Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti
Description
Believed to be one of world’s oldest living cities, Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. Located on the banks of Ganges River, the city boasts of its 5000-year-old history. Explore Varanasi in the company of an expert local guide and capture its many colors. Visit Sarnath, the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first lecture after attaining enlightenment and learn about Buddhism and its teaching in Sarnath Archeological Museum. Participate in the highly choreographed evening prayer ceremony at the Daswamedha Ghat and get an insight into Hinduism.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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. Your guide will tell you about the significance of various places in the holy city of Sarnath as you proceed first to visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, built originally in the 4th century during the Gupta Dynasty. Visit the Dhamekha Stupa, located at a deer park, believed to have been constructed by King Ashoka in 249bce.
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.
Catch a glimpse of the standing Buddha statue and drive back to Varanasi. As the evening arrives, the city will begin its preparations for the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a highly choreographed ritual preformed 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
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Reviews(3)
<p>We enjoyed this tour although we cut short the evening Ganga Arti ceremony as we had previously seen this on another Viator tour. The trip to Sarnath, although very interesting, could have been conducted at a slower pace with probably more time spent in the museum.</p>
<p>Our tour guide spoke no English <br/> He dumped us at a museum and suggested that we just read the signs for information. <br/> There was a massive mix up over pick up times. And we almost missed the Aarti. <br/> Very dissapointed.</p>
<p>I had a great tour of Sarnath with my guide. He was very kind and knowledgeable. I also got to see some interesting places in Varanasi and a great morning boat tour on the Ganges. Thank you!!</p>
