Varanasi Tour Packages
1. Varanasi 2 days Itinerary- Kashi Darshan
Visiting Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and a significant cultural and religious hub in India, can be a truly enriching experience. Here’s a suggested itinerary for spending 2 days in Varanasi:
Day 1: Exploring the Spiritual Essence
Morning:
- Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges River:
- Start your day early with a serene boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Witness the morning rituals, including bathing, praying, and the cremation ghats. Sunrise on the Ganges is a breathtaking sight.
- Hire a boat from Dashashwamedh Ghat or Assi Ghat.
Breakfast:
- Breakfast at a Local Café:
- After the boat ride, head to one of the local cafes near the ghats for a traditional Indian breakfast. Try some local delicacies like kachori sabzi, chai, or lassi.
Mid-morning:
- Walking Tour of Ghats:
- Take a leisurely walk along the ghats, starting from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat. Observe the various activities, rituals, and structures along the riverbank.
- Visit notable ghats like Manikarnika Ghat, where Hindu cremation ceremonies take place, and Harishchandra Ghat.
Lunch:
- Lunch at a Local Restaurant:
- Enjoy a traditional North Indian lunch at one of the local restaurants near the ghats. Try some local dishes like chaat, thali, or street food.
Afternoon:
- Explore Varanasi’s Old City:
- After lunch, explore the narrow lanes and bustling markets of Varanasi’s Old City. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the nearby Vishwanath Gali known for its vibrant atmosphere.
- Explore the vibrant markets for souvenirs, textiles, and handicrafts.
Evening:
- Ganga Aarti Ceremony:
- Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony held at Dashashwamedh Ghat every evening. It’s a beautiful ritual where priests offer prayers to the river with incense, fire, and chants.
- Arrive early to secure a good spot to witness the ceremony.
Dinner:
- Dinner with Ganga View:
- Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the Ganges. There are several options available near the ghats offering a range of cuisines.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Sightseeing
Morning:
- Sunrise Boat Ride:
- Start your day early again with another boat ride on the Ganges to witness the sunrise. The morning ambiance is serene and magical.
Breakfast:
- Breakfast at a Local Restaurant:
- Have breakfast at a different local eatery to try more Varanasi specialties.
Mid-morning:
- Visit Sarnath:
- Take a trip to Sarnath, located just outside Varanasi, where Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum.
- Hire a taxi or take a guided tour to Sarnath.
Lunch:
- Lunch in Sarnath:
- Have lunch at a restaurant in Sarnath. There are several options available serving both local and international cuisines.
Afternoon:
- Visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU):
- Explore the sprawling campus of Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, sculptures, and paintings.
- Don’t miss the iconic Vishwanath Temple and the New Vishwanath Temple inside the BHU campus.
Evening:
- Relaxation and Shopping:
- Spend your evening relaxing or indulging in some last-minute shopping in Varanasi’s markets. Pick up souvenirs, silk sarees, and handicrafts as mementos of your trip.
Dinner:
- Farewell Dinner:
- Have your farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice, savoring the flavors of Varanasi one last time.
This itinerary covers the essence of Varanasi, combining spiritual experiences, cultural exploration, and local cuisine. Adjust the schedule according to your interests and preferences. Enjoy your time in this ancient city!
2. Vindhyachal and sitamadhi Temple Tour
A tour to Vindhyachal and Sitamarhi Temple can be a spiritually enriching experience, as both these places hold immense religious significance in Hinduism. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a temple tour to these destinations:
Day 1: Arrival in Vindhyachal
Morning: Arrive at Varanasi or Allahabad, the nearest major cities with good transportation connectivity. Both cities have airports and railway stations. From there, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Vindhyachal.
Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Vindhyachal and freshen up. Have lunch and rest for a while.
Evening: Visit the Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, one of the most prominent temples in Vindhyachal dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini. Seek the blessings of the goddess and explore the temple complex.
Day 2: Exploring Vindhyachal
Morning: Visit the Kali Khoh Temple, located within a cave and dedicated to Goddess Kali. It’s believed that Goddess Kali appeared here to eliminate the demons.
Afternoon: Have lunch and then proceed to visit Sita Kund, a sacred pond where Goddess Sita is believed to have taken a bath during her exile. It’s located around 2 kilometers from the main Vindhyavasini Devi Temple.
Evening: Spend some time exploring the local markets of Vindhyachal. You can buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Day 3: Travel to Sitamarhi
Morning: Check out from your hotel in Vindhyachal and start your journey towards Sitamarhi. Sitamarhi is approximately 3-4 hours away from Vindhyachal by road.
Afternoon: Reach Sitamarhi and check into your hotel. Have lunch and rest for a while.
Evening: Visit the Sitamarhi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Sita. It’s believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita according to Hindu mythology. Explore the temple complex and attend the evening aarti if possible.
Day 4: Departure
- Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel and depart from Sitamarhi. You can either return to Varanasi or Allahabad to catch your onward journey.
This itinerary provides a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural richness of both Vindhyachal and Sitamarhi. Make sure to check the opening hours of the temples and plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to consult with local tour guides or travel agencies for any updates or additional information before embarking on your journey.
3 Varanasi to Gaya Tour
A tour from Varanasi to Gaya can be a fascinating journey, as both cities hold significant cultural, historical, and religious importance in India. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi
- Arrive in Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major spiritual hub in India.
- Check-in to your hotel and freshen up.
- In the evening, head to the ghats (riverfront steps) of the River Ganges to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, a beautiful ritual of worship involving fire and music.
Day 2: Exploring Varanasi
- Begin your day with a boat ride on the Ganges during sunrise. It’s a magical experience to see the city come alive with the soft morning light and observe the rituals and activities along the ghats.
- After breakfast, explore the narrow lanes and bustling markets of Varanasi. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and other prominent temples like Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Durga Temple.
- Spend your afternoon exploring the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, which houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and the New Vishwanath Temple.
- In the evening, you can opt to attend a classical music or dance performance, or simply stroll along the ghats to soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Day 3: Varanasi to Sarnath Excursion
- After breakfast, take a short excursion to Sarnath, located just a few kilometers away from Varanasi. Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
- Visit the Dhamek Stupa, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern temple constructed at the site of Buddha’s residence.
- Explore the Archaeological Museum of Sarnath, which houses an impressive collection of Buddhist artifacts and sculptures.
- Return to Varanasi in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps exploring more of the city’s vibrant markets or taking a leisurely walk along the ghats.
Day 4: Varanasi to Gaya
- Check out from your hotel in Varanasi after breakfast and embark on the road journey to Gaya, which takes approximately 6-7 hours by road.
- Upon arrival in Gaya, check-in to your hotel and relax for a while.
- In the evening, visit the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists as it marks the spot where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
- Spend some time meditating or soaking in the serene atmosphere of the Mahabodhi Temple complex before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Gaya Sightseeing and Departure
- After breakfast, explore more of Gaya’s attractions. Visit the Vishnupad Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is believed to have a footprint of Lord Vishnu embedded in a rock.
- Explore the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, where Buddha practiced austerity before heading to Bodh Gaya.
- If time permits, you can also visit other nearby attractions like the Barabar Caves, known for their ancient rock-cut architecture.
- After sightseeing, depart from Gaya for your onward journey.
This itinerary provides a balanced mix of spiritual exploration, cultural immersion, and relaxation. However, feel free to customize it according to your interests and preferences. Additionally, make sure to check the current travel guidelines and restrictions before planning your trip.
4 Varanasi to Ayodhya tour
Planning a tour from Varanasi to Ayodhya can be a fascinating journey, especially considering the historical and religious significance of both cities. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your tour:
Day 1: Varanasi
- Morning: Arrive in Varanasi, also known as Kashi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
- Afternoon: Explore the ghats of Varanasi, such as Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Assi Ghat. You can take a boat ride on the Ganges River during the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
- Evening: Stroll through the narrow lanes of the old city, witness the bustling markets, and savor local street food.
Day 2: Varanasi to Ayodhya
- Morning: Depart from Varanasi to Ayodhya, which is about a 6-hour journey by road.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- Evening: Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, where Lord Rama is believed to have been born. Explore other significant sites such as Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and the Nageshwarnath Temple.
Day 3: Ayodhya
- Morning: Visit other notable temples in Ayodhya, such as the Treta Ke Thakur Temple, Naya Ghat, and the Swarg Dwar.
- Afternoon: Explore the historical and cultural heritage of Ayodhya by visiting places like the Ramkatha Park, which depicts various events from the Ramayana.
- Evening: Attend evening aarti ceremonies at any of the prominent temples or ghats in Ayodhya.
Day 4: Return to Varanasi
- Morning: Depart from Ayodhya and return to Varanasi.
- Afternoon: Upon arrival in Varanasi, you can spend some leisure time exploring any sites you may have missed or indulging in shopping for souvenirs.
- Evening: Enjoy a final evening in Varanasi by attending the Ganga Aarti ceremony or taking a peaceful stroll along the ghats.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your departure time, you can explore more of Varanasi or head straight to the airport/railway station for your onward journey.
Remember to plan your accommodation in advance and consider hiring a local guide for a more enriching experience. Additionally, keep in mind any religious or cultural practices specific to these destinations to ensure a respectful visit. Enjoy your journey!