Spiritual Retreat in Varanasi & Auroville

Day 1: Exploring Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing the spiritual rituals and ancient ghats.
The boat ride can be arranged at Assi Ghat, which is a short walk from most hotels in Varanasi. It takes about 2 hours.
400 INR, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Head to one of the holiest temples in Varanasi dedicated to Lord Shiva, experiencing the vibrant energy of the devotees.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a short auto-rickshaw ride from the ghats. It takes about 30 minutes.
Free, donations accepted, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Savor traditional North Indian cuisine at Baati Chokha, known for its authentic flavors and cozy ambiance.
Baati Chokha is located in the heart of Varanasi. It takes about 20 minutes to walk or a short rickshaw ride.
600 INR, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Sarnath

Visit the ancient ruins and stupas of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
Sarnath is a short drive from Varanasi city center, taking about 30 minutes.
200 INR (entry fees), 2 hours

6:00PM

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spiritual experience not to be missed.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is a short walk from the main market area. It takes about 15 minutes.
Free, donations recommended, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a peaceful dinner at Open Hand Cafe, offering delicious vegetarian dishes and a calming atmosphere.
Open Hand Cafe is located near the ghats. It takes about 10 minutes to walk.
800 INR, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Spiritual Immersion in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Yoga and Meditation by the Ganges

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga and meditation session by the peaceful banks of the Ganges.
Many hotels and yoga centers along the ghats offer early morning sessions. It takes about 1 hour.
500 INR, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious baked goods.
Brown Bread Bakery is located near Assi Ghat. It takes about 10 minutes to walk.
300 INR, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, adorned with beautiful inscriptions from the Ramayana.
Tulsi Manas Temple is a short drive from the ghats. It takes about 15 minutes.
50 INR, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a fusion lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering a mix of Italian and Indian flavors in a garden setting.
Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe is located near the main market. It takes about 20 minutes to walk.
700 INR, 1 hour

3:00PM

Silk Weaving Workshop

Participate in a silk weaving workshop to learn about Varanasi's rich textile heritage and craftsmanship.
The workshop is situated in the old city area. It takes about 30 minutes to walk.
300 INR (workshop fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening Aarti at Assi Ghat

Experience the serene evening Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat, a more intimate and less crowded experience.
Assi Ghat is within walking distance from most hotels. It takes about 10 minutes.
Free, donations welcome, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Shree Cafe, offering a variety of Indian and international dishes with a rooftop view.
Shree Cafe is located near Dashashwamedh Ghat. It takes about 15 minutes to walk.
900 INR, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India

9:00AM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Begin your day with a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a Dravidian architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is located in Mylapore. It takes about 30 minutes by taxi.
200 INR, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Marina Beach

Spend some time at Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, experiencing the local culture.
Marina Beach is a short drive from Mylapore. It takes about 20 minutes by taxi.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Try authentic South Indian cuisine at Murugan Idli Shop, famous for its delicious idlis and chutneys.
Murugan Idli Shop has multiple branches in Chennai. It takes about 30 minutes to reach one by taxi.
400 INR, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Government Museum

Visit the Government Museum, one of the oldest museums in India, showcasing a diverse collection of artifacts.
Government Museum is located in Egmore. It takes about 20 minutes by taxi.
250 INR (foreigners), 15 INR (Indians), 2 hours

6:00PM

Shopping at T. Nagar

Indulge in some retail therapy at T. Nagar, a bustling shopping district known for its silk sarees and jewelry.
T. Nagar is a short drive from the museum. It takes about 15 minutes by taxi.
Variable, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Relish a traditional dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant, offering a range of South Indian delicacies in a serene setting.
Annalakshmi Restaurant is located in Egmore. It takes about 20 minutes by taxi.
800 INR, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Auroville Day Trip

Auroville, India

9:00AM

Matrimandir Meditation

Commence your day with a meditative session at Matrimandir, the spiritual center of Auroville, known for its peaceful ambiance.
Matrimandir is the central point of Auroville and can be reached by shuttle buses from the visitor's center. It takes about 20 minutes.
Free, prior booking required, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Auroville Visitor's Center

Visit the Auroville Visitor's Center to learn about the vision and philosophy of Auroville through exhibitions and videos.
The visitor's center is a short walk from Matrimandir. It takes about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Solar Kitchen

Enjoy a sustainable and delicious lunch at Solar Kitchen, where meals are prepared using solar energy in a communal dining setting.
Solar Kitchen is located near the visitor's center. It takes about 5 minutes to walk.
Donation based, 1 hour

3:00PM

Bicycle Tour of Auroville

Embark on a guided bicycle tour around Auroville to explore its sustainable practices and unique community living.
Bicycle tours can be arranged at the visitor's center. It takes about 2 hours.
500 INR, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset at Auroville Beach

Witness a breathtaking sunset at Auroville Beach, a tranquil spot to unwind and reflect on your spiritual journey.
Auroville Beach is a short drive from the visitor's center. It takes about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Tanto Pizzeria

End your day with a cozy dinner at Tanto Pizzeria, offering wood-fired pizzas and a relaxed ambiance.
Tanto Pizzeria is located near Auroville Beach. It takes about 10 minutes by taxi.
700 INR, 1.5 hours
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