What are the things to see in Varanasi that has made this city such a famous tourist destination? Well, the Ganges River may have something to do with it. The great river of the Indian subcontinent, although also famous for its pollution, has long been considered by the Hindus as sacred site and is definitely at the top of the list for places to visit in Varanasi.
Rituals are performed at sunset, including offerings to the dead and other culturally significant ceremonies. One of the top Varanasi activities is visiting the riverbanks to witness the offerings and human cremations as well as to pay their respects to the site where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were thrown after his cremation.
One of the things to do in Varanasi that appears in most travel guides is a boat ride on the river. But beware, the river is home to a plethora of remains of human cremations, animal skeletons, sewage, and waste from factories.
If you've visited the river and are still wondering what to do in Varanasi, don't fret ... there are many other Varanasi attractions to discover! One of the most important monuments is the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to the god Shiva. It is considered one of the holiest sites to visit in Varanasi, but entry to the temple's interior is only available for Hindus. Another one of the many attractions in Varanasi is the Gyanvapi Mosque, a beautiful historic building constantly guarded by the army and reserved for Muslims. When it comes to stuff to do in Varanasi, the possibilities are endless!