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 along the banks of the Ganges River. The colourful riverside ghats are filled with worshippers bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges, priests performing prayer ceremonies and Hindu cremation rituals. Once the seat of great Hindu learning, there is much to explore in this winding, ancient and often surprising city.

Varanasi and the surrounding villages also hold religious and historical significance for Buddhists and Jains, and no trip to Varanasi is complete without a trip to nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha taught his first sermon.

Our Varanasi short stay is designed to be used as a short add-on to your existing travels. As with all our packages, we select our hotels, locations and experiences with an eye on combining luxury and comfort into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

TOUR DATES	No fixed departure
TOUR COST	A$1550 per person, twin share* A$2350 per person, single traveller*price is based on a minimum of 2 people
DURATION	4 days, 3 nights
TOUR HIGHLIGHT	Experience life on Varanasi’s famous ghats Enjoy a spectacular sunrise cruise on the Ganges River Take in Hinduism’s rich history and culture as you visit significant temples and ghats Wander through the ancient alleys of the old city Marvel at the nightly puja ceremony on Varanasi’s main ghat Explore ancient Buddhist ruins in Sarnath
TOUR ROUTE	Delhi – Varanasi – Delhi

MAP
VIDEO

Additional information

Destination	India

Day 1

DELHI TO VARANASI

You’ll be transferred to the airport in Delhi for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi, you’ll be transferred to your hotel which is situated right on Assi Ghat. Take a stroll around the area to soak up the atmosphere of the lively ghats that lead down to the Ganges River.

Overnight: Hotel, Varanasi

Day 2

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Varanasi. Rise early in the morning for a memorable sunrise boat cruise on the Ganges. Walk along the riverside ghats, where you’ll get a glimpse of the sacred life which is at the heart of ‘Mother Ganga’. On the ghats you’ll also witness how life and death coexist side by side in Varanasi. Following this you’ll visit Godaulia, the old city, to see 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’ll visit the main ghat to watch the spectacular nightly puja (offerings) ceremony made to the Ganges.

Overnight: Hotel, Varanasi

Day 3

SARNATH

After breakfast, your driver will collect you for a day trip to nearby Sarnath, where you’ll visit ancient Buddhist ruins including Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulganda Kuti Vihar, the Deer Park and the Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon you’ll return to Varanasi, where the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to wander the ancient alleys or to relax in one of the many riverside cafes. You can also choose from one of our optional extras, which include sunset boat rides and music lessons.

Overnight: Hotel, Varanasi

Day 4

VARANASI TO DELHI

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Delhi. Your arrangement with us ends at Delhi Airport.

INCLUDES

Services of a local English-speaking guide for 3 days

3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast

Return domestic flights from Delhi to Varanasi

All transfers and sightseeing by private AC vehicle as per the itinerary

Entrance fees to all sites and monuments as per the itinerary

Day trip to Sarnath

Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges

EXCLUDES

Return airfares to India

Indian tourist visa

Travel insurance

Occasional optional activities and transport not identified in itinerary description

Lunch and dinner (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary)

Personal expenditure such as drinks (including bottled water), laundry service and souvenirs

Tips

Camera and video entry charges to sights and monuments

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Sunset boat ride on the Ganges with local musicians
Evening boat ride on the Ganges for the nightly puja ceremony
Musical concert at an ashram
Walking tour to the classical music street
Visit the home of a local musician for a music lesson

Varanasi

TOUR DATES

TOUR COST

DURATION

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

TOUR ROUTE

MAP

VIDEO