Omvity’s Full-Day Varanasi Tour: Sunrise Boat to Sunset Aarti

Start your day with a peaceful sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. We'll pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 AM in summer / 6:00 AM in winter, setting the tone for a truly spiritual journey. As the boat gently glides along the river, you'll witness ancient rituals — locals offering water to the rising sun and devotees taking holy dips. It's a scene of living tradition that defines the spiritual energy of Varanasi.

After the boat ride, take a guided walk through the narrow lanes of the old city. This mystical and heritage-rich area comes alive with vibrant local life. Discover hidden temples, stop by stalls selling sacred perfumes, Ayurvedic oils, and handmade artifacts. Sample local street food and explore colorful markets including Godowlia — one of the city's oldest and most iconic.

This part of the tour offers a unique blend of cultural insight, sacred rituals, and authentic Varanasi charm — a truly unforgettable start to your spiritual day.

Then, take a guided walk through the old city’s winding alleys, where you'll glimpse one of the most revered Hindu shrines and experience the spiritual rhythm of everyday life.

Breakfast Break for 1 Hr

Explore the sacred southern side of Varanasi with guided visits to some of its most revered temples and landmarks. Begin at Tulsi Manas Mandir, where the epic Ramcharitmanas was composed. The peaceful setting and scripture-inscribed walls make it a spiritual highlight.

Visit Durga Mata Mandir, famous for its red facade and holy pond. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, it’s a vibrant center of Shakti worship.

Continue to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, where devotees seek protection and blessings. Its calm energy and playful monkeys offer a unique charm.

Drive through the green campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India’s leading institutions. Here, visit the New Vishwanath Temple, a marble replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple, ideal for peaceful reflection.

This part of the tour offers a rich blend of devotion, heritage, and cultural insight into Varanasi’s spiritual fabric.

Lunch Break 1 Hr

After lunch, your journey continues to Sarnath, located just 13 km from Varanasi. This is the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to five disciples after attaining enlightenment, marking the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha.

Today, Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in the world, drawing spiritual seekers and history lovers alike. Explore remarkable landmarks such as the Dhamek Stupa, which stands at the exact spot of Buddha’s sermon, and the ruins of ancient monasteries and temples built by Emperor Ashoka to spread Buddhism.

You'll also see the Ashokan Pillar with the Lion Capital, India’s national emblem, and intricately carved sculptures of animals and birds that represent Buddhist symbolism and Mauryan artistry.

This portion of the tour provides a peaceful contrast to Varanasi’s intensity, offering insights into the birthplace of Buddhism’s teachings and the serenity of its message.

Enjoy the Ganga Aarti ceremony from a reserved riverside seat, offering clear views and comfort as you witness one of India’s most powerful spiritual rituals. Performed by priests with flaming lamps, chants, and music, this synchronized ceremony honors the sacred Ganges River.

From your chair, soak in the sights and sounds as lights reflect off the water and ancient mantras fill the air — a truly unforgettable experience. After the ceremony, you'll be dropped back at your hotel with lasting memories of Varanasi.