6-Day Cultural Immersion in Varanasi on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Varanasi, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Chaat Café

Start your day with a delicious Aloo Tikki Chaat and refreshing lime soda at the inviting Chaat Café.
Walk to the Jain Temple next.
INR150, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Jain Temple

Admire the intricate artwork and architecture of the local Jain Temple, a testament to the community's heritage.
Walk to the nearby Sikh Gurudwara.
INR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tour the Sikh Gurudwara

Experience the soothing atmosphere of the Gurudwara and witness its morning rituals.
Stroll towards Banaras Hindu University for the Vishvanath Temple.
INR0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Vishvanath Temple

Explore this revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, rich in tradition and spirituality.
Head to the BHU Art Gallery next.
INR20, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore BHU Art Gallery

Dive into ancient and contemporary art that embodies the essence of local culture.
Lunch at a local eatery in BHU.
INR200, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Bhukkad

Savor a Paneer Tikka Roll and refreshing Lassi, favorites among students and locals alike.
Make your way to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Connect with the spiritual energy and community atmosphere surrounding this cherished temple.
Walk down to Dasaswamedh Ghat next.
INR0, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Dasaswamedh Ghat

Take a scenic stroll along the Ganga River, an ideal spot for meditation and reflection.
Head to a local Ashram for evening activities.
INR0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Join Activities at an Ashram

Engage in yoga or meditation sessions, mingling with like-minded individuals.
Walk to Dasaswamedh Ghat for Ganga Aarti.
INR0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti

Experience the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony, filled with chanting and devotion.
Stroll back towards your accommodation.
INR0, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Relish local street food like Pani Puri and Samosas, wrapped in the vibrant atmosphere.
End your day back at the accommodation.
INR300, 1 hour

8:30PM

Relax at Free Accommodation

Return to your free accommodation for a restful night to recharge for tomorrow's adventures.
End of Day 1
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Day 2: Sarnath Excursion

Sarnath, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy a simple breakfast provided at your accommodation, preparing for the day ahead.
Take a rickshaw to Sarnath (10-15 mins).
INR50, 1 hour

8:00AM

Visit Sarnath Archaeological Site

Explore this sacred site where Buddha delivered his first sermon, rich in history and spirituality.
Adjacent to the site, head to the Dhamekh Stupa.
INR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Dhamekh Stupa

Marvel at this impressive structure, a significant symbol of Buddhism in India.
Walk to the Sarnath Museum.
INR20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Tour Sarnath Museum

Discover ancient relics and sculptures that tell the story of Buddhism's early days.
Head to a local café for lunch.
INR100, 1 hour

11:00AM

Lunch at Aum Cafe

Savor vegetarian dishes that reflect the local flavors while enjoying the serene setting.
Stroll back to the Stupa for meditation.
INR200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Meditation at Dhamekh Stupa

Take part in a quiet meditation session at the Stupa, focusing on inner peace.
Return to Varanasi by rickshaw.
INR50, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Local Markets

Wander through the markets of Varanasi, engaging with local vendors and shopping for handmade crafts.
Head to the iconic Manikarnika Ghat.
INR0, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Witness the sacred customs around this famous burning ghat, understanding the local beliefs about life and death.
Walk to the nearby Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
INR0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Experience the daily prayers and vibrant energy of one of the holiest temples of Hinduism.
Stroll through narrow alleys to find dinner.
INR0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Varuna Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty Thali that showcases an assortment of local vegetarian dishes.
Return to your accommodation to unwind.
INR300, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Free Accommodation

Wind down after your day, preparing for another day filled with cultural experiences in Varanasi.
End of Day 2
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Day 3: Immersion into Varanasi's Art Scene

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Maanasi Café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with items like Masala Dosa and fresh fruit juice to kickstart your day.
Walk to the nearby art galleries.
INR250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Art Gallery of Varanasi

Discover local artists' works and attend any ongoing exhibitions showcasing Varanasi's vibrant art scene.
Walk to the Bharat Kala Bhavan next.
INR50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Bharat Kala Bhavan

Immerse yourself in the history of Indian art with collections of paintings and sculptures.
Take a break for lunch nearby.
INR150, 1 hour

11:00AM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Taste their signature sandwiches and freshly baked bread in a cozy ambiance.
Stroll through local streets back to the art area.
INR300, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit the Vishwanath Gali Market

Experience local craftsmanship as you browse through handmade silk items and traditional handicrafts.
Make your way to the evening events at the art space.
INR0, 2 hours

2:00PM

Attend an Art Workshop

Participate in a hands-on art workshop to learn about local crafts and techniques.
Enjoy some leisure time in the area.
INR500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Local Temples

Visit smaller temples nearby such as Ganga Mahadev and Kalaram, appreciating their unique architecture.
Head to a local café for dinner.
INR0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Aamantran

Experience a delightful mix of local flavors in your meal, filled with vegetarian options.
Return to accommodation for rest.
INR300, 1 hour

6:00PM

Relax at Free Accommodation

Spend the evening relaxing, ready for the next day's adventures.
End of Day 3
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Day 4: Temples and Ashrams

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Varanasi Home

Delight yourself with traditional Indian breakfast like Poori Bhaji, fueling up for a day of temples.
Depart for Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
INR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Once again admire the vibrant energy of one of Hinduism's holiest temples; this time, your understanding deepens.
Proceed to the nearby Annapurna Temple.
INR0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Annapurna Temple

Respectfully view this temple dedicated to the goddess of food, enjoying its art and architecture.
Walk to the nearby Ganga Temple.
INR0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Ganga Temple

Take in the tranquility and beauty of this riverside temple, a great spot for contemplation.
Lunch at a local diner.
INR200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Goli Vada Pav

Enjoy a selection of affordable and delicious street-style Vada Pav burgers.
Head to a local ashrah for afternoon activities.
INR100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Participate in Ashram Activities

Join various ashram programs, like group meditation or wellness practices, fostering self-discovery.
Spend some time shopping for local goods afterward.
INR0, 2.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping at Local Handicraft Market

Immerse yourself in local culture by browsing exquisite handicrafts and textiles to take home.
Walk to Assi Ghat for an evening stroll.
INR0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Evening at Assi Ghat

Relax by the river, enjoying the sunset views and lively atmosphere among locals and tourists.
Wrap up the day with dinner close to the Ghat.
INR0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Aum Cafe

Appreciate a wholesome meal made from organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Return to the accommodation.
INR300, 1 hour

6:30PM

Relax at Free Accommodation

Enjoy a peaceful evening at your accommodation, preparing for the next adventure.
End of Day 4
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Day 5: Markets and Local Experiences

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Eatery

Start with a hearty breakfast featuring Chole Bhature at a bustling local eatery.
Head to the flower market next.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Flower Market

Stroll through the vibrant flower market, soaking in the ardent local culture and scenery.
Proceed to browse local crafts.
INR0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Local Handicraft Shops

Discover unique handicrafts and gifts at traditional shops throughout the city.
Break for lunch nearby.
INR0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Lunch at Blue Lassi

Relish famous Lassi drinks along with some snacks to refuel in this iconic spot.
Make your way to Tulsi Ghat next.
INR0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Tulsi Ghat

Relax and learn about the spiritual significance of this peaceful riverside spot.
Head for a local temple visit.
INR0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Diner

Enjoy local delicacies such as Chaat and Samosas at a nearby diner.
Walk to a local ashram for afternoon reflection.
INR0, 1 hour

2:00PM

Participate in Ashram Reflection Activities

Join in mindfulness and self-discovery reflective practices with others.
Explore the local area nearby afterward.
INR0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Local Quilting Market

Explore colorful quilt shops and learn about the fascinating process of quilt-making.
Attend an evening storytelling at Assi Ghat.
INR0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Conclude the day with mouthwatering street food options in a lively environment.
Return to accommodation to end the day.
INR300, 1 hour

6:00PM

Relax at Free Accommodation

Wind down after a fruitful day of shopping and immersion into local culture.
End of Day 5
INR0, N/A
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Day 6: Spiritual Retreat in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy a quiet breakfast, visualizing your reflections from the past days.
Prepare for a day of retreats.
INR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit a Local Ashram

Engage in spiritual practices such as meditation sessions and discussions with like-minded individuals.
Stay at the Ashram for lunch.
INR0, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ashram

Enjoy a simple yet delicious vegetarian meal at the ashram, fostering community with fellow participants.
Continue with afternoon activities.
INR0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Participate in Guided Meditation

Immerse yourself in deep meditation guided by experienced instructors.
Move to additional wellness activities provided.
INR0, 3 hours

4:00PM

Explore Local Temple

Visit a less-frequented temple for quiet reflection and further cultural understanding.
Head back towards the Ghat for farewell.
INR0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Farewell at Ganga River

Conclude your spiritual journey with peaceful moments by the Ganga river, a perfect spot for reflection.
Dine at a favorite local spot for dinner.
INR0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ganga View Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious meal while enjoying the charming views of the river.
Return to your accommodation.
INR300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Relax at Free Accommodation

Spend your final evening reflecting on your journey through spirituality and culture in Varanasi.
End of Day 6
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