Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi & Evening Ganga Aarti
You will arrive in Varanasi – whether at the airport or railway station—and have your arrival greeted by our representative. You will be transferred to your hotel, where you can check in and spend time resting after your travels.
In the evening, you will witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, located beside the Ganges River. The sacredness of the river, along with the sound of chanting, lamps being lit, and rituals being performed, creates an electric atmosphere that embodies the spiritual essence of the city. If you would like to see this ceremony from the water, you also have the option of going on a boat (this is an additional cost).
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Varanasi.
Day 2: Sunrise Boat Ride & Temple Touring
On the second day, you will begin your day by taking a tranquil boat ride on the Ganges River at sunrise; during the boat ride, you will see devotees paying homage to the Sun God and taking a holy dip into the river at various ghats.
Once you return to the hotel, you will eat breakfast.
After breakfast, you will visit some of the city’s most famous temples:
Annapurna Temple
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided city tour with visits to:
Bharat Mata Temple
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Durga Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple
That evening, you are free to shop in the local markets (this is optional). You will stay overnight in Varanasi.
Day 3: Sarnath Excursion & Ramnagar Fort
Following breakfast, arrive at Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. The following are the key highlights of Sarnath’s offerings you can visit:
– Dhamek Stupa
– Chaukhandi Stupa
– Sarnath Archaeological Museum
Next, you will visit Ramnagar Fort (the former home of the Maharaja of Banaras) and see the museums inside the fort which exhibit royal artefacts, historical collections, as well as old weapons.
As an optional extra, you may choose to take a scenic boat trip from Ramnagar Fort back to Varanasi.
Then, you will return to your hotel where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Highlights: Tour of Buddhist heritage sites, visit to a royal fort, scenic boat ride (optional).
Day 4: Varanasi Departure
After breakfast, spend some time enjoying the facilities at your hotel before being transferred to the airport or railway station for your onward travel.
You will depart Varanasi with wonderful memories of your spiritual journey.