7-Day Spiritual Journey in Varanasi, India

Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

10:00AM

Check into Hotel

Upon arrival in Varanasi, check into your hotel and freshen up before starting your exploration.
Take a taxi from the airport to your hotel.
INR500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Savour local street food including the famous Banarasi chaat at this popular eatery.
Walk to the nearby Kashi Chat Bhandar.
INR200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where you can witness locals engaging in rituals.
Take an auto-rickshaw to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Ganga Aarti

Join the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat as the sun sets over the river.
Stay at the ghat for the ceremony.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Vishnu Tea Emporium

Enjoy a traditional Indian dinner featuring local vegetarian dishes such as Thali.
Walk back to the restaurant.
INR400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Ghats and Temples

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel to energise yourself for the day ahead.
Enjoy breakfast at hotel.
INR300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges

Witness the city awakening with a serene boat ride along the holy Ganges river, perfect for capturing stunning photographs.
Book a boat ride from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR600, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Pay homage at one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Walk to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy a unique fusion menu featuring health-conscious options such as organic salads and delicious pastries.
Take a short walk to Brown Bread Bakery.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Manikarnika Ghat

Visit the ancient cremation ghat and experience the profound customs of life and death in Varanasi.
Take an auto-rickshaw to Manikarnika Ghat.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

A revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, often less crowded and allows for peaceful reflection.
Take an auto-rickshaw to Sankat Mochan.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Dum Pukht

Indulge in royal Awadhi cuisine in an elegant setting, making for a delightful dining experience.
Return to your hotel for dinner.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Visit Sarnath

Sarnath, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the significant Buddhist site of Sarnath.
Enjoy breakfast before departure.
INR300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Sarnath

Head to Sarnath, the site where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
Request a taxi to Sarnath.
INR800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Sarnath Archaeological Site

Wander through the historical ruins and witness the Dhamek Stupa—the site is essential for understanding Buddhist history.
Walk around the archaeological area.
INR500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Sarnath Museum

Discover ancient artefacts and sculptures that highlight the region's importance in Buddhism.
Walk to the Sarnath Museum.
INR200, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Aum Café

Enjoy a light vegetarian lunch at this café, known for its fresh ingredients and healthy options.
Take a short walk to Aum Café.
INR400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tibetan Temple

Experience the beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere of this well-constructed temple.
Walk to the Tibetan Temple.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi for an evening of relaxation.
Request a taxi back to Varanasi.
INR800, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at your Hotel

Take time to unwind and reflect on your day of exploration.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kashi Restaurant

Savour North Indian cuisine with a variety of vegetarian dishes in a casual ambience.
Drive to Kashi Restaurant.
INR700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Experiences

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before starting your cultural day.
Have breakfast at your hotel.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the sprawling campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to see fascinating art and artefacts.
Take an auto-rickshaw to Banaras Hindu University.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Pottery Workshop

Engage in a hands-on pottery workshop where you can learn the traditional craft and create a souvenir.
Head to a local pottery workshop.
INR800, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Varanasi Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing meal with various options, from traditional Indian to international fare.
Walk to Varanasi Cafe.
INR600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Attend a Classical Music Performance

Immerse yourself in the rich musical traditions of India, listening to a live performance by local musicians.
Check local listings and head to the venue.
INR500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit a Silk Weaving House

Witness the exquisite craftsmanship of Banarasi silk sarees and learn about the weaving process.
Head to a local silk weaving house.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Dum Pukht

Revisit Dum Pukht or try another fine dining option to relish delectable Indian cuisines.
Head back to Dum Pukht.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: River Ganges Activities

Varanasi, India

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for a full day of activities by the river.
Enjoy your breakfast.
INR300, 1 hour

7:00AM

Yoga by the Ganges

Start your day with an invigorating yoga session overlooking the holy river—perfect for mindfulness.
Join a local yoga class by the river.
INR800, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Visit a local Ashram

Explore an ashram in Varanasi and learn about Hindu philosophy and spirituality.
Travel to a local ashram by auto-rickshaw.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Ganges River Cleaning Activity

Participate in a community initiative by volunteering to clean the Ganges—make a positive impact.
Join a local NGO for this activity.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aum Café

Refuel with lunch at Aum Café, known for its fresh ingredients and vegetarian options.
Return to Aum Café.
INR400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping for Local Handicrafts

Spend your afternoon exploring the local markets for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
Wander through the artisan lanes.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kashi Chat Bhandar

End the day with delicious street food at Kashi Chat Bhandar, trying various local snacks.
Head back to Kashi Chat Bhandar.
INR200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Local Markets and Crafts

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with breakfast to gear up for an exciting day of exploring Varanasi's local markets.
Enjoy your hotel breakfast.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Vishwanath Gali

Wander through the narrow lanes of Vishwanath Gali, filled with shops selling silk and souvenirs.
Walk to Vishwanath Gali.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Godowlia Market

Dive into the bustling Godowlia Market, vibrant with colours and sounds—perfect to buy local spices and crafts.
Walk to Godowlia Market.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Blue Lassi

Enjoy a refreshing lassi drink and light lunch at this iconic spot famous for its smoothies and lassis.
Take a short walk to The Blue Lassi.
INR300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Crafting Experience

Try your hands-on local crafts like weaving or painting, guided by experienced artisans.
Participate in a workshop with local artisans.
INR700, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Gyanvapi Mosque

Explore the historical Gyanvapi Mosque nearby Kashi Vishwanath and appreciate its architecture.
Walk to Gyanvapi Mosque.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Malaiyo

Experience traditional Awadhi sweet Malaiyo and complementary dishes for dinner at a cherished local place.
Head to Malaiyo for dinner.
INR500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Departure

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast before preparing for your departure from Varanasi.
Enjoy your last breakfast in Varanasi.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-out from Hotel

Check out from your hotel and ensure you have all your belongings before leaving.
Complete check-out procedures.
Free, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Last-minute Local Shopping

Spend your last moments in Varanasi shopping for any souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Head back to the local markets.
Variable, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Transfer to Airport

Take a taxi to the airport, reflecting on the memories collected during the wondrous week in Varanasi.
Book a taxi to Varanasi Airport.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability