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Varanasi & Sarnath Tour: A Spiritual Journey to the Heart of India
There are some places in the world that don’t just leave a mark on your travel journal — they leave a mark on your soul. For me, that place was Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, and Sarnath, a peaceful Buddhist site just a short drive away. Together, they made for one of the most powerful and unforgettable trips of my life.
This blog isn’t just an itinerary. It’s a personal walk through this spiritual land — filled with real experiences, insights, and everything you need to know if you’re planning a Varanasi and Sarnath tour.
Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi – First Glimpse of the Ganges
The moment you arrive in Varanasi — whether by flight, train, or car — you immediately feel it. The city buzzes with energy, chaos, devotion, and something ancient that you can’t quite put into words.
I checked into my hotel near Assi Ghat (I highly recommend staying close to the ghats), freshened up, and stepped out just in time for the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Now, if you think you’ve seen temple rituals before, think again. This isn’t just a ceremony — it’s an experience. Seven priests dressed in saffron robes, performing synchronized rituals with giant brass lamps, incense, conch shells, bells, and chants, all in front of hundreds of people. The Ganges glowed with floating diyas and flower offerings.
Pro Tip: Try to get there by 5:30 PM to grab a good spot or book a boat seat in advance for a magical view from the river.
Day 2: Sunrise Boat Ride, Temples & Life Along the Ghats
The next morning, I woke up before 5:00 AM. Trust me, it’s worth it.
The sunrise boat ride on the Ganges is something I’ll never forget. The early light, the golden water, the silhouettes of temples and ghats — it felt like the city was being born again in front of me.
You float past:
– Manikarnika Ghat – The main cremation ghat where funeral pyres burn 24/7. It’s intense and confronting, but also deeply moving.
– Panchganga Ghat – Where five holy rivers are believed to meet.
– Assi Ghat – Quieter, perfect for yoga and morning tea.
After the boat ride, I had breakfast (Banarasi kachori-sabzi and jalebi!), then headed out to explore the city’s spiritual heart.
Must-visit Temples & Sites:
– Kashi Vishwanath Temple – One of the holiest Shiva temples in India. Security is tight, and only Hindus are allowed into the sanctum. Still, standing outside and watching the devotees is powerful.
– Annapurna Temple – Right next door, dedicated to the goddess of food and nourishment.
– Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – Said to fulfill wishes and protect from troubles.
– Tulsi Manas Temple – Where the epic Ramcharitmanas was written by Goswami Tulsidas.
– Bharat Mata Temple – Uniquely dedicated to Mother India, featuring a marble map of undivided India.
In the afternoon, I wandered through the narrow lanes of the old city, stopping for Banarasi chai in tiny clay cups, picking up handmade incense, and watching weavers create beautiful Banarasi silk sarees — a tradition passed down for generations.
Day 3: Peaceful Sarnath – Walking in the Buddha’s Footsteps
On my third day, I took a short 30-minute drive to Sarnath — and the contrast with Varanasi couldn’t have been greater. After the noise and energy of Kashi, Sarnath was quiet, green, and peaceful.
This is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The moment you step into this sacred place, you can feel a deep calm settle over you.
Key Sarnath Attractions:
– Dhamek Stupa – A massive cylindrical structure marking the exact spot of the first sermon. Standing there gave me goosebumps.
– Mulagandha Kuti Vihara – A modern Buddhist temple with stunning murals and a Bodhi Tree planted from the original in Bodh Gaya.
– Chaukhandi Stupa – Believed to be where Buddha met his first disciples.
– Sarnath Archaeological Museum – Home to the Ashokan Lion Capital, which is now India’s national emblem. Also filled with beautiful statues of Buddha.
– International Buddhist Temples – I visited the Thai, Japanese, and Tibetan monasteries — each with its own architecture and peaceful vibe.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush Sarnath. Sit under a tree, meditate, or just be still. It’s the kind of place that gives more the longer you stay.
I returned to Varanasi in the evening for one last stroll by the Ganges. Watching the sunset over the water, I realized this trip wasn’t just a tour — it was a spiritual recharge.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary Recap
Day 1: Arrival – Evening Ganga Aarti
Day 2: Sunrise boat ride – Temple tour – Explore local markets and weaving lanes
Day 3: Day trip to Sarnath – Return to Varanasi – Departure or extra night stay
Food You Must Try in Varanasi
– Kachori-Sabzi with Jalebi – A classic breakfast combo
– Banarasi Chaat – Tangy, spicy, unforgettable!
– Malaiyyo (in winter) – A frothy milk dessert that melts in your mouth
– Lassi & Thandai – Cool, sweet, and refreshing
– Banarasi Paan – A sweet paan to end every meal
Where to Stay in Varanasi?
– Budget: Zostel, Ganga Fuji Home, Ganpati Guest House (amazing river view)
– Mid-range: Hotel Ganges Grand, Dwivedi Hotels, Brijrama Palace (heritage property on the ghats)
– Luxury: Taj Nadesar Palace, Radisson Hotel, Ramada Plaza
Getting There?
– By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (about 25 km from city center)
– By Train: Varanasi Junction or Banaras Station, well connected to major cities
– By Road: Direct buses or taxis from Lucknow, Allahabad, Patna, and Bodh Gaya
Hello India Tour provides all the transport and Tour packages, You can also book your customized Tour.
Final Thoughts
Varanasi makes you question, feel, and surrender. Sarnath makes you reflect, breathe, and heal. Together, they offer something that very few destinations can — a journey into both the outer world and your inner self.
It’s not just a tour — it’s a pilgrimage. A chance to walk where sages walked, to watch life and death side by side, and to discover a stillness that somehow exists in the middle of one of India’s most chaotic cities.
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