Location: Varanasi
Top Things to do in Varanasi
Top 10 Things to do in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The north Indian city of Varanasi, or Benares, is regarded as sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Situated in the fertile Ganga valley and on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, who come to bathe in the holy river. Known as the City of Temples and a beacon of culture, Varanasi has produced many renowned writers. It’s also a center of silk weaving, so practice haggling at the chaotic bazaar for some beautiful souvenirs. Rickshaws are the best way to get about.
Restaurants in Varanasi
1. Banaras Ghats
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,836 reviews
One of the oldest cities of India, Banaras acts as an important religious center. The numerous bathing ghats (steps) along the bank of the Ganges attract huge crowds of pilgrims.
Reviewed By Satish1955 - Bengaluru, India
The Ghats in Varanasi are Riverfront steps leading to River Ganges, There are nearly 88 ghats in Varanasi where bathing, pooja ceremonies are held. The most prominent of the ghats and by far the largest and cleanest is Dashashwamedha ghat where Bramha performed Ashwamedha yagna. You need to reach the ghat from the main road near Godaulia crossing by rickshaw. You have to spend time in the ghat to soak in the atmosphere of the milling crowds, saadhus, cows, dogs, touts etc. The best way to see other ghats is to take a sunset boat ride on Ganges from Dashaashwamedha ghat. A single private rowing boat ride followed by viewing Ganga Aarthy from boat will cost you about 1500. Prominent ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra ghats where bodies are cremated 24 hours, Assi ghat, Bramha ghat etc . If you are travelling in winter make sure you are carrying adequate warm clothes
2. Ganges River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,970 reviews
Reviewed By Phillip8789 - Terrigal, Australia
We had the opportunity to walk many of the Ghats, be on the Ganges for sunrise and sunset, observe people bathing, washing clothes, seeing cremation services and observing the Ganga Aarti devotional ritual being performed. This is a unique experience - being able to be on The Holy River is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Nothing we have seen in our overseas travels compares to this.
3. Assi Ghat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,233 reviews
Reviewed By tmagrawal - New Delhi, India
If you are first timer and wants to see both morning and evening aartis my suggestion is to stay near assi Ghat as you won't have to walk half a km if you choose to stay near dashaswamed Ghat. You can take a boat ride in the evening and see evening aarti at dashaswamed Ghat as well as visit vishwanath temple in one go and attend morning aarti and subah banaras at assi Ghat.
4. Manikarnika Ghat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,161 reviews
Reviewed By Storyteller688502 - Chennai (Madras), India
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi held in great reverence by Hindus. There are different lores associated with this place. One of the lore is as follows. It is believed that Mata Sati sacrificed her life after her father humiliated her husband Lord Shiva in a yagna. Lord Shiva took her burning body to the Himalayas. On seeing the unending sorrow of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu sent His Divine chakra to cut the body into 51 parts which fell at different places on earth. Shakthi Peets have been established at all these places. It is believed that Mata Sati's ear ornaments fell on this place by the side of the Ganges and hence the name Manikarnika ghat came into existence. The Shakti of Manikarnika is addressed as Vishalakshi & Manikarni.
5. Dasaswamedh Ghat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,953 reviews
India Trip Offer Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganga River. It is located close to Vishwanath Temple and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu legends are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva
Reviewed By SSRaju - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The main ghat of Varanasi where there is action 24/7, the epitome is the Ganga Aarti performed every evening, witnessed by tens of thousands from the shore and from the river on boats. An elaborate affair that is truly breathtaking. Once a filthy spot, now it is absolutely clean and gleaming.
6. Sarnath
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,928 reviews
The Dhamekha stupa and other imposing structures adorn this holy site where Buddha first preached his message.
Reviewed By meriyatra - Mumbai, India
Very beautifully maintained and excellent facilities provided by the ASI and the Govt of India. Very impressed! The information provided is good. The place is neat and clean. A nominal fee is taken as entry charges. The museum is excellent. The highlight being the Ashok Chakra. It’s amazing to know that the national emblem is an integration of Buddhist philosophies. Truly unity in Diversity! For those who seek peace this historical place where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining Nirvana is THE place to meditate in, the energies here are absolutely amazing! Loved being there and spending quality time in the place where the Teachings were given.
7. New Vishwanath Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 584 reviews
Reviewed By ssn2008 - Chennai (Madras), India
Temple was built nicely good location must visit place to get the blessings of load shiva can spend 2-3 hrs
8. Sankat Mochan Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
Reviewed By sankalp_sharma_vns - Varanasi, India
Divine Experience.... a must visit ....its a very old temple of Lord Hanuman along with Lord Ram, Laxman & sita
9. Ganga Aarti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By Travel_Revival - Melbourne, Australia
Nightly ceremony on the ghats along the Ganges, celebrated by 7 priests, is a colourful, musical, vibrant celebration of the river. Arrive early as it is always crowded and vantage points are taken up quickly.
10. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,670 reviews
Standing on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges, Varanasi is the oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India. It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanath.
Reviewed By neeshtir2019
We went through the tiny "galis" of Benaras, to reach a booth where we bought tickets to go to the temple. Beware of plenty of "priests" attempting to lure you into giving more money for access to the temple. Once you get your tickets, you proceed through security check and VIP gate to get to the Darshan and Abhishek. Another awestruck experience, definitely worthwhile. No cameras or bags allowed inside but you have locker rooms near the security posts to keep your belongings.
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