Varanasi, India's spiritual heart, is an ancient city experienced along the sacred Ganges River, where daily life unfolds on its numerous ghats. This destination offers a profound immersion into spiritual practices, historic traditions, and mesmerizing rituals, such as the evening Ganga Aarti and tranquil sunrise boat rides.
For those looking to connect with other travelers, Assi Ghat stands out as a vibrant area that attracts a community of long-term visitors and backpackers. Hostels in the city provide an environment for meeting new friends. The narrow alleys near the ghats also feature various cafes and eateries, offering places to gather and dine.
Top 6 Things to do in Varanasi
Activities in Varanasi predominantly involve engaging with spiritual ceremonies, exploring ancient riverfronts, visiting significant religious sites, and experiencing local culinary traditions.
1. Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
The Ganga Aarti is an evening ritual performed by priests on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. This mesmerizing ceremony involves synchronized movements with multi-tiered lamps, chanting, and devotional music. Witnessing it from the ghat steps offers an immersive experience, or from a boat on the river provides a wider perspective of the illuminated ghats.
Cost: Watching from the ghat steps is free. For a boat ride, shared boats typically cost between ₹300-₹500 per person, while private boats can range from ₹1,200-₹1,800 for 4-6 seats.
Transport: Dashashwamedh Ghat is centrally located and easily accessible by walking from most accommodations in the old city or ghat areas.
2. Experience a Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges
Embarking on an early morning boat ride along the Ganges offers a tranquil yet profound insight into Varanasi's daily life. From the river, one can observe pilgrims taking holy dips, locals performing morning rituals, and the ancient ghats slowly coming alive with the first rays of sunlight. This perspective provides unique photographic opportunities and a serene view of the city's spiritual heart.
Cost: A shared boat ride typically costs between ₹150-₹300 per person. Private boat rides can range from ₹500-₹1,500, depending on the duration and type of boat.
Transport: Boats are readily available from various ghats, particularly Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat, which are accessible on foot from the main city areas.
3. Explore the Ghats, including Manikarnika Ghat
Strolling along the more than 80 ghats that line the Ganges River is an essential Varanasi experience. Each set of steps tells a unique story, where life unfolds in public view, from bathing rituals and religious ceremonies to communal activities. Manikarnika Ghat is a particularly significant site, serving as a primary cremation ground, offering a poignant and unfiltered glimpse into the cycle of life and death, revered in Hindu beliefs.
Cost: Free.
Transport: The ghats are the heart of old Varanasi and are best explored on foot. They are walking distance from most central areas.
4. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a highly revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple's gilded spires and intricate architecture reflect its historical and spiritual significance. Visitors should dress respectfully, ensuring arms and legs are covered.
Cost: Entry to the temple is free. However, specific `aarti` (prayer) ceremonies, such as Mangala Aarti, may require a ticket, and special `poojas` or rituals carry their own fees.
Transport: The temple is located in the narrow lanes near Dashashwamedh Ghat. Vehicle access is restricted close to the temple, so it is best reached by walking from nearby areas.
5. Take a Day Trip to Sarnath
A short journey from Varanasi, Sarnath holds immense importance as the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The area offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling city, featuring the impressive Dhamekh Stupa, ancient monastery ruins, and a serene deer park. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.
Cost: Entry to Dhamekh Stupa is approximately ₹20-₹30 for Indian citizens and SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors, and ₹100-₹300 for other international visitors.
Transport: Sarnath is approximately 10-15 km from Varanasi. A personal auto-rickshaw or taxi can cost between ₹210-₹500 for a round trip. Shared auto-rickshaws are a more budget-friendly option, costing around ₹20-₹50, though they involve changes and longer travel times (45-60 minutes). Trains are also available, with fares ranging from ₹35-₹700 for a 7-18 minute journey.
6. Indulge in a Street Food Tour
Varanasi's narrow alleys are a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of vegetarian street food. A guided food tour allows visitors to navigate these bustling lanes, tasting local specialties such as crispy `kachori`, sweet `jalebi`, savory `chaat` varieties like `tamatar chaat` and `aloo tikki`, refreshing `lassi`, and the famous `Banarasi paan`. It is an authentic way to experience the city's culinary heritage.
Cost: A guided street food tour typically costs around ₹1,500 per person, which often includes multiple tastings. Individual street food items are very affordable, allowing for a self-guided exploration at a much lower cost.
Transport: Most food tours are walking tours, navigating the dense, pedestrian-friendly lanes of the old city. Some tours may include short rickshaw or tuk-tuk rides for wider exploration.
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