Arrival from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi - Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport or railway station, a Company Representative will warmly welcome you and escort you to your reserved hotel. Please note that our Representative cannot enter the baggage collection area. Kindly proceed to the terminal building exit, where a Sacred Varanasi Tour’s Representative will be waiting to greet you with a paging board displaying your name. After meeting, proceed to hotel check-in and then embark on a sightseeing tour, including the vibrant and energetic evening aarti ceremony.

Banaras Ghats - A guide will accompany you on a walk through Godowlia Bazaar, the main entrance to the old city and a bustling hub of activity. Traditional shops offer puja (prayer) items, spices, and delicious street food. A narrow historical lane leads to the Kashi Vishwanath lanes, where you can enjoy a hot chai from a local vendor in a clay cup. Stroll through the local market towards the river. Walking through the bazaar and old town, ending at the ghat, is the most authentic way to experience the real Varanasi—a blend of chaos and calm, death and devotion, past and present. Keep your camera ready, but be discreet and respectful, especially around people and shrines.

Ganga Aarti - The evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is a profound spiritual event with deep cultural and religious significance. It takes place every evening on the banks of the River Ganga at Dashashwamedh Ghat and involves a synchronized performance by a group of priests. The Ganga Aarti is a ritual of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva and the River Ganga. It symbolizes the life-giving and purifying power of the Ganga, as well as the eternal cycle of birth, life, and death. The Aarti is performed by seven priests every day after sunset, using fire (lamp), incense, flowers, and ghee, which are offered to the river while chanting mantras. The best place to attend the Aarti ceremony is from a rooftop, where you will have the best view without disturbance from hawkers or beggars, avoiding the hustle and bustle as more than eight thousand people enjoy the ceremony daily. It is truly colorful and energetic.

Manikarnika Ghat - Manikarnika Ghat, the revered ‘Burning Ghat’, stands as a poignant testament to the eternal cycle of life and death, where the sacred Ganges bears witness to the final farewell of mortal souls. Amidst the swirling eddies of the river’s dark waters, the ghat’s ancient stone steps, worn smooth by the whispers of the departed, seem to whisper secrets of the ages. As pyres blaze like fiery beacons, casting a golden glow on the somber faces of the mourners, the air is heavy with the sweet scent of sandalwood, the soft chanting of mantras, and the haunting lament of the conch shells. In this hallowed space, where the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, the cosmos converges to bid farewell to the departed, and the soul is reminded of the impermanence that binds us all.

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

Sankat Mochan Temple - Sankat Mochan means reliever of troubles, and this temple is famous for Hanuman. The temple was established in the early 16th century by saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas (composer of Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa). Hanuman is renowned from the Ramayana (helped Rama) and is celebrated for his devotion, strength, and loyalty.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Ganges River - Begin your day with a peaceful Ganges River boat ride at sunrise, departing from the hotel before breakfast. As the first blush of dawn kisses the horizon, a serene silence envelops the Ganges, and the morning boat ride begins its gentle journey across the sacred waters. The wooden hull glides effortlessly, leaving ripples of liquid silver in its wake, as the city awakens from its slumber. Soft pink and amber hues dance across the sky, casting a warm glow on the river’s glassy 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 misty veil, 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 the golden light of dawn ascends, Dashashwamedh Ghat Road awakens, its serpentine path unwinding like a sacred thread through the heart of Varanasi. The venerable Banaras Hindu University (BHU), a modern citadel of learning, stands sentinel alongside the ancient Vishwanath Temple, its gilded spire piercing the sky like a shard of divine light. Nearby, the Mother India Temple, a poignant tribute to the nation’s maternal spirit, shines like a beacon of patriotism, while the Durga Temple, a vibrant testament to the goddess’s fierce splendor, radiates an aura of mystique and wonder. Meanwhile, in the winding alleys and bustling markets, the soft rustle of Taana Baana handlooms weaves a sonic spell, as artisans’ skilled hands coax resplendent silks and cottons into being, each thread telling a tale of tradition and creativity.

Sarnath - In the verdant expanse of Sarnath, where the gentle rustle of leaves whispers secrets of the past, the venerable Gautam Buddha unfolded the petals of enlightenment, releasing the fragrance of wisdom into the cosmos. It was here, beneath the benevolent gaze of the Bodhi Tree’s distant cousin, that the Tathagata’s lips first uttered the sweet nectar of truth, setting the wheel of dharma in motion. As the soft sunlight filters through the ancient trees, casting dappled shadows on the sacred soil, the essence of Buddha’s teaching seems to permeate every molecule of air, inviting seekers to partake in the sublime feast of his wisdom. In Sarnath’s hallowed precincts, the Buddha’s legacy blooms like an eternal lotus, its beauty and significance forever entwined with the fabric of human existence.

Sarnath Museum - The Sarnath Museum was established in 1910 by the British Government, with the aim of preserving and showcasing the 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 has 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, featuring a blend of modern and traditional architecture, with well-manicured lawns, sprawling gardens, and a variety of 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. BHU is recognized for its research excellence, with various research centers and projects in fields like nanotechnology, biotechnology, and environmental science. BHU boasts a vibrant student community, with various cultural, literary, and sports activities, including the annual cultural festival, “Spandan”. BHU has a distinguished alumni network, including prominent figures in politics, education, science, and arts.

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi - Then return to the hotel, check-out, and 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

Travelers with limited time in Varanasi can enjoy numerous highlights packed into a single day tour. The day begins with a temple tour and concludes with attending the vibrant and captivating Aarti prayer. Start early with a hand-rowing boat tour for the best experience of witnessing morning rituals along the riverbanks. Visit the world’s largest cremation center and explore the winding lanes and temples of the old town. Discover Sarnath, the place of Buddhist significance, and navigate the spice market and food shops without getting lost, guided by an experienced guide. Conclude the day at an impressive location.

Note: This is just a suggested tour itinerary. We offer customized holidays to meet your specific needs. Contact us if you wish to make changes, so we can tailor your trip for a memorable experience in Varanasi.

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