Private Full-Day Varanasi Tour with Boat Ride on the River Ganges

Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is considered to be the holiest city of the Hindus. On this day-tour of Varanasi, take an early morning boat ride on the River Ganges and see some of the rituals of the pilgrims to this city. Visit the famous Kashi-Vishwanath temple and the largest University campus of Asia. See the town of Sarnath where the Buddha gave his first sermon and witness the spectacular evening prayers by the River Ganges, Ganga Aarti.

Highlights
• Morning boat ride on the River Ganges
• Visit to Banaras Hindu University
• Mother India Temple
• Visit to the town of Sarnath
• Evening prayers, Ganga Aarti, on the banks of the River Ganges

You will be picked up from your hotel early in the morning and taken to the banks of the River Ganges where you will take a boat ride. Watch the sunrise and witness the morning rituals performed by the pilgrims on the riverside steps. Later continue on a walking tour of the adjoining lanes which almost always lead to a temple.

After breakfast drive down to the 100 year old Banaras Hindu University located on the outskirts of the city. Take a tour of the sprawling campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, an art and archaeological museum located within the campus. Also within the campus is an exact replica of the original Vishwanath Temple.

Continue your drive to Mother India Temple, built in 1918. Instead of the traditional statues of Gods and Goddesses this temple has a huge marble relief map of the Indian subcontinent. You will also learn about the silk weaving traditions of Varanasi.

In the afternoon drive over to the town of Sarnath, located 6 miles out of Varanasi. It was in Sarnath that the Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. See the Dhamek Stupa and the Archaeological Museum there that has artefacts dating back to the 3rd century B.C.

As dusk approaches drive back to Varanasi and wind your way along the banks of the

River Ganges to get a glimpse of the spectacular Ganga Aarti. The whole atmosphere

reverberates with the chants and hymns that accompany the daily ritual of lighting

lamps and offering prayers to the River Ganges. As the prayer ends, people light up

small lamps and float them on the river.

At the end of the tour you will be dropped back at your hotel.