Varanasi-India’s Holiest City

Curated Tours

Varanasi-India’s Holiest City - A City steeped in legends, spirituality, and cultural richness

Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is located in northern India along the banks of the Ganges River. Known as Kashi or Benares, it is a significant spiritual and cultural hub in Hinduism, with numerous ancient temples and ghats that play a crucial role in the city’s ritualistic life. The city’s streets are a tapestry of religious activities and vibrant markets, reflecting its historical richness and religious fervor.

Varanasi

Summary

Duration

3 Nights

Season

October-March

Price

Price available on request.

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Varanasi’s architecture and urban layout, with its ghats and temples, provide a unique insight into ancient Indian urban planning and religious practices. The city is also celebrated for its contribution to classical Indian music, particularly the Benaras Gharana style of Hindustani classical music. The local markets and temples of Varanasi are rich in historical artifacts and artworks, reflecting its long-standing tradition of craftsmanship. Visitors to Varanasi can experience the unique artistry of Banarasi silk weavers and enjoy the city’s vibrant cultural festivals.

Journey Highlights

Explore the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and the nearby Sarnath Museum.
Experience a boat ride on the Ganges River and witness the captivating evening Aarti ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Sail at dawn from Assi Ghat to absorb the serene morning atmosphere of the Ganges.
Gain special entry for a darshan at this revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Visit the historically significant Durga Kund temple dedicated to Maa Durga.
Learn about traditional silk weaving techniques and visit an exclusive Banarasi silk shop.
Witness the famous Ganga Aarti from a private balcony, enhancing the experience of this spiritual ritual.
Explore the birthplace of Kabir, including his library, Samadhi Mandir, and other significant sites.

Reasons to go

Heritage

Pilgrimage

Banarasi Silk Tradition

Benaras Gharana

Ganga Aarti Magic

Ganges Experience

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Sarnath Exploration

Spiritual Journey

Varanasi Diaries

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

Arrive in Varanasi, visit Sarnath and its museum, evening Ganges Boat Cruise and Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Day 2

Morning boat ride at Assi Ghat, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Durga Temple, evening private balcony Ganga Aarti.

Day 3

Explore Kabir Math, enjoy Benaras Gharana music experience, free time to explore Varanasi’s local market.

Day 4

Check-out and transfer to Varanasi airport for onward flight.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Varanasi (flight to be advised)

Welcome to Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi.

On arrival in Varanasi Airport, our office airport representative will assist you and escorted to your pre booked hotel an estimated 1-hour drive. En-route to the hotel, the guests visit the Sarnath bears the testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered one of his first sermons expounding the principles of Buddhism. The guests can also visit the Sarnath Museum (Closed on Friday).

Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.

Often referred to as the ‘Spiritual Capital’ of Varanasi offers an array of cultural, spiritual and culinary experiences.

This evening, the guest board the Boat Cruise on the Ganges River and witness the evening Aarti ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Upon completion of this ritual, guests will be escorted back to the hotel.

Day 2

In Varanasi

Early in the morning, a private motor boat will meet our guests at the boarding ghats and visit the Assi Ghat to witness the “Subeh-E-Benras” Through this experience, guests will sail on the river and immerse themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually into the divine Aura of the Ganges. A short heritage walk of the old City.

Back to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, drive to visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple with a special entry for the darshan. The temple, standing on the bank of the Ganges, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Following this visit the Durga Temple, also known as Durga Kund temple. The temple has a great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Maa Durga.

Late afternoon, we recommend a visit to a Banarasi Silk weaver, to learn about this traditional art form. Following this, visit to exclusive Banarasi Silk Shop.

This evening, guests are escorted to witness the famous Ganga Aarti, with the experience of viewing this ritual from a private balcony. This is a very significant evening event in Varanasi, where holy Ganges is worshipped as a daily ritual. Ganga Aarti is performed by the students of the Vedas and Upanishads, led by the head priest of the Gangotri Seva Samiti.

Day 3

In Varanasi

This morning after breakfast, the guests are escorted to visit Kabir Math.

The birth place of Kabir. He grew up in this place and today, it contains various collections related to Kabir. There is a large library filled with his works. There is a small garden, which contains many statues. Inside Kabir Math, you can find Samadhi Mandir, Chabutara Beejak temple and others.

Later, the guests embark on a musical & learning experience of the Benaras Gharana – an age-old style of both vocal & instrumental Hindustani Classical music. Guests will be enthralled with the interaction and performance by these artists, learning about the vocal and instrumental styles of Indian Classica music.

The evening is free to explore the local market of Varanasi.

Day 4

Depart Varanasi Airport

This morning after breakfast, the guests are check-out from the hotel and drive to Varanasi airport to board flight to onward destination.

Memories Captured
Gallery

Nagaland

Kashmir

Ladakh

Gujrat

Ladakh

Hampi

Uttarakhand

Madhya Pradesh

Hampi

What people are Saying
Testimonials

Some moments and anecdotes shared by our guest’s!

We would like to thank Anecdotes for a great trip they organized for us in Kashmir! We look forward to many more journey’s together

Mrs. Padmavathy Srinivasan

USA | 10 Apr, 2023

Just returned from an exhilarating 6 day trip to beautiful Kashmir. The planning and arrangements were done by Anecdotes, were nothing short of perfect! Would highly recommend that you entrust the planning and execution of your next trip to them. I know I will. Thank you team Anecdotes!