Spiritual Journey in Varanasi

Day 1: Ghats and Temples

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shiva Cafe

Start your day with a delicious vegetarian breakfast at the iconic Shiva Cafe, known for its serene ambience and mouth-watering dishes.
Shiva Cafe is located in the Assi Ghat area, a 15-minute walk from most accommodations in Varanasi.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Assi Ghat

Explore the vibrant Assi Ghat, known for its peaceful surroundings and spiritual significance. Witness devotees performing rituals and ceremonies by the Ganges.
Assi Ghat is a short walk from Shiva Cafe.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at Open Hand Cafe, offering a mix of Indian and international cuisine with a view of the Ganges river.
Open Hand Cafe is a 20-minute walk from Assi Ghat.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and witness the architectural marvel and religious fervour.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a 10-minute walk from Open Hand Cafe.
Free (donations accepted), 2 hours

6:00PM

Boat Ride at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience a serene boat ride on the Ganges during the magical evening Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests offer prayers to the river.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is a short walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
INR 200 per person, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi

End your day with a sweet treat at Blue Lassi, a famous spot for delicious lassi flavours with traditional Indian toppings.
Blue Lassi is a 5-minute walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 100, 1 hour
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Day 2: Sarnath Excursion

Varanasi, India

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading out for a day trip to Sarnath, an important Buddhist site near Varanasi.
Arrange for a taxi or take a guided tour to Sarnath from Varanasi. It's approximately a 30-minute drive.
Included in tour package or taxi fare, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Sarnath Archaeological Site

Discover the ruins and monuments at Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
The archaeological site is easily walkable once you reach Sarnath.
INR 300 (foreigners), Free (Indians), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sarnath Cafe

Enjoy a simple lunch at a local cafe in Sarnath, offering traditional Indian dishes.
There are several cafes near the archaeological site for a quick meal.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sarnath Museum

Explore the Sarnath Museum to see a collection of artifacts, sculptures, and relics from the ancient Buddhist period, providing insights into the history of the region.
The museum is a short walk from the archaeological site.
INR 20 (Indians), INR 300 (foreigners), 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi in the late afternoon to relax and freshen up after a day of exploring Sarnath.
Take a taxi or guided transport back to Varanasi.
Included in tour package or taxi fare, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Have dinner at Baati Chokha, a popular restaurant in Varanasi known for its traditional North Indian cuisine, especially the Baati Chokha dish.
Baati Chokha is a short taxi ride from most accommodations in Varanasi.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Exploration

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery, offering a variety of baked goods and international breakfast options in a cosy setting.
Brown Bread Bakery is located in the Tibetan market area, accessible by auto-rickshaw or cycle rickshaw from most accommodations.
INR 400, 1 hour

10:30AM

Shop at Vishwanath Lane

Explore the bustling Vishwanath Lane, a popular shopping street in Varanasi known for its vibrant market selling silk products, handicrafts, and traditional items.
Take a short walk or rickshaw ride from Brown Bread Bakery to Vishwanath Lane.
Variable based on shopping, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a fusion lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering a mix of Italian and Indian dishes with a view of the cityscape.
The cafe is a 10-minute walk from Vishwanath Lane.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Bharat Mata Temple

Explore the unique Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, showcasing a relief map of the country carved in marble.
Bharat Mata Temple is a short walk from Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe.
Free (donations accepted), 1 hour

5:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Tulsi Ghat

Experience the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony at Tulsi Ghat, where lamps are lit and prayers are offered to the river Ganges as the sun sets.
Tulsi Ghat is a short auto-rickshaw ride from Bharat Mata Temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kachori Gali

End your day with a street food dinner experience at Kachori Gali, known for its variety of local snacks and sweets.
Kachori Gali is a bustling food street near Tulsi Ghat, easily accessible by foot.
INR 200, 1 hour
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