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Banarasi Tana Bana

A 4D/3N trip to the timeless city of Banaras

There are few cities in the world of greater antiquity than Banaras truly reflecting the Indian ethos of "Atithi Devo Bhava" after all this ancient city has always embraced a culture of intellectual debate and embraced the diversity of Hinduism, Islam, Bhakti and Sufism. It has welcomed with open arms mystics artisans musicians and people of all colour and race. And through this warm embrace has also imbibed a diverse array of culture music and cuisines.

Banaras


Starts: From Banaras

Ends: At Banaras

Group size: 10-12

Group Type: All age and gender

Dates


19-22 Dec' 2024

BOOKINGS OPEN!


Charges


₹38,300
Group discount and loyalty discount
as applicable.

About The Tour


“What always fascinates me is how the people always seem to step into their own time warp. Each ritual in Varanasi is almost a festival of samridhi and samigri. And the pathways with their narrow galis and steps leading to top stories as steep as a ladder, the staircases is itself a story.” – Raghu Rai

Banaras, also known as Varanasi or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, a city where spirituality, culture, and daily life intertwine in a rich mosaic. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, Banaras is considered the spiritual capital of India and holds immense significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Its sacred ghats, historic temples, and vibrant streets make it a unique and enduring symbol of India’s cultural heritage.
The ghats of Varanasi are the beating heart of the city. These stepped embankments lead down to the holy Ganges, where daily life and rituals unfold with a rhythm that has persisted for centuries. At dawn, the ghats come alive as pilgrims and locals alike perform the ritual of taking a dip in the river, believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul.

And while Banaras is the city of Bhole Baba, Lord Shiva, it is also the birthplace of Kabir, the 15th-century mystic poet and saint whose teachings continue to inspire people across the world. Kabir was known for his outspoken criticism of religious orthodoxy, whether Hindu or Muslim, advocating instead for a direct, personal experience of the divine. His dohas (couplets) are celebrated for their profound simplicity and deep spiritual insight, emphasizing the importance of love, humility, and unity.
And in Kashi, all these philosophies live and thrive together..
The Brown Ticket experiences invite you to this great city, "Kashi", a city located on the northern shores of the Holy Ganga bounded by the streams of Varna and Asi two Ganga tributaries forming the city's borders to experience one of our typical in-depth experiential and culturally-vibrant expeditions!

Trip highlights



Culture & Food Walk

Culture & Food Walk

Explore on foot the colorful markets, ancient buildings and alleys, and a few unique places of worship of the city. And spice it up with famous street food delights of Banaras led by our local expert. The thandais, the chats, the bhang, the pedas and top it up with the famous Banarasi paan - the streets of old Banaras are laced with food joints that you just can’t resist.! Savour them all with us.

Ganga Arti @ Ghats

Ganga Arti @ Ghats

The Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is a mesmerising ritual held every evening at the ghats. Priests perform the aarti with large oil lamps, accompanied by chants, bells, and music. Devotees and tourists gather to witness this spiritual spectacle, honoring the sacred Ganges River and Hindu deities. Enjoy this spectacle with reserved seats from a vantage point.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

It is one of the most revered shrines in the Hindu religion, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kashi is believed to be ruled by Lord Shiva, and every local Banarasi will address him as “Baba”, meaning The Father. Situated on the banks of the Ganges, it symbolises spiritual enlightenment. Pilgrims flock to the temple for blessings, believing a visit to Kashi and the temple grants moksha, or freedom from the Cycle of Re-birth as Hindus believe.

Kabir Chaura/Matth

Kabir Chaura/Matth

Kabir Chaura is a revered place, an Ashram/Matth associated with the 15th-century mystic poet-saint Kabir. It was his home and a hub for his spiritual teachings, promoting unity and harmony beyond religious boundaries. And such is the aura of the place, that surrounding the Matth, is the settlement of Banaras Gharana Musicians, umpteen numbers of whom have been Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardees!

Sunrise boat ride

Sunrise Boat Ride

A city, especially Banaras of ancient vintage is a remarkable experience at dawn, and a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi offers the ultimate serene and spiritual experience as the city awakens. Gliding along the Ganges River, witness the golden hues of dawn, and religious morning rituals, a practice as ancient as time. The peaceful atmosphere, and the tales of the city's deep antiquity, creates unforgettable moments of tranquility!

BHU

BHU

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, has been a prestigious academic and cultural institution in Varanasi. It offers diverse disciplines and fosters holistic growth. Its Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, established in 1920, houses a remarkable collection of Indian art, sculptures, and artefacts, preserving India’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.

Kabir evening on the Ganges

Kabir Evening on the Ganges

Kabir is best absorbed when sung! We invite a group of singers who specialise in Kabir Vaani, to make our final evening memorable. Our singers embrace the Ektara (Single string musical instrument) equally well as they embrace the Guitar, and the evening is made magical with their melodious voice rendering the Kabir Sakhiyan. The venue? Aah the luxury of a Bajda (a double decker boat), floating on the Ganges, amidst the perfect winter sunset!

Sarnath

Sarnath

Sarnath, located 15 kms from Varanasi, is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Known as the "Deer Park," it houses the Dhamekh Stupa, Ashokan Pillars and Edicts, and ancient monasteries. Sarnath symbolises the birth of Buddhism, and as you walk you get a sense of the Buddhist way of life, culture and some basics of its theological principles.

Banarsi weavers

Banarasi Weavers

Banarasi weavers, renowned for their craftsmanship, create exquisite Banarasi silk sarees, a symbol of luxury and tradition. Passed down through generations in Varanasi, their intricate weaving techniques involve delicate gold and silver threads, floral patterns, and Mughal-inspired motifs. Despite facing challenges from modern industry, these artisans continue to preserve their rich cultural heritage and skills.

Night Walk

Banaras By Night

A night walk in any city is seeing it, literally in a different light! While a night walk in Banaras is more so; a mystical, serene, & mysterious experience! The ghats are quiet, flickering lamps reflecting on flowing water, distant echoes of late night chants & bells, and the cool breeze creates a tranquil ambience! Exploring hidden alleys, ancient temples, and witnessing the buzzing city winding down offers a deep connection to Kashi!

Trip itinerary




Day 1: Arrive in Varanasi

Arrive in Banaras and reach the hotel by 12 noon.
- Tour brief and introductions over lunch @ hotel.
- North Banaras Walk – City explorations begin in colorful markets, ancient buildings and alleys, and a few unique places of worship.
- Banaras Food Trail – World famous street food delights of Banaras led by our local expert.
- Evening Ganga Arti @ Dasashwamedh Ghat – enjoy the Aarti with reserved seats. Tour.

Overnight in Banaras.

Day 2: Varanasi

- Morning Ghats and Sunrise Boat ride – Experience the surreal mornings of Varanasi, the many temple aartis, visit to an akhada (wrestler’s practice area) and storytelling about the spiritual capital of India....Banaras.
- Visit the world famous University of BHU and its museum, Bharat Kala Bhavan.
- South Banaras walk - As intriguing as the north Banaras walk, we will walk to experience the mish-mash of tales, cultures, religious and spiritual beliefs and the modern Banaras.
- Night jaunt in Banaras – Walk along the ghats and explore this hidden side of the city, when the night lights make the experience even more memorable.

Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 3: Kabir's trail @ Varanasi

- Morning visit to the Kashi Vishwanath temple
- Banarasi Textile Trail – Visit a Banarasi weaver and understand the art of weaving with taana-baana and explore shopping options for the famed Banarasi Silks.
- Kabir Trail – Delve into life-changing philosophies of Kabir, experience the spiritual power of his ashram.
- Cultural and musical evening – A surreal musical evening will unfold on a sunset cruise by the ghats on the River Ganga on Varanasi’s special Bajdas [erstwhile zamindari-style luxury boats) specially-repurposed for us to soak in Kabir Vani as we savour some fingerlicious food, served piping hot on the boat.

Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 4: Sarnath and return

On the trail of Lord Buddha @ Sarnath
– Experience a tranquil morning exploration of Sarnath, the site of the lord’s first public sermon after he attained enlightenment.
- Lunch enroute Banaras.
- Tour ends at 4 pm

Location details


Banaras, also known as Varanasi or Kashi, is located in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, a fertile and densely populated region of northern India. The city's topography is characterized by its location along the crescent-shaped banks of the Ganges River, which plays a central role in its religious and cultural life. The river's ghats, or stepped embankments, are the focal points of the city, where daily rituals, ceremonies, and festivals take place. The city's landscape is a mix of urban sprawl, narrow winding lanes, and ancient temples, with the riverfront ghats providing a picturesque and iconic view.

Varanasi experiences a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers (March to June) are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. The monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rainfall, offering some relief. Winters (November to February) are cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C, making it the best time to visit.

Important Information

Cost

- INR 38,300/- on twin sharing basis.
- Rooms for single occupancy can be arranged for extra 12,000/- per person for 3 nights.
- Credit Cards payment will invite an extra charge of 4%

To make a booking, please send:
WhatsApp/ Call: +91 9810011955 / 9871181775
Email: teamthebrownticket@gmail.com

Inclusions

1. Accommodation on twin-sharing basis at following hotels OR equivalent
- Hotel Ganges View @ Assi Ghat, Banaras
2. All monuments entrance tickets for one visit to the monuments
3. Service of AC tempo traveler/coach for all inter and intra-city travels OR cost of any other travel as part of the itinerary
4. All meals, street foods, special meals as part of the itinerary starting from Day 1 Lunch till Day 4 Lunch
5. Services of Specialised English speaking walk facilitators

Exclusions

- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Pick up /drop from Varanasi airport/railway station.
- Any other optional tour/add-on Any road/air travel costs to and from Varanasi, or any travel insurance fees
- Any expenditure of personal nature like specialized meals not mentioned above, tipping, alcoholic drinks, aerated soft drinks, laundry, telephone calls, travel or shopping expenses etc.
- Anything ordered from room-service at the hotel, including mineral water (other than what’s being offered complimentary by the hotels and by us).
- Any sudden increase in price due to steep hike in fuel cost or for any reason beyond our control like ‘Act of God’, natural calamity, law and order situation, riots etc. and any forced change in itinerary for any unforeseen situation or reason beyond our control.

Packing List

(i) Adequate/suitable winter wear - jacket, woolen cap, gloves and socks etc. Days are usually sunny, however it may get chilly during evening or early morning boat rides.
(ii) Comfortable walking shoes/flip-flops. Banaras is a lot about exploring on foot..
(iii) Your own skin-suitable anti-mosquito repellants / anti-bugs sprays for use there.
(iv) Covid vaccination certificate, preferably downloaded on the phone.
(v) A valid identity plus address proof.
(vi) Any prescribed medication
(vii) Stole/Scarf to cover head during temple/shrine visits.
(viii) Sanitizers and masks

Cancellation Policy

Each booking made and fully paid-up to us, is with the express and unambiguous understanding that you accept the below-mentioned cancellation policy. Cancellation over email to teamthebrownticket@gmail.com will be accepted as per following datelines.
- Less than 2 weeks before – NO REFUND
- 2 weeks before the trip date – 50% REFUND

Terms & Conditions

- If you opt for booking with twin sharing, the allocation done by the organizing team will be final.
- Banaras ghats and alleys require moderate walking of about 4-5 kms every day, including climbing up and down ghat staircases. Please be mindful of the same.
- As this is a group trip, everyone is expected to be cooperative & friendly with the trip co-ordinator & co- travellers for smooth flow of the trip.

bookings/Query



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    Get in touch on the below-mentioned co-ordinates.
  •    +91 9810011955 / +91 9871181775
       teamthebrownticket@gmail.com

Booking Response Form

TheBrownTicket is your ticket to the unseen India. Explore the unexplored and immerse yourself in the enchanting tales and ancient wonders of this captivating nation. This is your gateway to extraordinary experiences in the vibrant tapestry of India from the untouched beauty of majestic Himalayas to the spiritual havens of Varanasi. It's a journey to the soul of India.

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