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Peregrine Travel Centre

Varanasi Homestay Extension

Varanasi Homestay Extension

From $ 440 AUD

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Description

Explore holy Varanasi on an insightful Short Break Adventure – an atmospheric blend of temples, river ghats, and bustling bazaars. Cruise along the Ganges at dawn for a magical experience as the sun rises over groups of pilgrims absolving sins in the river. Explore the city and nearby Sarnath and wander independently through the bright bustle of the backstreets of the city. Visiting Shiva’s city is a must on any visit to India, and this four-day adventure is a perfect addition to your Indian exploration.

Trip Name
Varanasi Homestay Extension
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
4
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Embrace the local rituals and customs at our homestay in Varanasi. Upon arrival, be treated to a home-cooked meal, sharing food and interacting with your warm and welcoming hosts.
  • Spend sunrise cruising along the Ganges, watching Varanasi emerge into a new day, passing the many ghats and temples along the river banks while pilgrims wash themselves in the holy waters.
  • Head out of town to Sarnath and visit the place where Gautama Buddha first began his teachings of the sacred Dharma.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Varanasi
Namaste! The ultimate destination for all Hindu pilgrims, Varanasi is full of temples, shrines, and devotees. Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities and is certainly one of the world's most amazing. Full of devout worshippers, religious icons, and riverside congregations, you know you’re in spiritual territory now. Check-in at your homestay is anytime after midday (12 pm), and it’s recommended you arrive soon after to take part with your host family going about their local customs, preparing food, and eating a delicious home-cooked meal. Varanasi’s charming hospitality extends to your homestay, so be sure to soak it all up.
Day 2 - Varanasi
Set off by cycle rickshaw to visit some of the oldest parts of the city this morning, bustling with tourists and priests. Wander through the Old City with its maze of narrow alleyways packed full of small shops and stalls. See pilgrims bathing in the sacred Ganges River and performing rituals and ceremonies unchanged for hundreds of years. You’ll hear bell towers from temples chime and smell hints of incense all around the city. Spend the evening soaking up the magical atmosphere of a candle flower ceremony – small dishes floating on the river at sunset, creating a shimmering glow to finish off a fascinating day.
Day 3 - Sarnath - Varanasi
Today, set off on another guided city tour in which you will get a chance to visit a centre famous for weaving Benares silk in pit looms. Varanasi is known throughout India as the finest producer of silk and the renowned Banarasi sari. These intricate saris are generally reserved for weddings. Later on, take an excursion to Sarnath – located approximately 12 kilometres from Varanasi and near the intersection of the Ganges and Gomati rivers. Visit the park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish.
Day 4 - Varanasi
Rise early with a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges River. Drift gently along the river and as the sun rises, float past the many ghats and temples along the banks. Watching pilgrims bathing, and this ancient city waking up and greeting the day is one of the unmissable sights of this remarkable country. After the boat ride, transfer back to the hotel where your Short Break will conclude, however that doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Varanasi, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-12-202405-12-2024AUD $ 440-
03-12-202406-12-2024AUD $ 440-
05-12-202408-12-2024AUD $ 440-
07-12-202410-12-2024AUD $ 440-
09-12-202412-12-2024AUD $ 440-
10-12-202413-12-2024AUD $ 440-
12-12-202415-12-2024AUD $ 440-
14-12-202417-12-2024AUD $ 440-
16-12-202419-12-2024AUD $ 440-
17-12-202420-12-2024AUD $ 440-
19-12-202422-12-2024AUD $ 440-
21-12-202424-12-2024AUD $ 440-
23-12-202426-12-2024AUD $ 440-
24-12-202427-12-2024AUD $ 440-
26-12-202429-12-2024AUD $ 440-

Accommodation

Homestay (3 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Cycle rickshaw,Boat

Map

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