Best Things To Do in Varanasi!

Varanasi, one of the holiest cities of India is unique due to its religious and cultural significance. When devotees visit this place to take a holy dip in the Ganges, travellers come here to experience and witness the rich culture of the region.

If you're on a trip to this sacred land, here are some of the best things to do in Varanasi!

Photo Courtesy: Juan Antonio F. Segal

Take a Sunrise Boat Ride Along the Ganges

Sunrise boat ride tour along the Ganges is one of the attractive activities Varanasi has to offer. One of the best experiences would be to take a ride at the Dashashvamedh Ghat. If you're travelling here during monsoon (July-September), do check with the Ministry of Tourism if boat rides are allowed during the period of your travel, as boat rides are sometimes stopped during this season for safety reasons.

Take a Dip To Wash Off Your Sins

It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges will relieve you from all your sins. Visit Varanasi and bathe in the river to feel fresh, rejuvenated and purified.

Photo Courtesy: Arian Zwegers

Take A Stroll Along the Ghats

There are various ghats here that are of high spiritual value, holding traditions for centuries. Take a stroll along these ghats and watch the way of life that evolves around pure devotion and faith. Each ghat has its own significance . If Assi Ghat is known for bathing, Manikarnika Ghat is popular for cremation. It is also believed that a bath near Tulsi Ghat will help you cure leprosy.

Get a Haircut Done by a Local Barber

You can find people getting shaves and haircuts on the streets here. Get a haircut at one of the local barbers here, which is way cheaper than the haircuts you get in salons, and a unique experience with the massages and head rubs that are offered with no extra cost.

Photo Courtesy: Sam Hawley

Shopping at the Local Market

This holy land also has some good shopping streets where you can venture out on your trip. Some of the popular streets for shopping here are Vishwanath Gali, Lahurabir, Dashashvamedh Gali and Thatheri Bazar. Godaulia, Lahurabir and the Chowk are known for the Banarasi silk saris, Thatheri Bazar is the place for shopping paintings, and other works of art and jewellery.

Apart from these activities, Varanasi is a great place to visit during festivals like Diwali and Dhanteras. The streets are full and the temples here are all decked up in lamps, flowers and the divine hymns that give a different feel to the place.

Plan your trip to the holy Varanasi this Diwali and be a part of the grand celebrations!

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