• Ganges River - Begin your day with an early morning pick-up from your hotel at 6 AM for a sunrise boat ride.

Experience a boat ride on the Ganges River at sunrise, starting from the main Ghats, known as Dashaswamedh Ghat, to Harishchandra Ghat, and then down to Manikarnika Ghat. The boat ride begins as the sun rises, which is the main attraction of Varanasi. Before that, observe the various activities at the Ghats. The lively atmosphere makes it one of the best places to visit. The early morning light casts a magical glow over the river and its ghats. Witnessing the sunrise from a boat provides a unique perspective as the sky transitions from darkness to light, painting the surroundings in hues of orange and pink. Pilgrims and locals gather along the ghats to perform their morning rituals, including taking a holy dip in the river, offering prayers, and participating in Aarti. The chants, bells, and fragrance of incense add to the spiritual ambiance. Observe locals starting their day, children playing, and people practicing yoga.

• Sarnath - After breakfast, proceed to Sarnath, a place of great historical and spiritual significance. It is where Lord Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples, marking the birthplace of the Buddhist religion. Visit the Thai Temple, which houses the tallest statue of Lord Buddha, standing at 80 feet 9 inches. Explore the archaeological site known as the Ruins, where you will see many stupas like Dhamekh, Dharamrajika, and Votive Stupa, as well as the Ashokan Pillar and a few deer. Then, proceed to the Archaeological Museum, which displays a rich collection of artifacts, including pottery, ancient coins, inscriptions, and architectural fragments dating back to the Maurya, Kushan, and Gupta periods. The most iconic piece in the museum is the national emblem of India, consisting of four Asiatic lions.

• Dasaswamedh Ghat - In the evening, attend the Aarti ceremony held at Dashaswamedh Ghat, a well-organized event that takes place every day after sunset. It is a way of worship to thank the River Ganges. Unlike personal and private Hindu worship, the Ganga Aarti is performed publicly and openly for everyone, attracting thousands of people daily. The ceremony is a unique and energetic Hindu ritual of gratitude. It honors and shows reverence to the river, symbolizing the divine presence and sacred nature of the Ganges. During the Aarti, offerings of light, typically in the form of multi-oil lamps, are made to the river. This act represents the illumination of the soul and the removal of darkness and ignorance. The ceremony is known for its stunning visual appeal, with the synchronized movements of the priests. The best way to attend the ceremony is from a rooftop, where reserved chairs are available for guests, providing the best view and photo opportunities in a completely safe environment.

• Manikarnika Ghat - Manikarnika Ghat has been a central site for cremation ceremonies for centuries. Its history dates back to ancient times and it has been mentioned in various religious texts and historical accounts. The ghat is considered a sacred place where the soul is believed to attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth) when cremated here. It is associated with the deity Lord Shiva and is closely linked to various Hindu myths and legends. The ghat is often bustling with activity, with numerous rituals and ceremonies conducted daily. Every day, more than a hundred bodies are cremated here, making it the largest cremation center in the world. Observe the spread pyres for the deceased.

• Banaras Ghats - Sarnath is a significant historical and religious place for Buddhists. It holds immense importance in Buddhism as it is where Gautam Buddha gave his first teaching of the Dharma after attaining enlightenment. This event is known as the Dhammacakraparvartan Sutta or the setting in motion of the wheel of Dharma. Sarnath is also where the first Buddhist Sangha (community) was formed. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, a massive stupa marking the spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. It is one of the largest stupas in India. See the Ashokan Pillar, built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, which has an edict inscribed on it and is topped by the famous lion capital, now the national emblem of India. The Sarnath Archaeological Museum holds a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures, relics, and other artifacts excavated from Sarnath, including the unique lion capital. Visit the Thai Temple, which houses the tallest statue of Buddha, standing at 80 feet 9 inches.

• Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) - The temple’s origins are believed to date back over 3000 years and it is mentioned in ancient texts. The temple underwent several reconstructions due to invasions and destruction over the centuries. In the 18th century, the temple was rebuilt by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple remains a central pilgrimage site, attracting millions of devotees and tourists. It is also called the Golden Temple because it contains 820 kg of gold.

• Private air-conditioned car for full day
• Government-approved professional tour guide
• Private chair on rooftop balcony for Evening Aarti ceremony
• All fees and taxes included
• Private morning boat for sunrise ride

• Gratitudes ( tips )
• Everything which is not mentioned in inclusions

Visitors with limited time who desire a comprehensive experience of Varanasi can take advantage of an encompassing one-day tour. The excursion begins with a pre-dawn 5 am pickup, leading to a visit to the primary ghat. Guests will engage in a privately conducted rowboat journey to intimately witness the morning ceremonies, witness the sunrise, and partake in sacred dips in the Ganges. The tour provides a panoramic view of the ghats, ranging from Dasaswamedh Ghat to Harishchandra Ghat, and progresses to Manikarnika Ghat, the world’s largest cremation ground where daily a minimum of 200 bodies are cremated. Following this, the tour meanders through the twisting alleys and venerable temples of the ancient city. After breakfast around 10 am, the tour continues to Sarnath, a pivotal site in Buddhism where the Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon to his earliest followers. The day concludes with an opportunity to observe the vibrant Evening Aarti ceremony from a rooftop vantage point, an ideal spot to fully appreciate the event. Guests benefit from the expertise of a seasoned guide, whose heartfelt dedication and forthright approach ensure a deeply engaging and genuine presentation of the city’s multifaceted heritage.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.