VARANASI PRE TOUR 2 NIGHTS

Namaste and welcome to Varanasi, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India. From the rituals performed on the banks of the River Ganges to the narrow alleyways and local vendors in the Old City, Varanasi, (or Benares or Kashi as it is also known) promises an unforgettable experience. An important city for both Hindus and Buddhists, discover the significance to both these religions during your time in the city. Receive a warm Pandaw welcome and transfer privately to your hotel.

Spend the rest of the day easing into your accommodation, or step outside and explore the surrounding area.

Meals: none
Accommodation: Tree of Life Resort & Spa

Unpeel the layers of this amazing city with a choice of experiences that suit your interests.

Varanasi History
Following breakfast, you will be driven to the Ramnagar Fort, which was built in 1750 by the king of Benares Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh, Fort. Located on the eastern bank of the River Ganges, the fort was built in Mughal style and houses a museum and temple. The current king still resides in part of the fort. Later visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU), which was the brainchild of the Madan Mohan Malaviya was a politician and two-time president of the Indian National Congress, who has a significant role in India’s independence. The campus has sprawling gardens and libraries. Later return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Visit an Ashram
Varanasi being a religious city, many Widow Houses have been constructed by philanthropists, NGOs and the government to give shelter to older widows. The Widow Ashram is one such place that provides widow’s shelter before they die as it is believed that one who dies in Varanasi gets salvation. Spend time in the ashram and have an opportunity to interact and will understand their life.

Street Food Walk
Street food depicts the true essence of a city's culture and cuisine, for their distinct flavours and complicated recipes. Walk through the by lanes to some of the best local food places tasting some of the more unusual snacks available in the city including Malaiyo, Tamatar Chaat, Kalakand, Malai Toast, Maalpuas, Gol-Gappa, Banarasi Paan and much more!

Weaver's Colony
Varanasi is a famous centre for weaving and a visit to the weaver’s colony is a unique opportunity to meet the artisans at work. Walk through the colony to know about the life of the weavers and the process of hand-weaving of the famous silk brocades and Banarasi sari. Step inside a number of private residences of the weavers and get an opportunity to interact with them.

Return to your hotel where the afternoon is at leisure. You may choose to indulge in a relaxing spa treatment or take a tuk tuk to the river’s edge and sit down and soak in the atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tree of Life Resort & Spa

Following breakfast, head to the meeting point hotel to complete registration, meet your guide and begin your Pandaw adventure.

Meals: Breakfast