Varanasi Day Tour with Temples & Ganga Aarti – Dawn to Dusk
Description
️️ What Makes This Tour Unique This one-day Varanasi experience is not just a sightseeing tour – it's a journey through the soul of India's spiritual capital. From a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing the city awaken in sacred silence, to exploring centuries-old temples tucked into ancient alleys, this tour offers an intimate look at Varanasi’s living traditions. Led by a local guide deeply rooted in the culture, you'll visit landmarks like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and the Banaras Hindu University. In the evening, be spellbound by the iconic Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a powerful spiritual ritual performed with fire, chants, and devotion. This full-day "Dawn to Dusk" experience immerses you in the spiritual rhythm of Varanasi — a journey of discovery, reflection, and connection.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Boating in the Ganges during the sun rise in Varanasi is main attraction. We can observe here the Hindu’s way of life on the bank of the river Ganges (Ghats) Some of the prominent and popular Ghats at Varanasi are the Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harischandra Ghat & Kedar Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat and most spectacular ghat in Varanasi on the Ganga River. Two Hindu legends are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. According to another legend, Lord Brahma Sacrifices ten horses during Dasa- Ashwmedha-Yajna.
Kedar Ghat in Varanasi. Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges
Manikarnika Ghat, the main burning ghat, is the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. Dead bodies are handled by outcasts known as doms, and are carried through the alleyways of the old town to the holy Ganges on a bamboo stretcher, swathed in cloth.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi
Banaras Hindu University is an internationally reputed temple of learning, situated in the holy city of Varanasi. This Creative and innovative university was founded by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, in 1916 with cooperation of great personalities like Dr Annie Besant, who viewed it as the University of India. Banaras Hindu University was created under the Parliamentary legislation - B.H.U. Act 1915. It played a stellar role in the independence movement and has developed into the greatest center of learning in India. It has produced many great freedom fighters and builders of modern India and has immensely contributed to the progress of the nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists, scientists and technologists who have graced its portals. The area of the main campus of this premiere Central University is 1300 acres, having well maintained roads, extensive greenery, a temple, an air strip and buildings which are an architectural delight.
Durga Temple: Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Bengali Maharani- Rani Bhabani of Natore. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Next to the temple, is a kund (pond) which was earlier connected to the river Ganges. It is believed that the existing icon of the goddess was not made by a man but appeared on its own in the temple.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a Hindu temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India and is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. The temple was established by famous Hindu preacher and poet saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century and is situated on the banks of the Assi river. The deity was named "Sankat Mochan" meaning the "reliever from troubles".
Bharat Mata Mandir (meaning "Mother India Temple") is located on the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus in Varanasi,Uttar Pradesh, India. Instead of traditional statues of gods and goddesses, this temple has a huge map of undivided India carved in marble. This temple is dedicated to Bharat Mata and claims to be the only one of its kind in the world.
Sarnath: Sarnath in Varanasi, is the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. It makes Sarnath one of the most venerated Buddhist places. Besides Buddhism, Sarnath is also connected with Jainism. There are many Buddhist monuments and edifices at Sarnath. Some of the important Buddhist monuments at Sarnath are the Dhamekha stupa, the Dharmarajika stupa and monasteries and temples of different schools of Buddhism from Japan, China, Thailand, Burma and others. The Mahabodhi Temple within the park has a tooth relic of the Buddha. There is also a vast expanse of ancient ruins at Sarnath. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most precious ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. The Lion Capital of Ashoka pillar at Sarnath is the National emblem of India, which is displayed in the archaeological museum in Sarnath.
The Chaukhandi Stupa is regarded as one of the most divine and important monuments of the Buddhist culture.
Dhamek Stupa Sarnath marks the spot where the Buddha preached his first message. Built by the great Mauryan king Ashoka in he 3rd century BCE
Dharmarajika Stupa. It was built over the relics of the Buddha by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE
The pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns dispersed throughout the Indian subcontinent, erected or at least inscribed with edicts by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd century BCE
Sarnath Museum is the oldest site museum of Archaeological Survey of India. It houses the findings and excavations at the archaeological site of Sarnath, by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Aartis also refer to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when offering of lamps is being offered. Hindus in India worship the river Ganges as goddess. Every evening in Varanasi, aarti is performed at the Dashashwamedh ghat. We can watch it from the ghat or from the waterside in a boat. It is a beautiful, resonant, and majestic spectacle with a very precise choreography involving rituals performed by several priests with the sound of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras. The river is also worshiped with flower petals.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We'll pickup from any Hotel located in Varanasi
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(11)
We did a beautiful half day tour with Vinod. The experience was great. From the storytelling to the sites, Vinod led us through the Ghats and the narrow streets of Varanasi sharing his deep knowledge of the city and his passion. After walking and experiencing the city extensively, Ganga Aarti was the apex of the whole experience. We attended it from a reserved high seat (300 Rs pp) that allowed us to fully enjoy the ceremony at its best away from the crowd. A deep and mystical moment that we'll remember forever. Vinod was always kind and caring about our needs and we feel blessed to have had this experience with him.
We had an excellent experience with the booking and tour guide. Indrajeet Ji provided all the support since we booked including taxi and guide services. He kept us informed all along with changing conditions and weather - very professional and punctual. Vinod Ji was our guide and he was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and helped us during our stay at Varanasi with all darshans and ensured us we had a seamless experience. The taxi drivers were very reliable, safe and punctual. They also provided services to us at Ayodhya including taxi from Ayodhya to Varanasi. We travelled with family and had an excellent experience. Strongly recommend their services for bookings, taxi and guide.
Indrajeet with Varanasi Day Tours was the most incredible guide ever. He took us to the main temple and many other sites including a ride on the Ganges. He was extremely knowledgeable and had a palpable love of the city, which is my favorite city in the world. He brought the city to life and helped us to have a unique experience which we all treasured. I cannot imagine a better tour of Varanasi. I had chosen him because of all of the other rave reviews on TripAdvisor, and I can now say that they are all deserved.
Dear Ms. Linda Kleckner, Thank you so much for your heartfelt words and glowing review! It was truly a pleasure to be your guide and share the beauty and history of Varanasi with you. I'm thrilled to hear that you found the tour incredible and that you appreciated my knowledge and love for the city. Varanasi holds a special place in my heart as well, and it's always a joy to bring its magic to life for others. I'm grateful for your trust in choosing Varanasi Day Tours and for taking the time to share your experience. It's wonderful to know that your experience lived up to the rave reviews on TripAdvisor. Your kind words mean the world to me, and I'm honored to have been a part of creating a unique and treasured experience for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever find yourself back in Varanasi—I'd love to explore more of this incredible city with you! Warm regards, Indrajeet Kumar Mobile: +91 9415206372
Vinod was an amazing tour guide who was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his city which made this tour all the more enjoyable. We split the tour over two half days which was great to really make the most of this wonderful city. If you have a short time in Varanasi or just want someone who can show you all the great sites of this place please book this tour. You see everything and in the comfort of someone who knows what they are doing. Thanks again to Vinod and our driver we have had the best time here and probably the best tour we have ever done,
Dear Guest, Thank you ever so much for your glowing review! It fills me with joy to hear that your experience with Vinod as your tour guide was nothing short of amazing. Vinod's passion and extensive knowledge about Varanasi truly shine through, making your tour all the more enjoyable and enriching. I'm thrilled to know that splitting the tour over two half days allowed you to fully immerse yourselves in the wonders of this remarkable city. It's wonderful to hear that you found it to be a comprehensive way to explore Varanasi's many great sites. Your kind words about our tour being the best you've ever done mean the world to us. Providing you with a comfortable and knowledgeable experience was our utmost priority, and I'm delighted to hear that we were able to exceed your expectations. I'll be sure to pass on your gratitude to Vinod and our driver for their exceptional service. It was our pleasure to show you the beauty and magic of Varanasi, and we're grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your unforgettable experience. Should you ever find yourselves back in Varanasi or in need of exploration elsewhere, please don't hesitate to reach out. Until then, may the memories of your time here continue to bring you joy and inspiration. Kind Regards, Indrajeet Kumar Mobile: +91 9415206372
Vinod was the best guide that we had during our five weeks in India! He is so knowledgeable regarding Varanasi history, customs, religion and spirituality, and his ability to convey this information is outstanding. He also handled all the logistics perfectly, so we could just enjoy the experience. I highly recommend him!!
Dear Reviewer, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that Vinod was the best guide you had during your five weeks in India and that he was able to provide you with a wealth of knowledge about Varanasi's history, customs, religion, and spirituality. We take great pride in our guides' abilities to convey information in an engaging and informative way, and it is always gratifying to receive feedback that reflects this. I am also glad to hear that Vinod handled all the logistics perfectly, allowing you to fully enjoy your experience. We appreciate your kind words and recommendations, and we will be sure to pass on your appreciation to Vinod. Thank you for choosing us for your tour of Varanasi, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you again in the future. Best regards, Indrajeet Kumar Mobile: +91 9415206372
We had a great experience with Varanasi Day Tours and the morning boat ride. Great communication with Indrajeet before the day of the tour, who was also super flexible to change the schedule as our flight was delayed for several hours. The guide was super nice and knowledgeable as well.
Dear Guest, Greetings from the holy city Varanasi…! Thank you for taking your valuable time in sharing your kind feedback. It is always a pleasure to hear the words of appreciation from guests like you, who spare time out and write about Varanasi & our team. Hope to meet you again during your next visit. Thanks & Regards, Indrajeet Kumar Mobile: +91 9415206372
My Aunt and I spent some time in India in October/November 2019, one of our favorite places visited was Varanasi. The city of Varanasi gives a feeling that is unexplainable...but our guide, Jai Prakash Mishra, helped to elevate our experience to another level! He was knowledgeable, funny, kind and accommodating! In the evening he took us through the old city to learn about it's history and culture, and to see the different stores, then we went to the Ganges to view the evening ceremony, which was nothing short of incredible! He went out his way to help us find items that we wanted to purchase, which wasn't easy. The next morning he accompanied us on the boat ride along the ganges to see the various activities occurring along the river, including the prayers and cremations. He was hands down one of our best guides during our time in India! Thanks so much JP...may we meet again in Varanasi!
Dear Guest, Greetings from the holy city Varanasi…! Thank you for taking your valuable time in sharing your kind feedback. It is always a pleasure to hear the words of appreciation from guests like you, who spare time out and write about Varanasi & our team. Hope to meet you again during your next visit. Thanks & Regards, Indrajeet Kumar Mobile: +91 9415206372
I spent a day and a half in Varanasi with my guide Akash. We walked the small lanes and got to see the daily lives of the locals. Akash even arranged an excellent seat for me at the evening Arti and I got to snap quite a few good shots. What I was most impressed with was his knowledge of the city, its customs and its history and will definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a guide in Varanasi.
Dear Mr. Warren, Greetings from the holy city Varanasi…! Thank you for taking your valuable time in sharing your kind feedback. It is always a pleasure to hear the words of appreciation from guests like you, who spare time out and write about Varanasi & our team. Hope to meet you again during your next visit. Thanks & Regards, Indrajeet Kumar Mobile: +91 9415206372
We split this over 2 days. A memorable experience enhanced by the very professional guide Mr Vineet Pandey who was informative and knowledgeable answered our questions and added authenticity to the trip
Dear Guest, Greetings from the holy city Varanasi…! Thank you for taking your valuable time in sharing your kind feedback. It is always a pleasure to hear the words of appreciation from guests like you, who spare time out and write about Varanasi & our team. Hope to meet you again during your next visit. Thanks & Regards, Indrajeet Kumar Mobile: +91 9415206372
Varanasi is folded in layers and layers. Hence, very first moment to be on Ganga Ghat is mesmerising with the sense of being rooted to this land. A whole city is like a live museum that has preserved centuries within and living heritage of traditions, culture and human science. I have spared 5 full days to cover all the aspects of Varanasi to inhale and absorb an essence of the gorgeous place on this planet. My hotel did recommended a guide named Prasann, I met him to discuss my way of exploring Varanasi. Over a small conversation Prasann did acknowledged my interests and intentions to assure me that he is the one who can take me accordingly. Since then he has been proactively informative, flexible and friendly throughout to me and my 11 year young boy, who’s expectations were different than mine. Prasann has offered 2 sessions of a few hours to attend my specifications that has helped me to catch insight of Varanasi. We had non-stop interaction during the tour and Prasann was highly approachable for anything related to Varanasi. Most of the locals I met are extremely friendly and talkative.
Dear Guest, Greetings from the holy city Varanasi…! Thank you for taking your valuable time in sharing your kind feedback. It is always a pleasure to hear the words of appreciation from guests like you, who spare time out and write about Varanasi & our team. Hope to meet you again during your next visit. Thanks & Regards, Indrajeet Kumar Mobile: +91 9415206372
