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8 Days in Varanasi: A Spiritual Journey

Mayank Kashyap

Mayank Kashyap

27 Nov 2023

Embark on a soul-stirring adventure through the spiritual heart of India. Discover ancient temples, serene stupas, and sacred ghats in the holy city of Varanasi. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and experience the profound wisdom that resonates through every corner of this mystical destination.

Trip to Varanasi

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Viator

Day 1Garden of Spiritual Wisdom and Sarnath Buddhist Temple
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$7

Garden of Spiritual Wisdom
Picturesque gardens offering tranquil pathways amid lush surrounds & spiritual sculptures.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
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$3
13 - 20 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
Day 2Unveiling the Stupas - Chaukhandi Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
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$10

Chaukhandi Stupa
This historical Buddhist stupa features a sizable mound with a brick base & octagonal tower.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
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$3
9 - 14 min

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Directions

Dharmarajika Stupa
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
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$3
8 - 11 min

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Directions

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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$5
Day 3Seeking Peace at Vishwa Shanti Stupa and Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath
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$13

Vishwa Shanti Stupa
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
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$5
13 - 20 min

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Directions

Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath
Circular stone 43m-tall Buddhist shrine with bird & script carvings, dating back to 500 CE.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
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$8
Day 4Exploring the Religious Diversity - Gyanvapi Mosque and Nepali Temple
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$8

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$ 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

Nepali Temple
Commissioned by an exiled 19th-century Nepalese king, this terracotta temple is dedicated to Shiva.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
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$5
Day 5Divine Encounters - 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
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$5
Day 6Unraveling History at Ramnagar Fort and Alamgir Masjid
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$7

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$ 1

Ramnagar Fort
Sandstone fort & royal residence with a museum that has vintage cars, costumes, an armory & more.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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$4
32 - 39 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.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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$3
Day 7Witnessing the Circle of Life at Manikarnika Ghat - Manikarnika Mahashamshan Ghat
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$5

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
Day 8Embracing the Spiritual Essence 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
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Free

Budget breakdown: $54 In total

Activities & Food:$53
Transport:$1