Spiritual Journey in Varanasi

Day 1: Ghats and Temples

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Assi Ghat

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals and ceremonies at Assi Ghat.
Assi Ghat is a 15-minute walk from the main city centre.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the iconic Ganga Aarti ceremony performed every evening.
You can walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat from Assi Ghat in about 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at this popular cafe with a rooftop overlooking the river.
It is a 10-minute walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near the river.
The temple is a 15-minute walk from Brown Bread Bakery.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Manikarnika Ghat

Experience the cultural significance of this cremation ghat and witness the circle of life and death in Hinduism.
Manikarnika Ghat is a 20-minute walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a peaceful dinner at this vegetarian cafe known for its organic food and tranquil ambience.
The cafe is a 10-minute walk from Manikarnika Ghat.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Culture and Heritage

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Banaras Hindu University

Visit the renowned university campus, home to the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and the New Vishwanath Temple.
Take an auto-rickshaw from the main city centre to BHU (20 minutes).
INR 200, 2 hours

11:30AM

Sarnath Museum

Explore the archaeological and art exhibits showcasing the history of Buddhism at Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.
Sarnath is a 30-minute drive from BHU.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Relish wood-fired pizzas and salads at this cosy cafe nestled in the heart of Varanasi.
Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe is a 15-minute drive from Sarnath Museum.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Bharat Mata Temple

Pay homage to Mother India at this unique temple dedicated to the country as a mother goddess.
The temple is a 10-minute drive from Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe.
Free, 30 minutes

4:30PM

Malviya Bridge Sunset

Experience a mesmerizing sunset view over the Ganges River from the Malviya Bridge.
Take an auto-rickshaw from Bharat Mata Temple to the bridge (15 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Indulge in traditional North Indian cuisine at this restaurant known for its authentic flavours and regional dishes.
Baati Chokha is a 10-minute drive from Malviya Bridge.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Sarnath Excursion

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Dhamek Stupa

Begin your day with a visit to this ancient stupa built in 249 BCE to commemorate Buddha's teachings.
Sarnath is a 30-minute drive from Varanasi city centre.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Chaukhandi Stupa

Explore the octagonal tower built as a mark of the place where Lord Buddha met his first disciples.
Chaukhandi Stupa is a 10-minute drive from Dhamek Stupa.
Free, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Lunch at Spice Kitchen

Enjoy a delightful meal at this restaurant offering a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines.
Spice Kitchen is a 15-minute drive from Chaukhandi Stupa.
INR 800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara

Visit the Buddhist temple known for its frescoes depicting the life of Buddha and the Dharmachakra.
The temple is a 5-minute drive from Spice Kitchen.
Free, 45 minutes

3:00PM

Sarnath Archaeological Site

Explore the ancient ruins and monuments that date back to the Mauryan and Gupta periods.
The archaeological site is a short walk from Mulagandha Kuti Vihara.
INR 100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability