Varanasi, also called Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities and a sacred site for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Located on a sedimentary escarpment along the Ganga River, it was historically bounded by the tributaries Varuna and Assi. Old areas like Pakka Mahal sit atop ancient layers. Nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, features monuments such as the Dhamek Stupa and the Ashoka Pillar. The humid subtropical climate features cool, dry winters with fog, which supports urban flora, migratory waterbirds, and endangered Ganga Dolphins. Varanasi has flourished for more than 5,000 years, benefiting from its geological stability, which has fostered its rich ecological and spiritual traditions.

This trip includes: (1) Travel Lucknow-Varanasi-Lucknow, (2) Food - Dinner and supper for 30th, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner for 31-01-2027; (3) Shared Lodging for 30-01-2027 night, relevant tickets, field assistants, etc.

The itinerary for the trip includes: Lucknow-Varanasi travel by Train and Dinner, Night Walk through Pakka Mahal (oldest area of the city) and a stay on the Ghats, Sunrise on the Ganga and breakfast, Morning walk through Pakka Mahal and Ghats, Boating to all the Varanasi Ghats with explanations of Geoarchaeological evolutions, Sarnath trip, including the archaeological site and museum, with local shopping, Return by Road and dinner. There is an optional shopping possibility in Varanasi for people who agree to leave Lucknow earlier on the 30th.

More details, including the itinerary, will be in the trip flyer, which should be available soon on the INQUA website.