Ancient Varanasi

4 days, 3 nights

Duration

Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a holy site for Hindu pilgrims located on the Ganges river. Its colourful ghats are filled with worshippers bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges, priests performing prayer ceremonies on its shores, and unique Hindu cremation rituals. Varanasi and the surrounding areas hold religious and historical significance for Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu traditions. Once the seat of Hindu learning, there is much to explore in this winding, ancient and often surprising city.

Our Varanasi tour is designed as a short add on to your existing Ekno Travels itinerary or independent travels. As with all Ekno Travels tours, we select our hotels and locations with an eye on combining luxury and comfort into one fabulous experience.

TOUR DATES	Independent Travel
TOUR COST	A$1290 per person twin share A$1950 for Single Pax * No fixed departure – price for twin share is based on minimum 2 people
DURATION	4 days, 3 nights
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS	Walk along the ghats in Varanasi Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River Ancient Buddhist ruins at Sarnath
TOUR ROUTE	Varanasi-Delhi

MAP
VIDEO

Additional information

Destination	India

Day 1

Varanasi

Transfer from your hotel in Delhi to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. Transfer from the airport to your hotel which is situated right on Assi Ghat. Take a stroll around the area to soak up the atmosphere of the Ganges River and the amazing Varanasi.

Overnight: Hotel, Varanasi

Day 2

Varanasi

Full day of sightseeing in Varanasi. You will rise early in the morning, getting ready to experience one of the most memorable moments of your life, as you will be taken on a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. It is on the Ganga Ghats of Varanasi where you will witness both life and death together. Walk along the many and varied ghats, where you will get a glimpse of the sacred life which is at the heart of ‘Mother Ganga’. Following this you will go to Godaulia, the old city, to visit the ancient riverside temples including the Durga temple, Vishwanath temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple and the Bharat Mata temple. During the evening you will visit the main ghat to watch the spectacular daily puja (offerings) made to the Ganges.

Overnight: Hotel, Varanasi

Day 3

Varanasi

Your driver and private car will collect you after breakfast and take you to nearby Sarnath where you will visit Dhamekh Stupa, the ancient Buddhist ruins, Chaukhandi Stupa and Mulganda Kuti Vihar, followed by a visit to the Deer Park and Archaeological Museum. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to wander the thriving ancient alleyways of Varanasi or to relax in one of the many riverside cafes.

Overnight: Hotel, Varanasi

Day 4

Depart Varanasi

Transfer to airport for your flight to Delhi. Your arrangement with Ekno Travels ends at Delhi Airport. We look forward to seeing you on another Ekno Travels experience.

INCLUDES

3 nights accommodation with 3 breakfasts
Return airfares Delhi-Varanasi-Delhi
Transfers to Delhi airport
Transfers to and from Varanasi airport to the hotel
Private car and driver for Sarnath day trip
Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges
English speaking guide for 3 days

EXCLUDES

Indian tourist visa

Lunch and dinner

Personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry service and souvenirs

Tipping

Camera and video entry charges to local sights and monuments

Compulsory insurance of any kind