Banaras, Kashi or Varanasi is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. This beautiful city is located on the banks of river Ganga and is dotted with sacred temples, ghats, and holy shrines, making it the perfect choice for a one day local sightseeing tour.
The city of Varanasi is believed to have been discovered by Lord Shiva himself. The city holds immense religious and historical importance. Apart from being a destination flocked by religious tourists, Varanasi also has numerous old age and retirement homes. Some elderly people staunchly believe that spending one’s old age in this holy city guarantees salvation. Varanasi, interestingly, is also one of oldest continually inhabited places in the world!
The narrow lanes of this ancient are lined with temples, food joints, and small shops. You might have also heard people addressing Varanasi as “Galiyon Ka Sheher” – the city of lanes. Varanasi has also been a center of learning for hundreds of years, and its intellectual capabilities find mentions in Hindu mythologies and epics. The famous Banaras Hindu University is the pride of this holy city.
When in Varanasi, one must visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is the home to one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas. However the main attraction of Varanasi the river of the Ganges itself. The evening ritual, called the Ganga Aarti is a must-see, and one must not leave Varanasi without enjoying a boat ride on this holy river! Varanasi is a city thriving with religious, historical and cultural significance and should not be missed out by anyone.
The tour starts with pick up from your hotel or airport, as per your tour plan. You would be taken on a drive to Sarnath where you would visit Buddha temples, museums, Chaukhandi stupa, Dhamekha stupa and others.
Sarnath is the spot where Lord Buddha made his first sermon after his enlightenment. King Ashoka and many other rulers built numerous buildings and monuments in Sarnath, which are now an important attraction. The museum in Sarnath has many Aartifacts, terracotta objects and other archeological attractions.
You would return to Varanasi by late morning and visit important temples like Birla temple, Manas Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath temple, Bharat Mata temple, Annapurna temple, Sankat Mochan temple and others. If time permits, you would be visiting Kal Bhairav temple too. Lunch will be serveden-route. Many temples have rules regarding the dress code, use of camera and others. Please obey to rules to avoid being blocked from entering into the temple.
In the evening, you would be taken on a boat ride on the Ganges along Manikarnika Ghat and other famous ghats. Each ghat is famous for a particular activity. As you row along Manikarnika Ghat, you can witness Hindu cremation rituals. You can click pictures of the process if desired from the boat.
By sunset, you would reach Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness Ganga Aarti. Ganga Aarti is the iconic tourist and pilgrim attraction of Varanasi. It is a ritual filled activity to please River Ganges and the God of Fire.
If desired, you can watch the ritual from the river, on a boat. The ghat will be very crowded and people usually choose to view the ritual from the boat. After Aarti, you would be dropped back at your hotel or taken to airport/railway station as per your request.
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