There are four major attractions of one day guided sightseeing tour of Varanasi – (a) morning boat ride in the Ganges along the ghats (b) visiting famous temples of Benares (c) heritage walk comprising stroll on ghats and through narrow alleys, and (d) exploration of Sarnath, a Buddhist pilgrimage.
Varanasi, a cornucopia of unparalleled special experiences, is the Indian city that leaves to the visitor a deep impression of the spiritual density which animates the daily life of the Hindus. Varanasi owes its name to the two rivers, the Varuna and the Assi, which flow into the Ganges to the north and south. A general view of the banks of the Ganges in the early morning already gives a good idea of the atmosphere of Benares, the ancient Kashi. The city owes its sanctity to the presence of Lord Shiva, the God of Transformation. Indeed, it was at the Manikarnika Ghat that Lord Shiva dug a well to find an earring that Parvati, his consort, had lost. The symbol of the creative power of Shiva, the lingam, is present everywhere in Benares, in innumerable places. A foreigner or westerner should put away his/ her pre-occupied mindset to grasp the real essence of Varanasi, the oldest living city in the world. If he/ she is not revolted by the un-cleanliness of the alleys of the old quarters, the dreadful misery of the beggars, the pungent odor of the funeral pyres, the stranger will be captivated by an atmosphere unlike any other city which one will long cherish after be gone.
The Full Day Varanasi Tour will commence in the morning at 5 AM. Varanasi tour guide will collect you from your hotel of stay in air-conditioned vehicle and drive to Rajendra Prasad Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat. Located on the left bank of the Ganges, Benares occupies a promontory overlooking the river, facing the rising sun. This shore is built of ghats, that is to say, large staircases which give access to the water's edge. At dawn, a dense crowd of pilgrims patiently bathe and perform religious rituals on these ghats. For the sanctity of the water of the Ganges is multiplied tenfold in Benares, a holy city among all, every Hindu should come on pilgrimage at least once in his life. Early in the morning, during dawn hour when everything is bathed in slightly foggy light, you will have a boat ride along the banks of the Ganga to watch the daily rituals of the pilgrims and inhabitants of the city. One thus has a glimpse of the life of the sadhus, the holy men settled almost permanently on the ghats. From a distance, while cruising through boat, you will be able to see traditional cremation ceremonies on the Manakarnika Ghat, the sacred ghat of burning pyres. It is said that death in Kashi liberates the soul from the cycle of rebirths. Naturally, it is the dearest wish of the most Hindus to come here to die to attain the ultimate goal of life- freedom from birth, death and rebirth. After boat ride, enjoy a short stroll on two-three ghats. There are about hundred ghats in Varanasi on the banks on the banks of River Ganga.
After visiting the ghats of Varanasi, you will be taken to Vishwanath Temple. It is also known as Vishveshwara Mahadev temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Golden Temple of Varanasi. The way to the temple will be meandering through narrow alleys, buzzing with religious and economic activities. After exploring Vishwanath gali, proceed to visit Durga Temple, Vishwanath Temple or Birla Temple in BHU (Benares Hindu University), Sankat Mochan Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple and Bharat Mata Temple.
After visiting temples of Varanasi, observing Hindus’ religious rituals and enjoying cultural legacy, have lunch in a nice city restaurant. Thereafter, you will proceed to Sarnath. Sarnath, one of the four pilgrimages of the Buddhism, is the place where Siddhartha, after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya and becoming Gautam Buddha, delivered his first sermon and thus commenced Dharma Chakra Pravartan. Here you will see remnant of the Buddhist monastery, stupas, Buddhist temples of different nationalities, Ashokan pillar and a well-kept museum.
After visiting Sarnath, return to the city centre and move to Dashashwamedha Ghat before sunset. An auspicious atmosphere prevails on the ghats. An aarti ceremony takes place every day, late afternoon, on the bank of the Ganges, near the ghat of Dashashwamedha. Five priests, dressed in white and red, lead this ritual of light, dedicated to the Ganges (Mother Ganga or Maa Ganga), accompanied by vedic hymns, mantras, devotional songs, sacred sounds of conch shells, bells, musical instruments and sounds by striking on iron cymbals. It is highly recommended to attend Ganga Aarti in Varanasi. The ceremony lasts 45 to 50 minutes.