Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest living cities on Earth. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, it is a sacred city for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. Varanasi is famous for its ghats, temples, classical music, and spiritual energy.
Tips for the Day
• Dress modestly and respect local customs, especially at temples and ghats.
• Avoid non-veg food around ghats and temple areas.
• Footwear must be removed at temples and some ghats.
• Keep small change handy for donations or tips.
• Be prepared for crowds — especially around temples and during aartis.
Cancellation Policy
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Days Before Travel
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30+ Days
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15–29 Days
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7–14 Days
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Less than 7 Days
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Cancellation Fee
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10%
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25%
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50%
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100%
Travel Guidelines
• Carry valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
• Pack light cottons and one set of warm clothes (hills)
• Respect local culture, especially at temples
• Follow COVID-19 and local safety protocols
• Stay hydrated and carry your medicines
Tour Plan
• Begin your day with a peaceful boat ride along the Ghats of the Ganges at sunrise.
• Watch pilgrims perform rituals, hear temple bells, and see the golden light illuminating the riverbanks.
• Key ghats to witness: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat (cremation ghat), Assi Ghat.
• Duration: 1 hour
📌 Best time for photographs and spiritual ambiance.
• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Navigate narrow lanes or use the newly built Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
• Duration: 1 hour
📌 Modest dress and secure belongings due to high crowd volume
• Try Kachori-Sabzi, Jalebi, or Banarasi Chai at places like Ram Bhandar (Thatheri Bazaar).
• Optionally, enjoy lassi from Blue Lassi Shop (known for fruit lassis).
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Stroll through ancient lanes and explore:
o Vishwanath Gali – for bangles, brassware, puja items
o Thatheri Bazaar, Chowk, and Manikarnika Ghat
• Visit small temples and soak in local life.
• Duration: 1 hour
• Head to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
• Visit:
o Dhamek Stupa
o Sarnath Archaeological Museum
o Mulagandha Kuti Vihar (Buddhist temple with murals)
• Duration: 2 hours
📌 Best done with a guide or audio guide for context.
• Recommended:
o Baati Chokha (authentic Eastern UP cuisine)
o Brown Bread Bakery (organic rooftop café in old city)
• Duration: 1 hour
• Relax at your hotel or attend a short meditation or yoga session at Assi Ghat or Varanasi Ashrams (if pre-arranged).
• Duration: 1 hour
• Walk along the ghats or enjoy a short ghat-to-ghat boat ride.
• Shop for Banarasi sarees, silk scarves, rudraksha malas, or brass handicrafts in Godowlia area.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours
• Arrive early to grab a good spot or watch from a boat on the river.
• Witness the grand Ganga Aarti, a beautiful ritual of lights, chants, incense, and devotion.
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Dine at Varuna (Taj Ganges) or Tandoor Villa for North Indian cuisine.
• Or try Lotus Lounge Café near Meer Ghat for a casual riverside dinner