Vigorating Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh

Starts: from Varanasi

Ends: at Varanasi

Group Type: Mixed Gender

Dates

Start: 26 Jan, 1:15 PM

End: 29 Jan, 11 AM

~~₹ 26000~~

₹ 25000

About the Tour

Varanasi tour exposes tourists to too many emotions in a very short span of time. You experience the grandeur of spirituality during Ganga Aarti, the beautiful sunrises during a morning boat ride, and you also witness the life and death rituals at the same time. A trip like this is bound to awaken an inner transformational journey while appreciating the life!

Varanasi, blessed with the presence of the mighty river Ganga flowing seamlessly through its banks, is the spiritual capital of India. Previously known as Banaras or Kashi, the city is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. It’s a magical place full of secrets and surprises. The Ganga Aarti, which takes place every sunset, is a visual treat, transcending to spiritual tranquility. The oil lamps lit across the river banks, and the chanting of the holy mantras cast a spell on your soul. Thousands of pilgrims throng on the banks of the river every year since the Hindus believe that a dip in this holy river atones you for all your sins. It’s a miraculous and colorful place which will tuck your heart with the sacredness and spiritual fulfillment, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. The most intimate rituals of life and death take place in the open here.

It has a flourishing trade, and the exquisite Banarasi Sarees are a must in every Indian woman’s closet. Varanasi is also known for its sweets and famous Banarasi paan (betel leaf). Both are very dear to the traditional people.

Just a few miles away from Varanasi, Sarnath is located which is the revered place for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains. Lord Buddha delivered his first sermons to his five disciples in Sarnath in 528 B.C., after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. Sarnath is one of the key sites on the Buddhist circuit along with Bodhgaya, Kushinagar, Vaishali, and Lumbini.

Trip Highlights

1. Ganga Aarti

Ganga is Mother Goddess and a Holy river for Hindus. Every evening, Ganga Aarti is performed by a group of saffron-clad Hindu priests standing in a row while facing the river. It starts with loud mantras, blowing of conches, followed by lighting lamps and circling them in a clockwise manner while singing the songs in praise of Mother Ganga.

2. Subah-e-Benaras

Subah-e-Banaras’ is a spiritual and a cultural extravaganza that you get to witness at no other spiritual place in India. It takes place at Assi Ghat and begins before sunrise with one-hour yoga session followed by two-hour music recital and a yagya. The view of the sunrise in the backdrop makes the whole experience even more mesmerizing.

3. Morning Boat Ride

Witnessing the sun rising over water horizon while taking a ride in the rowing boat along the holy river Ganga is a quintessential Varanasi experience. The early morning sunlight is invigorating and the reflection of the sun looks captivating in the river. The boat crosses many ghats and gives us a chance to observe many puja rituals unfolding before us.

4. Manikarnika Ghat

A very famous story in Hindu mythology which is about the self-sacrifice of Mata Sati makes Manikarnika Ghat be one of the holiest ghats alongside the river Ganga. It’s a burning ghat as it is believed that if a dead are cremated here, its soul finds salvation.

5. Panchganga Ghat

Panchganga Ghat is named so because it is believed to be built on the confluence of five holy rivers namely, Ganges, Saraswati, Dhupapapa, Yamuna, and Kirna. Out of these five, only Ganga remains visible and the other four are said to have disappeared in the ground.

6. Laxmi Chai

Laxmi Chai is a local eatery and one of the oldest tea shops in Varanasi. The owner, Laxmi, has been running the business for more than five decades. It’s a sin for chai lovers to leave Varanasi without having Laxmi’s tea and malai toast.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has been constructed and destroyed many times in the history. The current structure was built by Maratha ruler Ahilya Bai Holkar in the 17th century. The temple also has a great mythological meaning associated with it.

8. Temples of Varanasi

Varanasi is home to some of the most revered Hindu temples and it’s indeed quite peaceful to visit those temples. During this trip, along with the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, we’ll also visit Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan, Tulsi Manas, Annapurna Temple, and Kaal Bhairav Temple.

9. Varanasi Street Food

Varanasi food is the connoisseur’s delight and it’s bound to explode your taste buds. The best way to experience the flavours of Varanasi is to do a street food walk and get surprised by its uniqueness. Tamatar chaat (tomato chat) is the one that you may have never heard of until you visit Varanasi, and the crunchiness of Kachori-Sabzi would never want you to stop eating. There are many more snacks such as Choora Matar, Chana chats, Jalebi, Dahi Chutney Wale Gol Gappe, Malaiyyo, Chena Dahi Vada, etc that would make you want to relish these flavours everyday. Most of the items are served in earthen pots that doesn’t only adds to the presentation of the food, but also enhances the flavours.

10. Banarasi Sarees

Banarasi Sarees are a must-have in any woman’s wardrobe and they have been passed from one generation to another.No doubt that these are the finest sarees in India as their beauty and elegance are next to none. In Spite of technology being in trend, Varanasi artists still use hand-weaving techniques to create the most intricate patterns and motifs with gold and silver threads on fine silk. The thread work done on silk from gold and silver is known as zari or brocade. We will spend some time understanding how Banarasi sarees are weaved, the challenges, and how to identify them.

11. Sarnath

As mentioned earlier that after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermons to his five disciples in Sarnath. We are going to visit Dhamek Stupa and a few more sites in Sarnath that tell its history, the associated rulers, and the story of Buddhism. We will understand how a Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk named Dharmapala revived Sarnath from its dilapidated condition to a town of shrines and temples.

12. Unforgettable social experience

Our small group size ensures a personal touch and our group leaders make sure to bond the entire group like long-lost friends. Hence, along with an amazing travel experience, you are in for great social bonding.

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi | Absorbing the vibes of Varanasi

The trip starts from Varanasi Airport/Railway Station

Pick-up Schedule:

1. 1:15 PM – Varanasi Airport (land latest by 1 PM for this pickup)
2. 2:15 PM – Varanasi Railway Station (arrive at railway station latest by 2 PM)

Note:

If you feel that flights from your city to Varanasi are expensive, then you can consider taking the Vande Bharat Express from Delhi to Varanasi. We can assist with that.

Group Introduction & orientation after pickup
Arrival at the hotel, check-in and freshen up
Lunch (cost excluded, feel free to order Ala Carte in the hotel’s restaurant)
Ganga Aarti Experience (Dashashwamedh Ghat)
Dinner (as street food experience)

overnight stay in a 4-star hotel

Day 2: Varanasi & Sarnath Exploration

Early Morning Ganga Aarti (Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat)
Boat ride with sunrise in Ganga
Varanasi Temple Tour (Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan, Tulsi Manas)
Drive through Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Breakfast
Rest time in the hotel until Lunch
Lunch
Sarnath City Tour
Dinner (cost excluded)

overnight stay in a 4-star hotel

Day 3: The Grand Varanasi Temple Tour & Shopping

Wake up early
Kashi Vishwanath Temple (VIP Darshan)
Annapurna Temple & Kaal Bhairav Temple
Laxmi Chai (Chai & Toast)
Back to hotel
Breakfast
rest until Lunch
Lunch
Silk Saree Workshop Visit & Shopping
Dinner (cost excluded)

overnight stay in a 4-star hotel

Day 4: Departure Day from Varanasi

Breakfast
Check-out
Airport Drop (latest by 11 AM)
Railway Station drop (latest by 12 PM)

Trip Ends

Important Information

Ex-Varanasi (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

26000 INR per person to/from Varanasi (regular tariff)

24500 INR per person if you book from the first five seats

After the first 5 seats,

25000 INR if you but book from 6-10 slot

25500 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

25500 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 26000 INR

Please note that 5% GST would be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please contact below:
WhatsApp/ Call: 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

Note:

Please note that if Transforming Travels isn’t able to execute the trip because of any covid regulations that directly affect the itinerary, then we will either reschedule the trip, refund, or give you the credit for the amount you paid, but your money won’t be lost at all. As it’s subjective to the situation, we will also take a call as per the situation.

All transport from Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Airport in an AC vehicle as per the itinerary
Stay in a hotel for three nights on twin sharing basis (4-star hotel)
Day 1: Dinner (as street food)
Day 2: Breakfast, and Lunch
Day 3: Breakfast, and Lunch
Day 4: Breakfast
Chai Toast at Laxmi chai
Morning Boat ride in Ganga
Evening Boat ride in Ganga
Balcony seating during evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Kashi Vishwanath VIP Darshan
All entrance tickets
Cost of the local guide
A 24/7 highly professional and friendly group leader (male/female) throughout the tour

Cost of flight/ train/bus travel from your native city to/from Varanasi
All the meals not listed in the Inclusions
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 24 people along with a group leader and a minimum of 5 people along with a group leader.
Please note that the hotel rooms may differ slightly from each other in terms of shape, size & view. Since you are traveling with the group, please be mentally prepared.
Please note that if you are booking this trip, you need to be flexible with the type of bedding in the rooms. It could be a double bed or a twin bed. We try our best to meet everyone’s requirements but availability becomes an issue in all hotels. Hope you understand the same. We won’t be able to entertain any twin/double bed-related issues during the trip.

Sanitizer & Masks (please carry a backup mask too in case you lose one)
A mix of Winter & Summer Clothes
Bright-colored clothes for good pictures
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Flip Flops for the hotel
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Refillable Water Bottle
Energy bars/snacks/ dry fruits for munching
Any prescribed medication
A small day pack
Identity proof
POSITIVE ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM & SMILES!

60 days before the trip: 90% refund
59-41 days before the trip: 70% refund
40-31 days before the trip: 40% refund
30-21 days before the trip: 20% refund
Less than or equal to 20 days before the trip: No Refund

The cancellation policy is calculated on the total trip tariff, not on the token amount.

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour. Although, we encourage participants to shuffle seats with each other during the journey to support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
At the backend, we would also be conducting the temperature check of our driver, group leader, and guide.
Our accommodation partners sanitize the rooms and attached bathrooms before check-in. Common areas are sanitized on regular basis.
Temperature check is conducted for housekeeping and kitchen staff members every day by our accommodation partners.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.
Outstation participants are advised to keep a good amount of buffer time while booking their flights/trains. Please keep as much buffer time as you can. Still, if someone misses their flight/train because of any unpredictable circumstances then Transforming Travels won’t be liable.

Important Information

Cost

Ex-Varanasi (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

26000 INR per person to/from Varanasi (regular tariff)

24500 INR per person if you book from the first five seats

After the first 5 seats,

25000 INR if you but book from 6-10 slot

25500 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

25500 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 26000 INR

Please note that 5% GST would be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please contact below:
WhatsApp/ Call: 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

Note:

Inclusions

All transport from Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Airport in an AC vehicle as per the itinerary
Stay in a hotel for three nights on twin sharing basis (4-star hotel)
Day 1: Dinner (as street food)
Day 2: Breakfast, and Lunch
Day 3: Breakfast, and Lunch
Day 4: Breakfast
Chai Toast at Laxmi chai
Morning Boat ride in Ganga
Evening Boat ride in Ganga
Balcony seating during evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Kashi Vishwanath VIP Darshan
All entrance tickets
Cost of the local guide
A 24/7 highly professional and friendly group leader (male/female) throughout the tour

Exclusions

Cost of flight/ train/bus travel from your native city to/from Varanasi
All the meals not listed in the Inclusions
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

Basic Info

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 24 people along with a group leader and a minimum of 5 people along with a group leader.
Please note that the hotel rooms may differ slightly from each other in terms of shape, size & view. Since you are traveling with the group, please be mentally prepared.
Please note that if you are booking this trip, you need to be flexible with the type of bedding in the rooms. It could be a double bed or a twin bed. We try our best to meet everyone’s requirements but availability becomes an issue in all hotels. Hope you understand the same. We won’t be able to entertain any twin/double bed-related issues during the trip.

Packing List

Sanitizer & Masks (please carry a backup mask too in case you lose one)
A mix of Winter & Summer Clothes
Bright-colored clothes for good pictures
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Flip Flops for the hotel
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Refillable Water Bottle
Energy bars/snacks/ dry fruits for munching
Any prescribed medication
A small day-pack
Identity proof
POSITIVE ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM & SMILES!

Cancellation Policy

60 days before the trip: 90% refund
59-41 days before the trip: 70% refund
40-31 days before the trip: 40% refund
30-21 days before the trip: 20% refund
Less than or equal to 20 days before the trip: No Refund

The cancellation policy is calculated on the total trip tariff, not on the token amount.

Terms and Conditions

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour. Although, we encourage participants to shuffle seats with each other during the journey to support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
At the backend, we would also be conducting the temperature check of our driver, group leader, and guide.
Our accommodation partners sanitize the rooms and attached bathrooms before check-in. Common areas are sanitized on regular basis.
Temperature check is conducted for housekeeping and kitchen staff members every day by our accommodation partners.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.
Outstation participants are advised to keep a good amount of buffer time while booking their flights/trains. Please keep as much buffer time as you can. Still, if someone misses their flight/train because of any unpredictable circumstances then Transforming Travels won’t be liable.

Booking/ Query

To book this trip, please Call/ WhatsApp/ Email using the below-mentioned details.

If you have any questions or concerns, then please feel free to contact us using the below-mentioned details. Alternatively, fill this form and our team will get back to you at their earliest.