Varanasi: Private Day Tour with Ganges Boat Ride & Aarti

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Varanasi

  Your local expert will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the banks of the Ganges River for an immersive start to your spiritual journey. As you walk toward the ghats, your guide will introduce you to the first glimpse into the rhythm of life by the river—pilgrims bathing, locals performing morning prayers, and the vibrant culture that defines one of the world’s oldest living cities.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2

  Arrive at the ghats and begin your day with a serene sunrise boat ride along the Ganges River, traveling from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat. Along the way, witness the sacred morning rituals, traditional cremation ceremonies, and the vibrant spiritual atmosphere that defines life along the riverbanks.

  1 hour • Admission ticket not included
• 3
  Kashi Vishwanath Temple

  After the boat ride, enjoy a guided walk through the narrow temple lanes. First visit kashi vishwanath Temple – One of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Your guide will share stories about Varanasi’s spiritual heritage and explain the customs and daily rituals of the city.

  1 hour • Admission ticket not included
• 4

  After the city walk, your guide will pause at a popular local street corner where you can explore traditional breakfast options and savor authentic Varanasi flavors. Following this, explore the peaceful campus of BHU, Asia’s largest university, known for its academic history and cultural significance. You may also visit Bharat Kala Bhavan if time permits.

  1 hour • Admission ticket not included
• 5

  Drive towards Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. It's a peaceful site with ruins, temples, and a serene deer park, marking the birthplace of Buddhism.

  1 hour • Admission ticket not included
• (Pass by)

  Mother India Temple, built in 1918 and housing an unusual marble relief map of the Indian subcontinent. 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. You'll also visit the Archaeological Museum, which features treasures that date to the 3rd-century BC (closed Fridays).

  Admission ticket free
• 6

  Durga Mandir, also known as Durga Kund Mandir and Durga Temple, is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to Durga. Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Rani Bhabani of Natore

  30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 7

  Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a Hindu temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India and is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman, in his form as "Sankat Mochan," meaning the "reliever from trouble

  30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 8
  Dasaswamedh Ghat

  Around 5 PM, as the sun begins to set, you'll head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the iconic Ganga Aarti—a captivating Hindu ritual featuring synchronized chants, oil lamps, and offerings to the sacred Ganges River. After experiencing this spiritual ceremony, you'll be dropped back at your hotel, concluding the day’s tour with unforgettable memories.

  2 hours • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Dress code is smart casual

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