5-Day Road and Rail Adventure in Varanasi, India

Day 1: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Start the day with delicious chaat, a quintessential Varanasi street food.
Walk from your hotel to Kashi Chaat Bhandar.
INR100, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ritual conducted at the banks of the Ganges.
10-minute walk from breakfast spot to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Ghats

Stroll along the various ghats, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and unique architecture.
Walk along the riverbank, visiting multiple ghats.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Varanasi Cafe

Enjoy a traditional Indian thali set with local flavors.
5-minute walk from the ghats.
INR350, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Pay your respects at one of the most revered Hindu temples in India.
15-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Enjoy a serene boat ride, capturing the beauty of the river and ghats from the water.
Head to the ghats to find a boatman.
INR500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Great India Cafe

Savor a fusion of Indian and Western cuisines in a fine setting.
10-minute walk from the boat ghat.
INR700, 1 hour
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Day 2: Historical Exploration

Sarnath, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet before setting off for the day.
Breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Sarnath

Catch a local tuk-tuk to Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon.
Tuk-tuk service available outside your accommodation.
INR150, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Explore ancient artifacts and sculptures showcasing Buddhist history.
Walk to the nearby museum after arriving in Sarnath.
INR100, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Dhamek Stupa

Visit the towering Dhamek Stupa, a significant Buddhist site.
15-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Dhammakaya Restaurant

Tuck into vegetarian dishes inspired by Buddhist principles.
Walk to the restaurant located close to Sarnath.
INR400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Mulagandhakuti Vihara

Admire the beautiful modern temple with its stunning wall murals.
10-minute walk from lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Take a local tuk-tuk back to Varanasi.
Tuk-tuk service available at Sarnath.
INR150, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Learn about the cultural significance of this cremation ghat.
Walk from your hotel or take a tuk-tuk.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy organic, freshly baked bread along with a selection of pasta and salads.
20-minute walk or tuk-tuk from Manikarnika Ghat.
INR550, 1 hour
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Day 3: Spiritual Journey

Bodh Gaya, India

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with an early breakfast buffet to prepare for a day of exploration.
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

7:30AM

Travel to Bodh Gaya

Take a train to Bodh Gaya, the place of Buddha's enlightenment.
Walk to Varanasi Railway Station for your journey.
INR300, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Mahabodhi Temple

Stand in awe of this UNESCO World Heritage Site where Buddha attained enlightenment.
10-minute walk from the train station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Bodhi Tree

Sit in quiet reflection under the sacred tree where Buddha meditated.
Located adjacent to the Mahabodhi Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Bodh Gaya Restaurant

Relish Indian vegetarian cuisine with peaceful garden views.
Short walk from the Bodhi Tree.
INR400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Thai Monastery

Learn about Thai Buddhist traditions and admire stunning architecture.
15-minute walk from lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Return to Varanasi

Take a train back to Varanasi in the late afternoon.
Walk back to Bodh Gaya Railway Station.
INR300, 2.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Flame Bistro

Indulge in a global menu with great ambiance back in Varanasi.
Head to the bistro after arriving back in Varanasi.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 4: Local Flavors

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Recharge with a varied breakfast spread to kickstart your day.
Breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Marvel at the fine architecture and beautiful gardens surrounding this temple.
Tuk-tuk to the temple.
INR100, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Visit the campus and admire the massive Vishwanath Temple here.
Walk from the Tulsi Manas Temple.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Lassi Shop

Savor delicious lassi and snacks in this iconic local shop.
Short walk from the university.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Durga Temple

Experience the beauty of the temple famous for its red color and artistic details.
Tuk-tuk ride from lunch.
INR100, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Browse through local shops for souvenirs and traditional crafts.
Tuk-tuk to Vishwanath Gali.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Stroll by the Ganges

Take a leisurely walk by the river, enjoying the sunset and local life.
Walk from Vishwanath Gali to the banks of Ganges.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Shree Cafe

Delight in vegetarian specialties and refreshing beverages.
Head back towards your hotel or walk to the restaurant.
INR550, 1 hour
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Day 5: Departure and Reflection

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast, reflecting on the beautiful journey.
Have breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit to Assi Ghat

Enjoy the lively atmosphere and local vendors at this popular ghat.
Take a short tuk-tuk to Assi Ghat.
INR150, 1 hour

10:00AM

Relax at a Local Cafe

Savor coffee or tea while soaking in the views of the river and city.
Find a cafe near Assi Ghat.
INR250, 1 hour

12:00PM

Shopping for Last-Minute Souvenirs

Pick up some handmade crafts and textiles from local shops.
Tuk-tuk to local markets.
Varies, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Blue Lassi

Indulge in this legendary lassi shop's delightful offerings before your departure.
Walk to The Blue Lassi from the market.
INR300, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Local Temples

Visit any missed temples to complete your spiritual journey.
Tuk-tuk to nearby temples.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Departure

Farewell to Varanasi as you reflect on this enriching trip.
Travel to your respective railway or airport station.
INR300, 1 hour
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