VARANASI DAY TOUR

The Holy City on the Ganges, Varanasi has been around for Milleniums. Its Ghats (embankments) have seen the ebb and flow of times as one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited ancient settlements.

There is no better way to view the city’s landscape of temples, old havelis, houses, and ancient buildings than a private boat ride in the holy river.

Watching the city light up with the golden sunlight of dawn from a boat in the river is one of India’s most memorable sights. It is an experience we can’t recommend enough.

Varanasi’s old name is Banaras. This ancient city finds its mention in the holy Hindu scriptures.

It is believed that the city has a documented history going back 3,000 years—which makes it one of the very few places of its kind not just in India, but the entire world.

Every nook, every corner, every narrow alley and street has a legend or story to tell. You will need an expert guide to bring to life the historical splendor of Banaras and unravel its storied past.

A walking tour through Banaras By-lanes conducted by an erudite historian-guide is well worth every penny you invest in it.

Watching the evening Aarti Ceremony that takes place every day at sunset in Varanasi is one of the most fundamental tourist experiences in the city.

The word Aarti means a tribute or a homage. At sunset, Brahman priests get together to perform a spectacular ritualistic ceremony to honor the holy river—Ganga.

Involving loud blaring of sea shells, rapturous recitals of ancient scriptures, singing of hymns and clanging of brass cymbals, the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Dassawamedh Ghat is one delight you cannot miss.

What makes Varanasi so special is that it is a holy city of more than just one great faith of the world.

Located a few miles (6 miles) outside the city center of Varanasi is Sarnath— considered a holy pilgrimage place of the Buddhist faith.

Sarnath is where Lord Buddha is believed to have offered his first sermons (Maha Dharm Chakra Parivartan) to his discipline after achieving Nirvana 2500 years ago.

Following Buddha’s footsteps in Sarnath is well worth every step you take.

The Kashi Vishwanath Mandir (temple) is arguably the holiest place in the city. At one point, the city itself was known as Kashi.

In the Hindu faith, a pilgrimage to Kashi is considered an important part of the journey of the soul toward eternal salvation.

Make sure you dress appropriately to visit the temple. A long shirt that covers your body and full-length pants or jeans will do.

As a city that has been around for over three millennia, you can imagine the range of culinary experiences it has absorbed during this time.

Banaras is famous for its Paan ( made of betel leaf, areca nuts, slaked limes and sweeteners), Kachori Sabzi (deep-fried pastries filled with potatoes), Tamatar (Tomato) Chaat snack, and Baati Chooka (wheat balls served with eggplant and other vegetable).

Devotional music is a part of the spiritual experience in Varanasi. One instrument that is central to the devotional music performed at the temple is the Sitar.

Our Private Sitar Classes with a Maestro (Ustad) are a treat for your artistic soul.

Unravel the secrets of this magical instruction. Learn from a maestro himself.

Silk has been grown in Banaras (Varanasi) for centuries. Silk Sarees of Varanasi are famous all over India.

Known for their finesse and quality, these are excellent souvenirs to take home from the holy city.

Join our exclusive tour of famous silk factories to get behind-the-scenes insights into how silk is produced.

Kushti is the traditional Indian form of wrestling. This martial art is a form of devotion to the epic hero Parashuram, mentioned in both Mahabharat and Ramayana—renowned for its strength and power.

An Akhara (traditional wrestling club) is where Pahalwans (wrestlers) practice their Kushti prowess.

Only 30 of these Akharas now survive. Join our Akhara tour to get up close with the Pahalwans who lodge and train at these traditional institutions.

Picture a refreshing evening, aboard a private cruise in the majestic Ganga with the sun slowly setting—with the twilight rays lighting up the city.

One up that with soul live classical music aboard the cruise. Our exclusive Sunset Harmony Boat Cruise is a treat for the soul.

The fort of Ramnagar near the Tulsi Ghat dates back to 1750 AD. Built by the Maharaja of Banaras Kashi Naresh, this iconic fort is one of the city’s most important landmarks.

The Ramnagar Fort is built out of creamy sandstone in a style that is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture (Indo-Saracenic tradition). The fort complex also houses a museum, a temple and a residential complex.

Explore this magnificent site in our exclusive “Fortress Discovery” tour.