Adventure in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh!

Varanasi Ghats (Banaras Ghats)

Why Visit?

Adventurous Souls’ Itinerary: Varanasi Ghats

Day 1: Arrival and Dashashwamedh Ghat Exploration

Start your Varanasi adventure by diving straight into the pulsating heart of the city at Dashashwamedh Ghat, renowned for its captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony held at dusk. Arrive in Varanasi by air or train, and take a rickshaw from Varanasi Junction or a pre-booked taxi from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport to reach the ghat. As you navigate your way, absorb the sights and sounds of this ancient city, preparing for an invigorating start.

Evening: Witness the visually stunning Ganga Aarti, where large crowds gather to see the elaborate fire rituals performed by priests in synchrony—a spectacle of deep spiritual and cultural significance. The energy and chants during the Aarti provide a thrilling spiritual upliftment, unexpected in its intensity.

Day 2: Adventure Along the Ghats

Morning: Gear up early and start a walking tour from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat. This stretch covers about 80 ghats, each with its own personality and lore. Assi Ghat, the starting point, buzzes with spiritual and cultural activities. Engage with the locals, or try your hand at yoga by the riverside at dawn.

As you traverse the ghats, enjoy impromptu interactions, observe life by the sacred river, and discover hidden spots. Stop by at Manikarnika Ghat, the primary cremation ghat, which provides intense insight into life, death, and rebirth philosophies unique to Hinduism.

Afternoon: Continue your exploration to the less frequented ghats like Scindhia Ghat, where partially submerged temples offer eerie yet picturesque photo opportunities. Adventure seekers can enjoy a boat ride from here, capturing the panoramic beauty of Varanasi’s riverfront.

Evening: Conclude your day by savoring local delicacies at a riverside café, reflecting on the timeless charm and spiritual ambiance of the ghats.

Day 3: Departure

As your journey ends, take a piece of Varanasi’s age-old mystique with you, enriched and exhilarated by the profound experiences and adventures encountered at each turn of the river.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Sarnath

Why Visit?

Uncover the Spiritual Enigma of Sarnath - A Day Trip Itinerary for Adventure Seekers

Embark on a soul-stirring journey to Sarnath, where tranquility and history converge. Renowned as the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon, Sarnath lies just 10 km northeast of the bustling Varanasi.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration of Dhamek Stupa

Start your day early from Varanasi, easily reachable by a short rickshaw ride or a bus headed for Sarnath from Cantt Railway Station. Begin your exploration at the majestic Dhamek Stupa, a cylindrical tower standing at 43.6 meters, marking the spot of Buddha"s first teachings about the paths to enlightenment. The stupa"s intricate carvings and massive structure are awe-inspiring, making it a perfect spot for some contemplative moments and photography.

Midday: Sarnath Archaeological Museum

A short walk from the Stupa, visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum. Open from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Fridays), it houses a splendid collection of sculptures and artifacts. Don"t miss the Ashoka Pillar, with its four-lion capital — India’s national emblem.

Afternoon: Refresh and Continue to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

Enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the local eateries serving delicious vegetarian dishes. Post lunch, stroll over to the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern temple managed by the Mahabodhi Society. The vibrant frescoes and serene ambiance offer a glimpse into Buddhist practices and art.

Late Afternoon: Visit the Chaukhandi Stupa

Conclude your tour with a visit to Chaukhandi Stupa, an elevated structure surrounded by lush gardens, marking the spot where Buddha reunited with his five disciples. It’s a wonderful place for some quiet reflection or meditation.

Evening: Return to Varanasi

As the sun sets, head back to Varanasi. The journey back is a perfect time to reflect on the spiritual and historical insights gained during your day in Sarnath.

Travel Tips

- Dress conservatively and carry bottled water.

- Be respectful when visiting religious sites.

Delve into the serene and historic landscape of Sarnath, and let the ancient wisdom enrich your adventurous spirit!

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Ganges River (Ganga)

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling journey along the sacred Ganges River, an adventure that combines spiritual awe and raw natural beauty with pulsating activities sure to elevate your adrenaline levels.

Day 1: Varanasi - Sunrise Boat Ride and City Exploration

Start your adventure in Varanasi, India’s spiritual heart. Arrive via Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, accessible from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Early morning, witness the ethereal beauty of the Ganges with a sunrise boat ride - a perfect introduction to the river’s spiritual significance. Watch the ghats come alive with pilgrims performing rituals. After the boat ride, explore the narrow alleys, visit historic temples, and savor local street food.

Day 2: Varanasi - River Rafting and Sandbank Camping

Kick the adventure up a notch with river rafting. Head to the less crowded Rajghat area, where operators like Ganga Adventure offer thrilling river rafting experiences tailored to all skill levels. Afterwards, camp on a secluded sandbank in the middle of the Ganges, under the stars, a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 3: Rishikesh - Yoga and White-Water Rafting

Travel to Rishikesh by either a short flight or an overnight train journey from Varanasi. Famous as the world’s yoga capital, start with an energizing morning yoga session by the riverside. Post-yoga, dive into an exhilarating white-water rafting trip from Shivpuri to Lakshman Jhula, navigating rapids that are both challenging and fun, suitable for adventure seekers.

Day 4: Devprayag - Confluence Visit and Kayaking

Drive to Devprayag, a 2-hour journey from Rishikesh. Witness the sacred confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers, which officially form the Ganges. Here, engage in a serene kayaking session, navigating the calmer waters of the river.

Throughout your journey on the Ganges, you’ll not only quench your thirst for adventure but also immerse in the deep spiritual ethos of India, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

Why Visit?

Embark on a spiritual and adventurous journey to the revered Kashi Vishanath Temple, nestled in the vibrant lanes of Varanasi, one of the world"s oldest inhabited cities. This golden sanctuary, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands as a beacon of faith and history, attracting pilgrims and adventurers alike.

Getting There: Begin your adventure by flying into Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi. From there, take a pre-paid taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the Godaulia area. The temple is accessible only on foot from here, as it"s ensconced within a labyrinth of narrow alleys. Gear up for an exhilarating walk through these bustling passageways, which are an adventure in themselves, filled with colorful shops, sacred cows, and the echoing chants of devotees.

Visiting the Temple: The temple opens its doors at 3:00 AM with the Mangala Aarti, an ethereal experience not to be missed. Attend this early morning ritual to see the temple in its most divine form. Post-Aarti, explore the temple"s architecture, adorned with intricate carvings and gold plating that illuminates under the sun. The main deity here is a Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve throughout India, making this site tremendously sacred.

Interesting Facts: The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, most recently in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. Each stone of the temple has a story to tell, reflective of the resilience and unshakeable faith of the people.

Beyond the Temple: After your temple visit, take a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise, an adventurous way to see the ghats and understand the river"s deep spiritual significance. Later, lose yourself in the chaotic charm of the old city or join a walking tour to further explore the hidden corners of Varanasi.

This adventure to Kashi Vishwanath is not just a visit to a temple but a plunge into the depth of Indian spirituality and ancient culture.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Dashashwamedh Ghat

Kick off your Varanasi adventure by heading straight to the heart of this spiritual city. Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most vibrant and lively ghats of Varanasi, is accessible by a simple rickshaw ride from any part of the city. Check into a riverside guesthouse, then wander down to the ghat to immerse yourself in its pulsating energy.

In the late afternoon, prepare for the spellbinding Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spectacular display of lights, music, and devotion held at sunset. Adventure lovers will revel in the bustling atmosphere, where the air is thick with the scent of incense and the sounds of ringing bells and chants.

Day 2: Boat Ride and Walking Tour

Rise early and hire a rowboat for a sunrise journey along the sacred Ganges. Watch the city wake up while floating past other significant ghats; each has its own story. After the boat tour, embark on a walking tour through the narrow alleys. Visit the nearby Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

In the afternoon, challenge yourself with a visit to the Akhadas (traditional wrestling pits). Witness the ancient art of Indian wrestling and even try a hand at it if you"re feeling bold.

Interesting Facts

- Dashashwamedh Ghat is said to have been created by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva and is among the oldest existing ghats.

- The Ganga Aarti at this ghat is a mesmerizing ritual that uses fire as an offering to the Ganges, which is believed to be the descent of the river from heaven to earth.

Day 3: Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, take one last stroll along the bustling ghat, soaking in the spiritual energy and vibrant life of Varanasi before your departure.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.