Kashi Nine Days Tour

A 9-night tour of Varanasi gives you plenty of time to fully explore the spiritual, cultural, and historical wonders of the city and its surroundings. Here's a detailed itinerary for an extended trip:

Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi

• Arrive in Varanasi: Arrive at Varanasi Junction (Train) or Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (Flight). Check into your hotel.

• Evening:

  • Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Witness the breathtaking evening Aarti ceremony.

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or your hotel, sampling local delicacies like kachaudi, chaat, or baati chokha.

Day 2: Spiritual Exploration & Local Temples

• Morning:

  • Early Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges: Experience the morning rituals and sunrise along the ghats. It's a peaceful and spiritual way to start the day.

  • Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple: One of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend time here and at the nearby temples.

• Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Visit the Durga Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple: These temples are significant for their religious and historical importance.

• Evening:

  • Visit Assi Ghat for Evening Aarti: A quieter and less crowded alternative to Dashashwamedh Ghat, with a beautiful experience.

Day 3: Sarnath - Historical and Spiritual Site

• Morning:

  • Visit Sarnath: Visit this key Buddhist site located just 10 km from Varanasi. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Archaeological Museum, and Chaukhandi Stupa.

• Afternoon:

  • Lunch in Sarnath or Varanasi, featuring Buddhist-inspired vegetarian dishes.

  • Explore Tibetan Temple and Deer Park: The Tibetan temple offers a peaceful environment for meditation.

• Evening:

  • Return to Varanasi for dinner and relaxation at your hotel.

Day 4: Varanasi's Old City and Local Markets

• Morning:

  • Visit the Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Explore the campus and visit the Vishwanath Temple inside the university.

  • Visit the Bharat Mata Mandir: A unique temple dedicated to Mother India with a marble map of India.

• Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Explore Varanasi's Old City and Narrow Lanes: Walk through the historic streets and discover ancient temples, shrines, and shops selling local crafts, including silk saris.

• Evening:

  • Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Market: Shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and religious items.

  • Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Exploring Varanasi's Heritage

• Morning:

  • Visit Tulsi Manas Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Rama, known for the beautiful inscriptions from the Ramayana.

  • Explore the Alamgir Mosque and Gyanvapi Well: Significant religious sites with rich history.

• Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a restaurant near the ghats.

  • Visit the Ramnagar Fort: This 17th-century fort is located across the river and houses a museum with vintage cars, weaponry, and artifacts.

• Evening:

  • Boat ride in the evening: Another relaxing boat ride along the Ganges during sunset to end the day.

Day 6: Day Trip to Chunar Fort and Vindhyachal

• Morning:

  • Visit Chunar Fort: Located around 40 km from Varanasi, Chunar Fort is a historic fort with a rich Mughal and local history. Explore its fortifications and enjoy the view of the Ganges from the fort.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit Vindhyachal Temple: A temple dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini, part of the famous Vindhyachal Shakti Peethas.

• Evening:

  • Return to Varanasi for dinner.

Day 7: Visit to the Town of Gaya

• Day Trip to Gaya (Optional):

  • Morning to Evening: Gaya, about 250 km from Varanasi, is another sacred city known for the Vishnupad Temple and being a key pilgrimage site for Hindus.

  • Visit Vishnupad Temple and participate in the religious rituals.

  • Return to Varanasi in the evening.

Day 8: Varanasi’s Cultural and Artistic Side

• Morning:

  • Explore the Ramnagar Silk Weaving Workshops: Learn about Varanasi's famous silk weaving tradition. Many local workshops offer tours of their craft process.

• Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a traditional restaurant.

  • Visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory: A small but interesting historical site where you can see ancient astronomical instruments.

• Evening:

  • Attend a Classical Music or Dance Performance: Varanasi has a rich cultural scene. Attend a performance by local artists in classical Indian music or dance (especially Kathak).

Day 9: Last Day in Varanasi

• Morning:

  • Explore the Ghats once more: Take a leisurely walk along the ghats to absorb the morning vibes and reflect on your trip.

  • Visit the Shivala Ghat and the Kesava Deo Temple.

• Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a local café.

  • Shopping for Souvenirs: You can shop for more silk items, religious artifacts, and local handicrafts from the bustling streets of Varanasi.

• Evening:

  • Dinner and final reflections on your journey through the holy city.

• Departure: Head to the airport or train station for your departure.

Additional Tips:

• Weather: Varanasi can be hot, especially in summer months, so carry water and wear comfortable clothing.

• Spiritual Etiquette: Respect local customs, especially in temples and religious sites.

• Local Cuisine: Make sure to try the famous banarasi paan and other local sweets. Always be cautious about food from street vendors if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Transport: Use local rickshaws or taxis for convenience when moving around the city.

This 9-night itinerary will allow you to experience Varanasi in depth, giving you a perfect blend of spirituality, culture, history, and local life.