Also known as the burning Ghat, this extraordinary place could be creepy for some people. But if you want to truly experience the essence of Banaras, this is an unmissable one. It is believed that burning the corpse in Manikarnika ghats liberates one's soul from the cycle of life and death. The hustle and bustle of the Ghat could be very overwhelming and it is advisable to be cautious with your belongings.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has significant importance in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Banaras offers spiritual freedom from the cycle of life and death, and a visit to this temple is considered to be a major step towards it. The Temple is an architectural masterpiece, made of gold and adorned with precious gemstones. Given the huge crowd it attracts, there is a special queue for foreign tourists that you can experience for a hassle-free darshan (viewing of the divine).
If you’re craving some adventure, then Battleground Adventures is the place for you. They offer Bungee Jumping and other activities like zip line, rope walking, and paintball for thrill-seekers. The Bungee Jumping platform offers a decent height of 50 feet, and they take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety. This could be an experience of a lifetime, providing a unique perspective on Banaras that is different from the religious side.
If you have more time, you can explore some more Ghats (stairs leading to river Ganga) like Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Chet Singh Ghat. Do taste the street food in Banaras, such as the mouth-watering Lassi (thick sweet yogurt), Kachori, and Samosa. For shoppers, the Banarasi saree is an ideal souvenir. For those with fewer days, skip Bungee Jumping and enjoy the tranquillity of Banaras by visiting the Sarnath Temple which is an hour's drive from Varanasi and has historic importance in Buddhism.