Arrival in Varanasi: Airport or Railway Station and Hotel Check-in or Hotel Pick-up

Bharat Mata Temple - Enjoy a guided tour by private car to the Bharat Mata Temple in Varanasi, a unique temple dedicated to the personification of India as Bharat Mata, or Mother India. Unlike most Indian temples, it does not honor a deity but celebrates India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, the temple embodies simplicity and unity. Instead of traditional idols, the centerpiece is a detailed relief map of undivided India, showcasing its geographical features like mountains, plains, rivers, and oceans.

Monkey Temple (Durga Temple) - Visit the Durga Temple, one of Varanasi’s most iconic and ancient temples, known for its striking architecture and rich history. Located in the Durga Kund area, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the fierce warrior goddess in Hindu mythology. The temple’s distinct red color symbolizes the goddess’s fiery nature. Built in the Nagara style, it features a multi-tiered spire (shikhara) rising dramatically into the sky. The bustling entrance is filled with devotees and priests. According to legend, the idol of Goddess Durga appeared on its own (swayambhu), and the goddess is believed to protect the city from evil forces, making this temple a significant worship site.

Banaras Hindu University - Take a drive-pass tour of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India’s most prestigious and historic institutions. Founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU symbolizes India’s educational and cultural renaissance. As you approach, notice the massive gates, especially the Singh Dwar or Lion Gate, intricately designed as a symbol of the university’s strength and heritage. The gate opens to a wide, tree-lined boulevard, setting a serene academic environment.

New Vishwanath Temple - The New Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple, is a prominent landmark within the BHU campus. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it symbolizes spiritual devotion and architectural grandeur, attracting global visitors. Commissioned by the Birla family, the temple’s foundation was laid in 1931 and completed in 1966. It follows the traditional Nagara style with a tall, ornate spire (shikhara) and intricate carvings. Constructed with white marble, it stands majestically on a large platform, reaching approximately 77 meters, making it one of India’s tallest temples.

Ganga Aarti - As the sun sets, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual performed every evening. This spiritual ceremony involves priests offering prayers to the sacred Ganges River, personified as the goddess Ganga. The Aarti begins with mantra chanting and bell ringing. Priests in saffron robes perform synchronized movements with large brass lamps (aarti) and ritual items like conch shells and incense sticks, offering them to the river. The ceremony is a visual spectacle, with lamp flames reflecting on the water, conch shell sounds, and the crowd’s devotion creating a deeply moving experience, encapsulating Varanasi’s essence.

Early Morning Visit to Ganga Bank, Temple Visit, Walking Tour, Sarnath Tour, Departure Transfer or Hotel Drop-off

Dasaswamedh Ghat - Pre-Dawn Pick-Up: Begin your journey early, about 30 minutes before sunrise, with a hotel pick-up to the sacred Ganges River banks. Varanasi’s streets, usually bustling, are serene at this hour, enhancing the anticipation.
Arrival at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Arrive at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of Varanasi’s oldest and most vibrant ghats. The calm atmosphere is filled with faint temple bell sounds and prayer murmurs. The lightly illuminated ghat sees early risers starting their day with river rituals and prayers.

Banaras Ghats - Witnessing the Sunrise: As you move along the river, dawn’s first light breaks, shifting the sky from deep indigo to pink, purple, and gold. The sun’s gentle glow creates a mirror-like river reflection. As the sun rises, the river bathes in warm orange and red hues, creating a magical atmosphere. The ghats come alive with devotees performing morning rituals, offering prayers, and taking holy dips.

Manikarnika Ghat: A significant ghat where cremation fires burn continuously, symbolizing life’s cycle.
Harishchandra Ghat: Another important cremation site, named after King Harishchandra.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) - The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is also known as the Golden Temple. The main deity, Shri Vishwanath or Vishweshwara, means Lord of the Universe. Varanasi, also called Kashi, hosts this temple, popularly known as Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple was demolished several times by Muslim rulers, most recently by Aurangzeb, who built the Gyanvapi Mosque on its site. The current structure was built by Maratha ruler Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is a significant initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The admission pass is not included in the tour. If travelers wish to visit, the guide will assist in purchasing tickets.

Sarnath - A tour of Sarnath offers insight into one of Buddhism’s most significant sites. Here, Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment, making Sarnath a key Buddhist pilgrimage destination. The area is rich in ancient ruins, stupas, temples, and museums showcasing India’s spiritual and historical heritage.

1. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath’s most prominent structure. This massive stone and brick stupa marks where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples, setting the Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) in motion.
2. Buddhist Temple: After the Dhamek Stupa, visit the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern Buddhist temple built by the Mahabodhi Society in 1931.

Ashoka Pillar: Erected by Emperor Ashoka in 250 BCE to commemorate his conversion to Buddhism. The original pillar was 15.24 meters tall with a lion capital, now in the Sarnath Museum.

• Arrival and Departure Transfer to Airport/Railway Station
• Expert Tour Guide
• One bottle Packaged Drinking Water (500ml) per person
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Accomodation
• Meals
• Gratuities
• Monuments Entrance Fees
• Boat Ride at River Ganges

Discover the Spiritual Wonders of Varanasi: A 2-Day Tour

Embark on a journey to the spiritual core of India with this 2-day tour of Varanasi. Start your adventure at the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and experience the captivating Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a stunning ritual of light and devotion. Explore the peaceful Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, the historic Tulsi Manas Temple, and the impressive Durga Temple.

On the second day, visit Sarnath, the site where Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore ancient stupas, including the Dhamek Stupa, and soak in the serene atmosphere of this sacred Buddhist location. This tour beautifully combines Varanasi’s lively Hindu traditions with Sarnath’s serene Buddhist legacy, providing a deep understanding of India’s spiritual and cultural wealth.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.