Explore the spiritual city of Varanasi on a full-day tour. Experience a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and explore the Sarnath Stupa.
Early Sunrise boat ride in the Ganges
Begin your day with a 5:30 AM pickup from your hotel and embark on a sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals along the riverside.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Next, enjoy a short walking tour of the old city's narrow alleyways and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples.
Take a breakfast break, then proceed to visit Banaras Hindu University
Afterward, stop for breakfast (at your own expense) before heading to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) at 10:00 AM. Established in 1916, BHU is Asia's largest university campus. Explore the campus, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, and see the new Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), a replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Durga Temple
Then, visit the Durga Temple, also known as Durga Kund Mandir, one of Varanasi's most famous temples. You will also explore Tulsi Manas Mandir, and the mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Sarnath Tour
At 12:30 PM, learn about Varanasi’s ancient silk weaving traditions, followed by a lunch break (at your own expense). Afterward, take a 13 km drive to Sarnath to explore Dhamekh Stupa, the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Visit the Archaeological Museum, home to artifacts dating back to the 3rd century BC (closed on Fridays). Sarnath, located near the confluence of the Ganges and Varuna rivers, is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and the Buddhist Sangha came into existence.
Ganga Aarti: Experience the Divine Ceremony in Varanasi
At 5:00 PM, head to the Ganges to view the cremation grounds, then return to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Your tour concludes with a return to your hotel around 8:00 PM.