Varanasi is one of the world’s most holy cities. The streets, temples, Ghats and so many things in Varanasi contain so much related to history, religion, and devotion. These are some of the things to do when exploring the city of Varanasi.
List of 10 Must Things to Do in Varanasi:
#1 Sunrise Boat Trip
The Ganges, the world’s most sacred river, is a sight throughout the day but is mystical and calm at the time of sunrise. The sky is painted with soft pastel colors as some boats glide up and down the river. The cruise will float you through all the various Ghats and along the way pass multiple temples.
Even at sunrise, the Ganges banks are very active, making it one of Varanasi’s favourites. In the morning local residents take their baths, wash clothes, and set up stalls and shops for a trade day.
- Where: Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat.
- What: A serene boat ride on the River Ganges during sunrise.
- Why: Witness the city awaken, with pilgrims performing rituals and the sun casting a golden hue over the ghats.
- Timings: Approximately 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM, depending on the season.
- Tip: Opt for a rowboat rather than a motorboat for a more authentic experience.
#2 Visit Burning Ghat
The burning Ghat is a unique place, while all the Ghats are incredibly interesting. Here, people come to stay in the hospice. On the banks of the Ganges at this Ghat are cremations of organisms, funerals, and other ceremonies.
You can pass through the Ghat as a tourist, watch, and even take some photographs. It is important to remember that you are here to leave your loved ones so make sure you are respectful. Watch out for the volunteers who give you a “free” guided tour before you try to give a donation. Find more List of Popular Ghats in Varanasi that You Must See.
- What: Manikarnika and Harishchandra are two of the primary cremation ghats.
- Why: Observe age-old Hindu cremation rituals.
- Tip: Maintain respect and distance; avoid taking photographs.
#3. Blue Lassi
Blue Lassi is a café that celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2015. It’s still a family venture and it has always been a testament to this with hundreds of photos on the wall. The yogurt drink is a Lassi, but Blue Lassi is a bit fancier when you’re on the street for your normal cup.
Made by a man on the small porch in the lane, the Lassi has a variety of flavours. Before picking your toppings, you can select a base of peach, mango, banana, grenade, or a number of other aromas.
- What: A renowned lassi shop offering a variety of flavored lassis.
- Why: Experience Varanasi’s iconic drink in a traditional setting.
- Tip: Try the saffron or fruit-topped lassi.
#4 In the Ganges take a sacred bath
Perhaps one of the dirtiest is the holiest river in the world. Varanasi’s locals are adept on the river, but many foreigners in India become sickened by tap water and the Ganges alone.
But you might just need to hop in when you are courageous and want to have the ultimate remembrance of Varaši, the holiest blessing of the world.
- What: Immerse yourself in the holy waters of the Ganges.
- Why: For spiritual purification and to partake in a millennia-old ritual.
- Tip: Ensure you pick cleaner sections of the river and be aware of currents.
Read here Popular Ashram in India
#5 Playing Cricket on the Ghats
People play cricket games every night in the Ghats. You can choose teams and play a complete game. You’re out if you hit the ball without a bump in the river. Don’t fear playing here, but be sure that in the game you can at least hit the ball.
- What: Engage in a game of cricket with the locals.
- Why: Experience the everyday life and vibrant culture of Varanasi.
- Tip: Early evenings are the best time to find enthusiastic players.
#6 Get on the Mango Smoothie
Varanasi and Northern India prefer to serve their smoothies directly from the blenders on the side of the road in small plastic cups and add some dried parts of the papaya.
The cup is really small, but it costs only 20 or 30 rupees. This is pure mango. They just use the mango literally, and that’s what you want.
- What: Relish a refreshing mango smoothie from local vendors.
- Why: Beat the heat and savor the taste of local produce.
- Tip: Always opt for freshly made smoothies and ensure good hygiene.
#7 Aarti Experience
This is something that has to be done! The Aarti ceremony takes place on the banks of the Ganges River every night. It is a ritual of Hindu religious worship involving offerings to the deities. Among the crowds of several thousand, there are many tourists as well. This is a spiritual meeting and does not offer a show.
It was a real performance, and what made it exciting for me was the volume of the crowd. Hundreds or even thousands of people cluster on the Ghat, flowing overboard boats in the water. This is one of Varanasi’s most unique things. Know more Top Places to Visit in Varanasi
- What: Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Why: Witness a grand ritual with chants, lamps, and an incredible spiritual ambiance.
- Tip: Arrive early for a good spot or consider watching from a boat for a different perspective.
#8 Test local food on the street
Test some of Varanasi’s local street food. You can eat tons of food in carts. Blue Lassi, a colourful pastry cup, and many new things can be tasted.
These things proved to be one of Varanasi’s best things. You can eat a better version of Chaat. There is a lot of delicious food in Varanasi that you should enjoy.
- What: Savor street delicacies like kachori, samosa, and jalebi.
- Why: Experience the rich flavors of Varanasi’s culinary heritage.
- Tip: Choose busy stalls with a high turnover to ensure freshness.
#9 Visit one of Varanasi’s 2000 temples
Explore some of Varanasi’s temples. There are over 2,000 temples in the city. What you’re looking for is important. The entire city contains Buddhist and Hindu temples as well as Muslim mosques. You can always see some temples from a boat if you prefer, but it is suggested you go to the temples. Read here List of Most Popular Temples in Varanasi
- What: Explore ancient temples like Kashi Vishwanath or Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
- Why: Dive deep into the city’s religious history and architectural splendor.
- Tip: Dress modestly and be prepared to remove shoes at temple entrances.
#10 Go through the Ghats
Wherever you stay, there isn’t much to get to the Ghats, and there’s plenty to see once you get there. Your senses will be overwhelmed and you will probably lose track of time. In the Ghats along the River Ganges, so much action is taking place.
Boys groups play in the river, intense cricket matches get loud, people get haircuts, boatmen try to make people on the tours, beard trimmings are left and many more things are done. If you want to take photos of Saadhu men (usually dressed in orange) you will be able to take some shots on the ghats. This is certainly one of Varanasi’s most interesting things.
- What: Stroll along the numerous ghats lining the Ganges.
- Why: Experience the heart of Varanasi’s cultural and spiritual life.
- Tip: Opt for early morning or late afternoon walks for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Additional Resources:
- 5 Best Affordable 3-Star Hotels in Varanasi
- Top 8 Street Food Places in Varanasi
- A Detailed Travel Guide – Kashi Vishwanath Temple In Varanasi
- Varanasi’s Most Popular Restaurants
- Best Way to Travel from Delhi to Varanasi
- Varanasi’s Most Famous Museums
- Why You Should Visit Varanasi Once in a Lifetime
- How to Reach Varanasi from Mumbai
- Varanasi’s 5-Star Hotels Near Ghat
- 10 Famous Things to Do in Varanasi
- Varanasi’s Most Popular Places to See
- Top 15 Interesting Facts About Varanasi
10 Famous Attractions in Varanasi:
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. A significant pilgrimage spot, it is a masterpiece of ancient architecture and spirituality.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat:
The main ghat of Varanasi, it’s famous for the evening Ganga Aarti, a ritual that attracts both locals and tourists in droves. The ghat’s name indicates Lord Brahma’s sacrifice of ten horses here.
3. Manikarnika Ghat:
One of the oldest and holiest ghats, it’s the primary cremation ground in Varanasi. Witnessing the rites here offers a profound understanding of Hindu beliefs about life and death.
4. Assi Ghat:
A place where pilgrims pay homage to Lord Shiva before bathing. The ghat is lively, with cultural events and activities, especially during the mornings and evenings.
5. Ramnagar Fort:
Situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges, this fort belongs to the Maharaja of Varanasi. It houses a museum showcasing royal collections, including vintage cars, palanquins, and an astronomical clock.
6. Durga Temple:
Also known as the “Monkey Temple”, it’s dedicated to Goddess Durga. The red-colored structure, built in the 18th century, is an excellent example of Nagara architecture.
7. Sarnath:
Located 10 km from Varanasi, it’s where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Key attractions include Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Museum.
8. Tulsi Manas Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is built at the place where the ancient Hindu poet-saint Tulsidas wrote the epic “Ramcharitmanas”.
9. Banaras Hindu University (BHU):
Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916, BHU is among Asia’s largest residential universities. The campus includes the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and the New Vishwanath Temple.
10. Alamgir Mosque:
Overlooking the Ganges, this mosque, built by Aurangzeb, displays a unique blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles.
Thus, we have seen in detail, the key things that can be done in Varanasi. You should not miss the above-mentioned activities during your visit to Varanasi.
