Best Things to do in Varanasi, Banaras, and Kashi are three names of one single city. Spiritual nation ‘India’ has treasured spiritual capital too. Varanasi is also known as the “Spiritual Capital of India,” which is the oldest inhabited city in the world. Varanasi is one of the “Incredible India.”
As the spirit of India lies in the city in the form of holy river Ganges, the lively Ghats, epic Temples, the age-old Culture and Traditions, etc. are some of the most delicate things to do in Varanasi.
This city availed its “Spiritual Capital of India” title because of the supernatural fact that Lord Shiva (Lord of moksha or liberation) himself built the town. That is why; it carries the importance of after-death rituals in Hindus to attain the ultimate moksha.
From spirits to death, this city lives all the charms of the journey of life. A trip to this artistic combination of physical and spiritual worlds is a must to discover more untold offbeat and supernatural stories recited by this holy city in a promising way. To find all magical surprises you will encounter on your soulful journey to “Spiritual Capital of India.” So here is the list of Best Things to do in Varanasi while you visit here:-
Manikarnika Ghat
Ghats are the large, flat steps built on the land that lead directly down into the Ganges River. They are used by pilgrims to enter the water to wash away their sins and pray and worship upon. The Manikarnika Ghat is a little bit different. It’s the main “burning ghat”, the most prosperous cremation site for a Hindu. On these steps, the body is dunked in the Ganges River prior to being burned by firewood on the steps. Tourists are allowed to witness the ceremony, but it’s crucial to be respectful.
There are absolutely no photos allowed. You can watch the ceremonies from the top of nearby buildings. You will likely be invited to these spots by “guides” who will ask for donations for the ceremony in exchange for taking you there Udaipur Tour Package.
Good to know: Varanasi is the most sacred place to die for Hindus because it’s believed that dying and being cremated here releases one from the cycle of reincarnation. Some make the journey to Varanasi just to die in the holy city Best Things to do in Varanasi.
Boat ride on the Ganges River
Flip your perspective of the famous ghats and book a boat ride down the Ganges River at either sunrise or sunset. Observing the people bathing and praying in the water as the sun’s light sets the backdrop of ghats and city buildings all aglow is a magical experience and definitely a top thing to do in Varanasi. It also offers a different viewpoint for photographers chasing after that perfect shot Best Things to do in Varanasi.
Good to know: Traditional row boats are available all along the river side and the price can be negotiated.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
As the holiest city in India, you would be correct to assume that there are quite a few temples here. You can see temples literally at every turn, but the most spectacular is Kashi Vishwanath. Constructed in 1776 and dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple holds nothing back. Aesthetically speaking, the temple is jaw-dropping; the dome and tower are coated in 800 kilograms of gold. It’s also one of the holiest (if not the holiest) Hindu temples in the world. Many saints have visited here and pilgrims attribute a visit to this temple and a bath in the Ganges as the path to liberation.
Good to know: This temple is one of the twelve traditional Jyotirlinga temples in India, the most powerful and sacred place to worship Lord Shiva, Best Things to do in Varanasi.
Ganga Aarti Ceremony
This is a nightly event hosted by a group of young priests dressed in traditional clothing along the banks of the Ganges at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The ceremony is a show of commitment and dedication to Lord Shiva. Huge crowds gather around the ghat, lit by brass lamps, while mantras and chants fill the air at the start of the ceremony. Incenses are burned, conch shells are blown, and loud music is played while the priests perform their rituals. This a truly unique way to experience this holy city, making the Dashashwamedh Ghat an absolute top place to visit in Varanasi.
Good to know: The aarti takes place at 6:45pm every evening and lasts for about 45 minutes.Take an evening boat ride to Dashashwamedh Ghat to get the best views of the aarti ceremony.
