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Varanasi Day Trip
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn More
10 to 14 Hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: Hindi, English
Overview
Explore Varanasi beyond the ghats. Our unique tour delves into the vibrant culture, from bustling bazaars to serene boat rides. Witness the awe-inspiring Ganga Aarti and delve into the spiritual significance of Varanasi. Explore hidden temples and wander narrow alleys, feeling the pulse of this ancient city. Come, discover the magic of Varanasi with us.
What's Included
- Entry/Admission - Dasaswamedh Ghat
- Mesmerizing 1:30 Hours Sunrise Boat ride in On Ganges
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry/Admission - Sarnath
- Hotel Drop
- 1 Bottle Mineral water per person.
- Entry/Admission - Banaras Ghats
- Knowledgeable English/Hindi Speaking tour guide
- Morning tea at local tea shop
- Hotel Pickup
- Gratuities
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Brunch
- Lunch
Meeting And Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Ganges River
Start your day right as we collect you at 5:30 AM for a mystical journey. Glide along the Ganges at sunrise, witnessing the first rays kiss the sky. Watch devotees offer water to the Sun God and find serenity in their holy dips. Immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of Varanasi, a city steeped in tradition and believed to liberate souls. Our tranquil boat ride ends at Manikarnika Ghat, followed by a captivating short exploration of Varanasi's heart. We delve into the labyrinthine lanes of the old city, a vibrant maze pulsating with life. Feast your senses on the aromatic street food scene, and discover hidden gems: perfume shops, Ayurvedic oil markets, and unique treasures. Our walk culminates at the bustling Godowlia market, a perfect immersion into local culture.
2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free
Manikarnika Ghat
This riverside landing, called a ghat, is steeped in profound spiritual and cultural significance. Here, you'll witness the customary cremation ceremonies practiced by Hindus, believed to help liberate souls from the cycle of reincarnation (moksha). A visit to Manikarnika Ghat offers a window into the deeply held customs and beliefs that define Varanasi. While it might not be your everyday tourist destination, it's a powerful and insightful experience that unveils the rich spiritual tapestry of this ancient city. It's a place where the spiritual and practical aspects of life and death intertwine, making it a fascinating stop for those seeking a deeper understanding of Indian culture. After this, we'll head back to your hotel for breakfast and some relaxation.
1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free
Sarnath
After breakfast and a chance to refresh, we'll embark on a journey to Sarnath, a mere 13 kilometers from Varanasi. This sacred site holds immense significance for Buddhists, as it's where Gautama Buddha delivered his very first sermon to his five disciples, marking the dawn of Buddhism. Sarnath's revered status is further amplified by the presence of numerous stupas and monuments erected by Emperor Ashoka to propagate Buddhism. Prepare to be awestruck by architectural marvels like the Dhamekha Stupa, the Dharmarajika Stupa, and the Chaukhandi Stupa. Monasteries and the exquisitely polished Lion Capital of Ashoka, featuring a variety of animals and birds, will leave you spellbound. Sarnath promises a captivating exploration of Buddhist history and artistic expression.
2 Hours • Admission Ticket Included
Dasaswamedh Ghat
Our Sarnath exploration complete, we'll delve deeper into the heart of Varanasi with a captivating city tour. Prepare to be transported back in time as we drive to the riverside and enter one of the city's most ancient streets. Here, a guided walking tour awaits, leading you through labyrinthine alleys and past millennia-old temples. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Varanasi's oldest quarters, where traditional lifestyles continue to thrive. Every twist and turn promises a new discovery, a visual feast for the senses. Don't hesitate to ask your knowledgeable guide about the profound stories behind each landmark. This isn't just a walk; it's an experience that will leave you enriched. Bharat Mata Temple Sankat Mochan Temple BHU Campus Kashi Vishwanath Temple Shri Annapurna Temple
3 Hours • Admission Ticket Included
Ganga Aarti
The Ganges shimmers orange as twilight descends, reflecting the fiery sky. A buzz of anticipation ripples through the throngs gathering on the ghats, their colorful attire a stark contrast to the ancient stone steps. As the first conch shell sounds, the murmur hushes, replaced by the rhythmic swing of brass aartis – lamps held aloft by priests in white. Flames dance on the water, mirroring the celestial display above. Incense smoke mingles with the sweet fragrance of marigolds offered by devotees, their chants rising in unison. "Har Ganga!" they call, their voices weaving a sonic tapestry with the temple bells. Diyas, tiny boats of light, are released onto the river, their gentle glow adding to the mesmerizing spectacle. With the crescendo of the aarti, a wave of serenity washes over the crowd. The illuminated river, the chorus of devotion, and the smoky haze create an experience both exhilarating and deeply calming – a memory etched in the soul long after the last diya fades.
3 Hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Total tour duration is flexible. The travel time from one attraction to another is also included
Operated by Ayodhya Darshnam
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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