Begin your day with a 5:30 am hotel pickup for a serene sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Witness the captivating morning rituals performed on its banks.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Afterwards, accompany your guide on a short walking tour through the old city's labyrinthine alleyways and catch a glimpse of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of Hinduism's most revered shrines.
Banaras Hindu University: While passing by Banaras Hindu University (BHu), pause for a moment to admire the largest university campus in Asia, established in 1916. At 10 am, explore the BHu campus, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, and see the impressive new Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), an exact replica of the original Vishwanath Temple.
Bharat Mata Temple: Next, at 12:30 pm, visit the Mother India Temple, constructed in 1918, which houses an intriguing marble relief map of the Indian subcontinent. Learn about Varanasi's silk weaving traditions before taking a break for lunch (at your own expense).
Sarnath: Around 8 miles (13 km) away, discover Sarnath, where the Dhamekh Stupa stands as the site of Buddha's first sermon. Explore the Archaeological Museum, showcasing treasures dating back to the 3rd century BC (closed on Fridays).
Dasaswamedh Ghat: At 5 pm, return to the Ganges to observe the cremation grounds, then head back to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the enchanting evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Your memorable day culminates with a return to your hotel around 8 pm.
Sarnath: Sarnath is a significant location situated 10 kilometres northeast of Varanasi, near the confluence of the Ganges and Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. It's where Gautama Buddha delivered his first teachings and where the Buddhist Sangha originated through the enlightenment of Kondanna.”