Sacred Varanasi: Temples, Monuments, and Ganga Aarti

8 to 9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Embark on a sacred journey through Varanasi, commencing with an 8:00 AM pickup from your hotel. Your exploration kicks off with a visit to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, adorned with a magnificent gold-plated spire dedicated to Lord Shiva. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Varanasi's Old City, meandering through narrow lanes lined with ancient temples and bustling shops. Experience the spiritual aura at Dashashwamedh Ghat, witnessing colorful rituals along the Ganges. After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, venture to Sarnath, a Buddhist pilgrimage site, exploring the Sarnath Museum and ancient ruins, including the Dhamekh Stupa. Your day concludes with a visit to Ram Nagar Fort and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, where the illuminated lamps along the Ganges create a breathtaking spectacle. Your guide will then drop you back at your hotel at 7:00 PM, marking the end of an enriching day exploring the sacred landmarks of Varanasi.

What's Included

English speaking local guide, if option selected.
Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
Lunch, if option selected.
Government Taxes.
Bottled water in the car.
Camera charges at monuments.
Gratuities and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Meeting and pickup

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

Please provide your hotel name and address at the time of booking or at least 3 days prior to the trip date. Our guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby at the scheduled time. Contact details will be shared one day prior to the tour.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 to 9 hours (approximately)
  • Varanasi (Pass by)

    8:00 AM - Pick up from hotel: Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Varanasi at 8:00 AM, and you'll begin your journey to explore the holy city of Varanasi.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    8:30 AM - Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Your first stop will be the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous and revered temples in Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. As you enter the temple, you'll see the magnificent gold-plated spire that rises high above the temple complex. Your guide will explain the history and significance of the temple as you explore its intricately designed architecture and witness the rituals performed by devotees.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Varanasi

    10:00 AM - Explore the narrow lanes and alleys of the Old City of Varanasi: After visiting the temple, you'll explore the narrow lanes and alleys of the Old City of Varanasi. This is a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the daily life of the locals. The narrow streets are lined with small shops selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs. You'll also see ancient temples and shrines tucked away in corners and hear fascinating stories about them from your guide.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 3

    11:00 AM - Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat: You'll then proceed to the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most popular and busiest ghats in Varanasi. This ghat is known for its morning rituals and ceremonies, and you'll witness the stunning and colorful ceremonies being performed by priests and devotees. Your guide will explain the significance of the ceremonies and rituals as you take in the vibrant atmosphere and soak in the spiritual vibes of the Ganges. 12:00 PM - Lunch break at a local restaurant: After the morning activities, you'll break for lunch at a local restaurant. Here, you'll have the opportunity to taste some of the famous street food of Varanasi, such as chaat, samosas, and lassi.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    1:00 PM - Drive to Sarnath: After lunch, you'll drive to Sarnath, which is approximately 10 kilometers from Varanasi. Sarnath is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4

    2:00 PM - Visit the Sarnath Museum: Your first stop in Sarnath will be the Sarnath Museum, which houses a collection of Buddhist artifacts and relics. Here, you'll see the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is the national emblem of India.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Dhamek Stupa

    3:00 PM - Explore the archaeological ruins of Sarnath: After visiting the museum, you'll explore the archaeological ruins of Sarnath. The ruins consist of several stupas, temples, and monasteries, including the Dhamekh Stupa, which is believed to mark the spot where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. You'll learn about the history and significance of these ancient structures and witness the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the area.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6

    4:00 PM - Drive back to Varanasi and visit Ram Nagar Fort: After exploring Sarnath, you'll drive back to Varanasi and visit the Ram Nagar Fort, which is situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges. This fort was the residence of the former Maharaja of Varanasi and is now a museum that houses a collection of vintage cars, royal costumes, and weapons.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Varanasi

    5:00 PM - Witness the Ganga Aarti: Your day tour will culminate with the Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual performed on the banks of the Ganges. The Ganga Aarti is a daily evening ceremony that involves the lighting of diyas (lamps) and the chanting of mantras in praise of the river Ganges. The ceremony is performed by priests and is a breathtaking sight to behold as hundreds of lamps light up the dark sky against the backdrop of the flowing river. Your guide will explain the significance of the Ganga Aarti as you witness this beautiful and spiritual ceremony.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Varanasi (Pass by)

    7:00 PM - Drop off at the hotel: After the Ganga Aarti, your guide will drop you back at your hotel, marking the end of your day tour of Varanasi.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Agora Voyages Pvt. Ltd.

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Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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