Best Things to Do in Varanasi

The Ganges River is Varanasi’s lifeline. It has nourished the city for thousands of year. A sunrise boat ride in the Ganges is our top recommended activity in Varanasi.  As darkness gives way, you’ll see the landscape of the great ancient city light up in the golden rays of the dawn sun. You’ll also see a steady trickle of worshippers and devotees  make their way to the Ghats for religious rituals and spiritual activities,  It is a sight to behold. On certain auspicious dates in the Hindu calendar you can witness as many a million people taking a dip in the holy Ganges right at the crack of dawn. As per the faith, a dip in the holy river cleanses the soul from sins.

As per the Hindu faith, the soul goes through many cycles of re-birth until it finds its closure (Mukti/Salvation). That salvation can only happen in Kashi (Varanasi)—the last step into eternal bliss, and the ultimate end to misery and suffering. Ghats like Harishchandra and Manikarnika Ghat are known for their cremation rites and are major tourist sports. You might find that slightly eerie and dark. But these Ghats have a special spiritual place in the hearts of devotees and believers. They are a somber reminder of the mortality of life.

Every evening an elaborate ceremony called Ganga Aarti takes place on the Ghats of Varanasi to honor the holy Ganga River. Conducted by Brahmin priests, the ceremony involves intricate rituals, chanting of the holy scriptures, singing of hymns, burning of incense, and lots of prayers. This ceremony which takes place at sunset lasts around 30-40 minutes. We recommend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat—the oldest ghat in the city.

Kashi (Varanasi) has a proud tradition of Indian wrestling called Kushti. An Akhara is a Wrestling boarding school where wrestlers are trained and lodged. This tradition of Akhara goes back to the legendary figure in Ramayana and Mahabharata Parashuram who features as a mentor and trainer to many key heroes of the holy books. We recommend an Akhara and watch the wrestlers go about their routine. They are quite welcoming, and anyone can visit. 

Going around Varanasi is like getting into a never-ending time-machine ride. Every lane and street oozes history and mystery. A walking tour is a great way to feel the pulse of the city. You can either do that by hopping from one Ghat to another along the Ganges. We recommend that you start at the Assi Ghat (near the Durga Kunga Temple), followed by stopovers at Shivala Ghat, Shankaracharya Ghat, Narad Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and then for the finale an attendance at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Or, you can venture into the back alleys and lanes and explore the inside of the city, and watch ordinary people go about their lives away from the crowded Ghats.

For centuries, Varanasi (also known as Banaras) has been a major producer of silk fabric and products. Silk is the primary craft of Varanasi. Banarasi Silk Sarees are famous all over India and are always in great demand. The tradition has been kept alive to this day.  Resplendent Travel recommends that you visit popular Silk markets like Thatheri, Vishwanath, and Godowlia to buy the finest fabrics.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of Hinduism’s holiest places and a very significant sight for pilgrimage. Every Hindu is expected to visit this temple at least once in their lives. It is among the only 12 Jyotirlinga Shrine (devotional representation of Lord Shiva). Legend has it Lord Shiva after an argument with Lord Brahma and Vishnu through an infinite beam of life (Jyotirlinga) at this spot.Visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a must-do activity in Varanasi.

The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was founded in the early 20th century by the reformer Madan Mohan Malaviya. As one of India’s pre-eminent educational institutions with over 40,000 students, BHU has played a key role in raising the nation’s political consciousness, the BHU is well worth a visit.  After BHU, spare some time for one of India’s oddest temples—the Bharat Mata Temple (Mother India Temple) where no god or goddess is worshipped. Instead, the temple only has a marble-carved map of India. The idea of the temple was envisaged by Mahatma Gandhi himself in the 1930s.

The only thing that is as memorable as a sunrise boat ride in the Ganga River is a gentle stroll at sunset on the banks of the Ghats of Varanasi. It is a deeply relaxing and spiritual experience, as the religious activities and busy rites come to a close at sunset, leaving behind a sense of calmness and tranquility. We recommend that experience this at Assi, Manikarnika, or Dasswawamedh Ghats.

Some 10 km (6 miles) from the Ghats of Varanasi at the junction of the Ganga and Varuna rivers lies the ancient little town of Sarnath. An important site of pilgrimage for Buddhist pilgrims, where Lord Buddha began his spiritual life as a preacher after being blessed with enlightenment. The exact place where his first sermon was delivered is known as Bodh Gaya.

Varanasi is not just about the Ganges and religious rituals, it is a foodies paradise, offering an immense range of delectable delights. We recommend that you try some Kachori Sabzi first—a popular breakfast dish prepared from a spicy mix of lentils and stuffed potatoes. Next up: Choora Mattar, a famous snack made from rice, desi ghee, saffron, and green peas. For some sweets, try Makhan Malaiyyo (Nimish), a dessert made out of milk froth that’s flavored with cardamoms, saffron, almonds, and pistachios. And, finally do try the Lassi (sweet yogurt drink) at the famous Blue Lassi Shop.