Serene Varanasi Retreat

Day 1: Riverside Bliss

Assi Ghat, Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride

Begin your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, taking in the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi as the city wakes up.
Walk to Assi Ghat and hire a boat. It's a 10-minute walk from most accommodations near the ghats.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest temples in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and witness the beautiful architecture and rituals.
Take an auto-rickshaw from Assi Ghat to the temple. It's a 20-minute ride.
Free (donations welcome), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a vegetarian meal with a view of the Ganges at this cozy cafe known for its delicious food and calming ambiance.
Walk to the Open Hand Cafe from the temple, it's a 5-minute walk.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 2: Ganga Aarti Experience

Assi Ghat, Varanasi, India

4:00PM

Yoga Session

Participate in a yoga session at a nearby studio to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Attend a class at a yoga studio close to Assi Ghat.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform rituals with fire and incense by the river.
Take a boat ride or walk along the ghats to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free (donations welcome), 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi

End your day with a traditional Indian dinner at Blue Lassi, known for its variety of lassi flavors and local cuisine.
Walk to Blue Lassi from Dashashwamedh Ghat, it's a 10-minute walk.
INR 300, 1 hour
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Day 3: Peaceful Sarnath

Sarnath, Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Explore Sarnath Archaeological Site

Head to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, and explore the ancient ruins and stupas.
Take a taxi or hired car to Sarnath from Varanasi. It's a 30-minute drive.
INR 100 (entrance fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sarnath Café

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at a local cafe in Sarnath, known for its peaceful ambiance and delicious food.
Walk to the cafe from the archaeological site, it's a 5-minute walk.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 4: Sacred Rituals

Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi, India

6:00AM

Sunrise Ganga Snan

Experience the spiritual cleansing ritual of bathing in the Ganges River during sunrise, surrounded by the sounds of prayers and bells.
Walk from your accommodation to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the ritual.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a fusion breakfast at this charming cafe overlooking the Ganges, offering a mix of Indian and Italian dishes.
Walk to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe from the ghat, it's a 10-minute walk.
INR 300, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, and admire the beautiful marble carvings depicting Indian mythology.
Take a cycle rickshaw from Dashashwamedh Ghat to the temple. It's a 15-minute ride.
Free (donations welcome), 1 hour
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Day 5: Cultural Immersion

Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi, India

10:00AM

Walk along the Ghats

Take a leisurely walk along the ghats of Varanasi, observing the daily life, rituals, and spirituality along the river.
Walk from your accommodation to Manikarnika Ghat for the start of your walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal at this popular bakery known for its freshly baked bread and international cuisine.
Walk to Brown Bread Bakery from the ghats, it's a 10-minute walk.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop for Silk Sarees

Explore the local markets near Vishwanath Gali and shop for traditional Banarasi silk sarees, a specialty of Varanasi.
Take a cycle rickshaw from the bakery to the market area. It's a 5-minute ride.
Varies, 2 hours
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Day 6: Historical Legacy

Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Explore Ramnagar Fort

Visit the ancient Ramnagar Fort, home to a museum showcasing vintage cars, royal artifacts, and a glimpse into Varanasi's history.
Take a boat or taxi to cross the Ganges River to reach Ramnagar Fort. It's a 30-minute ride.
INR 100 (entrance fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dolphin Restaurant

Savor a seafood lunch at Dolphin Restaurant, known for its river view and fresh catch of the day dishes.
Walk to Dolphin Restaurant from the fort, it's a 10-minute walk along the riverbank.
INR 800, 1 hour
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