Guided Tours of Varanasi Ganges River Aarti Ceremony and Sarnath

14 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: German and 5 more

Explore the sacred city of Varanasi with a knowledgeable local guide, Pintu Biki, who shares insights from over a decade of experience. Begin your day with a serene boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing the city awaken at dawn. Stroll through the iconic ghats, where rituals and culture come alive, and experience the vibrant Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat. Don't miss a day trip to Sarnath, the birthplace of Buddhism, to deepen your cultural understanding. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic experience with a focus on spirituality and local traditions.

- Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Ganges River.
- Witness the spectacular Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat.
- Take a day trip to Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon.
- Personalized insights from a passionate local guide fluent in Spanish and English.

What's Included

Bottled water
Entrance fee
Air-conditioned vehicle
Veg Lunch
Temple Boat ride
Meals

Meeting and pickup

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

Please be ready at your hotel entrance 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Our driver/guide will meet you at the hotel reception or main entrance. Please look for a vehicle/guide with your booking details. If you have any difficulty finding your guide, please contact us using the contact details provided on your booking voucher.

Itinerary

Duration: 14 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Subah-E-Banaras means “Morning of Banaras”—a beautiful early-morning experience in Varanasi that reveals the spiritual and cultural soul of the city as it awakens. Witness local life as Varanasi awakens Visit Assi Ghat and experience the morning atmosphere Traditional music, yoga and devotional activities when available

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Sunrise Boat Ride Start early from Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat and cruise along the Ganga as the city awakens. Experience: Sunrise over the Ganga Morning prayers and rituals Historic ghats and temples from the river Devotees taking holy dips Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats from the river Beautiful photography opportunities Traditional boats and local life along the waterfront Namo Ghat.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Manikarnika Ghat

    Sunrise Boat Ride Start early from Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat and cruise along the Ganga as the city awakens. Experience: Sunrise over the Ganga Morning prayers and rituals Historic ghats and temples from the river Devotees taking holy dips Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats from the river Beautiful photography opportunities Traditional boats and local life along the waterfront Namo Ghat.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 4

    Nepali Temple, also known as Kashi Karwat, is one of the distinctive temples along the Ganga in Varanasi. It is located near Lalita Ghat and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Highlights Built in the 19th century by the King of Nepal. ️ Inspired by the traditional Pagoda-style architecture of Nepal. The temple is famous for its beautiful wooden carvings.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vishwanath — “Lord of the Universe.” The temple is traditionally regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Varanasi

    Return to the hotel for breakfast. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing with the day’s sightseeing and activities.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Banaras Hindu University

    Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, BHU Campus, Varanasi — commonly known as the New Vishwanath Temple or Birla Temple — is one of the prominent temples inside Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 8
    Sankat Mochan Temple

    Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the most revered Hanuman temples in Varanasi. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is traditionally worshipped here as Sankat Mochan—“the remover of troubles.”

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 9

    Durga Temple is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Goddess Durga in Varanasi. It is located beside the sacred Durga Kund.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 10

    A Weaving Center in Varanasi is a great place to discover the traditional art of Banarasi silk weaving, one of the city’s most famous crafts.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Varanasi Silk Handicraft

    A Silk Manufacturer Visit in Varanasi offers travelers an authentic look into the traditional craft of Banarasi silk, one of the city's most famous artistic traditions. What travelers can experience See traditional handloom weaving in operation. Learn how silk threads are prepared and woven. Discover the intricate Banarasi brocade and zari patterns. See how traditional motifs are incorporated into sarees and fabrics. Learn practical tips for recognizing genuine silk and understanding fabric quality. ️ Hear about the history and cultural importance of Varanasi's weaving communities. ️ See finished Banarasi sarees and other silk products.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 12
    Bharat Mata Temple

    Bharat Mata Temple is one of Varanasi’s most unusual landmarks, located on the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 13
    Varanasi

    Enjoy a relaxing lunch break at a local restaurant and taste authentic Banarasi and North Indian cuisine.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 14
    Sarnath

    Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India, located about 10 km from Varanasi. Main Attractions Dhamek Stupa – The major monument marking the sacred area where Buddha is traditionally believed to have delivered his first sermon. Chaukhandi Stupa – An ancient stupa associated with Buddha's arrival at Sarnath. Sarnath Archaeological Museum – Home to important Buddhist sculptures and the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, India's national emblem. Mulagandha Kuti Vihara – A beautiful Buddhist temple with murals depicting scenes from Buddha's life. Thai Temple & Garden – A peaceful temple complex featuring a large Buddha statue. 80-Foot Buddha Statue – One of Sarnath's prominent modern landmarks.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 15

    Sunset Walk on the Ghats. Experience the magic of Varanasi at sunset with a peaceful walking tour along the sacred Ganga Ghats, where ancient architecture, temples, rituals, pilgrims, boats, and everyday life come together. Varanasi ghats along the Ganges, each with its own history and atmosphere.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 16
    Dasaswamedh Ghat

    Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most spectacular spiritual experiences in Varanasi. Every evening, priests perform a traditional ritual dedicated to Mother Ganga, using large brass lamps, incense, conch shells, bells and devotional chants.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Guia in varanasi

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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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