Varanasi: Varanasi Evening Aarti Tour With Boat Ride

Varanasi, an ancient city along the Ganges River, holds a sacred place in the hearts of many. The Evening Aarti Tour promises to immerse visitors in the spiritual essence of this captivating destination. Embarking on a serene boat ride, participants witness the iconic Aarti ceremony, a mesmerizing ritual that illuminates the riverbanks. Beyond the spiritual experience, the tour also explores the city’s bustling local markets, offering a glimpse into the vibrant cultural traditions that have endured for centuries. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the wonders of Varanasi. The true wonder, however, lies in the transformative power of this immersive experience.

Key Points

• The tour includes a 1-hour long-tail boat ride on the Ganges River to witness the captivating Aarti ceremony.
• Visitors can explore sacred death rituals at Manikarnika Ghat and browse local markets for religious items.
• The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and local guides to offer cultural insights.
• Customers can cancel the tour for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
• Potential drawbacks include boat tour cancellation due to flooding and an overcrowded Aarti viewing experience without a guide.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Varanasi Evening Aarti Tour with Boat Ride typically offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi.

Priced from £61.74 per person, the 4-hour tour includes a private car ride, guided visits to local sites, a 1-hour long-tail boat ride on the Ganges, and a stop at Manikarnika Ghat.

Conducted in English, the tour allows travelers to attend the captivating evening Aarti ceremony on the river, cruise past over 80 ghats, and explore the vibrant local markets.

With a private group setup and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a comprehensive and flexible way to discover the fascinating rituals and heritage of Varanasi.

Itinerary

Starting from Varanasi, the tour begins with a 30-minute car ride to the first stop. Here, guests enjoy a photo opportunity and guided tour of local sites. Next, they embark on a captivating 1-hour long-tail boat ride along the Ganges River, where they can witness over 80 ghats and various sacred ceremonies. The itinerary then takes them to Manikarnika Ghat, the renowned cremation site, for an exploration of the area’s sacred death rituals. Finally, a 30-minute return car ride completes the tour.

Start	End
Varanasi	Varanasi
Car Ride (30 min)	Return Car Ride (30 min)
Photo Stop and Guided Tour	Visit Manikarnika Ghat (1 hour)
Long-tail Boat Ride (1 hour)
Attend Aarti Ceremony

Highlights

A highlight of the Varanasi Evening Aarti Tour is attending the captivating Aarti ceremony on the Ganges River.

Visitors will cruise along the river, enjoying views of over 80 ghats and various sacred ceremonies. The tour includes a visit to the Dashaswamedah Ghat, where the Aarti ceremony takes place.

Guests can explore local markets, browsing for religious items and unique souvenirs.

Plus, the tour provides an opportunity to learn about the sacred death ceremonies at Manikarnika Ghat, offering a deeper understanding of Varanasi’s rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions

The Varanasi Evening Aarti Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing convenient transportation for guests. Private air-conditioned vehicles ensure a comfortable journey, while a local guide accompanies the group, offering insights into the cultural significance of the evening’s events. The tour also includes a river cruise along the Ganges, allowing visitors to witness the captivating Aarti ceremony and explore the various ghats. Plus, the tour provides opportunities to visit local markets, where guests can browse and purchase religious items and souvenirs.

Inclusions	Details
Transportation	Private air-conditioned vehicles
Guides	Local guides provide cultural insights
Experiences	River cruise, Aarti ceremony, market visits

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Important Information

Meeting point for this tour is pickup from the traveler’s hotel, airport, or railway station, providing convenient access to the starting location in Varanasi.

Guests should bring their passport or ID card for identification purposes. Alcohol and drugs are strictly not allowed during the tour. This is in consideration of the sacred nature of the Aarti ceremony and the Ganges River.

Adherence to these guidelines ensures a respectful and meaningful experience for all participants. Travelers are advised to dress modestly and be mindful of the cultural sensitivities of the destination.

Following these important details will help make the Varanasi Evening Aarti Tour a memorable and enriching experience.

Customer Reviews

The Varanasi Evening Aarti Tour has received a mixed bag of customer reviews, with an overall rating of 2 out of 5 based on a single review.

One customer, Jean-Francois from France, reported issues with the boat tour’s cancellation due to flooding and an overcrowded Aarti viewing experience without a guide.

Despite the tour’s highlights, including attending the evening Aarti ceremony, cruising along the Ganges, and exploring local markets, this lone review suggests room for improvement in the tour’s organization and execution.

Customers may want to consider these potential drawbacks when booking this experience.

• Boat tour cancellation due to flooding
• Overcrowded Aarti viewing without a guide
• Attending the evening Aarti ceremony
• Cruising along the Ganges
• Exploring local markets

Booking and Pricing

Booking the Varanasi Evening Aarti Tour is straightforward, with a price range starting from £61.74 per person.

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and is offered in English. Customers can choose a private group option, and the cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transportation, a river cruise, a local guide, and visits to local markets. Customers should bring a passport or ID card, as alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.

The overall customer rating for this tour is 2 out of 5 based on a single review, highlighting some issues with the boat tour and the Aarti viewing experience.

Cancellation Policy

According to the information provided, the cancellation policy for the Varanasi Evening Aarti Tour allows customers to receive a full refund if they cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance.

This flexible policy gives travelers peace of mind when planning their trip.

The tour also includes several highlights:

• Attend the evening Aarti ceremony on the Ganges River
• Cruise along the Ganges, viewing over 80 ghats and various ceremonies
• Visit Dashaswamedah Ghat for the Aarti ceremony
• Explore local markets for religious items and souvenirs
• Learn about sacred death ceremonies at Manikarnika Ghat

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Aarti Ceremony?

Guests are generally allowed to take photos during the Aarti ceremony, but they should be respectful and avoid disrupting the sacred rituals. Photography may be restricted in certain areas to maintain the ceremony’s solemnity.

Will There Be Any Opportunities to Interact With Local People?

The tour provides opportunities to interact with local people during the visit to markets and while observing the Aarti ceremony. Guests can engage with vendors, ask questions, and enjoy the vibrant local culture.

Is the Boat Ride Suitable for Elderly or Disabled Travelers?

The boat ride may not be well-suited for elderly or disabled travelers. The long-tail boats used can be challenging to board and the river can be crowded, potentially making the experience tiring or uncomfortable for those with mobility issues.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour allows travelers to bring their own snacks and drinks for the boat ride. However, the guide recommends avoiding alcohol and drugs during the tour out of respect for the sacred ceremonies.

How Crowded Does the Manikarnika Ghat Typically Get During the Tour?

The Manikarnika Ghat can get quite crowded during the tour, with throngs of visitors gathered to witness the sacred Hindu rituals. Though the experience may be overwhelming, it offers a powerful glimpse into Varanasi’s vibrant spiritual traditions.

Recap

The Varanasi Evening Aarti Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the spiritual essence of this ancient city. Guests can enjoy a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witness the iconic Aarti ceremony, and explore sacred sites and bustling local markets. With private transportation, convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and a free cancellation policy, this tour provides a hassle-free way to experience the rich cultural traditions of Varanasi.

You can check if your dates are available here: