Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in the world and has been a great religious centre for Hindus faith. On your second-day experience sunrise boat ride on the holy river the Ganges and an excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Evening witness Maha Pooja at one of the temple before concluding your evening with overnight at hotel.
Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in the world and has been a great religious centre for Hindus faith. On your second-day experience sunrise boat ride on the holy river the Ganges and an excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Evening witness Maha Pooja at one of the temple before concluding your evening with overnight at hotel. (B)
Day 01: Varanasi
Arrive the oldest spiritual living city in the world, Varanasi. Named after the two tributaries of the Ganges that flows through the city named Varuna and Assi rivers, Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. A city of traditional classical culture, it is the microcosm of Hinduism. Blessed by a legend and revered by religion, it has always lured a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from times immemorial. A city with rich and vibrant past, it has no exquisitely carved palaces, no impregnable fort, and no architectural splendour but still has an inherent charm of its own, with ghats dotted with temples and maze of alleys alongside. Transfer to the hotel. Evening witness the Grand prayer (Aarti) ceremony conducted on the Ghats of River Ganges. You will be transferred to a surreal world, as dozens of big lamps are lighted and swayed in a semi-circle, in tandem by the priests to offer prayers, while singing of Vedic hymns and playing of the traditional instruments, while the visitors release 100 of small earthen lamps with flickering lights. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay at the hotel. (No Meals)
Day 02: Varanasi
Wake up early morning around 0530hrs and proceed to enjoy the sunrise boat ride on river Ganges. The river will be thronged with early-morning bathers, raising their faces to the rising sun and reciting the sacred mantra. One can see the perpetual movement of the pilgrims on the steps, the vivid colours of their clothes glistening against the pale gold water, the triangular flags fluttering atop the temple spires. It is believed as per Hindu mythology that bathing in the holy river of Ganga causes the remission of sins and facilitates the attainment of nirvana. Hindus also believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Visit the Banaras ghat, Asi ghat & various other ghats. Return back to the hotel for buffet breakfast. After breakfast, proceed for morning city tour of Varanasi visiting various temples, some of the most prominent amongst them is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Shiva Temples for Hindus & Bharat Mata temple, where the map of undivided India is inscribed in stone and prayed instead of any god or goddess. Later in the afternoon visit Sarnath - the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism and has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising of numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images on display at the Museum. Stay overnight at the hotel. (B)
Day 03: Varanasi – Departure (By Flight)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight to onward destination.
02 nights hotel accommodation, meals as specified. arrival, departure transfers with one full day sightseeing by private car, local English speaking tour guide, monument charges and boat ride.