Arrival from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi - Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport or railway station, travelers will be greeted by a Company Representative and escorted to their reserved hotel. Please note that the Representative cannot enter the baggage collection area, so guests should proceed to the terminal building exit. There, a Sacred Varanasi Tour Representative will be waiting with a paging board displaying the guest’s name, ready to welcome and assist with hotel check-in before proceeding to the evening sightseeing, including the vibrant and energetic aarti ceremony.

Banaras Ghats - A guide will accompany guests on a walk through Godowlia Bazaar, the main entrance to the old city and a lively hub of activity. Traditional shops offer puja items, spices, and delicious street food. A historical lane leads to the Kashi Vishwanath lanes, where visitors can enjoy a hot chai from a local vendor in a clay cup while walking through the local market towards the river. Exploring the bazaar and old town, ending at the ghat, provides an authentic experience of Varanasi—a blend of chaos and calm, death and devotion, past and present. Guests are encouraged to keep their cameras ready, but to be discreet and respectful, especially around people and shrines.

Ganga Aarti - The evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is a deeply spiritual event with significant cultural and religious importance. Held every evening on the banks of the River Ganga at Dashaswamedh Ghat, it features a synchronized performance by a group of priests. The Ganga Aarti is a worship ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva and the River Ganga, symbolizing the life-giving and purifying power of the Ganga, as well as the eternal cycle of birth, life, and death. Seven priests perform the Aarti daily after sunset, using fire (lamps), incense, flowers, and ghee, which are offered to the river while chanting mantras. The best place to witness the Aarti ceremony is from a rooftop, offering an unobstructed view without the hustle and bustle of hawkers and beggars, as more than eight thousand people enjoy the ceremony daily. It is truly colorful and energetic.

Manikarnika Ghat - Manikarnika Ghat, known as the ‘Burning Ghat’, is a poignant symbol of the eternal cycle of life and death, where the sacred Ganges witnesses the final farewell of mortal souls. The ghat’s ancient stone steps, worn smooth by time, seem to whisper secrets of the ages. As pyres blaze, casting a golden glow on mourners’ faces, the air is filled with the sweet scent of sandalwood, the soft chanting of mantras, and the haunting sound of conch shells. In this sacred space, where the veil between worlds is thinnest, the cosmos converges to bid farewell to the departed, reminding the soul of the impermanence that connects us all.

Bharat Mata Temple - Constructed in 1936 by Bir Singh Patel, this is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. Instead of idols, it features a large marble relief map of undivided India (pre-1947). Visitors come to pay homage to India’s greatness.

Sankat Mochan Temple - Sankat Mochan, meaning reliever of troubles, is a temple dedicated to Hanuman. Established in the early 16th century by saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas (composer of Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa), Hanuman is renowned from the Ramayana for aiding Rama. Hanuman is celebrated for his devotion, strength, and loyalty.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Ganges River - Begin the day with a peaceful Ganges River boat ride at sunrise, departing from the hotel before breakfast. As dawn’s first light graces the horizon, a serene silence envelops the Ganges, and the boat ride begins its gentle journey across the sacred waters. The wooden hull glides smoothly, leaving ripples of silver in its wake, as the city awakens. Soft pink and amber hues dance across the sky, casting a warm glow on the river’s 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 mist, 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 dawn’s golden light rises, Dashashwamedh Ghat Road awakens, its winding path unfurling like a sacred thread through Varanasi’s heart. The esteemed Banaras Hindu University (BHU), a modern center 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 tribute to the nation’s maternal spirit, shines as a beacon of patriotism, while the Durga Temple, a vibrant testament to the goddess’s splendor, radiates mystique and wonder. 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 lush expanse of Sarnath, where the gentle rustle of leaves whispers secrets of the past, Gautam Buddha unfolded the petals of enlightenment, releasing the fragrance of wisdom into the cosmos. It was here, under the Bodhi Tree’s distant cousin, that the Tathagata first spoke the sweet nectar of truth, setting the wheel of dharma in motion. As sunlight filters through ancient trees, casting dappled shadows on the sacred soil, Buddha’s teachings seem to permeate the air, inviting seekers to partake in the sublime feast of his wisdom. In Sarnath’s hallowed grounds, Buddha’s legacy blooms like an eternal lotus, its beauty and significance forever entwined with human existence.

Sarnath Museum - Established in 1910 by the British Government, the Sarnath Museum aims to preserve and showcase 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 hosts several institutes, including IIT-BHU, IMS-BHU, IAS-BHU, and IESD-BHU. Recognized for research excellence, BHU conducts various research projects in fields like nanotechnology, biotechnology, and environmental science. BHU boasts a vibrant student community, with cultural, literary, and sports activities, including the annual cultural festival, “Spandan.” BHU’s distinguished alumni network includes prominent figures in politics, education, science, and arts.

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi - After checking out from the hotel, guests will 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

A succinct itinerary awaits travelers in Varanasi which neatly packs several attractions into a single day tour. The day commences with a visit to majestic temples and concludes with captivating, vibrant Aarti prayers. Experience an early morning Hand Rowing Boat cruise to witness the riverbank morning rituals. Tour the largest crematorium in the world, explore the labyrinthine lanes and sacred temples of the ancient town Sarnath, and the aromatic spice market without misdirection, courtesy of a proficient guide. Wrap up the day at a remarkable location. Please note, this is merely a suggested tour plan. We specialize in curating personalized holiday experiences, so reach out to us for any amendments to align the trip with your unique requirements, ensuring a memorable visit to Varanasi.

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