Best Things to do in Varanasi Before the Year Ends

Varanasi (Banaras) is a spiritual center of prominence worldwide. Famous personalities like Mark Twain were fascinated by its holiness. It is believed that if someone dies in the land of Varanasi, he will attain salvation. If you are visiting this one of the best religious places in India, you must get ready with the things to do in Varanasi!

In this article, you will learn more about things to do in Varanasi and discover places with famous things to do in Banaras. Let TripzyGo be your ideal travel buddy, and you can gather all the information about things to do in Kashi, be it shopping, boat riding, or seeing the famous Ganga Aarti!

Things to do in Varanasi

1. Visit the Ghats
2. Watch Ganga Aarti
3. Go Local Shopping
4. Taste Street Food
5. Boat Ride on the Ganges
6. Know the Significance of Sarnath
7. Visit the Assi Ghat for Traditional Music
8. Seek Blessings of Shri Kashi Vishwanath
9. See the Monkey Temple
10. Know Your History
11. Take Bath In The Ganges
12. Witness the Sunset
13. Learn Weaving
14. Discover the Scientific Marvel
15. Volunteer in Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

According to Uttar Pradesh Tourism Statistics, around 12 crore domestic and international tourists visited the Varanasi region last year. The city is the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Indians. If you plan a trip with your friends and family this year, here is a list of things to do in Varanasi:

Visit the Ghats

There are 84 ghats along the Ganga River in Varanasi. These ghats were rebuilt along with the city itself by Maratha rulers in the 18th century. Many ghats hold a special significance in Hinduism and some ghats are privately owned. Cremations are performed in Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghat. 

Some Famous Ghats to Visit	Specialties	Timings	Address
Assi Ghat	Hindus bathe here before worshiping Lord Shiva.	Open 24 hours	Nagwa Rd, Assi ghat, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005.
Chet Singh Ghat	Site of the 18th-century battle between Maharaja Chet Singh and the British.	Open 24 hours	72V4+MRP, in front of Chet Singh fort, Ghats of Varanasi, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Darbhanga Ghat	Imposes a visually appealing palace hotel. Favorite among photographers.	Open 24 hours	8245+3VW, Near Ahilyabai Ghat, Uttar Pradesh 221010.

Watch Ganga Aarti

Ganga aarti is performed every evening in the Dashashwamedh ghat of Varanasi. The aarti is committed to Shiva, Maa Ganga, Surya, and Angni. You should not miss the magnificent Ganga Aarti as it will make you experience tranquility. The priests perform the aarti in huge brass lamps and the crowd accompanies mantra chanting.

Some Famous Places for Ganga Aarti	Specialties	Timings for Ganga Aarti	Address
Dashashwamedh Ghat	It is known that Brahma created the ghat to welcome Shiva.	Summer: 5 pm-7 pmWinter:  5:30 pm to 7:30 pm	Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.

Go Local Shopping

Varanasi has many local shops and markets where you can buy clothes, accessories, handicrafts, and more. You might be aware of the fact that Banaras is famous for Banarasi silk sarees. While you visit with your friends or family, do not forget to explore the best markets to shop for sarees and other famous things in Banaras for your mother or a female friend. 

Some Famous Places for Local Shopping	What to Purchase	Timings	Address
Thatheri Bazar	Articrafts, Brass & copper products, silk & woolen garments.	10 am-8 pm	Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Vishwanath Lane	Bangles, Silk trinkets, wooden toys, fabric, and readymade garments.	10 am-8 pm	Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Bhairavi Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Gaudoliya Street Market	Wholesale goods, household items, fine silk, zari work, shawls, costume jewelry, etc.	9:30 am-10:30 pm	72, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

Taste Street Food

For many, among the most favorite things to do in Varanasi is tasting street food. To hog some of the best street food like Kachori Sabzi, Gol Gappe, Chura Matar, and Baati Chokha, you can explore the city. Especially for food bloggers, tasting street food is one of those things to do in Kashi they never want to miss.

Some Famous Places for Street Food	Famous for	Contact	Address	Price
Ram Bhandar	Badi and Choti Kachori. While Badi Kachori is stuffed with Dal Ki Pithi.	8303372657	C.K 15/29 Katra Ratanlal, Thatheri Bazar, Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.	₹150 per order
Deena Chat Bhandar	Meethe Golgappe, Dahi Chutney Gol Gappe.	8840354496	D47/184, only one branch, Luxa Rd, near PDR mall, Luxa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.	₹200 for two
Blue Lassi Shop	Banarasi Thandai	5422401127	CK 12/1, Kunj Gali, Near Rajbandhu, Govindpura, Dashashwamedh Road, Varanasi.	₹200 for two

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Boat riding on the Ganges is also among the fun things to do in Varanasi. You can either choose a handboat, a motor boat, or a Bazara to take a ride or enjoy Ganga aarti. Ganga aarti on the boat allows taking the full view of the ritual. 

Types of Boats	Pricing	Capacity	Specialty
Row Boat	₹600 per hour per person.	6 people	Ganga aarti from a row boat gives a spectacular view.
Yamaha Engine Boat	₹3800 for two hours.	7 people	Good for travel photographers.
Extra-large Traditional Motor Boat	₹3200 for two hours.	12 people	You can see all the 84 ghats in a 2-hour boat ride. Famous for Dev Deepavali Experience.
Double-story Bajra Boat	₹15000 for four hours.	40-50 people	Best for seeing the sunrise or sunset.

Know the Significance of Sarnath

Sarnath is located near the confluence of the Ganga and Varuna rivers in Varanasi. Gautama Buddha first taught the Dhamma in this place. This is a significant place for the Buddhists as it is associated with their existence. 

• Timings: 8 am – 6 pm
• Fare: INR 20 (Indians), INR 100 (Non-Indians).

Visit the Assi Ghat for Traditional Music

If you have the serene sunrise on your list of things to do in Varanasi, the Assi Ghat is where you need to come. This place has a spiritual ambiance and you can enjoy some traditional music on the ghats.  Many people witness sacred rituals and consider Varanasi as one of the best places to Visit in June in India.

• Timings for Aarti: Morning (5:30 am), Evening (6:00 pm).
• Fare: Free entry.

Seek Blessings of Shri Kashi Vishwanath

Also known as Golden Temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple is the most famous site dedicated to Shiva. You can make bookings for Sugam Darshan, Aarti Booking, Rudrabhishek Booking, etc. Visiting the temple is one of the peaceful things to do in Kashi and you should not skip it. 

• Timings: 3 am- 11 pm
• Fare: Free entry.

See the Monkey Temple

The Durga Temple, also known as Monkey Temple is another religious site that you should add to your “Varanasi things to do” list. Durga Temple is known as Money Temple because of the presence of a huge population of Monkeys. This ancient temple was built in the 18th century and the monkeys are believed to be the manifestation of Hanuman, guarding Goddess Durga. 

• Timings:  5:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Fare: Free entry. 

Know Your History

On the eastern bank of the Ganges, you can find the Ramnagar Fort near the Tulsi Ghat. The Ramnagar Fort is built of pure sandstone and reflects the Mughal style architecture. The Fort is said to be built by the king of Kashi, Naresh Raj Balwant Singh. You can visit the Veda Vyasa temple in the Fort and also see the museum which gives a glimpse of the rich history. 

• Timings: 10 am to 5 pm.
• Contact: 079059 66905
• ₹20 for Indians. ₹150 for Foreigners.

Take Bath In The Ganges

You might be aware of the fact that taking a bath in the holy Ganga washes away all your sins. This practice has been popular among the Hindus since ages. The holy Ganga offers a spiritual charm to the city of Banaras. You can go to the bank early in the morning and chant prayers while dipping yourself in the Ganga. 

Witness the Sunset

Photographers love coming to Varanasi at least once a year for its breathtaking sunsets. Whether you take a boat ride or sit near the ghat, do not let your trip end without witnessing the magnificent sunset. The best way is to stroll near the ghats before sunset time and watch the beauty with your loved ones. 

• Best places for sunsets: Assi Ghat, Darbanga Ghat,  Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Learn Weaving

Weaving in Varanasi has earned its name at an international level for creating some masterpieces. There are many villages you can visit to learn silk weaving. These are the places where the famous Banarasi sarees are made. These sarees are known for zari work which is the silver and gold brocade. These sarees take around six months to complete. 

• Famous places: Lamhi, Rameshwar, Chirai Gaon, Sarai Mohana.

Discover the Scientific Marvel

The Man Mandir Observatory (also known as Jantar Mantar of Varanasi) is the best place for a quick outing during your travels. The observatory was built under the supervision of Maharaja Jai Singh. The significance of this scientific marvel was to observe celestial bodies and record their speed and motion. 

• Address: Observatory, Man Mandir Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Observatory, Man mandir, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
• Ticket: ₹15-₹25
• Timings: 6 am to 5 pm

Volunteer in Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

You can take a tour of the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir and take part in Gau seva and other welfare activities. This temple aims to serve the less fortunate and create a strong sense of community. You can volunteer here for a day for multiple programs like Sadhu Seva, Hospital Feeding, and Annadaan. The temple is in the early stages of the world and will be the tallest religious monument in the world. 

• Address: Vrindavan, Sunrakh Bangar, Uttar Pradesh 281121.
• Contact: 085858 50033
• Timings: 7:15 AM to 1 PM and 4:15 PM to 8:15 PM

Conclusion

There are a plethora of things to do in Varanasi from witnessing the most beautiful sunrise to watching the Ganga Aarti. You might grab some famous things in Banaras while going local shopping, especially when it comes to silk sarees. Whether you plan a trip with your better half, family, or friends, you may find many things to do in Kashi throughout the day. Never miss a chance to plan your trip with some fine travel planners like TripzyGo