10 Hours Morning Ganges Tour including Sarnath and Ganga Arti
Description
Pick-up From Hotel starts The Tour at 5 am at Dasaswamedh Ghat Catch the glimpse of the gigantic Ghats of Varanasi and proceed to visit Kashi Vishwanath and Sankat Mochan Temples. Learn about Hindu mythology from an expert local guide. You will learn from your guide the legends and stories that bind the city together from time immemorial.Come Back To Hotel Take Breakfast Again Get picked up from your centrally located hotel in Varanasi at 10am. Drive to Sarnath where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is believed that Buddha traveled to Sarnath to meet his five companions - Koudanna, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama and Asvajiya and with whom he shared his newfound knowledge Ganga Aarti ceremony, a highly choreographed ritual performed on the Daswamedha Ghat, celebrating the existence of River Ganges. Burning lamps, flowers and scented sticks fill the ambiance with peace. Experience this age-old tradition dropped back to your hotel.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The tour starts at 5am with a boat ride from Assi Ghat to Daswamedha Ghat. Catch the glimpse of the gigantic Ghats of Varanasi and proceed to visit Kashi Vishwanath and Sankat Mochan Temples. Learn about Hindu mythology from an expert local guide. You will be picked up from your centrally located hotel and proceed on a boat ride on the Ganges. Starting at Assi Ghat, the city's most prominent bathing Ghat, the boat ride takes you through the 5000-year old history of Varanasi, also believed to be one of the world's oldest living cities. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy a surreal sunrise, floating on the sacred river. The boat ride ends at Manikarnika, the cremation Ghat of Varanasi, marking the journey of a person from birth to death and ultimately attaining salvation. You will learn from your guide the legends and stories that bind the city together from time immemorial.
Get picked up from your centrally located hotel in Varanasi at 10am. Meet your local guide and proceed on an extraordinary expedition around the city. Drive to Sarnath where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is believed that Buddha traveled to Sarnath to meet his five companions - Koudanna, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama and Asvajiya and with whom he shared his new found knowledge. Proceed to visit the significant ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa, the exact spot that contained the bones of Buddha before it was destroyed by Jagat Singh in 1794. Catch a glimpse of the great Ashoka pillar and explore Buddhism in a unique archeological museum built to commemorate the culture and religion. Listen as your guide narrates the legends and stories about Buddhism and proceed to Mulagandhakuti Vihara Temple. This exquisite temple was built by the Sri Lankan Mahabodhi Society and is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the city.
As the evening arrives, the city will begin its preparations for the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a highly choreographed ritual performed on the Daswamedha Ghat, celebrating the existence of River Ganges. Burning lamps, flowers and scented sticks fill the ambiance with peace. Experience this age-old tradition as your local guide tells you all about Hindu mythology. As the ceremony ends, you will be dropped back to your hotel.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick you up from hotel lobby or any where in the city centre.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
Reviews(26)
Sunny was a great guide. He listens to my requests and plans a wonderful tour for me!
Thank you for your kind feedback! 🌟 We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your customized tour and had a smooth, comfortable experience. Your appreciation means a lot to our team. We hope to welcome you back to India again in the future! 😊
Sunny was an excellent guide — friendly, patient, and very knowledgeable. The tour was well-organized and never rushed. We loved starting with the sunrise on the Ganga, followed by a foodie walk through old Varanasi, a visit to Sarnath and BHU, and ending with front-row seats to the Ganga Aarti. Sunny shared great insights, helped us with photos, and made the day truly memorable. Highly recommend and would definitely book with him again!
Sunny was an excellent guide — friendly, patient, and very knowledgeable. The tour was well-organized and never rushed. We loved starting with the sunrise on the Ganga, followed by a foodie walk through old Varanasi, a visit to Sarnath and BHU, and ending with front-row seats to the Ganga Aarti. Sunny shared great insights, helped us with photos, and made the day truly memorable. Highly recommend and would definitely book with him again!
My trip to Benaras was more than a getaway — it was a journey of peace, faith, and rediscovery. Grateful to Aamir and team VE for curating it with such care and thoughtfulness. They didn’t just plan my travel; they understood what I sought — quiet moments by the Ganga, walks through ancient alleys, and a touch of spirituality in every detail. As a solo traveller, I felt safe, seen, and at ease. Benaras spoke to me in ways words can’t describe — a soulful experience I’ll always cherish. 🌸✨
I had a great experience. The tour service is very good and on time. The guide explains well. I would recommend that if you have any questions regarding the tour (such as which entrance is covered or not covered), it is better to check with the tour company (the first person who contact you) rather than the guide or driver.
Arvind provided a very detailed explanation of the history of this fascinating city , the Hindu burial customs and rituals. He answered our questions thoroughly and gave us insights into the cultural and religious significance of each process. The reason for the downgrade is that the tour suggests a much longer time on the water -say from Ghat to Ghat - versus the trek through the labyrinth of the old city streets; and the tour, compared to many others that we took in India in the same period (over 10), seemed relatively overpriced
Not sure if it’s worth waking up at 4:30 am to see the river and the city? Well, it was one of our best experiences so far! Starting with the morning Aarti you slowly get into that special feeling around the city of Varansi. Afterwards experiencing the scenic view from the boat ride gets you even more connected. Finally walking through the old town rounds up this beautiful morning. Also many many thanks to our great guide Sunny Khan who made this morning tour so special for us.
Arvind. Is an extremely competent guide who provides enough information while allowing you to simply absorb the experience. The early morning Aarti Ganga is well worthwhile. Have a cup of lemon chai. Go for a boat ride past the ghats. Walk through the narrow alleys of Varanasi and soak it all. up. Highly recommend this experience and Arvind.
They picked me up at the hotel on time in the morning and took me by car to a place I couldn't see unless I booked a tour. It was a good memory to ride the boat while watching the sun rise over the Ganges River. Be careful, you won't be able to see the sunrise. The guide and driver were both great. Thank you very much.
Morning Ganga Aarti and the boat ride as the sun came up. My guide Arvind Kumar was very good and helpful.
