Vārānasi
Vārānasi5days
5
Days
40
Activities
1
Location
15
Meals out
08:00
Earliest start

Luxury Heritage and Spiritual Journey in Varanasi

Experience the sacred city of Varanasi in luxury over five immersive days, discovering ancient ghats, revered temples, historic Sarnath, and private cultural encounters along the Ganges.

  • 10Road trips
  • 7Food stops
  • 5Sights
  • 5Temples & shrines
  • 5Museums
  • 4Landmarks
  • couples
  • solo
  • culture enthusiasts
  • luxury
  • heritage
  • spiritual

Day by day

Day 1

Arrival and Introduction to the Sacred Ganges8 Activities

Begin your journey along the sacred riverbanks with sunrise views, historic temple visits, old city exploration, and evening devotional rituals.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Aangan - BrijRama Palace

    08:00 – 09:00

    Enjoy a refined vegetarian breakfast featuring fresh juices and traditional North Indian morning specialties over the river.

  2. 09:1510:30
    Sightseeing

    Ganges River Ghats

    09:15 – 10:30

    Take a guided morning walk along the famous riverside ghats to observe local life and ritual bathing.

    • entryFree
  3. 10:4512:15
    Sightseeing

    Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    10:45 – 12:15

    Explore the newly renovated corridor and sacred shrine of Kashi Vishwanath with a dedicated heritage guide.

    • entryFree
  4. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Darbhanga - BrijRama Palace

    12:30 – 13:30

    Dine on heritage vegetarian recipes served in an elegant palace dining hall.

  5. 14:0016:00
    Outdoor

    Walking Tour of Old Varanasi

    14:00 – 16:00

    Stroll through narrow heritage alleyways, discovering silk weaving workshops and traditional bazaars.

  6. 16:1518:00
    Sightseeing

    Sarnath Tour

    16:15 – 18:00

    Visit the archaeological complex at Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.

    • entryFree
  7. 18:3019:30
    Sightseeing

    Evening Aarti Ceremony at Ganges

    18:30 – 19:30

    Watch the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony perform worship with brass oil lamps from a private vantage point.

    • entryFree
  8. 19:4521:00
    Food

    Dinner at Varuna - Taj Ganges

    19:45 – 21:00

    Savour authentic Indian fine dining prepared by master chefs in a peaceful garden estate.

Day 2

Old City Traditions and Sacred Buddhist History8 Activities

Delve deeper into Varanasi's cultural roots, exploring historical Buddhist monuments in Sarnath alongside vibrant city life.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Palace Tea House - BrijRama Palace

    08:00 – 09:00

    Start the day with artisan teas, fresh fruits, and gourmet Indian morning options.

  2. 09:1510:45
    Outdoor

    Walking Tour of Old Varanasi

    09:15 – 10:45

    Discover hidden courtyards, ancient stepwells, and artisan quarters in the heart of the old town.

  3. 11:0012:15
    Sightseeing

    Ganges River Ghats

    11:00 – 12:15

    Observe the unique architectural features of the southern ghats and historic river palaces.

    • entryFree
  4. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Mulberry Tree - Hotel Surya

    12:30 – 13:30

    Relax over an international and Indian buffet lunch in a classic setting.

  5. 14:0016:00
    Sightseeing

    Sarnath Tour

    14:00 – 16:00

    Examine ancient Ashokan pillars and Dhamek Stupa during a focused afternoon exploration.

    • entryFree
  6. 16:1518:00
    Sightseeing

    Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    16:15 – 18:00

    Experience the afternoon temple atmosphere and admire the intricate gold spires.

    • entryFree
  7. 18:3019:30
    Sightseeing

    Evening Aarti Ceremony at Ganges

    18:30 – 19:30

    Experience the atmospheric twilight Aarti ceremony as chants resonate over the water.

    • entryFree
  8. 19:4521:00
    Food

    Dinner at Chowk Restaurant - Taj Nadesar Palace

    19:45 – 21:00

    Enjoy a royal dining experience featuring traditional Awadhi and Banarasi delicacies.

Day 3

Architectural Marvels and Spiritual Heritage8 Activities

Uncover the city's architectural splendour and living traditions across key spiritual sites and riverfront quarters.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Lotus Lounge

    08:00 – 09:00

    Enjoy a light breakfast with espresso and organic breads while taking in river views.

  2. 09:1510:30
    Sightseeing

    Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    09:15 – 10:30

    Gain insight into local temple rituals and spiritual practices during a morning visit.

    • entryFree
  3. 10:4512:15
    Sightseeing

    Ganges River Ghats

    10:45 – 12:15

    Walk between Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh Ghats to learn about the rituals of life and death.

    • entryFree
  4. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Canton Royale - Hotel Surya

    12:30 – 13:30

    Dine on multi-cuisine specialties in a historic colonial setting.

  5. 14:0016:00
    Outdoor

    Walking Tour of Old Varanasi

    14:00 – 16:00

    Explore the famed spice markets, sweet shops, and craft alleys of central Varanasi.

  6. 16:1518:00
    Sightseeing

    Sarnath Tour

    16:15 – 18:00

    Revisit Sarnath's museum treasures and peaceful monastic gardens.

    • entryFree
  7. 18:3019:30
    Sightseeing

    Evening Aarti Ceremony at Ganges

    18:30 – 19:30

    Observe the synchronized ritual of lights from a riverboat on the Ganges.

    • entryFree
  8. 19:4521:00
    Food

    Dinner at Roof Top Restaurant - Hotel Ganges View

    19:45 – 21:00

    Savour homemade North Indian dishes overlooking the twinkling lights of the river.

Day 4

Cultural Encounters and Monastic Sanctuaries8 Activities

Spend the day exploring historical monastic ruins and quiet heritage lanes across the old town and river banks.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Brown Bakery

    08:00 – 09:00

    Enjoy freshly baked croissants, continental platters, and organic coffee.

  2. 09:1510:45
    Sightseeing

    Sarnath Tour

    09:15 – 10:45

    Tour the serene grounds of the Thai and Japanese temples in Sarnath.

    • entryFree
  3. 11:0012:15
    Outdoor

    Walking Tour of Old Varanasi

    11:00 – 12:15

    Walk through northern Varanasi lanes renowned for classical music heritage and traditional wrestling akharas.

  4. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

    12:30 – 13:30

    Relax with wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads served right along Assi Ghat.

  5. 14:0016:00
    Sightseeing

    Ganges River Ghats

    14:00 – 16:00

    Explore Assi Ghat and Chet Singh Ghat, learning about medieval forts along the water.

    • entryFree
  6. 16:1518:00
    Sightseeing

    Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    16:15 – 18:00

    Observe late afternoon prayers and peaceful contemplation in the temple courtyards.

    • entryFree
  7. 18:3019:30
    Sightseeing

    Evening Aarti Ceremony at Ganges

    18:30 – 19:30

    Attend the evening ceremony at Assi Ghat for a distinct local perspective.

    • entryFree
  8. 19:4521:00
    Food

    Dinner at Utsav Restaurant

    19:45 – 21:00

    Dine on elevated Indian regional specialties in a calm, modern setting.

Day 5

Grand Finale along the Ganges8 Activities

Conclude your journey with final visits to key historical sites, old city lanes, and a memorable evening ritual along the water.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Chowk Cafe

    08:00 – 09:00

    Enjoy a quiet breakfast featuring gourmet coffees, pastries, and local savouries.

  2. 09:1510:30
    Sightseeing

    Ganges River Ghats

    09:15 – 10:30

    Take a final morning stroll along the ghats to capture serene morning light photography.

    • entryFree
  3. 10:4512:15
    Sightseeing

    Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    10:45 – 12:15

    Pay your respects during a tranquil morning visit to the main temple complex.

    • entryFree
  4. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Shree Shivay Thali Dining

    12:30 – 13:30

    Sample a grand Gujarati and Rajasthani vegetarian thali experience.

  5. 14:0016:00
    Outdoor

    Walking Tour of Old Varanasi

    14:00 – 16:00

    Revisit your favourite lanes for last-minute souvenir shopping and silk appreciation.

  6. 16:1518:00
    Sightseeing

    Sarnath Tour

    16:15 – 18:00

    Reflect upon Buddha's teachings with a final visit to Sarnath's peaceful gardens.

    • entryFree
  7. 18:3019:30
    Sightseeing

    Evening Aarti Ceremony at Ganges

    18:30 – 19:30

    Conclude your spiritual journey with a final view of the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.

    • entryFree
  8. 19:4521:00
    Food

    Dinner at Varuna - Taj Ganges

    19:45 – 21:00

    Celebrate the end of your journey with an exquisite royal tasting menu.

Make it yours