Varanasi, also called Kashi and Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Life and faith meet on its ghats, where pilgrims bathe at dawn and lamps are offered to the river each evening. The city was long patronised by the Maharajas of Benares, whose Ramnagar Fort stands across the river.
A gentle, guided introduction to the spiritual heart of India.
Best time to travel: October – March
Tour Highlights
- Sunrise boat ride along the ghats
- Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Kashi Vishwanath corridor and old-city lanes
- Sarnath – Dhamek Stupa and museum
- Ramnagar Fort, seat of the Maharajas of Benares
- Visit to a Banarasi silk weaving family
Day-wise Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Varanasi
Transfer to the hotel. Evening boat ride to watch the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Day 2 Ghats & temples
Sunrise boat ride along the ghats, walking tour of the old city and Kashi Vishwanath corridor, afternoon at Banaras Hindu University and Bharat Kala Bhavan.
Day 3 Sarnath & Ramnagar
Morning in Sarnath – Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar and the Archaeological Museum. Afternoon at Ramnagar Fort and a silk weavers' workshop.
Day 4 Depart Varanasi
Free morning, then transfer to the airport or railway station.
Inclusions
- 3 nights in a 4-star or river-view hotel with breakfast
- Private car for transfers and sightseeing
- Sunrise and evening boat rides
- English-speaking local guide
- Guided old-city walking tour
Exclusions
- × International / domestic airfare
- × Monument entry & camera fees unless stated
- × Lunches unless stated
- × Tips, laundry and personal expenses
- × Travel insurance
- × Anything not mentioned in inclusions
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