Experience the morning Aarti and boat ride in Varanasi, the city of Ghats. Witness the cultural capital of India come alive as Hindu pilgrims gather on the shores of the Ganges river for prayer and sacred rituals.
- Dasaswamedh Ghat - The tour starts at 5am with a boat ride from Assi Ghat to Daswamedha Ghat. Catch the glimpse of the gigantic Ghats of Varanasi and proceed to visit Kashi Vishwanath and Sankat Mochan Temples. Learn about Hindu mythology from an expert local guide. You will be picked up from your centrally located hotel and proceed on a boat ride on the Ganges. Starting at Assi Ghat, the city’s most prominent bathing Ghat, the boat ride takes you through the 5000-year old history of Varanasi, also believed to be one of the world’s oldest living cities. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy a surreal sunrise, floating on the sacred river. The boat ride ends at Manikarnika, the cremation Ghat of Varanasi, marking the journey of a person from birth to death and ultimately attaining salvation. You will learn from your guide the legends and stories that bind the city together from time immemorial.
- Sarnath - Get picked up from your centrally located hotel in Varanasi at 10am. Meet your local guide and proceed on an extraordinary expedition around the city. Drive to Sarnath where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is believed that Buddha traveled to Sarnath to meet his five companions - Koudanna, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama and Asvajiya and with whom he shared his new found knowledge.
Proceed to visit the significant ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa, the exact spot that contained the bones of Buddha before it was destroyed by Jagat Singh in 1794. Catch a glimpse of the great Ashoka pillar and explore Buddhism in a unique archeological museum built to commemorate the culture and religion. Listen as your guide narrates the legends and stories about Buddhism and proceed to Mulagandhakuti Vihara Temple. This exquisite temple was built by the Sri Lankan Mahabodhi Society and is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the city.
- Ganga Aarti - As the evening arrives, the city will begin its preparations for the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a highly choreographed ritual performed on the Daswamedha Ghat, celebrating the existence of River Ganges. Burning lamps, flowers and scented sticks fill the ambiance with peace. Experience this age-old tradition as your local guide tells you all about Hindu mythology. As the ceremony ends, you will be dropped back to your hotel.
- Morning Boat Ride
- Professional guide
- Entrance fees
- Evening Ganga aarti
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Varanasi
- Transport by private vehicle
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
The tour begins at 5am with a boat ride at Dasaswamedh Ghat. Witness the majestic Ghats of Varanasi and then visit the Kashi Vishwanath and Sankat Mochan Temples. Gain insights into Hindu mythology from an expert local guide, who will share the legends and stories that have shaped the city for centuries. Return to the hotel for breakfast. At 10am, get picked up from your centrally located hotel in Varanasi and drive to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is believed that Buddha traveled to Sarnath to meet his five companions - Koudanna, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama, and Asvajiya - and share his newfound wisdom with them. In the evening, experience the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a beautifully choreographed ritual performed at Dasaswamedh Ghat, celebrating the sacred River Ganges. Burning lamps, flowers, and scented sticks create a peaceful ambiance. After the ceremony, return to your hotel.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
