Full Day City Tour of Varanasi Visit Sarnath Including Evening Ganga Aarti

The full-day city tour of Varanasi offers a captivating exploration of the city’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the city’s iconic temples, witness the awe-inspiring Ganga Aarti ceremony, and learn about the significance of Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. This comprehensive tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the heart of one of India’s most sacred and ancient cities, unveiling its timeless traditions and leaving a lasting impression on those who venture forth.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best City Tours In Varanasi.

Key Points

Key Points:

• Comprehensive full-day tour of Varanasi covering visits to local temples, Sarnath, and the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony.
• Opportunity to explore Varanasi’s diverse religious heritage, including Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic influences.
• In-depth visit to the important Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon.
• Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spiritual ritual performed on the sacred Ganges River.
• Tour package includes private transportation, buffet lunch, entry fees, and the services of a knowledgeable local guide.

Tour Overview

The full-day city tour of Varanasi includes visits to local temples and Sarnath, the important Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Travelers will experience the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony along the river with prayers, candles, and flowers.

The tour includes a buffet lunch, a private guide, entry fees, and air-conditioned transport.

During the morning visits, guests will see the Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University’s art gallery, and Aurangzeb’s mosque.

The Sarnath visit allows exploration of temples and the archaeological museum with Buddhist art.

All transfers and sightseeing are provided in an air-conditioned private vehicle, with pickup from the hotel or railway station.

Itinerary Highlights

The morning visits include a stop at the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a relief map of India. Guests will then explore the Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and Benaras Hindu University’s art gallery, as well as Aurangzeb’s mosque.

This 2-hour portion provides insight into Varanasi’s diverse religious heritage.

Next, the tour heads to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha preached his first sermon. Visitors can explore the temples and archaeological museum, which displays Buddhist art and artifacts.

This 2-hour visit offers a deeper understanding of the region’s rich spiritual history.

The day culminates with the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony, where guests witness the spiritual rituals and prayers performed on the sacred Ganges River.

Morning Visits

The morning visits commence with a stop at the Bharat Mata Temple, which features an intricate relief map of India.

Next, the tour explores the Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and Benaras Hindu University’s art gallery.

The group also visits Aurangzeb’s mosque, providing insights into the city’s diverse religious heritage.

The morning segment lasts approximately 2 hours, with admission fees included in the tour package.

These visits offer a glimpse into Varanasi’s rich cultural tapestry, blending Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic influences across its historic landmarks.

Sarnath Visit

After the morning visits, the tour proceeds to the important Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath. Sarnath is where Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visitors can explore the temples and archaeological museum that houses a wealth of Buddhist art and artifacts.

Highlights	Duration	Admission
Explore Sarnath Temples	2 hours	Included
Visit Archaeological Museum	2 hours	Included
Discover Buddhist Art & Artifacts	–	–
Learn About Buddha’s First Sermon	–	–

The Sarnath visit provides a profound insight into the origins of Buddhism and the life of the Buddha, making it a truly enriching part of the Varanasi city tour.

Evening Aarti Ceremony

As the sun sets over the Ganges, the city of Varanasi comes alive with the spiritual Ganga Aarti ceremony. Worshippers gather on the riverbanks to witness this ancient ritual of offering prayers and lighting lamps.

The ceremony begins with the ringing of bells and the chanting of mantras, as priests perform intricate movements with fire, flowers, and incense. Devotees release floating candles, known as diyas, onto the sacred waters, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

The Ganga Aarti is a deeply spiritual experience, connecting participants to the timeless traditions of Hinduism. Visitors can observe this captivating ceremony from the comfort of a rickshaw, seeing the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of this iconic Varanasi tradition.

Transportation & Logistics

All transfers and sightseeing during the tour are provided in an air-conditioned private vehicle.

The tour includes pickup from your hotel or the railway station in Varanasi. At the end of the day, the tour will drop you back at the original meeting point.

The transportation is well-organized, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience throughout the day.

Whether you’re starting your journey from your hotel or the train station, the tour’s logistics are designed to make your exploration of Varanasi seamless and hassle-free.

Additional Information

The tour comes with confirmation received at booking, ensuring a smooth and organized experience.

It isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with serious medical conditions.

However, most travelers can participate, as this is a private tour for your group only.

Some key details to note:

1. Not wheelchair accessible.
2. Not suitable for those with serious medical conditions.
3. Most travelers can participate.
4. Private tour for your group only.

Reviews & Feedback

The tour has received 3 reviews with a 5.0 overall rating, indicating highly positive feedback from guests.

Reviewers highlighted the excellent organization and historical insights provided by the tour. Guests found the experience of the Ganga Aarti ceremony on the river to be particularly memorable and spiritually enriching.

Many praised the beauty and tranquility of the temples and the archaeological museum in Sarnath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Ganga Aarti Ceremony?

Yes, visitors can typically take photos during the Ganga Aarti ceremony, but they should be respectful and avoid disrupting the spiritual atmosphere. Photography is generally allowed, though some temples may have restrictions.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for this tour, but visitors should wear modest, loose-fitting clothing out of respect for the religious sites. Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops are generally avoided.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is required for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended to capture the sights and atmosphere. The tour provides all necessary transportation and entrance fees.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Sites?

Yes, you can likely extend the tour to include additional sites. The tour operator should be able to customize the itinerary to accommodate your interests, though there may be an additional cost. It’s best to discuss any modifications directly with them.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with guests exploring several temples and historical sites over the course of the day. Visitors can expect to walk for 2-3 hours total, with breaks in between visits. The pace is leisurely and manageable for most travelers.

Recap

The Full Day City Tour of Varanasi offers an immersive exploration of the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Visitors can discover the historic site of Sarnath, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, and explore iconic temples. This comprehensive tour provides an in-depth experience, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the profound significance of Varanasi’s sacred landscapes and rituals.