• Ganges River - Early morning pick-up from your hotel at 6 AM to start your day with a sunrise boat ride.

Enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges River at sunrise, beginning from the main Ghats known as Dashaswamedh Ghat, passing Harishchandra Ghat, and continuing to Manikarnika Ghat. The boat ride starts just as the sun begins to rise, offering a spectacular view of Varanasi. Before the boat ride, you can observe 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. Experiencing the sunrise from a boat provides a unique perspective as the sky transitions from darkness to light, painting the surroundings in shades 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. You will see 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 Buddhism. Visit the Thai Temple, which features the tallest statue of Lord Buddha 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, head to the Archaeological Museum, which displays a rich collection of artifacts, including pottery, ancient coins, inscriptions, and architectural fragments from 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. This well-organized event takes place every day after sunset as a way to give thanks to the River Ganges. Unlike personal and private Hindu worship, the Ganga Aarti is performed publicly and openly, attracting thousands of people daily. The ceremony is a unique and energetic way to honor and show 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, representing 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 provide 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, with a history dating back to ancient times. It is 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. You will see funeral pyres prepared for the deceased.

• Banaras Ghats - Sarnath holds significance in Buddhism as the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammachakrapravartana Sutta. The site features the Dhamek Stupa, Mulgandhakutivihara, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from various periods. Visiting Sarnath offers a glimpse into the early history of Buddhism. Sarnath’s historical importance extends to Emperor Ashoka, who visited the site in the 3rd century BCE and erected the Ashoka Pillar with edicts. The Dhamek Stupa is believed to mark the spot where Buddha taught, and the Chaukhandi Stupa commemorates Buddha’s meeting with his first disciples. Over the centuries, Sarnath has remained a center for pilgrimage and contemplation for Buddhists worldwide. Sarnath’s archaeological remains include monasteries, sculptures, and ancient structures that offer insights into the thriving Buddhist community that once flourished there. The site underwent extensive excavation in the 19th and 20th centuries.

• Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) - The temple’s origins are believed to date back over 3,000 years and are 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