Morning Boat Ride with Temples Tour

Varanasi is one of the most colorful places on earth dotted with numerous temples and spirituality is at its core. And no doubt it’s the “holy city of India”. Embark on an incredible tour of Varanasi, showcasing the best of the ancient city of Varanasi in true local style. On this 4-hour tour, you’ll be exploring Varanasi city in the morning, when the spiritual city awakens. The tour is a combination of a boat ride and a walking tour, to explore Varanasi’s cultural diversity along with some of the oldest site in the city and a visit to Akhada (wrestling joint). End your tour on a perfect note by enjoying a peaceful morning boat ride on the River Ganges and watch life unfold at sunrise. So let’s embark on this ecstatic tour, shall we.

1. 1

   Assi Ghat

   1 hour

   Starting early morning at 5:00 am, driver will pick you up from the hotel. You’ll now proceed to Assi Ghat, for a perfect start to the day, to attend the soul-stirring spectacle of Ganga Aarti (river worship ritual of the holy Ganges) at Assi Ghat. Sight the riverside lit up with earthen lamps, priests perform well-choreographed religious rituals and chant holy mantras with chorus from the devotees and locals gathered there, the echo of the conch shell being played, aroma of fresh flowers and the burning incense sticks, all make for an unforgettable experience of Varanasi.

2. 2

   Tulsi Ghat

   2 hours

   After the Ganga Aarti, you’ll proceed for sightseeing of Varanasi on foot. A little ahead near Tulsi Ghat you’ll visit the Lolark Kund - a sacred pond and one of the most ancient site present in Varanasi. Many come here to pray for a son/offspring by taking a dip in the waters at sunrise. Afterward, make an interesting visit to the Akhada (a traditional Indian wrestling joint). At the Akhada, watch wrestlers perform physical training using traditional tools of exercise or even watch them doing kushti (wrestling) on fresh mud pits. Next move towards Tulsi Ghat, one of the most important ghat in Varanasi, named after the great Hindu saint and poet Tulsi Das. Located close to the ghat, you’ll visit the Durga Kund (pool) located on the premises of the old 18th century Durga Temple also known as the Monkey Temple, owing to the presence of large number of monkeys in its premises.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   1.5 hours

   Now reach Assi Ghat and walk down the stairs of ghat to take a peaceful morning boat ride on the Ganges River. The boat ride is like a ferry pilgrimage, sailing from one ghat to the other, along the course of the Ganges. Observe the captivating morning activities unfold at sunrise on the banks of the river Ganges. Sight pilgrims bathing and offering prayers to the deities, holy men (sadhu and pandits) performing ancient rituals and more. Your boat ride ends at Dashashwamedha Ghat, one of the most prominent and liveliest ghats in Varanasi. The name Dashashwamedha indicates sacrifice of ten horses, which was performed by Lord Brahma, as per Hindu myth. At Dashashwamedh Ghat you’ll take a rickshaw ride till PDR Mall Box Office at Luxa Road. After capturing wonderful memories for the day, driver will drop you at the hotel.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.