Manduadih to Sarnath

We started our journey from Delhi on 19th Feb. Our Train Shiv Ganga Expres, which has its new name Mun-NDLS Covid Special left New Delhi station at 8:05pm. AS we know we will reach Manduadih which is approx 4.8Km from Varanashi at about 6:20pm. So we went to sleep at about 10:00pm. The night journey was peaceful.

20th Feb: However our train was 1 hour late. So we reached Manduadih approx 7:45am. outside the station, We took a toto rickshaw to reach Godaulia, which is the nearest chowk to Dashashamedh Ghat. Toto charged us Rs.25/- After reaching Gaudulia, we asked about the location of Jaipuria Dharamshala. Though it sounds like a Dharamshala, it is more or less similar to Hotel. Room rent was also higher side. It is within walking distance from Godowila chowk.

After formalities, we check in the room. There was 24hrs check-in system. we get to know that they provide lodging to a single woman also after providing an ID card. Sometimes they perform background checks by calling the respective person's home.

Quickly We took bath & went outside for breakfast. We know the Kachori is famous in Varanashi. So we ordered Kachuri from some neer by the sweet shop. However, it was the okay-ok type, not so good. In the meantime, our two friends also join us. We then tasted the RaajBhog (A bigger version of Rasgulla & KheerMohan) Both are also ok type.

Then We decided to visit Sarnath & took an auto. It was a reserved auto that took Rs. 350/-. The auto gives us the first stop near a Thai Temple. It was a large park containing a large sculpture of Lord Buddha. Then We found the Dhamek stupa is 100mtr away.

We walked to that Stupa. There is an "online" ticket provision only. The online site is not up to the mark. We tried multiple times to book the ticket & every time it was halt after a certain page. After trying multiple times, we were able to book the ticket. It took rs. 20/- per head. Friday the nearby museum is closed. Anyway, the park was an awesome place. At the end of the park, the Dhamek Stupa is situated. The architecture was awesome. It is worth visiting the place. On our way back we also see the -------.

At about 3:00pm we came back to Gaudilia chowk again. As we did not do our lunch, so we thought to eat something. After walking 10mtr, we found the famous "Kashi Chat Bhandar". On the Internet, everyone recommended this chat shop. So we entered the shop. They suggest us to take 4 different chat which is their signature.

We took "Aaloo chat", "Tomato Chat","palak chat","panipuri" & "poha" type chat(I can't remember the exact name). All are good. 

After eating the snacks, we decided to go to BHU( Banaras Hindu University). So we took a toto again (charged Rs. 15/- per head). The Kala Bhavan was closed, So we just visited the New Viswanath Mandir. Though everyone praised the temple, it is not so good. This is a large temple similar to the existing Viswanath temple.

After reaching Gaudila, we decided to visit the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat. It was approx 5:45pm. From Gaudilia Chowk it is only 500-700mtr. we started walking. After reaching the ghat, we were happy. The Ganga was not so wide, we can view the other side of the river. There were lots of boats. The boat drivers asked to ride their boat. When we reach there, it seems like we are sweet & lots of boat drivers covered us to opt for their service. We knew to cover the popular ghats it will take approx 1hrs, & today it will be daylight would be gone within 20-30 mints. So we decided not to opt Boat ride. We just soaked the beauty from the ghat & waiting for the famous Ganga aarti. 

Approx 6:30pm, the aarti was started. This was an awesome experience. I am not a religious person, but it really touched me.

It was a half an hour event. So it was completed at 7:10pm. After that, we just roam there for some time. Then we decided to back to our room.         

In this hotel, there is fooding option also. It charged Rs. 200/- and only the Thali option is available. Thali contains all veg dishes & it is unlimited. We decided to opt for this.

The food quality & quantity was good. However, it is good for foddies who can eat lots same like buffet option in hotel. Otherwise, it is a loss as we will not able to consume the amount. Also, there is no share option. Just for information, they provide lots of ghee in their roti & rice.

After our dinner, we again roam for some more time. We decided to visit the Viswanath temple as it was approx 9:30 pm. So we expected there would be very few people.

But when we reached near the temple area, we were shocked. There was a long queue. We postpone the visit to the temple & thought we would visit tomorrow sometime.

We come back room for sleep.