Arrival from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi - Upon arriving at Varanasi Airport or railway station, you will be greeted by our Company Representative and transferred to your reserved hotel. Please note that our Representative cannot enter the baggage collection area. Kindly proceed towards the terminal building exit, where you will find a Sacred Varanasi Tour Representative holding a paging board with your name on it. After meeting, you will be escorted to the hotel for check-in, followed by a sightseeing tour, including the vibrant and energetic evening aarti ceremony.

Banaras Ghats - The Banaras Ghats, a winding tapestry of ancient stone and sacred rituals, stretch majestically along the holy shores of the Ganges. As dawn’s golden light rises, the ghats become a kaleidoscope of color and devotion, with saffron-clad sadhus, vermillion-smeared temples, and fluttering prayer flags creating an aura of timelessness. The gentle lapping of the river’s clear waters against the ghats’ weathered steps forms a soothing melody, accompanied by the sweet scents of incense and the soft chanting of mantras. As the day gives way to dusk’s warm embrace, the ghats are illuminated by the fiery hues of sunset, casting a mystical spell that invites the soul to surrender to the eternal essence of this revered city.

Ganga Aarti - As dusk’s fiery blade cuts through the horizon, the tranquil waters of the Ganges are set aglow by the golden light of countless diyas, creating a mesmerizing display of devotion and wonder. The Ganga Aarti, a symphony of sacred rituals, unfolds like a celestial ballet, with saffron-robed priests orchestrating a choreographed dance of fire, water, and light. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of incense, the soft chanting of mantras, and the gentle lapping of the river’s waves, as the cosmos converges to honor the sacred Ganges. In this fleeting moment, the boundaries of time and space dissolve, transporting the soul to a realm of transcendental beauty where the divine and the mortal intertwine like the tender shoots of a lotus flower.

Manikarnika Ghat - Manikarnika Ghat, the revered ‘Burning Ghat’, stands as a poignant testament to the eternal cycle of life and death, where the sacred Ganges witnesses the final farewell of mortal souls. Amidst the swirling eddies of the river’s dark waters, the ghat’s ancient stone steps, worn smooth by the whispers of the departed, seem to murmur secrets of the ages. As pyres blaze like fiery beacons, casting a golden glow on the somber faces of the mourners, the air is heavy with the sweet scent of sandalwood, the soft chanting of mantras, and the haunting lament of conch shells. In this sacred space, where the veil between worlds is at its thinnest, the cosmos converges to bid farewell to the departed, reminding the soul of the impermanence that binds us all.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Ganges River - Begin your day with a peaceful Ganges River boat ride at sunrise, departing from the hotel before breakfast. As the first light of dawn touches the horizon, a serene silence envelops the Ganges, and the morning boat ride begins its gentle journey across the sacred waters. The wooden hull glides effortlessly, leaving ripples of liquid silver in its wake, as the city awakens from its slumber. Soft pink and amber hues dance across the sky, casting a warm glow on the river’s glassy surface, where lotus flowers bloom like celestial jewels. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of incense and the soft chanting of mantras, as the boat navigates through the misty veil, transporting the soul to a realm of profound tranquility. In this fleeting moment, the boundaries of time and space dissolve, and the essence of the divine converges with the mortal, creating an unforgettable symphony of light, sound, and spirit.

Dashashwamedh Ghat - As the golden light of dawn rises, Dashashwamedh Ghat Road awakens, its winding path unfurling like a sacred thread through the heart of Varanasi. The venerable Banaras Hindu University (BHU), a modern citadel of learning, stands alongside the ancient Vishwanath Temple, its gilded spire piercing the sky like a shard of divine light. Nearby, the Mother India Temple, a poignant tribute to the nation’s maternal spirit, shines like a beacon of patriotism, while the Durga Temple, a vibrant testament to the goddess’s fierce splendor, radiates an aura of mystique and wonder. Meanwhile, in the winding alleys and bustling markets, the soft rustle of Taana Baana handlooms weaves a sonic spell, as artisans’ skilled hands create resplendent silks and cottons, each thread telling a tale of tradition and creativity.

Sarnath - In the verdant expanse of Sarnath, where the gentle rustle of leaves whispers secrets of the past, the venerable Gautam Buddha unfolded the petals of enlightenment, releasing the fragrance of wisdom into the cosmos. It was here, beneath the benevolent gaze of the Bodhi Tree’s distant cousin, that the Tathagata first uttered the sweet nectar of truth, setting the wheel of dharma in motion. As the soft sunlight filters through the ancient trees, casting dappled shadows on the sacred soil, the essence of Buddha’s teaching seems to permeate every molecule of air, inviting seekers to partake in the sublime feast of his wisdom. In Sarnath’s hallowed precincts, the Buddha’s legacy blooms like an eternal lotus, its beauty and significance forever entwined with the fabric of human existence.

Sarnath Museum - The Sarnath Museum, established in 1910 by the British Government, aims to preserve and showcase the archaeological finds from the Sarnath excavations. The museum houses a collection of over 6,000 artifacts, including sculptures (Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain), inscriptions, pottery, coins, manuscripts, and paintings. The museum features several galleries, each dedicated to a specific period or theme, such as the Mauryan Gallery, the Kushan Gallery, the Gupta Gallery, and the Medieval Gallery. Notable exhibits include the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, a national symbol of India, the Sarnath Buddha, a magnificent stone sculpture of the Buddha, and the Dharmachakra, a rare and exquisite sculpture of the wheel of law.

Banaras Hindu University - Founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, a renowned Indian educationalist and freedom fighter, BHU spans over 1,300 acres, blending modern and traditional architecture with well-manicured lawns, sprawling gardens, and diverse flora and fauna. BHU has 14 faculties, including Arts, Social Science, Commerce, Science, Law, Education, Agriculture, Medicine, Ayurveda, Engineering, Technology, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vigyan. BHU also hosts several institutes, including IIT-BHU, IMS-BHU, IAS-BHU, and IESD-BHU. Recognized for its research excellence, BHU conducts various research projects in fields like nanotechnology, biotechnology, and environmental science. BHU boasts a vibrant student community, with numerous cultural, literary, and sports activities, including the annual cultural festival, “Spandan.” BHU’s distinguished alumni network includes prominent figures in politics, education, science, and the arts.

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi - After checking out from the hotel, proceed to the airport.

• Private transportation
• Private chair on private balcony for evening Aarti ceremony
• Government approved English-speaking guide
• One bottle of mineral water every day
• All fees and taxes included
• Pick up & drop off with sightseeing by air-conditioned Etios or Innova car
• Private hand rowing boat

• Gratitude
• Food