Varanasi : Private Sightseeing Day Trip & Ganges Cruise

Varanasi, one of India’s most captivating destinations, beckons travellers with its profound spiritual essence and rich cultural tapestry. A private sightseeing day trip and Ganges cruise offer an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the city’s captivating rituals, explore historic landmarks, and explore the intellectual hub of Banaras Hindu University. From the tranquil early morning boat ride to the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the enchanting mysteries of this timeless city. But the true allure of Varanasi lies in the stories yet to be discovered, inviting the curious traveller to unveil the hidden gems that make this destination truly unique.

Key Points

• A private day trip to Varanasi, India, featuring a Ganges River cruise and comprehensive sightseeing, priced at €69.62 per person.
• 10-hour duration with hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a multilingual live guide.
• Includes a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, a walking tour of the old city, and visits to cultural and spiritual sites.
• Covers activities such as observing morning rituals, exploring Banaras Hindu University, and attending the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
• Provides a comprehensive understanding of Varanasi’s rich cultural heritage and sacred traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private sightseeing day trip and Ganges cruise in Varanasi carries a starting price of €69.62 per person.

The tour lasts 10 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transportation, a live guide fluent in multiple languages, a boat ride on the Ganges, bottled water, and entry fees.

Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Travelers must bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and a towel, while drones, non-folding strollers, alcohol, and animal feeding aren’t allowed.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with an early morning hotel pickup at 5:30 AM, allowing guests to witness the sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges River.

Visitors will then observe the morning rituals and ceremonies along the riverbanks.

Next, a guided walking tour of the old city provides an immersive experience, including a visit to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

In the midday, the tour explores Banaras Hindu University, the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, and the Bharat Mata Temple.

Guests will also learn about Varanasi’s renowned silk weaving traditions.

The afternoon includes a visit to the serene Sarnath site and an opportunity to view the cremation grounds.

The tour concludes with the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Morning Activities

At 5:30 AM, guests are picked up from their hotels to begin the day’s activities.

The tour kicks off with a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River, allowing participants to witness the spiritual morning rituals performed by the locals along the riverbanks.

Following the boat ride, the group embarks on a guided walking tour through the old city, exploring the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu shrines.

The tour also includes:

• Observing the daily customs and practices of the riverside community
• Gaining insights into the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi
• Marveling at the architectural grandeur of the ancient temples and ghats.

Midday Activities

After exploring the spiritual heart of Varanasi during the morning, the tour moves on to discover the city’s intellectual and cultural treasures.

First, visitors will visit the renowned Banaras Hindu University, one of India’s top academic institutions. Here, they’ll explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient Indian art and artifacts.

Next, they’ll head to the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a unique marble relief map of India.

Finally, they’ll explore Varanasi’s renowned silk weaving traditions, learning about the intricate process and perhaps even trying their hand at it.

A lunch break provides a chance to refuel before the afternoon’s activities.

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Afternoon Activities

Moving into the afternoon, visitors explore the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath. Here, they visit the Dhamekh Stupa, an impressive stone monument marking the location where Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon.

Adjacent to the stupa, the Archaeological Museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts from the site, including the famous Ashokan Pillar with its iconic four-headed lion capital.

After Sarnath, the tour proceeds to the cremation grounds, where pilgrims honor their departed loved ones through traditional Hindu rituals.

This solemn yet profound experience provides a deeper understanding of Varanasi’s cultural and spiritual significance.

Evening Activities

As the day draws to a close, visitors return to the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony.

This breathtaking ritual honors the Ganges River with the lighting of lamps, chanting of mantras, and rhythmic waving of incense and flowers.

The setting sun casts a warm glow over the scene as devotees and onlookers alike are enthralled by the spiritual experience.

Following the ceremony, the tour concludes with a drop-off at the hotel, leaving guests with unforgettable memories of Varanasi’s vibrant culture and sacred traditions.

Inclusions and Transportation

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing a seamless start and end to the day’s activities.

The private, air-conditioned transportation ensures comfortable travel between sites.

The tour also includes:

• A live, multilingual guide to provide in-depth insights into Varanasi’s history and culture
• A Ganges River boat ride to witness the morning rituals along the sacred waterfront
• Bottled water and all entry fees to the monuments visited
• Tips for a hassle-free experience

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women due to the walking involved.

Travelers are advised to bring their passport or ID card and wear comfortable shoes for the day’s activities.

Important Information and What to Bring

Travelers on this private sightseeing tour of Varanasi should come prepared with their passport or ID card.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tour involves extensive exploration on foot. Plus, bringing a towel can be useful, as the boat ride on the Ganges River may get a bit wet.

Drones, non-folding strollers, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited. Feeding animals is also not allowed.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

With these essential items and considerations in mind, visitors can fully enjoy the cultural and historical wonders of Varanasi during this comprehensive sightseeing excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is a private sightseeing experience, so the group size is typically just the traveler and their party. This allows for a more personalized and flexible tour that can be tailored to the individual’s interests.

Can the Tour Itinerary Be Customized Based on Interests?

The tour itinerary can typically be customized based on the customer’s interests. The private nature of the tour allows the guide to tailor the activities and focus areas to suit the individual preferences of the group.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any specific discounts for seniors or students on this particular tour. However, they may be able to provide some flexibility on pricing for larger group bookings or those with special needs. It’s best to inquire directly with the tour company.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather During the Tour?

In case of inclement weather, the tour provider will work to adjust the itinerary and activities as needed to ensure the safety and comfort of participants. Guests can expect flexibility and personalized attention to accommodate any weather-related changes.

Are Vegetarian/Dietary Restriction Options Available for the Lunch?

Yes, the tour provider offers vegetarian and other dietary restriction options for the lunch break. Clients with special dietary needs can inform the guide in advance to accommodate their preferences.

Recap

Enjoy the captivating spirituality of Varanasi on this private sightseeing tour and Ganges cruise. Experience the enchanting sunrise rituals, explore the historic old city, and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. This comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to take in the cultural and religious richness of this sacred city, creating lasting memories of this spiritual journey.

You can check if your dates are available here: