lies close to the city. Autos and cabs take you to any destination in the city.
By Road
The road network to reach Varanasi is wonderful. By road the city is has connectivity with major cities of Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states. State-run buses, private air-conditioned buses also run on the route. In addition, cabs ensure hassle free travel.