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A Week in Varanasi and Allahabad

Sunday September 3: Arrival in Varanasi

Start your trip by arriving in Varanasi, a city known for its spiritual and cultural significance. In the morning, visit the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganges River, where you can witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of the old city, stopping by the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. As the evening sets in, take a boat ride on the Ganges River to experience the beautiful ghats and witness the evening rituals.

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, 2 hours
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1 hour
  • Sarnath: Free, 2 hours
  • Ganges River Boat Ride: INR 200-300, 1-2 hours
Monday September 4: Varanasi Exploration

Start your day with a visit to the Assi Ghat, where you can witness the serene morning rituals and take a refreshing dip in the holy waters. In the afternoon, visit the Banaras Hindu University, known for its sprawling campus and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, showcasing an impressive collection of Indian art. As the evening approaches, explore the famous Banaras Silk Weaving Center and witness the intricate process of weaving silk sarees.

  • Assi Ghat: Free, 2 hours
  • Banaras Hindu University: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan: INR 50, 1-2 hours
  • Banaras Silk Weaving Center: Free, 1 hour
Tuesday September 5: Allahabad Excursion

Embark on a day trip to Allahabad, a city known for its religious significance. In the morning, visit the famous Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Take a boat ride to witness the meeting point of these sacred rivers. In the afternoon, explore the historic Allahabad Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, and visit the nearby Anand Bhawan, the former residence of the Nehru family. As the evening sets in, enjoy a peaceful walk along the Khusro Bagh, known for its beautiful Mughal-era tombs.

  • Triveni Sangam: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Allahabad Fort: INR 20, 1-2 hours
  • Anand Bhawan: INR 10, 1-2 hours
  • Khusro Bagh: Free, 1 hour
Wednesday September 6: Varanasi Shopping and Cuisine

Explore the vibrant markets of Varanasi in the morning, starting with the famous Vishwanath Gali. Indulge in shopping for traditional handicrafts, silk sarees, and jewelry. In the afternoon, savor the flavors of Varanasi by trying local street food like kachori, lassi, and paan. Visit the famous Blue Lassi shop for their delicious yogurt-based drinks. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing evening aarti at the Tulsi Ghat.

  • Vishwanath Gali: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
  • Street Food: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
  • Blue Lassi Shop: Cost varies, 1 hour
  • Tulsi Ghat Evening Aarti: Free, 1 hour
Thursday September 7: Varanasi Temples and Ghats

Start your day with a visit to the famous temples of Varanasi, including the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and the Durga Temple. Explore the hidden alleys and discover the lesser-known ghats, such as Chet Singh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. In the afternoon, take a heritage walk along the riverside to admire the beautiful architecture of the ghats. As the evening approaches, experience the spiritual vibes at the Nadesar Palace and enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage.

  • Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Durga Temple: Free, 1 hour
  • Chet Singh Ghat: Free, 1 hour
  • Manikarnika Ghat: Free, 1 hour
  • Nadesar Palace: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Friday September 8: Varanasi Saree Weaving and Music

Start your day by visiting the famous Weaver's Village near Varanasi, where you can witness the traditional art of saree weaving. Interact with the weavers and learn about their craft. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the soul-stirring music by attending a classical music concert, known as a Sangeet Sabha. As the evening sets in, take a walk along the scenic Rajghat Bridge to enjoy the panoramic views of the Ganges River.

  • Weaver's Village: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Classical Music Concert: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
  • Rajghat Bridge: Free, 1 hour
Saturday September 9: Varanasi Sunrise and Departure

Start your final day with a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River to witness the city waking up to a new day. Enjoy the tranquility and capture the magical moments. After the boat ride, indulge in a delicious breakfast at one of the local cafes. Bid farewell to Varanasi as you depart for your onward journey.

  • Sunrise Boat Ride: INR 200-300, 1-2 hours
  • Breakfast at a local cafe: Cost varies, 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Varanasi and Allahabad, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the unique Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, where the map of India is depicted in marble. Explore the Ramnagar Fort, situated across the Ganges River, known for its museum and vintage cars. For a peaceful escape, visit the Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary near Allahabad, offering beautiful landscapes and a chance to spot wildlife.

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