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9 Days in Varanasi: A Spiritual Journey

Nirmal Jha

Nirmal Jha

22 Nov 2023

Embark on a soul-stirring adventure through the spiritual capital of India. Immerse yourself in the ancient marvels, witness sacred rituals on the ghats, and experience the divine energy of Varanasi.

Trip to Varanasi

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Day 1Serenity at Dhamekh Stupa and Garden of Spiritual Wisdom
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$10

Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath
Circular stone 43m-tall Buddhist shrine with bird & script carvings, dating back to 500 CE.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$8
12 - 18 min

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Directions

Garden of Spiritual Wisdom
Picturesque gardens offering tranquil pathways amid lush surrounds & spiritual sculptures.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$3
Day 2Discovering the Buddhist Heritage at Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath Buddhist Temple, and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
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$12

Chaukhandi Stupa
This historical Buddhist stupa features a sizable mound with a brick base & octagonal tower.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$3
12 - 18 min

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Directions

Sarnath Buddhist Temple
Expansive Buddhist temple complex with a museum, multiple shrines & an archaeological excavation.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
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$4
1 - 2 min

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Directions

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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$5
Day 3Exploring the Islamic Architecture of Gyanvapi Mosque and Alamgir Masjid
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$5

·

$ 1

Gyanvapi Mosque
Venerable mosque on a historic site featuring traditional architecture with columns & domes.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
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$3
11 - 14 min

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Directions

Alamgir Masjid
Mughal-style, 17th-century mosque with 3 huge domes & steps nearby for ritual bathing in the Ganges.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$3
Day 4Witnessing the Circle of Life at Manikarnika Ghat and Nepali Temple
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$10

Manikarnika Ghat - Manikarnika Mahashamshan Ghat
One of the city's oldest ghats, this iconic site is a storied spot for traditional Hindu cremations.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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$5
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Nepali Temple
Commissioned by an exiled 19th-century Nepalese king, this terracotta temple is dedicated to Shiva.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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$5
Day 5Seeking Blessings at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Man Singh Observatory
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$5

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Landmark riverside temple to Shiva, known for its 18th-century gold-plated spire and sacred well.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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Free
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Man Singh Observatory
Historic 1700s observatory attached to a palace, offering views of the Ganges River from its roof.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$5
Day 6Unveiling the Sacred Scriptures at Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir and Ramnagar Fort
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$9

·

$ 1

Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir
Stately Hindu temple with white marble construction, landscaped gardens & numerous engravings.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
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$5
15 - 18 min

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Directions

Ramnagar Fort
Sandstone fort & royal residence with a museum that has vintage cars, costumes, an armory & more.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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$4
Day 7Embracing the Spiritual Vibes at Dashashwamedh Ghat
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$0

Dashashwamedh Ghat
Bustling riverside steps down to the Ganges River, used for religious rituals daily.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
Day 8Delving into Art and History at Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and Rana Mahal Ghat
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$15

·

$ 1

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
University museum focused on art & archeology, with sculptures, paintings, jewelry, textiles & more.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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$10
21 - 26 min

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Directions

Rana Mahal Ghat
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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$5
Day 9Soaking in the Tranquility of Ganga Mahal Ghat
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$5

Ganga Mahal Ghat
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$5

Budget breakdown: $72 In total

Activities & Food:$71
Transport:$2