Varanasi: City Highlights Day Tour With Boat Ride

Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital, beckons travelers to enjoy its rich cultural heritage. This comprehensive day tour promises an enchanting exploration of the city’s highlights, from a mesmerizing sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River to a journey through the historic Old City’s winding lanes. Visitors will explore the city’s ancient temples, vibrant bazaars, and the prestigious Banaras Hindu University, while also witnessing the captivating Akhada Indian wrestling. As the day draws to a close, the tour culminates with the spellbinding Ganga Aarti ceremony, leaving participants with a profound understanding of Varanasi’s sacred traditions. This tour offers a well-rounded experience that …

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

Key Points

• This private group tour offers a comprehensive 5-hour exploration of Varanasi’s iconic sights, including a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River.
• Visitors can experience culture through activities like observing traditional Indian wrestling and witnessing the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony.
• The tour covers key landmarks such as Banaras Hindu University, the largest university in Asia, and the ancient site of Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon.
• Accessibility is ensured with a wheelchair-friendly itinerary, and the tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a local guide.
• Flexibility is built into the tour, allowing for adjustments based on local conditions and the group’s interests, including optional shopping excursions and sunset viewing.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Varanasi: City Highlights Day Tour with Boat Ride is a comprehensive 5-hour excursion that showcases the ancient city’s most iconic landmarks and cultural experiences.

Priced from £36.68 per person, this private group tour is available in English, Spanish, and Hindi. Accessible for wheelchair users, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a local guide.

Key highlights include a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River, exploring the Old City’s narrow lanes and ancient temples, visiting the Banaras Hindu University campus, observing traditional Indian wrestling, and witnessing the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset.

Lunch is at the traveler’s own expense, while monument fees and gratuities are included.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s morning activities commence with an early 5:30 am sunrise boat ride along the Ganges River. During this serene experience, guests can capture the vibrant hues of dawn and witness the rituals of pilgrims. The exploration of Varanasi’s Old City follows, where visitors can stroll through narrow lanes, admire ancient temples, and enjoy the vibrant bazaars. The tour also includes a visit to the renowned Banaras Hindu University, featuring the new Vishwanath Temple and Monkey Temple within its expansive campus, the largest in Asia.

Cultural Experiences	Sights
Akhada Indian Wrestling	Sarnath
Observe traditional Indian wrestling	Explore the site of Buddha’s first sermon

The tour culminates with the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where guests witness elaborate rituals accompanied by chanting and music as the sun sets.

Morning Activities

The tour begins with an early 5:30 am sunrise boat ride along the Ganges River. This experience allows guests to capture the dawn’s hues and witness the rituals of pilgrims as the sun rises over the ghats.

Following the boat ride, the group explores Varanasi’s historic Old City, wandering through the narrow lanes, ancient temples, and vibrant bazaars.

The tour then visits the renowned Banaras Hindu University, the largest university campus in Asia. Established in 1916, the campus features the new Vishwanath Temple and Monkey Temple, providing an opportunity to learn about this renowned educational institution.

Cultural Experiences

Along With the morning activities, the tour also provides cultural experiences for guests.

Guests can observe the traditional Indian wrestling practice known as akhada. This is an opportunity to witness the physical and mental discipline of these athletes as they compete.

The tour also includes a visit to Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon. Guests can explore the ancient ruins and the iconic Ashoka Pillar at this significant historical and spiritual location.

These cultural experiences offer a deeper understanding of Varanasi’s rich heritage and traditions, complementing the other highlights of the day tour.

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Evening Activities

Witnessing the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat caps off the day’s activities.

This elaborate ritual, with its chanting and music, captures the atmosphere as the sun sets over the holy Ganges River. Visitors can observe the priests performing the aarti, an offering of light to the gods, amidst the crowds of pilgrims and devotees.

The vibrant colors, rhythmic movements, and spiritual ambiance create an unforgettable experience.

After the ceremony, guests have the option to enjoy sunset views or explore the lively markets and bazaars near the ghats before returning to their hotel.

Inclusions

This tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.

A local guide will accompany you throughout the day, providing insights into Varanasi’s rich history and culture.

The tour also includes a morning boat ride on the Ganges River, where you’ll witness the rituals and traditions of pilgrims at sunrise.

Bottled water is provided for your convenience.

While lunch isn’t included, gratuities and monument fees are covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Whether you’re interested in the spiritual aspects or the cultural highlights, this comprehensive tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Varanasi’s city highlights.

Transportation Details

Private round-trip transportation is provided for this tour, with an air-conditioned vehicle ensuring a comfortable experience.

Pickup locations include the Mona Lisa Cafe, Assi Ghat, and the Ganga Aarti place. At the end of the tour, visitors can be dropped off at the same locations as the pickup points.

This door-to-door service allows participants to focus on the cultural highlights without worrying about transportation logistics.

The private transportation provides flexibility and convenience, allowing the tour to be tailored to the group’s preferences and schedule.

Additional Information

Along With the core tour activities, visitors often have the opportunity to engage in optional experiences. These can include personalized shopping excursions to explore the vibrant local bazaars or seeking out prime spots to capture the breathtaking sunset views over the Ganges River. While the tour itinerary is designed to provide a rundown of Varanasi’s cultural highlights, the schedule may be subject to minor changes based on local conditions or unexpected events.

Optional Activities	Recommendation	Experience
Shopping	Highly Recommended	Dive into the bustling local markets to find unique handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Sunset Viewing	Recommended	Witness the city’s skyline bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
Flexibility	As Needed	Itineraries may be adjusted to accommodate the interests and needs of the group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to individual preferences. Travelers can work with the tour operator to modify the itinerary, activities, and schedule to suit their interests and needs within the tour’s overall structure.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Activity?

The tour allocates time for each activity, with the sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River taking place at 5:30 am, followed by exploration of Varanasi’s Old City, a visit to Banaras Hindu University, and the Ganga Aarti Ceremony in the evening.

Is It Safe to Explore the City on My Own Afterwards?

Exploring Varanasi on one’s own can be safe, but it’s important to take precautions. Stick to main roads, avoid wandering alone at night, and research any areas before visiting. With proper preparation, solo exploration can be a rewarding experience.

Can Children Participate in All Activities?

Children can participate in most activities on the tour, but the Akhada Indian Wrestling segment may not be suitable for young children. The tour operator can provide guidance on age-appropriate activities.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for exploring religious sites. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended to stay cool in the warm climate.

Recap

The Varanasi City Highlights Day Tour is an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of this sacred city. From the mesmerizing sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River to the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony, the tour offers a comprehensive insight into the traditions and spiritual essence of Varanasi. It’s an ideal way for travelers to discover the enchanting charm of this timeless destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: