This last trip of ours to Varanasi was exciting in many ways. It was planned much well in advance and that left a bit of scare in our mind as well. Hoping all along that the virus continued to maintain a low profile. And when it did, it was sheer joy for us being able to celebrate our 25th Anniversary in this 3000 year old favorite city of mine, Varanasi. Do you have plans to visit as well? If you don’t or have visited earlier, do plan a trip. The pleasant changes will make you smile. And for the first timers, don’t miss this experience of India. Ready for 3 Days in Varanasi? Best things to do right here for you.

Where to Stay in Varanasi?

Varanasi is full of hotels. Near the station, near the Ghats and of course the five and four star options which are all located a bit away from the heart of town. But if you wish to enjoy the true essence of Kashi, Benaras & Varanasi, as we call the city by its different names acquired over the centuries, stay in Luxa Road. It’s near the Dashaswamedh Ghat, the Kashi Viswanath Temple, Godowlia the central chowk and where all the action is till late in the night.

Our pick was “The Hideaway Bedzzz, Varanasi” booked through Booking.com and what a wonderful decision it was. Our 3 nights 4 days stay there was such a memorable part of our wonderful holiday.

Book “The Hideaway Bedzzz, Varanasi” here for a memorable stay in the heart of the city. Or choose one based on your own budget by clicking the link above and searching your preferred one.

Also Read – The Hideaway Bedzzz, Varanasi to check out what to expect.

Best Things to do in Varanasi

Feel the evening action at Godowlia, the Central Chowk

Head to Dashaswamedh Ghat for Ganga Aarti

And enjoy the Aarti of Mother Ganges with the buzz all around!

One of the top priorities for every traveler to Varanasi is to head to the ghats for this divine spectacle, the Ganga Aarti. And if you are there for a couple of days head to a different ghat every evening.

Explore Vishwanath Gali & do some shopping

Have some nice Vegetarian Food for Dinner

Food in Varanasi within 2 km radius of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is completely vegetarian. Therefore all the non-veg restaurants serve only veg now or are a thing of the past. We quite loved the change. But if you love your non-veg dishes there are many options just a little away.

Check Out TripAdvisor for the Foodie’s delight!

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple early in the morning at 6 AM

All those who have been to Benaras earlier and have visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple are in for a completely new experience. The Darshan now is well organized and there are no-queue option as well where you pay Rs 300/- per person. But if you go early at 6 AM there will hardly be a queue as we experienced and you could save this amount.

Now you can have a bath in the Ganges and then take the steps up through Gate 1 to reach the temple. For others, take Gate 4 from Chowk Road which is just a small walk from Godowlia crossing.

Sit for a few hours early morning on the Ghat or go for a Boat Ride

Go Ghat Hopping

Explore Dashaswamedh Gali

Walking on ‘Dashaswamedh Gali’ is an unique experience. This narrow lane from which many other narrow lanes branch out is full of surprises. The Lassi shops, Sari & Dress materials, handicrafts, the guest houses for a longish stay, Women Massage Parlor, the Rabri and Malai shops, German Bakery for a pick of cakes, pastries & bread and an amazing choice of restaurants. For travelers from abroad you have a variety of cuisine to choose from including Sushi, Italian, Indian and more.

Have a chilled ‘Thandai’ in Godowlia

Thandai is a drink that is served chilled and has a syrupy ingredient of dry fruits and milk stirred together. But Varanasi is famous for the “Bhang’ variety which also includes crushed marijuana leaves boiled and made into paste. It gives a little bit of high and a kick. But be careful with the amount you consume as the effect is quite unpredictable for different people. Just like it hardly has any effect on me. But I still have it every time I am in Varanasi just for the thrill of not missing out being a Shiva follower.

Head to ‘Kachori Gali for an awesome breakfast

Visit Sarnath

Sarnath is 10 km from Varanasi and is a Buddhist pilgrimage destination. After gaining enlightenment, Buddha preached here for the first time between 566 – 486 B.C.E. There are many attractions to visit including Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Park, Sarnath Museum, Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Sarnath Deer Park, Garden of Spiritual Museum, Japanese Temple, Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and Buddhist Temple.

Take an Alaknanda early morning or evening cruise of 84 Ghats of Benaras

The Alaknanda Cruise is a great way to experience the 84 Ghats of Benaras while you sail on River Ganges. The 1 hour 30 minutes cruise starts from Ravidas Ghat near Lanka and you can listen to the story of Kashi while enjoying your complimentary tea/coffee, cookies and mineral water before the vessel sails off. Book your tickets at least 15 days in advance as tickets get sold out very early. Book here on Alaknanda River Cruise website.

Ours was the morning cruise but you could also opt for the evening cruise which provides you the opportunity to watch the Ganga Aarti of Dashaswamedh Ghat for a while as you sail and marvel at the beautifully lit ghats and buildings of Kashi, Benaras or Varanasi, whichever way you love to call this historical city

Go Temple Hopping

Varanasi apart from being known as the ‘City of Lights” and the ‘City of Salvation’ is also called as the ‘City of Temples”. Some of the most frequented temples which you should not miss in addition to Kashi Vishwanath Temple are Shree Annapurna Temple, Sankatmochan Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, BHU Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Kund Temple, Tridev Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Nepali Temple, ISKCON Temple among others.

Must Eat Delicacies of Varanasi

Lassi

Malai, Rabri & Jalebi

Chat

Our Favorite – Deena Chat

What to Buy from Varanasi?

Banarasi Sarees

Banarasi Dress Materials & Lehangas

Sankalan – An Awesome Destination

Benaras Pedas

Zarda (Tobacco), Incense Sticks, Savories, Ayurvedic Appetizers and Mouth Fresheners

Travelwisesr Maps-

Your guide to the landmarks & must visit places in Varanasi. Make it your companion when there!

Varanasi is a city which grows on you with every visit. And that’s why there are many like me who keep going back. For the same joy again and again. But this time it was quite different. It was a new look Varanasi with newer experiences to enjoy!

To plan your Varanasi Holiday, PIN this post for later & forward on Facebook for friends!