Varanasi and Sarnath Cultural Trail with Sunrise Boat Ride

Varanasi , India

Varanasi and Sarnath Cultural Trail with Sunrise Boat Ride

Active

7h - 8h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of spirituality with the "Varanasi and Sarnath Cultural Trail with Sunrise Boat Ride." Commencing at 5:00 AM, you'll be whisked away from your hotel in Varanasi to partake in a magical sunrise boat ride along the sacred Ganges river. Witness the profound spirituality as locals engage in morning rituals along the ghats. Following the boat ride, a walking tour awaits, exploring the ghats and the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Your cultural odyssey continues with a visit to Sarnath, the city where Buddha imparted his first sermon. Marvel at the ancient artifacts in the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, admire the Dhamek Stupa, and explore the modern Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. A delightful lunch at a local restaurant precedes your return to Varanasi, concluding with a visit to the illustrious Benares Hindu University. As the sun sets, your enchanting day concludes at 5:30 PM, leaving you with cherished memories of spiritual and cultural wonders.

Available options

Car, Guide & Entrance

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
<br/>Pickup included

Car, Guide, Entrance & Lunch

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary & Lunch.<br/>Pickup included

Car & Guide

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides.<br/>Pickup included

Car Only

Includes: Private Car with Driver.
<br/>Pickup included

What's included

English speaking local guide, if option selected.

Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.

Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.

Lunch, if option selected.

Government Taxes.

Bottled water in the car.

Detailed itinerary

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:

Visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts and sculptures from the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath.

Stop 5

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.

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.

Stop 7

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.

What's not included

Camera charges at monuments.

Gratuities and optional activities.

Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Please provide up pick up information at least one day before the tour

About Varanasi

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, is a spiritual and cultural hub on the banks of the Ganges River. Known for its ancient temples, vibrant ghats (riverfront steps), and rich cultural heritage, it offers a profound experience of India's spiritual traditions and historical depth.

Top Attractions

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a major pilgrimage site. The temple's golden spire and intricate architecture are awe-inspiring.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Dasaswamedh Ghat

One of the most famous ghats in Varanasi, Dasaswamedh Ghat is a bustling hub of activity. It's known for its evening Ganga Aarti, a spectacular ritual of worshipping the Ganges River.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (boat rides cost INR 200-500)

Sarnath

A significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It's home to several ancient stupas, temples, and museums.

Historical Half day Free (entry fees for some sites)

Manikarnika Ghat

One of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, Manikarnika Ghat is primarily used for cremation ceremonies. It's a profound and moving experience to witness the rituals here.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is one of India's most prestigious universities. The campus is vast and beautiful, with museums, temples, and lush gardens.

Educational 2-3 hours Free (entry fees for some sites)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kachori

A deep-fried, spiced pastry filled with a mixture of lentils, onions, and spices. It's a popular street food item in Varanasi.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Peda

A sweet made from condensed milk and sugar, often flavored with cardamom. Banarasi peda is famous for its rich and creamy texture.

Dessert Vegetarian

Malaiyo

A traditional Banarasi sweet made from reduced milk, sugar, and saffron. It's often served during festivals and special occasions.

Dessert Vegetarian

Chaat

A savory snack made with a variety of ingredients like potatoes, onions, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind sauce. It's a popular street food item.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Boat rides on the Ganges River Exploring narrow alleys and hidden temples Meditation and yoga sessions Attending the Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat Visiting ancient temples and historical sites Swimming in the Ganges River (not recommended due to pollution) Attending winter festivals and fairs Visiting historical sites and museums

Best Time to Visit

October to March

This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and participating in various festivals. The city is lively with tourists and pilgrims.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hindi
Widely spoken: English, Bhojpuri
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Varanasi is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing, scams, and petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings, and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Use common sense and stay alert
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious of strangers and touts

Getting there

By air

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport • 24 km from city center

By train

Varanasi Junction, Manduar Diara

By bus

Varanasi Bus Stand, Sarnath Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Varanasi. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Varanasi Sarnath Cantt (Cantonment)

Day trips

Sarnath

10 km from Varanasi • Half day to full day

Sarnath is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, known for its ancient stupas, temples, and museums. It's a peaceful and historically rich area, offering a contrast to the bustling old city of Varanasi.

Chunar

55 km from Varanasi • Full day

Chunar is a historic town known for its ancient fort, located on the banks of the Ganges River. The fort offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Rajghat

20 km from Varanasi • Half day

Rajghat is an ancient site located on the banks of the Ganges River, known for its historic significance and scenic beauty. It's a peaceful and serene place to visit, offering a break from the bustling city of Varanasi.

Festivals

Diwali • October or November (dates vary by lunar calendar) Maha Shivaratri • February or March (dates vary by lunar calendar) Ganga Mahotsav • November (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

Hire a local guide to navigate the city's narrow alleys and hidden temples.
Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat for a spectacular and moving cultural experience.
Try local street food and sweets, but be cautious and choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.
Use common sense and stay alert to avoid scams, pickpocketing, and petty crime.