Things To Do In Varanasi

Varanasi is a very beautiful north Indian city set in the state of Uttar Pradesh. If we look at the history of this city then it goes backdating to 11th century B.C. Being considered as the spiritual capital of India, the city is for sure a home to endless number of Hindu pilgrims. There are many things to do in Varanasi that will leave you spellbound and compel you to stay there forever. From seeking prayers at the temple to bathing in the holy Ganges, there is a lot to experience in the spiritual city.

12 Things To Do In Varanasi

Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the worls, is also one of the liveliiest ones. Sign yourself up for most unique and enlightening experiences in Benaras for a fulfilling visit. Below is a list of the best things to do in Varanasi that will give you a soul-soothing experience of holidaying there. Read along!

• Tour Of The Oldest Temple
• Relive Your History
• Explore The Ghats
• Witness The Buddhist Intervention
• Take The Holy Bath In Ganges
• Witness The Magnificent Sunset
• Explore The Magnificent Weaver’s Village
• Boat Ride On Ganges
• Watch Evening Aarti
• Take A Tour To Sarnath
• Taste Street Food
• Shopping

1. Tour Of The Oldest Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most popular and sacred Hindu Temples in Varanasi which is said to be a sincere dedication to Lord Shiva. It gracefully lies on the western bank of the river Ganges. There are altogether 12 Jyotirlingas (Holiest Shiva Temples) in the globe and the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of them. Varanasi was once known as Kashi hence the name of the temple itself was inherited from there. Several visitors pay their tribute to Lord Shiva throughout the year and the place is often known to be extremely crowded. If Varanasi is a hub of temples then Kashi Vishwanath Temple has to be the most visited temple amongst all.

Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

2. Relive Your History

The magnificent Ramnagar Fort is an efficient fortification in Varanasi. It lies near the Ganges on its eastern bank. The famous Tulsi Ghat can be seen right from here as it is just opposite to the fort. The fort is built mainly out of pure sandstone and reflects the true Mughal style architecture and it is said to be built in 1750 by the renowned Kashi Naresh Raj Balwant Singh. The visitors can witness the Veda Vyasa Temple and the king’s residential complex which are truly worth a view. There is an adorable museum which gives you a glimpse of our rich history let alone the vicinity also includes the sacred Dakshin Mukhi Temple of Hanuman.

Location: Mirzapur – Varanasi Road, Purana, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh 221008

3. Explore The Ghats

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the major Ghats located in the beautiful city of Varanasi which lies in the Ganges. As for directions, it is decently close to the popular Vishwanath Temple. To give a brief background of this spectacular Ghat, it is said that Lord Brahma created it in respect to welcome Lord Shiva. Some also believe that Lord Brahma is said to have sacrificed ten horses while Dasa-Ashwamedha Yajna was performed here. These ghats are also the venue for Varanasi festivals that are celebrated from centuries and you should be a part of them. As per the history of this said Ghat, it was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in 1748 and later it was rebuilt by the Queen of Indore Ahilyabahi Holkar in the year 1774. The visitors can also witness the observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur built-in 1737 which lies right in the Ganges.

Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

4. Witness The Buddhist Intervention

Dhamek Stupa is a remarkable and massive stupa which is well situated at Sarnath about 13 km away from the magnificent city of Varanasi. The stupas were 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 and sacred place for Buddhist, 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. (Two mounds own the urn and embers). Tracing back to its inception, the Dhamek Stupa was built in 500 CE which replaced an earlier structure said to be commissioned by the great and recognised Mauryan king Ashoka. Visitors are welcome here to witness and relive the history and get a glimpse of our past.

Location: Dharmapala Rd, Singhpur, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007