8-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Spiritual Heart of Varanasi and the Enchanting Beauty of Srinagar and Jammu

Day 1: Introduction to Varanasi

Varanasi, India

6:30 AM

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Start your day with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, an unforgettable spiritual experience as the sun rises over the sacred river.
Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat, it's a central location.
CURRENCY300, 1.5 hours

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy an organic breakfast with fresh fruit pancakes, omelettes, and don’t miss their homemade breads.
A short rickshaw ride from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
CURRENCY500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, experiencing the rich culture and history.
Located nearby; a short walk.
CURRENCYFree, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Take a serene boat ride along the Ganges, witnessing the ancient ghats and vibrant life along the riverbanks.
Board at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
CURRENCY1500, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Varanasi Cafe

Savor local cuisine, including delicious chaat and thalis, perfect to recharge after a busy morning.
A quick rickshaw ride from the ghat.
CURRENCY600, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Sarnath

Explore Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon; marvel at the ruins and museums.
15-minute ride by taxi from Varanasi.
CURRENCY150, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Argosy Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience with Indian and Continental dishes, overlooking the historic city.
A short taxi ride from Sarnath.
CURRENCY800, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Evening at the Ghats

Return to the ghats to witness the traditional evening Aarti, a spectacular sight right on the river bank.
Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
CURRENCYFree, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Culture and Spirituality

Varanasi, India

7:00 AM

Yoga Session

Start your day with a calming yoga session along the Ganges, setting a peaceful tone for the day.
Join a local yoga group along the river.
CURRENCY400, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Breakfast at The Kashi Café

Indulge in a delightful breakfast with options like poha, parathas, and fresh juices.
Located a short walk from your yoga spot.
CURRENCY500, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Experience the intricacies of life and death at the most sacred ghat where cremation takes place.
Short walk from the café.
CURRENCYFree, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit the Silk Weaving Factory

Learn about the traditional silk weaving process that Varanasi is famous for, and shop for beautiful handwoven silk.
A quick rickshaw ride from the ghat.
CURRENCYFree, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Maadi in Varanasi

Try authentic Bihari food, including litti chokha - a must-have local dish.
15-minute walk from the silk factory.
CURRENCY500, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit the Banaras Hindu University

Take a stroll around one of Asia's largest residential universities and admire the architecture.
Taxi ride from the restaurant.
CURRENCYFree, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Shopping in Varanasi

Explore the local markets for souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Indian artwork.
Return to the city center by taxi.
CURRENCYVariable, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Rice Bowl

Enjoy a fusion of Indian and Asian dishes, famous for its peaceful ambiance.
Short walk from the main market.
CURRENCY750, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Srinagar

Varanasi to Srinagar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Ganga View

Savor a hearty breakfast with local dishes and a view of the sacred river to set the day right.
Close to the hotel; walking distance.
CURRENCY500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Fly to Srinagar

Catch your morning flight to Srinagar, enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas from above.
Arrive at Varanasi Airport for your flight.
CURRENCY5000, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Transfer to the Dal Lake

Arrive in Srinagar and transfer to your houseboat on the iconic Dal Lake.
Taxi from Srinagar Airport to Dal Lake area.
CURRENCY800, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch on the Houseboat

Indulge in a traditional Kashmiri lunch while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the lake.
At your houseboat.
CURRENCY1000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Experience the serenity of the lake with a shikara ride, passing floating gardens and watching local life.
Board shikara right from your houseboat.
CURRENCY1500, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Mughal Gardens

Visit the iconic Mughal Gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, designed with intricate detail and lush greenery.
Taxi from Dal Lake area to the gardens.
CURRENCY200, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Shamyana Restaurant

Savor authentic Kashmiri cuisine with stunning views of the serene landscape surrounding you.
A short taxi ride back towards Dal Lake.
CURRENCY800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Srinagar's Natural Beauty

Srinagar, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Houseboat

Relish a delicious breakfast featuring local favorites and fresh tea served surrounded by panoramic views.
At your houseboat.
CURRENCY600, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit to Pari Mahal

Explore the historical site of Pari Mahal, a beautifully constructed garden with mesmerizing views of Dal Lake.
Taxi from the houseboat.
CURRENCY100, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Floating Gardens

Visit the famous floating gardens of Dal Lake, known as 'Rad' gardens; engage with local gardeners.
Shikara ride from your houseboat.
CURRENCY800, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Café de Lin

Enjoy a delightful meal at this charming café known for its local delicacies and cozy atmosphere.
Shikara ride back to the main area.
CURRENCY700, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Climb the hill to visit Shankaracharya Temple, offering stunning views of the entire city.
Taxi from the café.
CURRENCYFree, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Local Markets

Wander through local markets, sampling authentic Kashmiri handicrafts and shawls, perfect for souvenir shopping.
Return to the city center by taxi.
CURRENCYVariable, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Dine in this renowned restaurant famous for its rich flavors and traditional dishes of Kashmir.
Short taxi ride from the market.
CURRENCY900, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Adventure Awaits in Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Houseboat

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local specialties while embodying the peace of Dal Lake.
At your houseboat.
CURRENCY600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Day Trip to Gulmarg

Travel approximately 1.5 hours to Gulmarg, famed for its stunning meadows and snow-capped peaks.
Taxi ride from your houseboat.
CURRENCY1800, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Gulmarg Local Eatery

Savor a fulfilling lunch featuring traditional Kashmiri dishes amidst the beautiful landscape.
Local eateries in Gulmarg.
CURRENCY600, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Gulmarg's Attractions

Enjoy activities like the Gulmarg Gondola ride for stunning views and discover the lush green valleys.
At the gondola base.
CURRENCY3000, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Srinagar

Head back to Srinagar on a scenic ride capturing the beautiful landscapes.
Taxi return trip.
CURRENCY1800, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Wazwan Restaurant

End your adventurous day with an exquisite dining experience showcasing traditional Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine.
A short taxi ride from your houseboat.
CURRENCY1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Journey to Jammu

Srinagar to Jammu, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Houseboat

Enjoy a farewell breakfast, savoring the last moments of local flavors amidst tranquil waters.
At your houseboat.
CURRENCY600, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Jammu

Depart Srinagar and journey to Jammu via taxi, enjoying the picturesque landscapes en route.
Taxi from the houseboat.
CURRENCY2500, 3.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Ranjit Restaurant

Dine at a popular local eatery offering North Indian dishes and a comfortable ambiance.
Located in Jammu city center.
CURRENCY800, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Raghunath Temple

Explore one of the largest temples in North India dedicated to Lord Rama, capturing the spiritual essence of the region.
Walk to the temple from the restaurant.
CURRENCYFree, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Jammu City

Stroll through the city's bustling markets, sampling local snacks and shopping for traditional items.
Walk around the city center.
CURRENCYVariable, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Relax and freshen up at your hotel before an evening adventure.
Hotel check-in nearby.
CURRENCY3000, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Sagar Ratna

Enjoy flavorful South Indian cuisine along with local dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Short ride from your hotel.
CURRENCY800, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Spiritual and Historical Jammu

Jammu, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delicious spread of local and continental breakfast options.
At your hotel.
CURRENCY600, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Vaishno Devi Temple

Embark on a pilgrimage to one of the most revered temples, either on foot or pony ride, surrounded by spirituality.
Taxi to Katra, then trek to the temple.
CURRENCY3000, 5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch En Route

Grab a quick lunch at one of the eateries along your trek to Vaishno Devi.
Available along your path.
CURRENCY500, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Return to Jammu

Trek back and take a taxi back to Jammu to rest before your evening.
The same way back.
CURRENCY3000, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Royal Dukaan

Experience classic North Indian cuisine in a traditional setting, perfect for winding down after an adventurous day.
Short taxi ride from your hotel.
CURRENCY900, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Departure

Jammu, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, reflecting on your journey through North India.
At your hotel.
CURRENCY600, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Check-out from Hotel

Prepare for your departure, making sure to pack all your treasures and memories.
At your hotel.
CURRENCYFree, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Transfer to Jammu Airport

Take a taxi to the airport for your onward travel or return journey.
15-20 minute taxi ride.
CURRENCY600, 1 hour
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