Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s rich cultural tapestry. This comprehensive one-day tour promises to unveil the essence of Varanasi, guiding you through sacred rituals, local cuisine, and renowned temples. From witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony to exploring the serene Sarnath, this tour provides a seamless experience that allows you to connect with Varanasi’s vibrant traditions. Crafted by experienced professionals, this itinerary ensures you make the most of your time in this captivating city. Prepare to be captivated as you delve deeper into the heart of Varanasi.
This experience made our list of the 20 Best City Tours In Varanasi.
Good To Know
- Comprehensive 12-hour private group tour of Varanasi’s heritage, including transportation, entry fees, and guidance from a licensed professional guide.
- Highlights include witnessing local rituals and purification ceremonies at the Ganges ghats, visiting Sarnath, and exploring renowned temples.
- Culminates with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, showcasing Varanasi’s deep spiritual connection with the Ganges.
- Flexible customization options to tailor the tour to specific interests and preferences, such as extended duration or private boat rides.
- Convenient "reserve now & pay later" booking policy, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Varanasi without immediate payment.
Tour Overview
The tour offers a comprehensive day-long exploration of the holy city of Varanasi. Priced at ₹20,989 per person, this 12-hour private group tour is led by a licensed professional guide and includes comfortable transportation as well as all entry fees.
Highlights include witnessing local rituals at the Varanasi ghats and experiencing the renowned Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashvamedh Ghat in the evening.
The tour is available for booking, with a flexible cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Customizations for extended durations or additional sites can also be arranged upon request.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Varanasi.
Tour Highlights
A licensed professional tour guide leads this comprehensive tour, ensuring visitors gain valuable insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Comfortable transportation is provided throughout the day, allowing travelers to explore Varanasi’s iconic ghats, where they can witness local rituals and purification ceremonies in the Ganges.
All entry fees are included, providing hassle-free access to significant sites such as Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon, and renowned temples like Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Tulsi Manas Temple.
The tour culminates with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashvamedh Ghat, a highlight for many visitors.
Itinerary
Early morning pickup from the hotel at 5 AM or 5:30 AM kick-starts this comprehensive tour of Varanasi.
Witness the local rituals and purification in the Ganges at the ghats.
After breakfast at a hotel or restaurant, visit Sarnath – the site of Buddha’s first sermon.
Explore iconic temples like Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, and Banaras Hindu University.
The tour culminates with the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashvamedh Ghat.
Customizations
This comprehensive tour can be customized to suit your preferences and interests.
The itinerary can be extended to cover additional sites or activities, allowing you to explore Varanasi at your own pace.
Some customization options include:
- Extending the duration of the tour to explore Varanasi’s historical and cultural landmarks in more depth
- Incorporating visits to specific temples or spiritual sites that align with your personal interests
- Arranging private boat rides along the Ganges River to witness the serene morning rituals or the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony from a unique perspective
- Tailoring the tour to accommodate special dietary requirements or preferences for your group.
Booking Information
To reserve your spot on this comprehensive Varanasi tour, customers can take advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option. This allows them to secure their place without any upfront payment.
The tour provider offers this flexible booking policy to make planning easier for travelers. Once the reservation is made, customers can pay the full amount closer to the tour date.
This "pay later" feature gives customers peace of mind and flexibility when booking their Varanasi experience. With this convenient booking option, visitors can look forward to an unforgettable journey through the sacred city without the hassle of immediate payment.
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Morning Rituals and Sarnath Visit
The tour begins with an early morning pickup from the hotel, allowing visitors to witness the sacred morning rituals along the renowned ghats of Varanasi.
Guests will have the opportunity to observe the locals performing their spiritual practices, such as:
- Bathing in the holy Ganges River
- Offering prayers and flowers to the river
- Participating in meditation and yoga sessions
- Witnessing the burning of the deceased at the cremation ghats
After the morning ritual experience, the tour proceeds to the site of Buddha’s first sermon, Sarnath.
Guests will explore the ancient ruins and learn about the historical significance of this important Buddhist site.
Exploring Local Temples
Following the morning rituals and visit to Sarnath, the tour explores some of Varanasi’s most renowned local temples. The first stop is the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Next, the group visits the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama and famous for its stunning marble structure. The tour also includes a stop at the renowned Banaras Hindu University, one of India’s oldest and largest universities.
Temple | Significance |
---|---|
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple | Known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere |
Tulsi Manas Temple | Dedicated to Lord Rama and famous for its stunning marble structure |
Banaras Hindu University | One of India’s oldest and largest universities |
Ganga Aarti Ceremony
Culminating the day’s tour, visitors attend the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashvamedh Ghat. This sacred ritual honors the Ganges River, a revered deity in Hinduism.
Devotees gather to witness the mesmerizing display of light, sound, and movement as priests perform the Aarti. Key highlights include:
- Priests chanting mantras and ringing bells
- The synchronized waving of burning lamps and incense
- Flower petals cascading into the river
- Boats filled with flickering diyas (oil lamps) floating on the Ganges
The Ganga Aarti is a spellbinding experience that showcases the deep spiritual connection Varanasi shares with the eternal river.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Solo Travelers Book This Tour?
Yes, solo travelers can book this tour. The tour is offered as a private group, allowing solo travelers to explore Varanasi’s highlights comfortably and conveniently with a licensed guide and transportation.
Is Luggage Storage Available During the Tour?
Yes, the tour provider offers luggage storage during the tour. Travelers can leave their bags at the hotel or with the tour guide and pick them up at the end of the day.
What Type of Transport Will Be Used?
The tour provides comfortable transportation, such as a private car or van, to transport participants between the various sites and locations throughout the day. The specific vehicle type is not specified in the tour overview.
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available?
Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available upon request. The tour provides breakfast at a hotel or restaurant, but the cost of meals is not included in the tour price.
Can the Tour Start Later in the Day?
The tour can accommodate a later start time upon request. Customers can work with the tour provider to adjust the schedule to fit their preferences, within reason and availability.
The Sum Up
This comprehensive Varanasi tour allows visitors to enjoy the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage in just one day. From witnessing sacred rituals along the ghats to exploring significant sites like Sarnath and participating in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, the tour offers a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of Varanasi. Guided by a licensed professional, this tour is a practical and efficient way to make the most of a day in this enchanting spiritual destination.
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