Varanasi and Sarnath Cultural Trail with Sunrise Boat Ride
Why we love it?
The Varanasi and Sarnath Cultural Trail with Sunrise Boat Ride offers a rich exploration of two of India’s most significant spiritual destinations. This 7.5-hour experience is ideal for travelers interested in immersing themselves in local culture, history, and spirituality. Participants will enjoy a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River, followed by visits to key sites in Varanasi and the nearby town of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. The tour includes options for a private AC vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and meals, making it a convenient choice for those seeking a personalized and informative journey through these iconic locations.
Inclusions
- Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
- English speaking local guide, if option selected.
- Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
- Lunch, if option selected.
- Bottled water in the car.
- Government Taxes.
Exclusions
- Camera charges at monuments.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Itinerary
Step 1
5:00 AM - Pick up from your hotel in Varanasi
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Varanasi and taken to the river ghat to start your boat ride at sunrise.
Step 2
5:30 AM - Early morning boat ride on the Ganges river
You'll start your day by taking a boat ride on the Ganges river at sunrise. This is one of the best ways to experience the spirituality of Varanasi, as you'll see locals taking their morning dips in the holy river and performing various religious rituals on the ghats (riverbank steps).
Step 3
7:30 AM - Walking tour of the ghats and temples
After the boat ride, you'll take a walking tour of the ghats and temples along the Ganges river. This will include a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the 12 jyotirlingas (lingams of light) in India. You'll also visit other temples and sites of historical and cultural importance.
Step 4
10:30 AM - Visit Sarnath
After exploring Varanasi, you'll head to the nearby city of Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Here are a few things you can do in Sarnath:
Visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts and sculptures from the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath.
Step 5
Visit the Dhamek Stupa: This is a massive, cylindrical-shaped stupa that's believed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It's one of the most important Buddhist monuments in Sarnath.
Step 6
Visit the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: This is a modern Buddhist temple that's built on the site where Buddha is believed to have spent his first rainy season after attaining enlightenment.
Step 7
1:30 PM - Lunch
After exploring Sarnath, you'll have lunch at a local restaurant.
Step 8
2:30 PM - Return to Varanasi
After lunch, you'll return to Varanasi.
Step 9
3:30 PM - Visit the Benares Hindu University
Your next stop will be the Benares Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Here, you can visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, which houses a collection of ancient Indian art and artifacts.
Step 10
5:30 PM - End of the tour
Finally, your private tour of Varanasi and Sarnath will come to an end and you'll be dropped off at your hotel in Varanasi.
Please Note
- Stroller or pram accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Please provide up pick up information at least one day before the tour
- 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.
Know Before You Go
- Public transportation nearby
- Infant seats available
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable until 1 day before start
Non-refundable after 1 day before start
