Varanasi Full-day Tour with Guide & Boat Ride

Explore Varanasi on a private full-day tour that includes a sunrise and sunset boat ride on the Ganges River. Visit landmarks in and around Varanasi including Banaras Hindu University (BHU)'s Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, and Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath — an important Buddhist site. Finally, watch the evening aarti ceremony from the sunset boat cruise. Highlight • Private 14-hour tour of Varanasi with Ganges River cruise • Take two cruises on the Ganges River, one at sunrise and one at sunset that includes the Ganga Aarti ceremony. • Visit two Hindu temples, and a musuem on the Banaras Hindu University campus • See Dhamekh Stupa, an important Buddhist site in Sarnath • Includes private guide and vehicle, Ganges boat ride and hotel pickup and drop-off

1. 1

   Stop 1

   1 hour

   5:30 AM - Pickup from Hotel/Airport/Train Station In Varanasi After early morning pickup at 5:30am from your hotel, take a sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Witness morning rituals performed at the riverside.

2. 2

   Kashi Vishwanath Temple

   1 hour

   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.

3. 3

   Banaras Hindu University

   1 hour

   Stop for breakfast (own expense), then head to Banaras Hindu University at 10am. Established in 1916, BHU is the largest university campus in Asia.

4. 4

   Bharat Kala Bhavan

   1 hour

   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.

5. 5

   Bharat Mata Temple

   30 min

   Continue to Mother India Temple, built in 1918 and housing an unusual marble relief map of the Indian subcontinent.

6. 6

   Sarnath

   2 hours

   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.

7. 7

   Archaeological Museum

   1 hour

   You'll also visit the Archaeological Museum, which features treasures that date to the 3rd-century BC (closed  Fridays).

8. 8

   Ganga Aarti

   45 min

   Nestled on the banks of the sacred Ganges River in the ancient city of Varanasi, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a mesmerizing ritual that draws pilgrims, tourists, and spiritual seekers from around the world. It's not just a religious ceremony — it's a powerful visual and emotional experience that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who witnesses it.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   1 hour

   Your tour ends with return to your hotel around 8pm.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.