Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi / Varanasi (6E 308 – 0900 / 1020 Hrs) (Sarnath is closed on Fridays)
Varanasi
The city got its name from the two Rivers - Varuna and Assi - which meets here and happens to be the tributaries of the River Ganges. However, mention of Ganga is incomplete without the mention of the Spirituality of Varanasi where we witness the performance of rituals that define the very essence of a devout Hindu's life. These rituals have been performed and retained over centuries. Water is offered to the rising Sun, a dip in the Ganges for self-purification is undertaken, food to the departed souls are offered, head shaving, the sacred thread ceremony happens on the banks of Mother Ganges. The city also reflects the ultimate culmination of man's material existence. When the journey of life is achieved, the final and the most auspicious send-off to the other world happens from the Manikarnika Ghats (banks).
performance of Ganges Aarti
We enjoy a special evening cruise on the Ganges. See the Hindu devotees performing the "Puja" with lighted lamps. The view is very mesmerizing and the ambiance is spectacular in the backdrop of the beating of cymbals and bells as well as the incessant chantings.
Buddhist city of Sarnath
It is here that the Buddha preached his first sermons after attaining enlightenment.
Our representative will meet and greet you at your hotel/address in Delhi and would introduce your tour to you.
Welcome to our tour, or as we say ‘atithi Devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Early morning, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Varanasi.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your Hotel.
After rest & relaxation, we will visit several temples and the Hindu University at Benares.
Afternoon, we take a short trip to the Buddhist city of Sarnath.
Evening, we visit the ghats to witness the performance of Ganges Aarti.
Overnight at Hotel Rivatas by Ideal (Deluxe Room)
Day 2 : Varanasi / Delhi (6E 481 – 1450 / 1620 Hrs)
Varanasi
The city got its name from the two Rivers - Varuna and Assi - which meets here and happens to be the tributaries of the River Ganges. However, mention of Ganga is incomplete without the mention of the Spirituality of Varanasi where we witness the performance of rituals that define the very essence of a devout Hindu's life. These rituals have been performed and retained over centuries. Water is offered to the rising Sun, a dip in the Ganges for self-purification is undertaken, food to the departed souls are offered, head shaving, the sacred thread ceremony happens on the banks of Mother Ganges. The city also reflects the ultimate culmination of man's material existence. When the journey of life is achieved, the final and the most auspicious send-off to the other world happens from the Manikarnika Ghats (banks).
At dawn, we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride.
Following the boat ride, we set off on foot to explore the inner city of Varanasi.
Later, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Delhi.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Delhi and we will drop you at your address/hotel in Delhi.
