Backpackers Brace yourself. You are about to enter the most divinely and unapologetically indiscreet place on Earth; ‘Varanasi’ also known as Banaras or Kashi. A city is as old as history itself. Considered one of the oldest and most continuously inhabited cities in the world its dimly lit Ghats full of street artists, the serene flow of the river Ganga with peaceful boat rides, the chants of “Har Har Mahadev” in the city lanes and mouth-watering street food makes it the most vibrant and timeless city of India. From burning Ghats to Mediaeval temples, Museums to Universities, Hinduism to Buddhism, Hippies to Aghori Sadhus Varanasi has it all.
Day 1: Welcome to Varanasi.
Day 2: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, BHU, And Ramnagar Fort.
Day 3: Enlightenment at Sarnath.
Day 4: Celebration of Dev Deepavali.
Day 5: Free day for shopping and leisure ,Departure.
- Explore various Ghats.
- Witness the Spiritual Ganga Aarti.
- Sunset boat ride.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Sarnath Dhameka stupa.
- Explore the street food of Varanasi.
- Explore ancient architecture and wall paintings.
- Make way through Banaras ki galiyan.
- Ramnagar Fort and Dolphin watching.
- Banaras Hindu University.
- Must try Assi ghat ki chai and chaat.
- Play juaa with bandar Wale baba at Assi Ghat.
- Ganga snan.
What is included in the tour
- Stay in the Hostel for 4 nights.
- Travelling by private and public vehicle during trip.
- All entry charges.
- All Permits.
- 1 Boat ride in Ganga.
- Expertise during tour, first Aid
- Lifetime experience guaranteed.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Traveling from your city to Varanasi.
- All meals during tours. (we going to explore various local food as well as street food)
- Personal expenses like shopping, laundry, water bottle, etc.
- Camera Charges if applicable.
- Emergency expenses or any medical issue.
- Not mentioned in included.
Day 1: Welcome to Varanasi.
Meet our tour leader at Varanasi Junction and proceed towards our hotel, check in to the hotel take some rest, and freshen up.
After lunch, we will visit Jantar Mantar, the observatory. Enjoy an audio-video show which depicts the history of Kashi.
Be ready to celebrate Ganga as we walk along the banks of the holy river. A continuous stretch of 84 ghats. However, around 25 are iconic and worth a while. We will cover a few of them on the 1st day. We will commence our Ghat hopping from Dasawamedh Ghat, it is the heart of action and a top attraction in Varanasi. One of the oldest and holiest Varanasi ghats. A touristy thing to do here is take a boat ride. The walk along the ghats becomes more fascinating as you pass through the chilling Harishchandra Ghat (Burning or cremation Ghat), Darbhanga Ghat is a favorite! As it's the most visually appealing and architecturally impressive one, eventually moving to Assi Ghat, which is at the extreme southern end of the main ghats, hence it's not that crowded, scenic, and peaceful. By evening we return back to Dasaswamedh Ghat to attend the renowned Maha Ganga Aarti (6 pm) from the steps.
Then Back to the hotel.
Day 2: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, BHU, And Ramnagar Fort.
Wake up early in the morning and get ready for Ganga Snan. Then proceed towards Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kalbhairav Temple.
Don’t forget to bring your cameras to capture the sunrise. Take a stroll down the streets as the cold foggy morning embraces you.
Have breakfast and then head to Ramnagar Fort
A popular fortification, Ramnagar Fort is located in Varanasi. It is one of the best places to see on a monotonous afternoon. The fortification on the eastern bank of the River Ganges is known for its cream-colored Chunar Sandstone, which gives it a strong and sophisticated appearance. Although it isn’t as old as the other forts in the country, it is popular around the world for its strong and lavish appearance. The fascinating structure is one of the best places for tourists and history buffs. Built by Raja Balwant Singh in the 1750s, this castle is the best representation of the Mughal architectural style.
Here hopefully we can spot Ganga Dolphins.
Later visit BHU (Banaras Hindu University), one of the most popular and extensive Universities in India.
In the evening return back to the ghats and wander around.
Day 3: Enlightenment at Sarnath.
The morning we leave for Sarnath. Located just 12 km from the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, is the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Sarnath is undisturbed away from the madding crowd, give a quiet visit to Sarnath and you will feel being transposed to a completely different world! Chaukhandi Stupa is said to be built originally as a terraced temple in the 4th to 6th century during the Gupta period. At Dhamek or Dhamekha Stupa, Lord Buddha delivered the first discourse of his Dharma and the famous eight-fold path. Another significant structure at Sarnath is the remains of the Dharmarajika Stupa, just a short distance away from the Dhamekha Stupa. According to archaeologists Dharmarajika Stupa contained the bones of Buddha and it was constructed during Ashoka’s reign. As you walk away from the archaeological ruins, you can see the Sarnath Archaeological Museum the ASI museum houses a number of artifacts related to Buddhist art as well as many images and sculptures of Hindu Gods recovered during excavations in the region. The Mulagandhakuti Vihara temple, built by the Sri Lankan Mahabodhi Society, is one of the many Buddhist temples in Sarnath and probably the most famous. A few meters
away from the Mulagandhakuti Vihara temple is the holy Bodhivriksha(the Bodhi Tree). The Bodhi tree is considered the most sacred tree for Buddhists as Lord Buddha attained enlightenment sitting under this tree. The Bodhi Tree of Sarnath was planted from a branch taken from the Sri Maha Bodhi tree of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Evening returns back to the hotel.
Day 4: Celebration of Dev Deepavali.
On the most auspicious day i.e. Dev Deepavali we will visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Annapurna temple and do some temple hopping. In the evening we will go for a boat ride in the Ganga river. and stroll around the ghats to see beautiful Diyas (Lamps) which increase the beauty of Ganga Ghat. At midnight we shall visit the Manikarnika Ghat (the burning ghat)
Day 5: Free day for shopping and leisure.
Say bye-bye to Varanasi and end our backpacking trip with lots of memories and pictures. The last day is for you to explore Varanasi as you see fit.
