Varanasi City Highlights with Sarnath and River Cruise

10 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Japanese and 4 more

Experience the spiritual heart of India with a full-day tour of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities. This tour includes visits to famous temples, historic ghats, and cultural landmarks, along with a peaceful boat ride on the sacred River Ganges. Explore the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath, visit Banaras Hindu University, witness the spiritual atmosphere of Manikarnika Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat, and enjoy the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. The tour offers a perfect blend of spirituality, history, culture, and local life.

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
Bottled water
VIP Pass for Kash temple
Transport by private vehicle
Morning Boat ride
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Our driver will meet you at your location in Varanasi

Itinerary

Duration: 10 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Varanasi

    Pickup from any hotel in Varanasi and at 5:30 AM in summer or 7:00AM in winter and get ready to monring boat ride at holy ganges

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Ganges River

    Morning moterboat ride at holy ganegs its share boat ride with your toru guide. and he will explain about holy ganges and history.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

    After boat ride ready to visit Kashi temple (Foreigners are typically required to use a specific entrance, often Gate No. 4, to access the temple.)

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Sarnath

    Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in India, located about 10 kilometers from Varanasi. It is the sacred place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. During the visit to Sarnath, travelers explore famous attractions such as the Dhamek Stupa, built at the spot where Buddha preached the “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.” The tour also includes the ancient ruins of monasteries, the Chaukhandi Stupa, and the beautiful Mulagandha Kuti Vihar temple known for its impressive murals and serene gardens.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Banaras Hindu University

    A visit to Banaras Hindu University is an important part of the Varanasi sightseeing experience. Founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is one of Asia’s largest and most prestigious residential universities, known for its beautiful campus, rich heritage, and peaceful atmosphere.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Tulsi Manas Temple

    Built in 1964, is one of Varanasi’s most revered temples. It marks the place where the saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi, retelling the story of Lord Rama. The white marble temple is adorned with beautiful engravings of verses and scenes from the epic.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Manikarnika Ghat

    Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, located on the banks of the holy River Ganges. It is widely known as the main cremation ghat of the city and holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. According to Hindu belief, cremation at Manikarnika Ghat grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death, known as moksha. The ghat remains active throughout the day and night, with funeral rituals continuously taking place. Visitors often witness traditional Hindu cremation ceremonies and experience the deep spiritual atmosphere that reflects the ancient customs and beliefs of Varanasi. The sacred fire at the ghat is believed to have been burning for centuries without interruption.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Dasaswamedh Ghat

    Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most famous and vibrant ghats in Varanasi, located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Known for its spiritual energy and cultural significance, the ghat attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors every day.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Ganga Aarti

    Travelers will begin their journey at Assi Ghat, the southern gateway to Varanasi’s ghats. Here they’ll witness the city awakening—locals practicing yoga at sunrise, priests offering prayers to the Ganges, and devotees taking holy dips. Guests can soak in the peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere, watch boats glide on the river, and learn stories and legends connected to this sacred spot. It’s the perfect introduction to Varanasi’s daily life and spiritual rhythm.

    1 hour Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Taj Journey

Tags

Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Car Tours
Zombie
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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