Varanasi & Sarnath Spiritual Heritage Journey: Ganga Aarti, Sunrise Boat Ride & Buddhist Heritage 3 days
- Private tour
- Solo friendly
- Family friendly
Experience Varanasi’s spiritual traditions along the sacred Ganges, witnessing the moving evening Ganga Aarti and taking a peaceful sunrise boat ride past the city’s historic ghats. Explore revered temples and landmarks, then visit Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, to discover the region’s rich Buddhist heritage and tranquil monuments.
Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and prepare for an evening spiritual experience.
Later, proceed to the ghats of the Ganges River to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony. The ritual is performed by priests using large brass lamps and is accompanied by rhythmic chants and devotional music. The illuminated ghats and spiritual atmosphere create a memorable introduction to Varanasi.
After the ceremony, return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Varanasi Sightseeing & Sarnath ExcursionBegin the day with an early morning boat ride on the Ganges during sunrise. Observe pilgrims performing rituals along the ghats and experience the riverfront’s daily spiritual life, including prayers, meditation and traditional ceremonies.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, begin sightseeing with Banaras Hindu University, followed by Bharat Mata Temple and Tulsi Manas Mandir.
Continue to Sarnath, approximately 10 km / 30 minutes from Varanasi, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit Dhamek Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar and the archaeological museum.
Return to Varanasi in the evening and relax or explore local markets.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Departure from VaranasiAfter breakfast, check out and transfer to Varanasi Airport for your onward journey. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy some last-minute shopping or a short visit to nearby ghats.
Your journey concludes with memorable experiences of Varanasi’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
What's included
* Please check prices for full list of inclusions and exclusions
Inclusions
- Assistance on arrival at the airport
- 2 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program
- English-speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program
- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the car
- Government taxes
- Hotels Used or Similar (2 Nights Accommodation)
- 3-Star Hotels DEPENDING ON PRICE SELECTED
- 4-Star Hotels DEPENDING ON PRICE SELECTED
- Varanasi (2 nights): Meraden Grand / Hotel Tridev DEPENDING ON PRICE SELECTED
- Varanasi (2 nights): Rivatas by Ideal / The Amayaa DEPENDING ON PRICE SELECTED
Exclusions
- Any flight tickets
- Camera charges at monuments if any
- Meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions
- Expenses of a personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc
- Gratuities and optional activities
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Details
Available in
English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish
(Other languages guide available on request at an additional cost.)
Available for
Infants, Children, Adults, Seniors, Students
Departure & Return
Start city: Varanasi , Uttar Pradesh, India
Pick-up time:Flexible
Pick up location: Varanasi Airport
Ends at: Varanasi Airport
Nearest airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS)
Eco Features:
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Education & exploration
Education & exploration
The product is educational rather than entertainment-focused - it respects and gives insight into local traditions and/or environment - Licensed tour guide
- Local or indigenous tour guide(s)
Cancellation policy
0% cancellation fee - 31 days or more before the travel date
50% cancellation fee - between 16-30 days before the travel date
75% cancellation fee - between 7-15 days before the travel date
90% cancellation fee - between 4-6 days before the travel date
100% cancellation fee - between 0-3 days before the travel date
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