Overview
Experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, explore ancient temples, and take a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River.
Trip Highlights
- Witness the majestic Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Take a sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges River.
- Explore the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Shiva temples.
- Visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
- Discover BHU and Ramnagar Fort, showcasing Varanasi’s heritage.
- Shop for Banarasi silk sarees and experience the city’s vibrant culture.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Varanasi, check in to your hotel and relax. Begin your journey with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the Annapurna Devi Temple and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. In the evening, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the grand Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ceremony with fire lamps and chanting that creates a divine atmosphere. After the Aarti, take a leisure walk along the ghats before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Wake up early for a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, offering breathtaking views of the ghats and temples. Visit the Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat, where the Hindu cycle of life and death is deeply observed. After breakfast, explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU), home to the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which showcases rare artifacts and paintings. Continue your sightseeing with a visit to the Tulsi Manas Mandir, dedicated to Lord Rama, and the Durga Temple (also known as the Monkey Temple). In the evening, enjoy a traditional Banarasi street food tour before returning to your hotel.
After breakfast, take a short excursion to Sarnath, a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Museum, which houses ancient Buddhist relics. Later, visit the Ramnagar Fort, a historic palace offering insights into the royal heritage of Varanasi. After lunch, explore the vibrant local markets, known for Banarasi silk sarees and traditional handicrafts. Finally, check out from the hotel and transfer to the railway station or airport for departure, concluding your sacred journey in Varanasi.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- ✔️ 2 Nights’ accommodation in 3-star/4-star hotels
- ✔️ Daily breakfast & dinner
- ✔️ AC private transportation for sightseeing & transfers
- ✔️ Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River
- ✔️ Guided temple tour (Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan, Durga Temple)
- ✔️ Evening Ganga Aarti experience at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- ✔️ Excursion to Sarnath with entry tickets
- ✔️ Shopping tour for Banarasi silk & handicrafts (optional)
- ✔️ 24/7 customer support during the trip
Cost Excludes
- ❌ Airfare or train tickets
- ❌ Personal expenses (shopping, tips, phone calls)
- ❌ Lunch and snacks
- ❌ Additional sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary
- ❌ Travel insurance
FAQs
The best time is October to March, when the weather is cool and perfect for sightseeing. Summers (April–June) are hot, while monsoons (July–September) bring moderate rainfall.
Varanasi is well connected by air, rail, and road. The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport serves both domestic and international flights. Varanasi Junction Railway Station has frequent trains from major cities.
Only breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch and additional meals can be arranged at extra cost.
Yes, the itinerary can be fully customized to match your interests and travel plans.
Yes, entry tickets for Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort are included in the package.
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