Why choose this Varanasi tour ?
Explore Varanasi on a private full-day tour that includes a sunrise and sunset boat ride (Hand Rowed Boat) on the Ganges River. Visit landmarks in and around Varanasi including Banaras Hindu University (BHU)’s Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, and Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath — an important Buddhist site. Finally, watch the evening aarti ceremony from the sunset boat cruise.
Make the most of your Varanasi adventure
What makes Sunrise to Sunset Varanasi Tour Including Ganges Boat Ride a unique experience ?
After early morning pickup at 5:30 am from your hotel or other desired location in Varanasi leave for a boat ride (Hand Rowed Boat) on the Ganges to see the bathing Ghats (river bank) & cremation site. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. The life on the Ghats bound in an endless string of rituals, ever-changing aspects of the river & the wide landscape across have fascinated visitors from all over the world.
One of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Vishveswara – Shiva as lord of the universe is the presiding deity of the city. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.
Later drive back to your hotel for breakfast.
Post breakfast visit Banaras Hindu University. Established in 1916, BHU is the largest university campus in Asia. Tour the campus and see the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum and the new Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), which is an exact replica of the original Vishwanath Temple.
Dedicated to the goddess who represents all the goddesses in the India culture. In other words, it can said that Bharat Mata personifies India as a mother goddess. Instead of traditional statues of gods and goddesses, this temple has a huge map of undivided India carved in marble.
Later learn about the silk weaving traditions of Varanasi, then take a break for lunch (own expense).
One of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage centers. After attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, it was here that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, sanctified as Maha Dharm Chakra Pravartan. The great Dhamekh Stupa and several other structures stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that time. You’ll also visit the Archaeological Museum, which features treasures that date to the 3rd-century BC (closed Fridays).
Evening take another boat ride (Hand Rowed Boat) on the Ganges to view the cremation grounds, You can witness cremations as your boat floats gently past, revealing a ritual that is memorable in its rawness, simplicity, and completeness. Then return to Dashashwamedh Ghat to watch the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. The Aarti Ceremony is a devotional Hindu ritual performed at dusk on the banks of the Ganges, using fire as an offering to, the affectionately referenced, Maa Ganga, goddess of the holiest river in India. Perhaps nowhere in India, or the world, is it possible to witness so clearly, colourfully, and intensely many thousands of years of unbroken dedication to spiritual exploration.
Your tour ends with a return to your hotel or other desired location in Varanasi.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dress code – Temples is a sacred house of God and a place of daily worship. To preserving its sanctity and spiritual ambiance one must follow the below dress code within temple complex:
- Upper Wear: Must cover the shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms Lower Wear: Must be at least below knee-length Remove footwear outside the temple. Socks are fine, you can keep wearing them.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if this is required (meals are at your own expense)
- A moderate amount of walking is involved please wear comfortable shoes
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- Please note: The Archaeological Museum in Sarnath is closed on Fridays
- During rainy season (July to September), Boat ride is subject to availability due to Ganges river overflow.
- Travelers should be vaccinated and carry the covid vaccination certificate
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- 1 Traveler
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Includes: Pick-up and drop-off + Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Sunrise and Sunset Boat ride + Bottled water
Pickup included - 5 or more Travelers
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Includes: Pick-up and drop-off + Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Sunrise and Sunset Boat ride + Bottled water
Pickup included - 4 Travelers
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Includes: Pick-up and drop-off + Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Sunrise and Sunset Boat ride + Bottled water
Pickup included - 3 Travelers
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Includes: Pick-up and drop-off + Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Sunrise and Sunset Boat ride + Bottled water
Pickup included - 2 Travelers
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Includes: Pick-up and drop-off + Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Sunrise and Sunset Boat ride + Bottled water
Pickup included
Sunrise to Sunset Varanasi Tour Including Ganges Boat Ride Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Professional private local guide for sightseeing
- Morning and evening Boat Ride (Hand Rowed Boat) on Ganges river
- Transport by private air-condition vehicle
- Hotel/airport pick-up and drop-off
Not Included
- Entrance fees
- Food and drinks
- Anything not mentioned in Inclusions
Trending Varanasi Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Pacific Classic Tours India.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Kolkata.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 4 Stars based on 11 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
• Dress code – Temples is a sacred house of God and a place of daily worship. To preserving its sanctity and spiritual ambiance one must follow the below dress code within temple complex:
Upper Wear: Must cover the shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms
Lower Wear: Must be at least below knee-length
Remove footwear outside the temple. Socks are fine, you can keep wearing them.
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if this is required (meals are at your own expense)
• A moderate amount of walking is involved please wear comfortable shoes
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• Hotel pickups commence prior to this time
• Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
• Please note: The Archaeological Museum in Sarnath is closed on Fridays.
• During rainy season (July to September) boat ride is subject to availability if Ganges river overflow.
• Travelers should be vaccinated and carry the covid vaccination certificate.
