Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi from Delhi/Bangalore/Mumbai/kochi/Chennai/Kolkata/Ahemdabad
• Morning& Afternoon:
Take an early morning & Afternoon flight from Delhi/Bangalore/Mumbai/kochi/Chennai/Kolkata/Ahemdabad
• Morning& Afternoon: to Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport). Flights typically take about 1.5 hours.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Varanasi (approx. 45-minute drive from the airport).
Check in, freshen up, and have breakfast at the hotel.
• Evening:
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the iconic Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset (around 5:30 PM–7:00 PM, depending on the season). This mesmerising ritual involves priests offering prayers to the Ganges with lamps, chants, and bells.
Optional: Take a short evening boat ride on the Ganges to see the illuminated ghats from the water.
• Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Varanasi.
Day 2: Varanasi Exploration and Sarnath
• Morning:
Wake up early (around 5:00 AM) for a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Witness locals performing rituals, swimming, and offering prayers as the sun rises over the ghats—a serene and iconic Varanasi experience.
Return to the hotel for breakfast by 8:00 AM.
• Morning:
After breakfast Depart for Sarnath (10 km from Varanasi, ~30-minute drive). This is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.
Visit key sites:
Dhamek Stupa: A massive structure marking the spot of Buddha’s first teaching.
Sarnath Museum: Houses ancient Buddhist artefacts, including the Ashoka Pillar’s capital (note: closed on Fridays).
Chaukhandi Stupa: A historical monument from the Gupta period.
• Afternoon:
Return to Varanasi for lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend time exploring its spiritual ambiance (note: non-Hindus may have restricted access to the inner sanctum).
Explore nearby temples like Annapurna Temple and Vishalakshi Temple if time permits.
Visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, including the New Vishwanath Temple and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum for a glimpse of art and history.
• Evening:
Relax or explore local markets like Vishwanath Gali for Banarasi silk sarees and souvenirs.
• Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Varanasi.
Day 3: Varanasi to Delhi
• Morning:
After breakfast, visit a few more notable sites in Varanasi:
Tulsi Manas Temple: Known for its Ramayana inscriptions.
Sankat Mochan Temple: A revered Hanuman temple.
Check out of the hotel.
• Afternoon:
Transfer to Varanasi Airport for your return flight to Delhi/Bangalore/Mumbai/kochi/Chennai/Kolkata/Ahemdabad