Take an early morning boat cruise on the sacred Ganges River and witness the daily rituals. See the long string of ghats (steps) that line the river, where locals practice yoga and Hindus perform morning prayers before bathing in the river to wash away their sins.
The Ganga Aarti at Varanasi is a very powerful and uplifting spiritual ritual. The aarti takes place facing the river using the lamps which circled around by the pandits (Hindu priests) in a clockwise manner, accompanied by chants or songs in praise of Mother Ganga. It is beleived that after the ritual is complete, the Goddess showers her blessing to each individual present there.
Spend a day full of mindful thinking, peacefulness and clarity with this tour through some of the most important temples in Varanasi
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Visit 4 beautiful temples
* Be guided by an insightful local
* Relax, breathe and enjoy naturally calming surroundings
Start the tour with a visit to the Tulsi Manas Temple, a marvelous place constructed in 1964 made of a precious white marble boasting lush expanding gardens. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Rama, featuring beautiful images of Lakshhman, Sita, Ram and Hanuman throughout. It is thought that this temple is built where Saint Tulsides wrote the sacred Ramcharitamanasa. Amongst the gardens you’ll find a statue of Tulside that illustrates a particular verse from the book.
Next we’ll make our way to Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey temple due to the many monkeys that surround the area. Admire its typically northern Indian structure with multi-tiered shikharas, it really is a symbol of the local culture. Outside there is a peaceful pond surrounded by stone stairs and pillars, creating a quiet little area perfect for reflecting.
Our next stop is the Vishwanath Temple, located in the grounds of the Banaras Hindu University famous for being constructed by the Birlas family. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this wonderful temple is constructed with fine marble and is specifically open to all religions and races. Everyone should feel welcome and at peace here.
The last stop is to the newest of the lot, Sankat Mochan Temple. Founded by Baba Hari Dass, a silent monk who saw a beautiful statue of Hanuman and wrote on his board, “it needs a temple.” From that moment on construction began, opening its doors for a “Prana Pratishta Ceremony” in 2003. Stroll around and take note of the differences from the other temples we’ve visited, embracing the wonderfully serene location.
The sightseeing tour of Varanasi includes four very famous temples: Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple, New Vishwanath Temple (Lord Shiva Temple) located in the Banaras Hindu University (fondly known as BHU), Sankat Mochan Temple (dedicated to Hindu Monkey God- Lord Hanuman).
One of the holiest cities of India, Allahabad stands at the confluence of two of India’s holiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna, and is about 135 km from Varanasi. It is the venue of many sacred fairs and rituals and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Later visit Patal Puri and Hanuman Mandir followed by Anand Bhawan and Swaraj Bhawan which are associated with India’s freedom struggle. Depending upon interest visit to Khusrau Bagh prior to returning back to Varanasi is recommended.
Be a part of the traditional Aarti ceremony on the Ganges, when flowers and lanterns float down the river at dusk. Explore Varanasi’s bustling bazaars, ancient corridors, and narrow alleyways. Browse local markets selling everything from silk to kites to spices. Sample local delicacies and indulge in a rooftop dinner overlooking the Ganga River.
The Ganga River (or Ganges) runs through the veins of Varanasi (Banaras). Even locals regularly call out har-har Gange, meaning “long live Ganga,” and, come evening, locals flock to the ghats to release lanterns and flowers into the water. Follow Varanasi’s veins straight to her heart on this spiritual tour of an ancient city. Take a tour through one of the world’s oldest living cities, and along one of the world’s most revered rivers. You’ll follow the path of the famous Ganges (or Ganga River) on this evening walking tour. Your Varanasi tour will lead you along the city’s narrow lanes and alleys to Dal Mandi, a wholesale market of silk garments and puja (ceremonial Hindu prayer) items. From there, you’ll continue toward the kite market, decorated with colourful paper kites of different shapes and sizes. You’ll visit the Chowk area and Vishwanath Gali, one of the largest silk markets in Varanasi. The purity of silk is more than just a fashion statement — pure silk is used in religious temple ceremonies for draping the goddesses, and on many other auspicious occasions.
As you explore, you’ll get to taste sweet treats like malaiyo, a local seasonal delicacy, or malai puri, all washed down with a lassi drink. Next up, your Varanasi tour will proceed to the Dasawamedha Ghat for evening Aarti, one of the most spectacular sights in Varanasi. Hundreds of pilgrims, photographers, and tourists rent boats to watch the magnificence of the Aarti as it unfolds every evening. Lamps are lit, fragrant smoke rises from incense sticks, and the chants of mantras can be heard — prepare to be completely spellbound by one of the most magical events in India. As the Aarti comes to an end, the priests offer flowers, milk, and floating lamps to the Ganges. Pilgrims follow and soon the whole of the Ganga is filled with lit lamps and aromatic flowers. The experience is like a huge cultural bath and amidst all the sound and activity, everyone seeks to find peace. At the end of the ceremony, your guide will walk you to a delightful dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Ganga and the ghats. From there, your guide will be happy to arrange a taxi back to your accommodation or can give you some tips and suggestions for further exploring Varanasi by night.