Day 1: Arrive Varanasi and attend the evening Ganga Aarti
Our representative will greet you upon your arrival at Varanasi airport or rail station; you will be taken to your choice of hotel (luxury, mid-range, or budget). Once you check into your hotel, you are free to relax.
Later that evening, you will make your way to the ghats on the banks of the Ganges River in order to experience the beautiful Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The experience includes the ambiance of chanting accompanied by music, light (lamps), and whatever spiritual energy abounds.
You may choose to enjoy the aarti from a boat on the river at an additional cost, which provides an entirely different and peaceful perspective of Ganga Aarti.
After this experience, you will return to the hotel for the evening and stay overnight in Varanasi.
Day 02: Morning Boat Ride, Temple Visits, Exploring Sarnath
Morning: Experience a Spiritual Varanasi
Begin your day with a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges’ sacred waters. You will be able to watch the sun rise, while enjoying the exploration of the daily life that takes place at Varanasi’s famous ghats, such as Assi, Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh Ghat.
After breakfast, go on a guided temple tour visiting:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Most Revered Jyotirlingas)
Annapurna Temple
Vishalakshi Temple
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Durga Kund Temple
Bharat Mata Temple
Manas Mandir
After visiting the above temples you can visit the famous Banaras Hindu University (BHU):
Birla Temple (New Vishwa Nath Temple)
Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum (A Comprehensive Collection of Artwork and Artifacts).
Afternoon: Excursion to Sarnath
In the afternoon you will drive North (10 km) to the holy city of Sarnath, which is the location of where Buddha gave his first sermon after his enlightenment.
Sarnath has many things to see, including:
Dhamek Stupa
Chaukhandi Stupa
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
Sarnath Archaeological Museum
Deer Park
Optional: Light & Sound Show @ Chaukhandi Stupa – A Beautifully done recollection of Buddha’s life and teachings.
After visiting Sarnath, you will return to Varanasi for the night.
Day 3 Included Visiting Swarved Mahamandir & Markandey Mahadev Pilgrimage
After breakfast, we will be visiting Swarved Mahamandir which is one of the largest Meditation Centers in the world. Some of the highlights of the visit are:
A grand multi-floored building with lotus-shaped domes
A very large meditation hall able to accommodate thousands of individuals.
Marble carvings of the spiritual teachings of “Swarveda”.
Beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains and areas designated for Meditation.
Introduction to Vihangam Yoga and other spiritual practices.
From Swarved Mahamandir you will continue on toward Markandey Mahadev Temple, located at the convergence of the Ganga and Gomti Rivers.
Your experiences there include:
Experiencing the traditional aarti and पूजा rituals.
A tranquil atmosphere for quiet reflection and suitable for meditation.
A strong connection to the mythology of Markandey Mahadev, his blessings for all and spiritual prosperity.
Following this experience you will return to Varanasi and have free time at your hotel prior to an overnight stay there.
Day 04: Namo Ghat and Farewell
After breakfast, visit a newly developed waterfront recreation area called Namo Ghat.
What you can see:
The “Namaste” sculpture with hands up
Wide angle view of the Ganges and other Ghats
Beautiful walking paths, outdoor theatre, and floating pontoon
Great Place to experience photography, relax, and riverfront recreation.
Enjoy some refreshments or just enjoy the peaceful setting before you leave.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to either the airport or railway station for your onward voyage home with many wonderful memories of your spiritual journey in Varanasi.
