Spiritual Retreat in Varanasi

Day 1: Ghats & Temples

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Assi Ghat

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River at Assi Ghat, the southernmost ghat in Varanasi, where you can witness locals performing their morning rituals.
Assi Ghat is a 15-minute drive from the city center. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach there.
INR 200, 2 hours

10:30AM

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located near the ghats. Experience the spiritual ambiance and architecture of this sacred place.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a 10-minute walk from Assi Ghat.
Free entry, donations appreciated, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at Brown Bread Bakery, known for its delicious food and peaceful rooftop ambiance overlooking the Ganges.
Brown Bread Bakery is a short walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Bharat Mata Temple

Explore the unique Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, showcasing a relief map of undivided India carved out of marble.
Bharat Mata Temple is a 15-minute walk from Brown Bread Bakery.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:00PM

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat as priests perform rituals with fire, incense, and lamps, creating a spiritual atmosphere.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is a 20-minute walk from Bharat Mata Temple.
Free to watch, donations accepted, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

End your day with a relaxing dinner at Open Hand Cafe, offering organic and healthy food options in a peaceful setting.
Open Hand Cafe is a 10-minute walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 800, 1 hour
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Day 2: Sarnath & Markets

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Sarnath Archaeological Site

Head to Sarnath, a sacred Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the ruins, stupas, and the famous Dhamek Stupa.
Sarnath is a 30-minute drive from Varanasi. You can hire a taxi for the journey.
INR 300 (entry fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Have a delicious Italian meal at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, a cozy restaurant with a beautiful garden ambiance.
Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe is near the Sarnath Archaeological Site.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping at Godowlia Market

Explore the bustling Godowlia Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and a variety of items including silk saris, handicrafts, and street food.
Godowlia Market is a short drive from Sarnath. You can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach there.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax by the Ganges

Spend some leisure time by the Ganges River, watching the sunset and observing the evening rituals performed by locals.
You can walk or take a short ride to the ghats from Godowlia Market.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a traditional Indian dinner at Shree Cafe, known for its authentic Varanasi cuisine and charming ambience.
Shree Cafe is a short walk from the ghats.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 3: Ganga Aarti & Old City

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kachori Gali

Start your day with a typical Varanasi breakfast at Kachori Gali, where you can savor local delicacies like kachori, jalebi, and chai.
Kachori Gali is near the ghats and easily accessible on foot.
INR 100, 1 hour

10:00AM

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Visit Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Explore the campus, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and see the famous Vishwanath Temple inside the campus.
BHU is a short ride from Kachori Gali. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi.
Free entry to the campus, museum ticket INR 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Indulge in a traditional North Indian meal at Baati Chokha, known for its Rajasthani cuisine and rustic ambience.
Baati Chokha is a short drive from BHU. You can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Old City

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Varanasi's Old City, witnessing the vibrant street life, ancient temples, and local markets. Don't miss visiting the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple again.
You can explore the Old City on foot. It's recommended to hire a local guide for a more enriching experience.
Guide fees vary, entry to temples by donation, 2 hours

6:00PM

Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat

Attend the divine Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat, a more serene and less crowded experience compared to the main aartis.
Assi Ghat is a short walk from the Old City.
Free to watch, donations accepted, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi

Conclude your Varanasi journey with a visit to Blue Lassi, a famous lassi shop offering a variety of delicious lassi flavors to choose from.
Blue Lassi is near Assi Ghat and easily reachable on foot.
INR 150 per lassi, 1 hour
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