Destination

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Duration
One Day Tour
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Tour Type
City Tour
Family
Ganga Tour
Temple Tour
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Group Size
Min 2 Max 8
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Tour Guide
1
Varanasi

Varanasi One Day Tour

Our day will start with a mystical boat ride on the Ganges River at sunrise. We’ll see people offering prayers to the Sun God and devotees taking a holy bath in the river. The boat tour will take us past all the famous Ghats of Varanasi, and then we’ll return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a “Temple Tour” that includes visits to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Bharat Mata Temple, the Sankat Mochan Temple (dedicated to Hanuman), the Manas Mandir, and the BHU (Banaras Hindu University).

In the afternoon, we’ll take a trip to Sarnath, the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. There, we’ll see the Buddha temples, the Dhamekha stupa, the Chaukhandi stupa, and the Archaeological Museum. After that, we’ll return to the hotel.

In the evening, we’ll have the opportunity to experience the Ganga Aarti, a beautiful Hindu ceremony performed on the banks of the Ganges River. We’ll witness the spiritual atmosphere of the Ghats and enjoy the Aarti ceremony from a special vantage point. After this experience, you can head back to the hotel for the night.

INCLUDE

  • A knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide: Someone to explain everything and answer your questions.
  • An air-conditioned vehicle: To keep you comfortable during your travels.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off: No need to worry about transportation to and from your hotel.
  • Coffee or tea: A refreshing drink to start your day.
  • Bottled water: To stay hydrated throughout the tour.
  • A 1.5-hour sunrise boat ride on the Ganges: Witness the mystical experience firsthand.
  • Gratuities are not included: Tipping your guide is optional, based on your satisfaction.

Details

Embark on a Mystical Sunrise Boat Ride in Varanasi

  • Early morning pickup: We'll pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 AM.
  • Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges: Witness the mystical beauty of the Ganges River as the sun rises.
  • Observe spiritual rituals: See people offer prayers to the Sun God and devotees taking a holy bath.
  • Heritage walk: Explore the narrow lanes of the oldest part of Varanasi.
  • Discover local treasures: Find popular street food, perfume shops, traditional Ayurveda oil markets, and more.
  • Immerse yourself in culture: Experience the unique blend of mystical and spiritual sights in Varanasi.

Explore Sarnath, the Birthplace of Buddhism

After breakfast, get ready for a trip to Sarnath, a sacred site located just 13 kilometers from Varanasi. Sarnath holds immense significance for Buddhists as it's the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, marking the beginning of Buddhism. The site gained further importance when Emperor Ashoka, a renowned Buddhist emperor, erected several stupas and monuments to promote the religion. Here, you'll witness breathtaking Buddhist monuments like the Dhamekha Stupa, the Dharmarajika Stupa, and the Chaukhandi Stupa, alongside monasteries. Don't miss the beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka, featuring intricate carvings of various animals and birds, a captivating sight that remains a national symbol of India. This excursion to Sarnath offers a chance to delve into the rich history and spiritual significance of Buddhism in the place where it all began.

Explore the Ancient City of Varanasi

After visiting Sarnath, we'll embark on a city tour of Varanasi.
  • Riverside walk:Drive to the riverside and enter one of the oldest streets for a guided walking tour.
  • Immerse in history:Explore the ancient city's narrow alleys, sacred temples, and witness the traditional lifestyles of its residents.
  • Walking tour:Every step promises new discoveries - captivating scenery, hidden gems, and opportunities to learn from your knowledgeable guide.
  • Visit iconic landmarks:Amble through the city and visit:
    • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: One of the most sacred Hindu temples.
    • Bharat Mata Temple: Dedicated to Mother India.
    • Shri Annapurna Temple: Dedicated to the goddess of food and nourishment.
    • BHU (Banaras Hindu University):A renowned university.
    • Sankat Mochan Temple: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
    • Ancient mosques: Explore the city's diverse religious heritage.

Witness the Enchanting Ganga Aarti Ceremony

As the day draws to a close, prepare for a truly unforgettable experience. We'll take you to the River Ganges to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a grand evening ritual that begins at 5:00 PM at the Dasashwamedh Ghat. The ceremony:
  • A group of priests, dressed in saffron and white robes, perform the Aarti.
  • They hold lamps, which they wave rhythmically in sync with the sounds of bells, drums, cymbals, and chanting of Sanskrit mantras.
  • The priests offer flowers to the river Ganges and perform an offering of light to the deities.
Significance:
  • Hindus revere the Ganges River as a goddess, and this ceremony is a way to express devotion and gratitude.
  • Witnessing the Aarti is a mesmerizing experience, offering a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual heart of Varanasi.
After the ceremony:
  • We'll return you to your hotel, marking the end of your tour with lasting memories.

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