Varanasi and Sarnath Cultural Trail with Sunrise Boat Ride
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA207
Embark on a private guided tour and discover the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi and Sarnath. Experience the spirituality of Varanasi with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges river and a walking tour of the ghats and temples. Explore the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath and visit the Benares Hindu University's Bharat Kala Bhavan museum. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and traditions of this fascinating region on a personalized journey of enlightenment and discovery.
5:00 AM - Pick up from your hotel in Varanasi
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Varanasi and taken to the river ghat to start your boat ride at sunrise.
5:30 AM - Early morning boat ride on the Ganges river
You'll start your day by taking a boat ride on the Ganges river at sunrise. This is one of the best ways to experience the spirituality of Varanasi, as you'll see locals taking their morning dips in the holy river and performing various religious rituals on the ghats (riverbank steps).
7:30 AM - Walking tour of the ghats and temples
After the boat ride, you'll take a walking tour of the ghats and temples along the Ganges river. This will include a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the 12 jyotirlingas (lingams of light) in India. You'll also visit other temples and sites of historical and cultural importance.
10:30 AM - Visit Sarnath
After exploring Varanasi, you'll head to the nearby city of Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Here are a few things you can do in Sarnath:
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Visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts and sculptures from the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath.
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Visit the Dhamek Stupa: This is a massive, cylindrical-shaped stupa that's believed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It's one of the most important Buddhist monuments in Sarnath.
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Visit the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: This is a modern Buddhist temple that's built on the site where Buddha is believed to have spent his first rainy season after attaining enlightenment.
1:30 PM - Lunch
After exploring Sarnath, you'll have lunch at a local restaurant.
2:30 PM - Return to Varanasi
After lunch, you'll return to Varanasi.
3:30 PM - Visit the Benares Hindu University
Your next stop will be the Benares Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Here, you can visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, which houses a collection of ancient Indian art and artifacts.
5:30 PM - End of the tour
Finally, your private tour of Varanasi and Sarnath will come to an end and you'll be dropped off at your hotel in Varanasi.
Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
English speaking local guide, if option selected.
Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
Lunch, if option selected.
Bottled water in the car.
Government Taxes.
Camera charges at monuments.
Gratuities and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.