NEW TOUR DATES October 3rd – 12th, 2025
This is a journey of self-exploration, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most spiritually significant cities. Varanasi has long been considered a place of profound release — a space where people come to let go of what no longer serves them.
Everyone who joins the tour seems to find exactly what they need. While we’ll be sharing experiences as a group, the city has a way of meeting each visitor in a deeply personal way.
Music will feature throughout the trip, connecting you with the city’s rich artistic heritage. We’ll visit musicians and dancers in their homes, where they will share their craft in an intimate setting — a rare opportunity to witness their lives and art as they’ve been passed down for generations.
We’ll stay south of the city near Assi Ghat, where the early morning Subah-e-Banaras takes place — a peaceful gathering on the riverbank that combines prayer and live classical music. Our hotel offers a sense of calm, yet remains close to the heart of the city’s vibrant life.
We’ll arrange for appropriate attire if needed, as dressing respectfully opens doors to meaningful encounters with locals.
Visits may include renowned musicians, dancers, Vedic scholars, and priests who offer unique insights into Banaras’ way of life. While some may not speak English, they all communicate through the universal language of the heart.
The week will also include visits to both well-known and hidden temples, along with opportunities to experience local cuisine and explore alleyways that reveal daily life in this remarkable city.
If you wish, you may also participate in a local seasonal celebration with local friends who have upheld the traditions for centuries. This is not a packaged experience but an authentic encounter with living tradition.
EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:
- Daily yoga (optional)
- Cultural preparation lessons exploring worship, music, and local customs
- Visits to well-known and less-visited temples
- Shopping for Banarasi silk, puja supplies, and deity art
- Walks through the famous alleyways of Varanasi
- Exploring local cuisine and delicacies
- Local interactions with society: scholars, musicians, dancers, astrologers
- A dip in the sacred Ganges (optional)
- Opportunities to meet local holy men and visit less tourist-trodden sacred sites
Please note that walking is an important part of this trip.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Transfers to and from your arrival/departure point
- 9 nights’ accommodation
- Breakfast and lunch
- Private events/ workshops
- All group transport
FURTHER DETAILS:
If you’d like to arrive earlier or stay longer, arrangements can be made.
The nearest airport is Varanasi International Airport (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport).
The nearest major train stations are Varanasi Junction and Moghal Sarai, with some better trains serving the latter.
There is no fixed daily schedule as this allows us to embrace spontaneous opportunities — something Varanasi has a special way of offering.
If you have further travel plans within India, I’m happy to offer guidance.
Click the link to get a little of the vibe: BanaRas~by Natasha Nandini
Full itinerary is included here.
