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Offered languages
- English
Explore Varanasi on a private full-day tour that includes a sunrise and sunset boat ride on the Ganges River. Visit landmarks in and around Varanasi including Banaras Hindu University (BHU)'s Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, and Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath — an important Buddhist site. Finally, watch the evening aarti ceremony from the sunset boat cruise.
Highlight
• Private 14-hour tour of Varanasi with Ganges River cruise
• Take two cruises on the Ganges River, one at sunrise and one at sunset that includes the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
• Visit two Hindu temples, and a musuem on the Banaras Hindu University campus
• See Dhamekh Stupa, an important Buddhist site in Sarnath
• Includes private guide and vehicle, Ganges boat ride and hotel pickup and drop-off
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Pickup from any Hotel In Varanasi / Airport / Train Station
Pickup from Hotel or Your desired location in Varanasi.
Itinerary
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1Varanasi
5:30 AM - Pickup from Hotel/Airport/Train Station In Varanasi After early morning pickup at 5:30am from your hotel, take a sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Witness morning rituals performed at the riverside.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Afterward, follow your guide on a short walking tour of the old city's alleyways and catch sight of the Kashi Vishwanath, one of the holiest Hindu temples.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3
Stop for breakfast (own expense), then head to Banaras Hindu University at 10am. Established in 1916, BHU is the largest university campus in Asia.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4
Tour the campus and see the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum and the new Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), which is an exact replica of the original Vishwanath Temple.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
5
Continue to Mother India Temple, built in 1918 and housing an unusual marble relief map of the Indian subcontinent.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
At 12:30pm, learn about the silk weaving traditions of Varanasi, then take a break for lunch (own expense). Afterward, drive about eight miles (13 km) to Sarnath to take in Dhamekh Stupa, known as the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
7
You'll also visit the Archaeological Museum, which features treasures that date to the 3rd-century BC (closed Fridays).
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
8Ganga Aarti
Nestled on the banks of the sacred Ganges River in the ancient city of Varanasi, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a mesmerizing ritual that draws pilgrims, tourists, and spiritual seekers from around the world. It's not just a religious ceremony — it's a powerful visual and emotional experience that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who witnesses it.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
Your tour ends with return to your hotel around 8pm.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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