Top Activities & Experiences

Top Activities & Experiences

Varanasi is not just a place, but an experience—a city filled with spirituality, rituals, ancient traditions, and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, history lover, foodie, or photographer, here are the best activities & experiences to try in Varanasi.

 1. Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

 Why Do It?

• Witness the spiritual essence of Varanasi as the city wakes up.
• Get a panoramic view of the ghats, temples, and rituals.
• A perfect experience for photographers and peace seekers.

 Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat (Starting Point)
 Best Time: 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM (Sunrise)
 Cost: ₹200 – ₹500 per person
 Must-Do: Watch the early morning prayers & rituals along the ghats.

 2. Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

 Why Do It?

• One of India’s grandest spiritual rituals, performed every evening.
• Priests perform synchronized aarti with fire lamps, conch shells, and chants.
• A breathtaking spiritual and cultural experience.

 Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat
 Best Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 Cost: Free (VIP Seating ₹200 – ₹500)
 Must-Do: Take a boat ride to watch the Aarti from the river.

3. Explore the Ghats of Varanasi

 Why Do It?

• Varanasi has over 80 ghats, each with a unique history and significance.
• See the spiritual bathing rituals, cremation ceremonies, and meditation sessions.
• Best ghats to visit: Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, Assi, and Harishchandra Ghats.

 Location: Along the Ganges River
 Best Time: Early morning or evening
 Must-Do: Walk along the ghats & enjoy street musicians performing live.

 4. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Most Sacred Shiva Temple

Why Do It?

• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it the holiest Shiva temple in India.
• The newly renovated corridor makes it easier to explore.
• A place of deep spirituality and devotion.

 Location: Vishwanath Gali
 Best Time: Early morning (4 AM – 6 AM) or evening Aarti
 Cost: Free (VIP Darshan ₹300 – ₹500)
 Must-Do: Perform Rudrabhishek Puja for Lord Shiva’s blessings.

 5. Enjoy Banarasi Chai & Street Food

Why Do It?

• Varanasi is a paradise for food lovers, famous for local delicacies.
• Best street food to try: Kachori-Sabzi, Malaiyo, Tamatar Chaat, Banarasi Paan.

 Best Places for Street Food:
✔️ Kachori Gali – Best for Kachori-Sabzi
✔️ Blue Lassi Shop – Famous for fruit-flavored Lassi
✔️ Deena Chaat Bhandar – Must-try Tamatar Chaat

 Price: ₹50 – ₹300 per dish
Must-Do: Try winter special “Malaiyo” at Chowk Market.

 6. Experience Yoga & Meditation by the Ganges

 Why Do It?

• Varanasi is a major center for yoga & spiritual healing.
• Practice meditation at the ghats or join a yoga retreat.
• Perfect for peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

 Best Yoga Centers:
✔️ Assi Ghat (Morning Yoga Sessions)
✔️ Isha Foundation, Varanasi
✔️ BHU Yoga Centre

 Best Time: Early Morning
 Must-Do: Join a sunrise meditation session by the river.

7. Watch the ‘Subah-e-Banaras’ Cultural Performance

 Why Do It?

• A beautiful morning cultural program featuring classical music & dance.
• Includes flute recitals, Bharatnatyam, and spiritual discourses.
• A unique way to experience Banaras’ cultural richness.

 Location: Assi Ghat
 Best Time: 5:30 AM – 7:30 AM
 Cost: Free
 Must-Do: Sit by the ghat & soak in the serene ambiance.

 8. Shopping for Banarasi Silk Sarees & Handicrafts

 Why Do It?

• Banarasi silk sarees are world-famous for their luxurious texture & designs.
• Great place to buy handicrafts, wooden toys, and spiritual souvenirs.

 Best Shopping Markets:
✔️ Godowlia Market – Best for Banarasi sarees
✔️ Vishwanath Gali – Best for religious souvenirs
✔️ Thatheri Bazaar – Best for brassware & wooden items

 Budget: ₹500 – ₹10,000 (Depending on items)
 Must-Do: Bargain at local shops for better prices.

 9. Day Trip to Sarnath – The Sacred Buddhist Site

 Why Do It?

• The place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
• Home to Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Sarnath Museum.

 Location: 10 km from Varanasi
 Best Time to Visit: Morning
 Cost: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
 Must-Do: Visit the Ashoka Pillar & meditate at the stupa.

 10. Visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU) & Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

 Why Do It?

• One of India’s top universities, known for its cultural & educational legacy.
• The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum has rare paintings, sculptures & manuscripts.
• The BHU Vishwanath Temple is a peaceful retreat.

 Location: BHU Campus
 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon
 Entry Fee: Free
 Must-Do: Explore the museum’s ancient artifacts & paintings.