Location: Varanasi
Top Things to do in Varanasi
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10 Free Things to do in Varanasi That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Kriti Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 110 reviews
Brick Workers by Anja Bruehling is on exhibition at Kriti Gallery till 29 Feb 2020. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm or on prior appointment. The Artist in Residence program is open for applications.
Reviewed By adiraofek - Jerusalem, Israel
In the gallery displaye amazing photo exhibition. Recommended. The compound is quiet, relaxing and inspiring.
2. Ashul Sharma
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By violettesoleil - Los Angeles, United States
Upon meeting BABA aka Ashul Sharma, it is easy to see why he is so loved and sought after in Varanasi for his guidance and wisdom as a vedic astrologer and powerful spiritual healer. He is completely authentic and not only that, quite funny. But, do not let his belly laugh and contagious smile fool you, this man is extremely gifted and has the ability to see and help ones that come in search of his services. Even as busy as he gets at times, he will always make sure that each client has the time needed to cover whatever is desired in each session. After my reading with Baba, we sat and talked and laughed. It was fun just to hang out on his meditation cushions be surrounded by images of gods and gurus. I cannot wait to go back to Varanasi and seeing Baba will be my first stop as not only is he my spiritual guide and helper, but also a friend with a heart of gold. Love you Baba!!
3. Ruchika Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By rohinirairker
Ruchika Art Gallery exhibits numerous paintings which narrate the stories of the holy city, Varanasi. It is a great spot for anyone who wants to know more about the city or takeaway a souvenir as a memory for lifetime. Ms. Ruchika is a wonderful artist and her gallery is a must visit.
4. Vishalakshi Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By cp_0010 - Manama, Bahrain
Visited this temple in the morning on the 2nd day of our Varanasi trip. Vishalakshi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vishalakshi, a form of goddess Parvati at Mir Ghat on the banks of the Ganges at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, It is known as a Shakti Pitha where the earrings of the Sati is said to have fallen therefore it is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to the Hindu Divine Mother. The temple is situated nearby the Manikarnika ghat famous for creamations. It was good that we took help of a local guide so that we could cover many temples. The temple is open from 5.00 am to 9.45 pm except afternoon time. We had a very good darshan and offered puja. It is few minutes walking distance from Kashi Vishwanath temple. Vishalakshi Temple is known for the festival of KajaliTij, held on the third day during waning fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August).
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Man Mandir Ghat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By 33902015 - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
this must see in varanasi, musume open 7a.m and close 8p.m ticket rs 25/. by using 3D technologythe musume will present 3D view of the famouse ghat of kashi, clasical music and heritage, must see light and sound show of river ganga story.
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