Greetings to all the spiritual wanderers and adventure lovers, do you want to travel through time and traditions? Take for instance Varanasi, the oldest surviving city in India and the cultural hub of the country. When you are strolling along the river banks of the sacred Ganges, you are stepping into a realm where tradition and contemporary practices blend. In this blog post, we will help you explore nine things to do in Varanasi that will surely cast a spell on you and change you for the better.
1. Witness the Spiritual Awakening at Dasaswamedh Ghat
Your journey begins at the heart of Varanasi’s spiritual life: Dasaswamedh Ghat. It is one of the most recommended things to do in Varanasi that one should undertake while in Varanasi. When you are arriving to this main ghat on the Ganges River, you will definitely notice the atmosphere of religious fervor. It is a fact that this ghat has a lot of mythological significance associated with it in Hindu mythology. In the evening, get ready to be enthralled by the evening aarti or the art of lighting the lamps. The rhythmic chants, the flickering flames, and the devotion of the people will make you sit spellbound.
2. Assi Ghat
Moving further, visit Assi Ghat, the place where the Assi River joins the Ganges River. This is one of the most loved things to do in Varanasi by both the locals and the tourists and all for a good reason. If you are up for it, why not go for a holy dip? It is said that taking a bath at the union of these two rivers is as effective as taking a dip in thousands of rivers. For those of you who wake up early, do not lose the morning aarti called Subeh Benares.
3. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Sarnath
Sarnath is another important place of Buddhist pilgrimage. This is just a few miles away from Varanasi and is one of the must things to do in Varanasi for any traveler As you walk through these historical grounds, you are actually walking on the path where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. What must it be like to hear the echoes of this place, which has stood for over 2,500 years? Do not leave without seeing the Dhamek Stupa, the Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Ashokan column. These structures are clear evidence of the historical Buddhist culture of the area.
4. Experience the Eternal Flame at Manikarnika Ghat
Get ready for a life-changing and sometimes disturbing experience at Manikarnika Ghat. This cremation ghat is one of the most active ones and it is here that many Hindus come to fulfill their last rites. When you are watching the flame that is said to have been burning for hundreds of years, you will be reminded of the cycle of life and death which is so freely accepted in Hinduism. It is a strong message of the transient nature of life and the need to make the most of every day.
5. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The most famous temple of Varanasi is the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also called the Golden Temple. When you are approaching this holy place, you will be impressed by golden domes that sparkle in the sun. There is the Jyotirlinga of Shiva which is considered one of the twelve holy shrines of Hinduism within its premises. Experience the centuries of worship that have soaked into the stones of this temple that is centuries old.
6. Boat Ride on the Ganges
To get the most out of things to do in Varanasi, wake up early in the morning and go to the ghats to take a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise. When you are sailing on the holy river, you will be able to see the city waking up. You can even observe the devotees offering their prayers and enjoy the first light of dawn fall on the temples by the river. It is a rather quiet and meditative way to begin the day in this otherwise very energetic city.
7. Immerse Yourself in Virtual Reality at Durlabh Darshan Kendra
In a unique fusion of technology and tradition, don’t miss the chance to visit the Durlabh Darshan Kendra, one of the amazing things to do in Varanasi. Here, you can experience a 360-degree virtual reality tour of the Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It’s an innovative way to feel as though you’re standing in the sanctum sanctorum, even if you can’t physically enter the temple.
8. Explore the Banaras Ghats
Finally, one of the famous things to do in Varanasi is explore the Banaras Ghats. Take your time to wander along the numerous ghats that line the Ganges. Each ghat has its own character and story. You will encounter a microcosm of Indian life while exploring the Banaras Ghats from the bustling Dasaswamedh Ghat to the peaceful Assi Ghat. Watch as locals go about their daily routines, from washing clothes to practicing yoga. It’s in these moments of quiet observation that you’ll truly begin to understand the soul of Varanasi.