Sacred Varanasi and Sarnath Tour with Evening Aarti Ceremony
Why we love it?
The Sacred Varanasi and Sarnath Tour offers an immersive experience into the spiritual heart of India, perfect for travelers interested in cultural and religious exploration. Over the course of 8 hours and 30 minutes, participants will visit significant sites in Varanasi and Sarnath, including the revered Ganges River and the location where Buddha delivered his first sermon. The tour includes the option for a private AC vehicle, an English-speaking local guide, and entrance fees to various monuments, making it well-suited for both solo travelers and groups seeking a personalized experience. A distinctive highlight is the evening Aarti ceremony, where visitors can witness a mesmerizing ritual of light and devotion along the riverbank, providing a profound insight into the spiritual practices of the region.
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
9:00 AM - Pick up from your hotel in Varanasi
Step 2
9:30 AM - Walking tour of the ghats and temples along the Ganges river. You will visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred temples in Varanasi, and also explore other temples such as the Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Assi Ghat, and many others. You will get to witness the daily rituals and ceremonies that take place on the ghats and learn about the cultural and historical significance of each temple and ghat.
Step 3
11:30 AM - Visit the New Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple. This temple is located in the BHU campus and is a newer and bigger version of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is a beautiful temple with intricate carvings and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
12:30 PM - Lunch break.
Step 4
1:30 PM - Visit Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. This temple is located in a peaceful and serene location and is surrounded by greenery.
Step 5
2:30 PM - Drive to Sarnath, located around 10 km from Varanasi. This is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. You will visit the Dhamek Stupa, a massive structure built in the 5th century to commemorate Lord Buddha's teachings. You will also visit the Sarnath Archaeological Site and Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and sculptures from the Mauryan and Gupta periods.
Step 6
5:00 PM - Return to Varanasi to attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. This is a Hindu ritual performed every evening on the banks of the Ganges river, where priests offer prayers and light lamps to the river. This is a mesmerizing sight and a must-see experience in Varanasi.
Step 7
7:00 PM - Drop 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
- Infant seats unavailable
- 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
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable until 1 day before start
Non-refundable after 1 day before start
