TOUR OVERVIEW
Varanasi, picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy Ganga, is one of the ancient seats of learning in India, and the city’s name is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Varanasi – sacred, evocative, poignant and spectacular this city touches your heart and soul

DAY BY DAY – DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 – ARRIVE VARANASI (BY FLIGHT)

On arrival at Varanasi airport you are met by our representative who will also help you with your transfer to your hotel.

Varanasi is the spiritual heart of India and one of the oldest living cities in the world with a history going back 2,500 years. The true name for Varanasi is “Kashi” which is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “to shine and look brilliant” and Kashi (today, the old city area) is believed to be the home of the most powerful of the Triumvirate Indian deity, Lord Shiva.

This evening drive to the old city where you leave your vehicle and walk through the narrow lanes towards the ghats leading to the River Ganges. You do a part of the way on cycle rickshaws.

At the ghats, you join the others for the traditional 6:45 pm Gange aarti performed daily in the evenings by a group of priests. All priests are students of Vedas and Upanishads and led by the head priest of the Gangotri Seva Samiti. It is performed with brass lamps and all priests, participating this pray ceremony wear traditional Dhoti and Kurta clothes.

Return to your hotel after the aarti ceremony.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 2 – VARANASI
You have an early morning start today as you wake up at sunrise to visit the ghats once more, this time for a morning cruise on the River Ganges to view the ghats at sunrise when they are abuzz with activity. The devotees perform their ablutions in the river or offer prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals. As you cruise along the ghats, you will have an ideal vantage point to view these activities.

Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later this morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Varanasi.

Start by visiting some of the important temples like Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, which interestingly houses one of the most perfect relief maps of India and is dedicated to Mother India. Another is Durga Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, consort of Lord Shiva.

In the afternoon, proceed for a guided excursion to SARNATH – where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.

A major Buddhist centre, Sarnath lies 10 kilometres north east of Varanasi. It was here that Buddha preached his message of the ’middle way’ to nirvana after achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya. In around 234 BC, Emperor Ashoka, a great follower of Buddhism, erected a stupa here. Between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, several Buddhist structures were built here in Sarnath’s. Most of the Sarnath’s monuments are set in large gardens making it quite pleasant for a visitor to spend some time here.

After your tour of Sarnath, return to the city and the evening is at leisure.

Overnight at hotel (B)

DAY 3 – DEPARTURE
Your tour comes to an end this morning. We will arrange your drop to Varanasi airport, for your onwards flight.