Birthday surprise ideas for Varanasi

february · Jul 7th, 2009, 18:16

Hi everyone

I'm looking for advice regarding a good hotel/spa in Varanasi. My boyfriend and I will be there on Sunday 26th June and as its his 30th birthday thought I'd surprise him with a special trip or stay in a nice hotel followed by a slap up meal.

My first thoughts are to organise a day/night in a spa hotel and go out somewhere really special for dinner, or have a meal within the hotel itself if someone can recommend a place where we can enjoy the whole package. I'd prefer not to be running about - I want to plan a relaxing day where I can make a bit of a fuss of him...maybe even organise a little cake for two, have a few drinks, kick back etc.

If anyone has any other ideas or can recommend a hotel/restaurant that would be great. We're not looking for anything 'posh' as such. Just good food and nice hospitality. A memorable start to our stay in Varanasi where we'll no doubt be in lower budget accommodation for the few days after his birthday

Thanks everyone

xx

SitaParityaga · Jul 8th, 2009, 10:20

I was in Varanasi last fall, and I had lunch at the Taj Ganges. Food was great, the accommodations I can't comment on, though it looked to be very comfortable in its 5 star way. Pool. Bar. Not very far from the Ganges.

I didn't stay here because I wanted to be on the river. This was my second trip to Varanasi: first trip I didn't stay on the water, and always felt like I was missing something.

You'll be there a good amount of time. If you stay at the TG, you'll be able to easily break away from the hotel scene and get an autorickshaw down to the river. Lots to see there, anytime of day or night! Get away from the main ghats to hire a boat: cheaper and better rides. Dawn and sunset are best.

You can check around for some budget guest houses along Bengali Tola road while you're still sleeping in the pukka place. Since you're going in the low season, you'll be able to find a great spot there for budget rps. For budget great food, eat at the incredibly tiny Bengali restaurant on Bengali Tola road near the intersection of the road to the main ghat. The thali is not to be missed.

Have a great trip. I love Varanasi, bet you will too.

february · Jul 8th, 2009, 15:18

Thanks Sita - I was reading up on the Taj Ganges last night. We arrive into Varanasi on the 25th so we may stay there on the Sat and ask for a late checkout before staying by the river on the Sun/Mon. I like the sound of overlooking the Ganges...in fact I may look for something that we can enjoy by the river for all 3 nights.

Thanks again I'm really looking forward to Varanasi

Darmabum · Jul 9th, 2009, 00:57

You may look into the Ganges View Hotel, located in the southern part of the city, right on Asi Ghat. A GREAT place to stay, and food is only done with advance notice. But the setting would be ideal: as I mentioned, right on the ghat/above the walkway to the river; the hotel has a second story open patio; the management/owners/service is great. There should be little problem with getting a room at that time - I stayed there for a month in June of 2006 and only several other people stayed during that month; and they have some amazing rooms, very nicely decorated, understated and authentic.

february · Jul 13th, 2009, 03:02

Thanks so much I'll certainly look into this!!!

Darmabum · Jul 13th, 2009, 18:11

Also, in 2006 when I was last there, there was a Kerala spa within a ten minute rickshaw ride from the Ganges View. The spa was located west of Asi, on the road to Lanka. Full, head-to-toe oil massages, etc. My girlfriend went and loved it.

steven_ber · Jul 13th, 2009, 19:11

Pre book his funeral, what a birthday surprise.

february · Jul 15th, 2009, 04:20

Thanks for your help Steven

Darmabum - fab - I think I've pretty much decided on a way forward now I've had so much help. It's tough trying to plan something semi-special when you haven't been in a place (never mind a country) before. So much to think about - v. pleased I found this website!

I'm really excited about the trip - we leave on Tuesday!!!

Jul 7th, 2009, 18:16	#1
february Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Leeds, United Kingdom Posts: 18	Birthday surprise ideas for Varanasi Hi everyone I'm looking for advice regarding a good hotel/spa in Varanasi. My boyfriend and I will be there on Sunday 26th June and as its his 30th birthday thought I'd surprise him with a special trip or stay in a nice hotel followed by a slap up meal. My first thoughts are to organise a day/night in a spa hotel and go out somewhere really special for dinner, or have a meal within the hotel itself if someone can recommend a place where we can enjoy the whole package. I'd prefer not to be running about - I want to plan a relaxing day where I can make a bit of a fuss of him...maybe even organise a little cake for two, have a few drinks, kick back etc. If anyone has any other ideas or can recommend a hotel/restaurant that would be great. We're not looking for anything 'posh' as such. Just good food and nice hospitality. A memorable start to our stay in Varanasi where we'll no doubt be in lower budget accommodation for the few days after his birthday Thanks everyone xx

Jul 9th, 2009, 00:57	#4
Darmabum On the Road, wherever I am Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: in the mountains of Idaho . . . now the red-rock plateau of southern Utah Posts: 1,109	You may look into the Ganges View Hotel, located in the southern part of the city, right on Asi Ghat. A GREAT place to stay, and food is only done with advance notice. But the setting would be ideal: as I mentioned, right on the ghat/above the walkway to the river; the hotel has a second story open patio; the management/owners/service is great. There should be little problem with getting a room at that time - I stayed there for a month in June of 2006 and only several other people stayed during that month; and they have some amazing rooms, very nicely decorated, understated and authentic. __________________ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure - Marianne Williamson

Jul 13th, 2009, 19:11	#7
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: South of England. Posts: 11,566	Pre book his funeral, what a birthday surprise. __________________ . How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions. Train information. RAC & Waitlists explained.

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Jul 8th, 2009, 10:20	#2
SitaParityaga member in the forest Join Date: May 2003 Location: California Posts: 1,145	I was in Varanasi last fall, and I had lunch at the Taj Ganges. Food was great, the accommodations I can't comment on, though it looked to be very comfortable in its 5 star way. Pool. Bar. Not very far from the Ganges. I didn't stay here because I wanted to be on the river. This was my second trip to Varanasi: first trip I didn't stay on the water, and always felt like I was missing something. You'll be there a good amount of time. If you stay at the TG, you'll be able to easily break away from the hotel scene and get an autorickshaw down to the river. Lots to see there, anytime of day or night! Get away from the main ghats to hire a boat: cheaper and better rides. Dawn and sunset are best. You can check around for some budget guest houses along Bengali Tola road while you're still sleeping in the pukka place. Since you're going in the low season, you'll be able to find a great spot there for budget rps. For budget great food, eat at the incredibly tiny Bengali restaurant on Bengali Tola road near the intersection of the road to the main ghat. The thali is not to be missed. Have a great trip. I love Varanasi, bet you will too.

Jul 8th, 2009, 15:18	#3
february Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Leeds, United Kingdom Posts: 18	Thanks Sita - I was reading up on the Taj Ganges last night. We arrive into Varanasi on the 25th so we may stay there on the Sat and ask for a late checkout before staying by the river on the Sun/Mon. I like the sound of overlooking the Ganges...in fact I may look for something that we can enjoy by the river for all 3 nights. Thanks again I'm really looking forward to Varanasi

Jul 13th, 2009, 03:02	#5
february Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Leeds, United Kingdom Posts: 18	Thanks so much I'll certainly look into this!!!

Jul 13th, 2009, 18:11	#6
Darmabum On the Road, wherever I am Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: in the mountains of Idaho . . . now the red-rock plateau of southern Utah Posts: 1,109	Also, in 2006 when I was last there, there was a Kerala spa within a ten minute rickshaw ride from the Ganges View. The spa was located west of Asi, on the road to Lanka. Full, head-to-toe oil massages, etc. My girlfriend went and loved it.

Jul 15th, 2009, 04:20	#8
february Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Leeds, United Kingdom Posts: 18	Thanks for your help Steven Darmabum - fab - I think I've pretty much decided on a way forward now I've had so much help. It's tough trying to plan something semi-special when you haven't been in a place (never mind a country) before. So much to think about - v. pleased I found this website! I'm really excited about the trip - we leave on Tuesday!!!