Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city is settled along the banks of the holy river Ganges. Varanasi evening Aarti holds a unique charm at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The atmosphere at the time of Ganga Aarti is purely spiritual and touches your heart and soul. In Varanasi, if you want to explore the city at night, it offers you experiences of spiritual, cultural, and local cuisine. Below, we mention 13 points you must do when you want to explore the Varanasi at night.
Places to Visit in Varanasi at Night
Experience the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
The Ganga Aarti is performed every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. After participating in the Ganga Aarti, you will feel the most intense spiritual experience. Ganga Aarti is performed by priests offering prayer with Diya, Incense, flowers, and synchronized chanting of sacred mantras. The history and importance of the Ganga Aarti are deep in Hindu culture, as they worship the Ganges River as a goddess.
The Varanasi evening Ganga Aarti time is crucial. It starts around 6:30 PM and lasts for 45 minutes. If you want to ensure a good viewing point for yourself, then you have to arrive early at that spot. The rhythmic movements of Brass lamps, the sound of bells, and the glow of the Diya create unforgettable moments and make it one of the perfect places to visit in Varanasi at night.
Take a Night Boat Ride on the Ganges
A night boat ride or Varanasi evening boat ride on the Ganges offers an incredible spiritual Experience. As soon as the boat glides over the water, you will see a well-lit ghat and the Aarti lamps. The best time to boat ride is after the Varanasi evening ceremony, i.e., Ganga Aarti. At that time, the river is calm, and the city is going into the lap of the night.
You should choose a reliable boatman and avoid overcrowded boats for a safe and enjoyable ride. The calmness of the Ganges at night is a lifetime experience that connects you with the spiritual energy of Varanasi. A night boat ride or Varanasi evening cruise is an important thing to do in Varanasi at night.
Visit the Ghats for a Night Walk
There is a total of eighty-four ghats in Varanasi. Each one has its own story, and each ghat is iconic. Taking a night walk along them with the flow of the river is a must-do list and you can feel the Banaras night life. The most important ghats to visit at night are Manikarnika Ghat, where cremations take place around the clock, and Assi Ghat, which is famous for its peaceful atmosphere.
At night, as you walk along the ghats, you will notice how they transform in the dark after busy daytime activities. The sound of the river while taking a night walk along the ghats thrills you, and it is a kind of adventures in Varanasi.
Explore the Night Markets in Varanasi
For sweet lovers, the famous Banarasi sweets like Jalebi and Malaiyyo (a delicate milk foam flavored with saffron and cardamom) should be tried. Now, the question is where to find the best street food. The answer is the lanes around Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat are full of food stalls that offer a variety of options and tastes. It is advisable to pick food stalls that seem clean, busy, and popular among the locals to ensure taste and hygiene. After Varanasi evening boat ride, you must try street food.
Attend a Cultural Event
Varanasi is not just a spiritual city; it is a hub for culture and the arts apart from Tourist Places in Varanasi. Classical music concerts, dance performances, and theatre shows are the main Varanasi events that often happen in parts of the city. In these events, you will experience the rich tradition of Indian culture. If you want to explore the local heritage of Varanasi, you must attend these events.
Now, how do I find the events? To see these events, you need to check with locals or your guide, and you can also take information from your hotel or guesthouse. The recognized place for these events is historical venues like old havelis or the ghats, which act as a fuel fire for the cultural heritage of Varanasi.
Just imagine an experience attending a classical music concert in Banaras at night under the stars with the sound of the flow of the River Ganges in the background. This experience will stay with you for long periods, and you will likely try to find more similar Varanasi events.
Visit a Pub or Beer Bar
Varanasi is a mix of modern and spiritual vibes. However, it is famous for its spiritual events. It also has a modern and mature nightlife scene. If you are looking for pubs and beer bars in Varanasi to hang out with your friends, you will find several pubs in Varanasi that offer a lively atmosphere with good music and a great selection of drinks.
If you are a women traveler and looking for a ladies bar in Varanasi, then it might be challenging to find it. But some places in Varanasi do offer safe and comfortable environments for ladies in pubs or bars. It is advisable to stick to well-lit places and avoid secluded areas late at night. Nightlife in Varanasi might not be as vibrant as in bigger cities, but it is worth exploring. There are other best clubs in Varanasi for men.
Attend a Music Concert or Disco
Banaras has produced many legendary musicians. Varanasi’s connection with classical music is world renowned. Regular music concerts are often arranged to continue this tradition. These concerts are based on Indian classical music, including sitar, tabla, and vocal recitals.
If you are a tourist and looking for something contemporary, you can find a disco in Varanasi. However, Varanasi is not famous for disco at night, but there are few places where you can dance to popular music. These places have arrangements of live DJs and offer a more modern take on Varanasi nightlife.
Visit Sarnath for a Quiet Night
Sarnath is a small town just a short drive from Varanasi. If you want to experience a peaceful night, then you should consider visiting Sarnath. It is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site where Gautaum Budhha gave his first preaching.
The temples and stupas of Sarnath are beautifully lit at night. This creates an elegant atmosphere for observation and meditation. Sarnath is the perfect place at night to connect with your spiritual side in a peaceful environment away from the city hustle and bustle.
Meditate at a Spiritual Retreat
Varanasi is a city of moksha, and it encourages us to have introspection and spiritual growth. Many Spiritual cottages offer meditation services at night. Meditation is an opportunity to find inner peace and know about your soul journey. Some of the best meditation places for night meditation are available near ghats, where the sound of the river can be heard and felt in a peaceful environment.
While preparing for meditation, wear comfortable clothes and take a shawl with yourself. Meditation under the night sky in Varanasi can be a transformative and soul awakening experience that helps you to connect with the divine.
Explore Varanasi’s Hidden Passage
The Hidden Passages of Varanasi are full of surprises at night. It is a narrow lane and is used by locals in their everyday lives. These lanes of the city offer a surprise for most foreign tourists probably who don’t see it anywhere. While walking to these lanes, you will come across small temples, old haveli, and local shops that have been established there for generations.
These lanes are lit by occasional light from a nearby house or a streetlamp. The sound of temple bells, the fragrance of incense sticks, and the sight of crowds rushing through these lanes make a unique experience for tourists. It is advisable to hire a local guide while exploring these lanes.
Visit the Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
The Banaras Hindu University (BHU)is one of the oldest universities in India. It is famous for its historical importance and educational excellence. BHU campus is a beautiful place to visit at night. The garden and building of the university are well lit at night and look stunning. The peaceful environment of BHU is the best to walk and talk at night.
Some of the best thing to see on campus is Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Vishwanath temple, which is a replica of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, and various faculties. Walking at night on campus will leave you with a different perspective of BHU.
Capture Night Photography
Varanasi’s history, spirituality, and culture make a unique mixture, and it offers great opportunities for photographers, especially at night. The best spot to take night photography is the ghats, where evening Aarti creates a unique mix of light and shadow, and the narrow lanes of Varanasi tell their own story.
Capturing the night scene of the city is an adventure in Varanasi. It requires expertise, patience and creativity. However, the main challenge of photographing is low light conditions because of the night. But the photograph which captures the scene at night will be beautiful and rewarding.
Other 10 things to do in Varanasi
- Experience a Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges River
- Attend the Ganga Aarti Ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Explore the Ghats on Foot
- Discover Sarnath
- Indulge in Local Cuisine
- Visit the Ramnagar Fort
- Participate in Yoga and Meditation Sessions
- Explore the Banarasi Silk Saree Weavers’ Village
- Attend a Classical Music Concert
Things Not to Do in Varanasi
- Don’t Disrupt Rituals at the Ghats
- Don’t Pollute the Ganges
- Don’t Wear Inappropriate Clothing
- Don’t Be Pushy With Vendors
- Don’t Touch People or Religious Items Without Permission
- Don’t Expect Privacy
- Don’t Swim in the Ganges           Â
- Don’t Disrespect Local Customs
- Don’t Engage in Unethical Practices
- Don’t Be Overly Critical of the City’s Chaos
- Don’t Drink Tap Water
- Don’t Skip Understanding the Culture
- Don’t Get Scammed by Fake Priests, Guide or Vendors
- Don’t Be Disrespectful During Ganga Aarti
Conclusion
Varanasi is a city of contrast at night, where spirituality meets the worldly, and history coexists with the modern. Which is something like Delhi. Varanasi has everything for everybody; whether you are a peace and solitude seeker or an excitement and adventure seeker, you will get all after sunset. Be it spiritual rituals at the ghats or vibrant street food taste and crowded narrow lane, night market and bargaining, Night clubs, pubs, and Beer Bars, all experiences will be remembered with you for a long time.
FAQ
What is the best time to experience the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi?
The Ganga Aarti typically starts around 6:30 PM at Dashashwamedh Ghat but arriving at least 30 minutes early is recommended to secure a good viewing spot.
Are night boat rides on the Ganges safe?
Yes, night boat rides are generally safe if you choose a reliable boatman and avoid overcrowded boats. It’s best to stick to well-lit ghats for boarding.
Which ghats are must-visit at night in Varanasi?
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Manikarnika Ghat are highly recommended for a nighttime visit due to their importance and activities.
What are the best places for street food in Varanasi at night?
The lanes around Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat are known for their delicious street food, including Kachori Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, and Jalebi.
Where can I find night markets in Varanasi?
Popular night markets are located near Vishwanath Temple and Godowlia, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, Banarasi sarees, and souvenirs.
Are there any cultural events in Varanasi that take place at night?
Yes, Varanasi hosts various cultural events such as classical music concerts, dance performances, and theater shows. Check local listings or ask at your hotel for event schedules.
Is there a vibrant nightlife scene in Varanasi?
While Varanasi’s nightlife is more subdued compared to larger cities, there are pubs, bars, and even a few clubs where you can enjoy a relaxed evening with drinks and music.
Which are the best pubs or bars to visit in Varanasi at night?
Some of the top places include Drinks on Board | Pub Bar Nightclub, Captain Nova – Bar & Lounge, The Vibe, The 3rd floor Bar Stock Exchange, Flamingo Sky Bar – Live Music | Rooftop bar in Varanasi, C2H5 Klub and many more.
Is it safe for women to visit bars in Varanasi at night?
While Varanasi is generally safe, it’s advisable for women to visit well-known bars and avoid isolated areas late at night. Some bars also cater specifically to female patrons.
What are the best places for night photography in Varanasi?
The ghats during the Ganga Aarti, the narrow lanes, and the illuminated temples are some of the best spots for capturing stunning night photography in Varanasi.
Can I visit Sarnath at night?
Yes, Sarnath can be visited at night, where the temples and stupas are beautifully lit, offering a peaceful and spiritual experience.
What are some peaceful places for night meditation in Varanasi?
The ghats, particularly Assi Ghat, and certain spiritual retreats near the river are ideal for night meditation, offering a serene environment.
Which temples in Varanasi are open at night?
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, and Sankat Mochan Temple are among the temples that remain open at night, allowing for a quieter, more personal visit.
Is it safe to explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi at night?
The narrow lanes are generally safe, but it’s best to explore them in a group or with a local guide, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
What should I wear for a night out in Varanasi?
Comfortable, modest clothing is recommended, especially if you plan to visit temples.
