Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of spirituality with the "Varanasi and Sarnath Cultural Trail with Sunrise Boat Ride." Commencing at 5:00 AM, you'll be whisked away from your hotel in Varanasi to partake in a magical sunrise boat ride along the sacred Ganges river.
Witness the profound spirituality as locals engage in morning rituals along the ghats. Following the boat ride, a walking tour awaits, exploring the ghats and the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Your cultural odyssey continues with a visit to Sarnath, the city where Buddha imparted his first sermon.
Marvel at the ancient artifacts in the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, admire the Dhamek Stupa, and explore the modern Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. A delightful lunch at a local restaurant precedes your return to Varanasi, concluding with a visit to the illustrious Benares Hindu University.
As the sun sets, your enchanting day concludes at 5:30 PM, leaving you with cherished memories of spiritual and cultural wonders.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
English speaking local guide, if option selected.
Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
Lunch, if option selected.
Government Taxes.
Bottled water in the car.
Camera charges at monuments.
Gratuities and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
Good to know
Please provide up pick up information at least one day before the tour
What to expect
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Varanasi
5:00 AM - Pick up from your hotel in Varanasi
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Varanasi and taken to the river ghat to start your boat ride at sunrise. -
Varanasi
1 hour
5:30 AM - Early morning boat ride on the Ganges river
You'll start your day by taking a boat ride on the Ganges river at sunrise. This is one of the best ways to experience the spirituality of Varanasi, as you'll see locals taking their morning dips in the holy river and performing various religious rituals on the ghats (riverbank steps). -
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
30 min
7:30 AM - Walking tour of the ghats and temples
After the boat ride, you'll take a walking tour of the ghats and temples along the Ganges river. This will include a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the 12 jyotirlingas (lingams of light) in India. You'll also visit other temples and sites of historical and cultural importance. -
Sarnath
30 min
10:30 AM - Visit Sarnath
After exploring Varanasi, you'll head to the nearby city of Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Here are a few things you can do in Sarnath:
Visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts and sculptures from the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath. -
Dhamek Stupa
30 min
Visit the Dhamek Stupa: This is a massive, cylindrical-shaped stupa that's believed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It's one of the most important Buddhist monuments in Sarnath.
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Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
30 min
Visit the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: This is a modern Buddhist temple that's built on the site where Buddha is believed to have spent his first rainy season after attaining enlightenment.
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Sarnath
35 min
1:30 PM - Lunch
After exploring Sarnath, you'll have lunch at a local restaurant. -
Varanasi
35 min
2:30 PM - Return to Varanasi
After lunch, you'll return to Varanasi. -
Banaras Hindu University
30 min
3:30 PM - Visit the Benares Hindu University
Your next stop will be the Benares Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Here, you can visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, which houses a collection of ancient Indian art and artifacts. -
Varanasi
30 min
5:30 PM - End of the tour
Finally, your private tour of Varanasi and Sarnath will come to an end and you'll be dropped off at your hotel in Varanasi.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Asia/Kolkata).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Varanasi and Sarnath Cultural Trail with Sunrise Boat Ride
Can I cancel Varanasi and Sarnath Cultural Trail with Sunrise Boat Ride for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 7–8 hours.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What's included?
- English speaking local guide, if option selected.
- Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
- Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
- Lunch, if option selected.
- Bottled water in the car.
What's not included?
- Camera charges at monuments.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Which places does it visit?
It visits Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, Banaras Hindu University.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Agora Voyages OPC Pvt. Ltd.
