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A 5-Day Adventure in Varanasi: Exploring the Spiritual Capital of India

Saurabh Chobey

11 Nov 2023

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Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the ancient city of Varanasi, where spirituality and culture intertwine. Discover sacred temples, historic landmarks, and vibrant ghats as you immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this mystical destination.

Trip to Varanasi

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1

+

$11

Sarnath Buddhist Temple

Expansive Buddhist temple complex with a museum, multiple shrines & an archaeological excavation.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$2

1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$3

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Ashoka Pillar

Glass enclosure containing sandstone remains of an ancient column built by Emperor Ashoka.

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$1

4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Sarnath Museum

Archeological museum with many artifacts excavated at Sarnath dating from the 3rd century BCE.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$4

9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Chaukhandi Stupa

This historical Buddhist stupa features a sizable mound with a brick base & octagonal tower.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$1

Day 2

+

$8

·

$ 1

Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath

Circular stone 43m-tall Buddhist shrine with bird & script carvings, dating back to 500 CE.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$4

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Tibetan Temple

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$1

9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$1

23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Gyanvapi Mosque

Venerable mosque on a historic site featuring traditional architecture with columns & domes.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$1

Day 3

+

$7

·

$ 1

Alamgir Masjid

Mughal-style, 17th-century mosque with 3 huge domes & steps nearby for ritual bathing in the Ganges.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$1

9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Nepali Temple

Commissioned by an exiled 19th-century Nepalese king, this terracotta temple is dedicated to Shiva.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$3

6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Bustling riverside steps down to the Ganges River, used for religious rituals daily.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

28 - 34 min

~

Directions

Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir

Stately Hindu temple with white marble construction, landscaped gardens & numerous engravings.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$3

Day 4

+

$9

·

$ 1

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

University museum focused on art & archeology, with sculptures, paintings, jewelry, textiles & more.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$5

12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Ruchika Art Gallery

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$1

15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Man Singh Observatory

Historic 1700s observatory attached to a palace, offering views of the Ganges River from its roof.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$3

6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Landmark riverside temple to Shiva, known for its 18th-century gold-plated spire and sacred well.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

Day 5

+

$7

·

$ 1

Ramnagar Fort

Sandstone fort & royal residence with a museum that has vintage cars, costumes, an armory & more.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$2

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Durga Temple, Ramnagar

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$3

28 - 34 min

~

Directions

Manikarnika Ghat - Manikarnika Mahashamshan Ghat

One of the city's oldest ghats, this iconic site is a storied spot for traditional Hindu cremations.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$3

Budget breakdown: $42 In total

Activities & Food:$41

Transport:$2