Varanasi/Benares Extension
Varanasi Extension
Amazing pilgrimage sites in the eternal city of India
Discover the scenic pilgrimage sites in the "eternal city of India," Varanasi or Benares with has the Ganges which flows through the city. Enjoy the illuminated Aarti ceremony with boat ride that is performed at Dasahwamedh Ghat. Further explore the Ganges by riding a boat ride to watch the sunrise. Outside Varanasi is Sarnath, which is the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. Explore the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and look around a museum with an interesting collection of Buddhist art and sculpture.
Locations you will be visiting
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Delhi, India
Discover the sights, ancient and modern, in Delhi with this handy destination guide.
3 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Varanasi/Benares Extension
4 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Delhi to Varanasi (by train)
Early check out from the hotel for train to Varanasi packed breakfast will be provided from the hotel.
Train is not operational on Monday and Thursday
Arrive Varanasi. Our representative will meet you on arrival at Varanasi railway station. Transfer to for your hotel where you will check in for your stay.
The ‘eternal city’, Varanasi or Benares, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, and the Ganges, which flows through the city, is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. For the Satpious Hindu, the city has always been a special place, and it is considered a particularly auspicious place to die, ensuring an instant routing to Heaven.
Later in the evening, watch the illuminated Aarti ceremony with boat ride that is performed at Dasahwamedh Ghat. The presiding priests stand on a wooden Chauki in the water. To the chant of Sanskrit mantras, and the clash of cymbals and drums, the river is worshipped with flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk and vermilion.
First the blazing camphor lamp and then the many flamed aarti lamps are raised high and then arched back to the water, the dark river reflecting the golden flames as Ganges accepts the worship. It is the Ganges that gives Varanasi its spiritual resonance.
Overnight at Hotel
DAY 2 Varanasi
Discover India’s spirituality from another perspective — by taking an unforgettable sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, floating past ghats as worshippers begin to appear on the banks. Varanasi’s unique culture is associated with the river Ganges, where life and death intermingle. The living flock the ghats to pray with the belief that bathing in the waters of the sacred river would result in the remission of their sins, while the ashes of the dead are scattered in the water to break the cycle of reincarnation and let the soul rise to enlightenment.
After breakfast, visit some of the other important sites in the city with your guide. Dotted with temples, the city’s principle shrine is the Vishwanath temple, dedicated to Shiva. The temple was destroyed repeatedly during various invasions but was finally rebuilt in 1776 A.D. by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore.
Afternoon take an excursion to the Buddhist city of Sarnath just outside Varanasi, the place Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. Sarnath is as holy to the Buddhists as Varanasi is to the Hindus. Explore the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and look around a museum with an interesting collection of Buddhist art and sculpture. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the National emblem of India.
Overnight at Hotel
DAY 3 Varanasi to Delhi (by train)
Today after breakfast, your day is at leisure to explore the city on your own. (No transport)
Afternoon drive to Varanasi Railway station and board train to Delhi.
Train is not operational on Monday and Thursday
Arrive Delhi check in to hotel.
Overnight at Hotel
DAY 4 Depart Delhi
Today on time our representative will meet you at the hotel’s lobby and will provide you the assisted departure transfer to the International airport to board your flight for onward destination.
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
India: Varanasi/Benares Extension
from£
What's included:
- Accommodation on twin share basis
- English speaking guides
- Transfers
- Baggage transfers for one piece
- Meals as specified
- Airport taxes
- Local tips
- Personal spending
- Travel insurance