Varanasi: Ganges River Sunrise Cruise Ride and Sarnath Tour

Discover the spiritual city of Varanasi on a guided tour. Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and see the Sarnath Stupa.
Discover the spiritual side of Varanasi on a full-day tour of the city's most important religious sites. Take a boat ride on the Ganges River, see the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and visit the Banaras Hindu University.

Start your day with an early morning pickup from your hotel and take a sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Witness morning rituals performed at the riverside.

Afterward, follow your guide on a short walking tour of the old city's alleyways and catch sight of the Kashi Vishwanath, one of the holiest Hindu temples.

Stop for breakfast (own expense), then head to Banaras Hindu University at 10am. Established in 1916, BHU is the largest university campus in Asia. Tour the campus and see the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum and the new Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), which is an exact replica of the original Vishwanath Temple.

Next, visit the Durga Temple, also known as Durga Kund Mandir and Durga Temple, one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi.

At 12:30pm, learn about the silk weaving traditions of Varanasi, then take a break for lunch (own expense). Afterward, drive about eight miles (13 km) to Sarnath to take in Dhamekh Stupa, known as the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon. You'll also visit the Archaeological Museum, which features treasures that date to the 3rd-century BC (closed Fridays).

At 5pm, head to the Ganges to view the cremation grounds, then return to Dashashwamedh Ghat to watch the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Your tour ends with return to your hotel around 8pm.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.