Varanasi: Private Day Tour With Ganges Boat Ride & Aarti

Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital, beckons travelers with its timeless allure. This private day tour promises an immersive experience, unveiling the city’s sacred essence through a mesmerizing boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise and the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony. Priced at $95.37 per person, the 12-hour itinerary explores significant Buddhist and Hindu sites, including Sarnath and the New Vishwanath Temple. With private transportation, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour ensures a well-organized journey. But the true magic lies in the moments that will captivate one’s senses and leave a lasting impression. Prepare to embark on a transformative spiritual odyssey through the heart of Varanasi.

Key Points

• A private day tour in Varanasi that includes a morning boat ride on the Ganges River and an evening Ganga Aarti ceremony, priced at $95.37 per person.
• The 12-hour tour covers significant Buddhist and Hindu landmarks, such as Sarnath and the New Vishwanath Temple, with a knowledgeable guide and private transportation.
• The tour starts early at 5:30 AM to maximize the day’s activities and may be subject to cancellation due to water flow conditions or unsuitable for pregnant women.
• Positive customer reviews highlight the informative guide, front-row seats for the Aarti ceremony, and the overall enjoyable and well-organized nature of the tour.
• The boat ride on the Ganges offers stunning sunrise views, a serene experience of Varanasi’s spiritual essence, and a front-row perspective of the bustling ghats and Hindu rituals.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The private day tour in Varanasi offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned Ganges River and its sacred sites. Priced from $95.37 per person, this 12-hour tour provides a hassle-free experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment, ensuring a flexible booking process. The tour includes a morning boat ride on the Ganges, visits to important Buddhist and Hindu landmarks, and the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening.

Private transportation, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide are also provided, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for travelers.

Itinerary Highlights

Early morning pickup from hotel, airport, or desired location in Varanasi kicks off this comprehensive private day tour.

The first stop is a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River at sunrise, offering a serene perspective of the holy city.

Next, the tour visits Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.

Afterward, guests explore the exquisite New Vishwanath Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, and the Tulsi Manas Temple.

The day culminates with the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the tour guide provides insights into this spiritual ritual.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This private day tour in Varanasi includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

The tour provides private round-trip transportation with air conditioning, hotel pickup and drop-off, a morning boat ride on the Ganges, and the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Bottled water and a private tour guide are also included.

However, meals and entrance fees to monuments and attractions aren’t covered. Guests are responsible for their personal expenses.

It’s important to note that the boat ride is subject to water flow conditions and may be canceled in the event of floods. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Important Information

Tour starts at 5:30 AM to make the most of the day. The boat ride is subject to water flow conditions, and may be canceled in case of floods. This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women. Guests should bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a towel. Drones, non-folding strollers, alcohol, drugs, and feeding animals are not allowed.

Start Time	Boat Ride Condition	Guest Suitability
5:30 AM	Subject to water flow	Not suitable for pregnant women
–	May be canceled in floods	–
–	–	Bring passport/ID, comfortable shoes, towel

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Customer Reviews

Based on the 2 reviews available, guests have provided a positive overall rating of 5/5 for this private day tour in Varanasi.

Reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable and experienced guide, who ensured an informative and memorable experience. Guests appreciated the front-row seats they were given for the evening Aarti ceremony, allowing them to fully enjoy the spiritual atmosphere.

The tour’s inclusions, such as the Ganges boat ride and private transportation, were also praised for enhancing the overall experience.

With the high ratings and positive feedback, this private day tour in Varanasi appears to be a well-organized and enjoyable option for visitors to the holy city.

Boat Ride on the Ganges

One of the highlights of the private day tour in Varanasi is the morning boat ride on the sacred Ganges River.

Guests will rise early to witness the stunning sunrise over the holy river. From the boat, they’ll have a front-row view of the bustling ghats and can observe the Hindu rituals and devotional activities taking place along the riverbanks.

The boat ride provides a serene and peaceful way to experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi.

However, it’s important to note that the boat ride is subject to water flow conditions and may be canceled in the event of floods.

Visit to Sarnath

As part of the private day tour, guests will visit Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site located just a short drive from Varanasi. Sarnath is where the Buddha first preached his teachings after attaining enlightenment, making it a sacred destination for Buddhists worldwide. Visitors can explore the Dhamekh Stupa, an impressive brick tower dating back to the 5th century CE, as well as the Archeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Buddhist art and artifacts.

Feature	Description
Location	Just 10 km from Varanasi
Significance	Site of Buddha’s first sermon
Key Attractions	Dhamekh Stupa, Archeological Museum

Evening Aarti Ceremony

The evening Ganga Aarti on the banks of the Ganges River is a captivating ritual that draws visitors from around the world.

During this ceremony, Hindu priests perform an elaborate ritual using lamps, flowers, and incense. The flickering flames and rhythmic chanting create an atmosphere of spirituality and reverence.

Tourists gather along the ghats, the series of steps leading to the river, to witness this mesmerizing spectacle. As the sun sets, the aarti ceremony unfolds, with the priests offering their prayers and blessings to the river.

It’s a profound experience that connects visitors to the sacred traditions of Varanasi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit your preferences. You can request changes to the itinerary, such as adding or removing certain sites, adjusting the schedule, or focusing on specific interests. The provider will work with you to create a personalized experience.

Is the Boat Ride Safe and Comfortable for Elderly Travelers?

The boat ride is generally safe and comfortable for elderly travelers, though boats may be crowded. Passengers should exercise caution when boarding and disembarking. The guide can provide assistance if needed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Religious Attire for the Temples?

The tour doesn’t require any specific religious attire for the temples. Visitors should wear comfortable, modest clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Some temples may require removing shoes before entering, but the tour guide will provide guidance on appropriate etiquette.

Is There an Option to Include a Visit to the Ghats During the Day?

The tour doesn’t explicitly include a daytime visit to the ghats, but guests can likely request this addition. The guide can customize the itinerary to accommodate a ghat visit during the day if desired.

Can I Leave My Luggage With the Tour Provider During the Tour?

The tour provider can typically store guests’ luggage during the tour. However, it’s best to confirm this arrangement directly with them, as policies may vary. Leaving luggage with the provider can provide convenience and security during the day’s activities.

Recap

Varanasi’s private day tour offers a captivating spiritual experience. Guests can enjoy the city’s rich heritage, from the serene Ganges boat ride at sunrise to the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. With knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation, this tour ensures an unforgettable journey through Varanasi’s sacred landmarks, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation of the city’s profound spiritual essence.

You can check if your dates are available here: