Our most recommended things to do in Sarnath

Varanasi: Private City Highlights Day Tour & Ganges Cruise

1. Varanasi: Private City Highlights Day Tour & Ganges Cruise

Varanasi Remembrances : After early morning pickup at 5:30am from your hotel, take a sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Witness morning rituals performed at the riverside. Kashi Vishwanath Temple : Afterward, follow your guide on a short walking tour of the old city's alleyways and catch sight of the Kashi Vishwanath, one of the holiest Hindu temples Banaras Hindu University : Banaras Hindu University (Pass By) Stop for breakfast (own expense), then head to Banaras Hindu University at 10am. Established in 1916, BHU is the largest university campus in Asia. Tour the campus and see the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum and the new Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), which is an exact replica of the original Vishwanath Temple. Bharat Mata Temple : Mother India Temple, built in 1918 and housing an unusual marble relief map of the Indian subcontinent. At 12:30pm, learn about the silk weaving traditions of Varanasi, then take a break for lunch (own expense). Afterward, drive about eight miles (13 km) to Sarnath to take in Dhamekh Stupa, known as the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon. You'll also visit the Archaeological Museum, which features treasures that date to the 3rd-century BC (closed Fridays). Dasaswamedh Ghat : At 5pm Ganges to view the cremation grounds, then return to Dashashwamedh Ghat to watch the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Your tour ends with return to your hotel around 8pm. Sarnath : Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.

From Varanasi: Varanasi & Sarnath Full Day Guided Car Tour

2. From Varanasi: Varanasi & Sarnath Full Day Guided Car Tour

Experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi and the historical significance of Sarnath on this comprehensive full-day tour. Your day begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel, the airport, or the railway station. Embark on a scenic drive to Sarnath accompanied by an insightful tour guide who will enrich your journey with captivating commentary. Upon arrival in Sarnath, explore the sacred grounds where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Engage with the tour guide's enlightening narratives as you absorb the historical and spiritual significance of this revered site. The visit continues with an exploration of the renowned Sarnath Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts. Returning to Varanasi, delve into the city's vibrant religious tapestry. Visit the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the serene Monkey Temple, the poignant Tulsi Manas Mandir, and the grand Birla Temple, each offering a unique perspective on Varanasi's diverse religious landscape. Throughout the day, you have the flexibility to enjoy lunch as per your preferences (lunch not included in the package). As the sun begins to set, embark on a mesmerizing boat ride along the holy Ganges River. Witness the enchanting panorama of ghats, witness the rituals, bathing, and cremation ceremonies that unfold along the riverbanks. The experience is further heightened by the profound spiritual aura that envelops the surroundings. Concluding the day, immerse yourself in the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony, where lamps and incense create a mesmerizing spectacle on the ghats. As the tour comes to an end, your guide and driver will ensure you are dropped off at your desired location, leaving you with memories of an enriching and transformative day exploring the spiritual heart of Varanasi and the historical treasures of Sarnath.

Varanasi: Full-Day Tour of Temples, Sarnath and Aarti

3. Varanasi: Full-Day Tour of Temples, Sarnath and Aarti

Your private tour will start early with 5:00 AM pickup from your hotel. See the morning aarti ceremony as the sun rises, a magical spiritual experience. After this you’ll visit the main temples in Varanasi, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Monkey Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and Birla Temple. These are famous for their ornate carvings and historical significance.  Continue to Sarnath, a must-see in Varanasi. Your guide will teach you the history of this Buddhist pilgrimage site, as you explore the beautiful ruins of Buddhist monuments. See the incredible Dhamekha Stupa, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Then visit the Sarnath Archeological Museum, the Lion Capital of Ashoka, and at a monastery with beautiful wall paintings.  Head back into town to watch the evening aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges. Watch the ceremony, where a supreme priest offers prayers o the holy river with a sacred brass lamp. The ceremony involves lights, cymbals, incense, and people singing hymns and chanting. After an amazing day of sightseeing, you will be dropped safely back at your hotel. 

Varanasi with Sarnath Tour

4. Varanasi with Sarnath Tour

The tour starts with pick up from your hotel, as per your tour plan. reach to the one of the most important Ghat for Heritage walking tour and explore the city 03:00 hr Later driver for the city tour (Temple tours) and Sarnath is the spot where Lord Buddha made his first sermon after his enlightenment. King Ashoka and many other rulers built numerous buildings and monuments in Sarnath, which are now an important attraction. The museum in Sarnath has many Artifacts, terracotta objects and other archeological attractions. In the evening, you would be taken on a boat ride on the River Ganges along Dasashwamed Ghat is famous for a particular activity. you can witness Hindu cremation rituals & Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness Ganga Aarti. Ganga Aarti is the iconic tourist and pilgrimage attraction of Varanasi. It is a ritual filled activity to please River Ganges and the God of Fire. You can click pictures of the process if desired from the boat. After Aarti, you would be dropped back at your hotel or taken to airport/railway station as per your request.

Varanasi: 3-Day Private Highlights Tour with Accommodation

5. Varanasi: 3-Day Private Highlights Tour with Accommodation

Day 01: Varanasi - Temple Tour and Ganga Aarti Pick up from Airport and check in to Hotel. Later visit the “Temple Tour” most religious Kashi Vishwanath temple, Annapurna Temple, the Bharat Mata temple, Sankat Mochan (Hanuman temple) , Manas Mandir, BHU. At evening, get ready to experience one of the most memorable moments of your life, as you will be taken to River Ganges. Enjoy Ganga Aarti. Get a glimpse of the spiritualism at the Ganga Ghats river front. Can enjoy the Ganga Aarti on Boat After all you can retire for the night. Overnight Stay in Varanasi. Day 02: Varanasi - Boat Ride and Sarnath Early morning, we will be taken for a boat ride on the Ganges. It is a mystical and spiritual experience as you watch people offering water to the Sun God and devotees taking holy dip in the Ganges. We will visit all the famous Ghats of Varanasi via boat, Come back to hotel for breakfast. In noon we will be taken for an excursion to Sarnath. Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples. The attractions at Sarnath are the Buddha temples, the Dhamekha stupa, Chaukhandi stupa and the archaeological museum. Return to hotel Overnight Stay in Varanasi. Day 03: Varanasi - Departure After breakfast, check out from the hotel, later Shopping Drop to Airport, to catch your reserved seat of flight, With a pleasant memory of the trip.

Varanasi: Guided Private City Tour with Morning Boat Ride

6. Varanasi: Guided Private City Tour with Morning Boat Ride

5:00 AM - Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges: Start your day with a serene boat ride on the Ganges river to witness the sunrise and watch the locals perform their morning rituals. You can hire a boat from the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the main ghats in Varanasi. 7:00 AM - Breakfast: After the boat ride, head to one of the local restaurants for breakfast. Try some traditional dishes such as kachori, jalebi, and lassi. 8:00 AM - Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is a must-visit for those who seek spiritual enlightenment. 10:00 AM - Explore the Old City: Take a walking tour of the old city, also known as the "heart of Varanasi." Here, you can explore narrow alleys, ancient buildings, and unique shops selling silk sarees, handicrafts, and street food. Visit the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi, and see the traditional cremation ceremony. 12:00 PM - Lunch: Stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants in the old city and try some delicious local cuisine such as chaat, kachori, and chhole bhature. 2:00 PM - Visit Sarnath: After lunch, head to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site located just outside of Varanasi. Here, you can visit the ancient ruins of Buddhist monasteries and temples and learn about the history of Buddhism in India. 4:00 PM - Visit the Banaras Hindu University: Next, visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest and most prestigious universities in India. It has a beautiful campus and is home to many famous faculties and research centers. 6:00 PM - Attend Ganga Aarti: End your day with the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual that takes place every evening on the banks of the Ganges river. The ceremony involves chanting, music, and offering of lamps to the river. It is a truly mesmerizing experience, and the perfect way to end a day in Varanasi. 8:00 PM - Dinner: After the ceremony, head to one of the local restaurants for dinner and try some more delicious local food before calling it a day.

Varanasi: Private Day Tour with Ganges Boat Ride & Aarti

7. Varanasi: Private Day Tour with Ganges Boat Ride & Aarti

Early Morning pickup from your hotel in Varanasi or from the Airport and Begin your trip meeting your guide at the airport and Start Your Tour at 5.00 am Morning boat ride on the River Ganges. Enjoy soaking in the spectacular sunrise views and later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, head to Sarnath. It is the place dotted with various Buddhist pilgrimage sites of great significance. If you are a devout follower of Buddha then you must visit this place. Later, visit the New Vishwanath Temple also known as the Birla Mandir. Settled within the Banaras Hindu University, It took around 35 years to build this temple. Head to the Tulsi Manas Temple built by the royal family of Banaras in 1964. It is believed to be the place where the legendary poet Tulsidas wrote the great Indian epic Ramcharitramanas. Close to this temple is the Durga Temple (Monkey temple) dedicated to Goddess Durga (divine feminine energy). In the evening, witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is daily evening ceremony that has been practiced since thousands of years on the banks of River Ganges. After Ganga Aarti my driver and Guide drop you at your Hotel or Airport.

Varanasi: Varanasi and Sarnath Private Day Trip with Lunch

8. Varanasi: Varanasi and Sarnath Private Day Trip with Lunch

Memories of Varanasi: After leaving your hotel at 5:30 a.m. Take a sunrise boat ride on the sacred river Ganges. Witness the morning rituals on the banks of the river. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Next, follow your guide on a short walking tour through the streets of the old city and visit one of the most sacred Hindu temples, Kashi Vishwanath. Banaras Hindu University: Banaras Hindu University (Pass By) Stop for breakfast (at your own expense), then depart for Banaras Hindu University at 10 a.m. Founded in 1916, BHU is the largest university in Asia continent. Tour the complex and see the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and the new Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), which is an exact replica of the original Vishwanath Temple. Bharat Mata Mandir: Mother India Temple, built in 1918, houses an unusual marble relief map of the Indian subcontinent. At 12:30 pm, learn about the silk weaving traditions of Varanasi, then break for lunch (at your own expense). Next, drive about eight miles (13 km) to Sarnath to see the Dhamekha Stupa, known as the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon. You will also visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses treasures dating back to the 3rd century BC (closed on Fridays). Dashashwamedh Ghat: 5 PM to visit Ganga Cremation Ghat, then return to Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening to watch Ganga Aarti Ceremony. Your tour will end with you returning to your hotel around 8 p.m. Sarnath: Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometers north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The Deer Park in Sarnath is the place where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.

Private Sarnath Excursion with Evening Ganaga Aarti

9. Private Sarnath Excursion with Evening Ganaga Aarti

Start your spiritual tour of Sarnath with a convenient pick-up at your accommodation. Meet your driver at 2:00 PM in the lobby of your hotel. After a short meet and greet, you will take a scenic 10 km drive to Sarnath, one of India's main pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.  Upon arriving in Sarnath, your guide will immediately take you on an architectural tour of all the most historically important buildings in the area. Marvel at the truly unique Buddhist architecture and learn about some of the buildings' history. This location is sacred and considered to be the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.   Next, visit Chaukhandi Stupa where Buddha met his first disciples. Peruse through excavated artefacts and striking Ashoka Pillars at Sarnath Archeological Museum. Admire the fine paintings on the walls of the monastery that was built in the 1930s at Mulagandhakuti Vihara. After your tour of Sarnath, you will be driven back to Varanasi to attend the grand evening Ganga Aarti at the famous Dashashwamedha Ghat. Be a part of the spiritual evening Aarti where you will witness something truly special. Be in awe of vividly decorated stages with flowers, cloths, brass lamps, musical instruments and, holy offerings. Hear the soulful hymns and prayers accompanied with mantras and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere. After the evening Ganga Aarti, you will be dropped back to your hotel in Varanasi city.

Varanasi: Guided Tour of Varanasi & Sarnath By AC Car

10. Varanasi: Guided Tour of Varanasi & Sarnath By AC Car

Memories of Varanasi: After leaving your hotel at 5:30 a.m. Take a sunrise boat ride on the sacred river Ganges. Witness the morning rituals on the banks of the river. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Next, follow your guide on a short walking tour through the streets of the old city and visit one of the most sacred Hindu temples, Kashi Vishwanath. Banaras Hindu University: Banaras Hindu University (Pass By) Stop for breakfast (at your own expense), then depart for Banaras Hindu University at 10 a.m. Founded in 1916, BHU is the largest university in Asia continent. Tour the complex and see the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and the new Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), which is an exact replica of the original Vishwanath Temple. Bharat Mata Mandir: Mother India Temple, built in 1918, houses an unusual marble relief map of the Indian subcontinent. At 12:30 pm, learn about the silk weaving traditions of Varanasi, then break for lunch (at your own expense). Next, drive about eight miles (13 km) to Sarnath to see the Dhamekha Stupa, known as the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon. You will also visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses treasures dating back to the 3rd century BC (closed on Fridays). Dashashwamedh Ghat: 5 PM to visit Ganga Cremation Ghat, then return to Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening to watch Ganga Aarti Ceremony. Your tour will end with you returning to your hotel around 8 p.m. Sarnath: Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometers north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The Deer Park in Sarnath is the place where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.

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