Spiritual Journey in Varanasi by Rail

Day 1: Spiritual Exploration in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on River Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the sacred River Ganges, witnessing the morning rituals of devotees and the beautiful ghats.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat from your accommodation, it takes about 15 minutes by auto rickshaw. The boat ride usually lasts for 1 to 2 hours.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its spirituality and architectural beauty.
Walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat to the temple, it's a short 10-minute walk.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Blue Lassi

Indulge in delicious and traditional lassi (yogurt drink) and snacks at this popular local spot.
Blue Lassi is a 5-minute walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Assi Ghat

Take a leisurely stroll at Assi Ghat, known for its peaceful ambiance and frequented by both locals and tourists.
You can reach Assi Ghat by walking or taking a short auto rickshaw ride from Blue Lassi.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spiritual ritual involving fire and chants, at the main ghat of Varanasi.
Walk back to Dashashwamedh Ghat from Assi Ghat, it's around a 30-minute walk.
Free, donations appreciated, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a peaceful dinner with a view of the Ganges at this rooftop cafe known for its vegetarian dishes.
Open Hand Cafe is located near Dashashwamedh Ghat, a short walk from the Ganga Aarti site.
INR 300, 1 hour
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Day 2: Excursion to Sarnath

Sarnath, India

9:00AM

Visit Dhamek Stupa

Begin your day by exploring the ancient Dhamek Stupa, a significant Buddhist monument in Sarnath.
Take a train or taxi from Varanasi to Sarnath, the journey takes around 30 minutes.
INR 50 (entry fee), 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Discover the rich history and artifacts related to Buddhism at the Archaeological Museum in Sarnath.
The museum is a short walk from Dhamek Stupa.
INR 5 (Indian visitors), INR 100 (foreign visitors), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Tadka Restaurant

Savor authentic Indian cuisine at Tadka Restaurant, known for its flavorful dishes and welcoming ambiance.
Tadka Restaurant is located near the museum, just a few minutes' walk away.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Chaukhandi Stupa

Explore the ancient Chaukhandi Stupa, a peaceful site with historical significance in the Buddhist context.
Chaukhandi Stupa is a short drive or walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi by train or taxi to enjoy an evening in the holy city.
Take a train or taxi back to Varanasi, the journey is around 30 minutes.
Varies based on transport mode, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Relish traditional North Indian cuisine at Baati Chokha, offering a blend of flavors and cultural experience.
Baati Chokha is a popular restaurant in Varanasi, easily accessible by local transport.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the renowned Banaras Hindu University, known for its educational excellence and sprawling campus.
Take a local taxi or auto rickshaw to reach the university campus, it's about a 20-minute ride.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering a mix of Italian and Indian cuisines in a garden setting.
The cafe is located near the university campus, a short walk or drive away.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Ramnagar Fort

Visit the historic Ramnagar Fort, a grand structure on the banks of River Ganges showcasing the heritage of Varanasi.
Take a ferry or taxi to reach Ramnagar Fort, it's across the river and takes about 30 minutes.
INR 100 (Indian visitors), INR 600 (foreign visitors), 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Lane

Indulge in some souvenir shopping at Vishwanath Lane, a bustling street known for its traditional items and local crafts.
You can walk or take a short auto rickshaw ride from Ramnagar Fort to Vishwanath Lane.
Varies based on purchases, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

End your day with another delightful meal at Baati Chokha, savoring the flavors of Varanasi one last time.
Return to Baati Chokha for dinner, enjoying the delicious North Indian dishes.
INR 500, 1 hour
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