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10 Days in Varanasi: Unveiling the Sacred City

Dattatreya Reddy

Dattatreya Reddy

3 Jan 2024

Embark on a spiritual journey through the ancient streets of Varanasi, where mysticism and devotion intertwine. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage as you explore magnificent temples, serene monasteries, and sacred ghats. Discover the essence of spirituality and witness the vibrant rituals that have enchanted travelers for centuries.

Day 1Temples of Tranquility
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$30

·

$ 2

Nepali Temple
Commissioned by an exiled 19th-century Nepalese king, this terracotta temple is dedicated to Shiva.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$15
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$8
28 - 34 min

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Directions

Ashoka Pillar
Glass enclosure containing sandstone remains of an ancient column built by Emperor Ashoka.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
$8
Day 2Enlightenment in Sarnath
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$27

Sarnath Buddhist Temple
Expansive Buddhist temple complex with a museum, multiple shrines & an archaeological excavation.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$12
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Japanese Temple
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$8
11 - 16 min

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Directions

Chaukhandi Stupa
This historical Buddhist stupa features a sizable mound with a brick base & octagonal tower.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$8
Day 3Stupas and Serenity
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$30

Dharmarajika Stupa
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$8
9 - 14 min

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Directions

Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$8
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Vishwa Shanti Stupa
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$15
Day 4Unveiling History
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$38

Sarnath Museum
Archeological museum with many artifacts excavated at Sarnath dating from the 3rd century BCE.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$23
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$15
Day 5Divine Encounters
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$38

Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath
Circular stone 43m-tall Buddhist shrine with bird & script carvings, dating back to 500 CE.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$23
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$8
6 - 9 min

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Directions

Garden of Spiritual Wisdom
Picturesque gardens offering tranquil pathways amid lush surrounds & spiritual sculptures.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$8
Day 6Journey to the Royal Past
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$12

Ramnagar Fort
Sandstone fort & royal residence with a museum that has vintage cars, costumes, an armory & more.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$12
Day 7Glimpses of Art and Devotion
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$30

·

$ 2

Dashashwamedh Ghat
Bustling riverside steps down to the Ganges River, used for religious rituals daily.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
28 - 34 min

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Directions

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
University museum focused on art & archeology, with sculptures, paintings, jewelry, textiles & more.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$30
Day 8Mystical Wonders
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$23

·

$ 3

Lolark Kund
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$8
11 - 14 min

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Directions

Manmandir Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$8
9 - 11 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.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$8
Day 9Sacred Sites
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$23

Gyanvapi Mosque
Venerable mosque on a historic site featuring traditional architecture with columns & domes.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$8
12 - 17 min

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Directions

Baba Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$15
Day 10Spiritual Odyssey
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$15

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
$15
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Landmark riverside temple to Shiva, known for its 18th-century gold-plated spire and sacred well.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $270 In total

Activities & Food:$264
Transport:$6