Things to Do in Varanasi

This early morning 3-hour boat ride on the Ganges river in Varanasi is something you’ll want to check off your bucket list. Travel down one of the world’s most well-known rivers, to a place where Hindus believe to be sacred, and see firsthand holy rituals practiced on the river. Along the way, catch sight of locals offering the river flowers and prayers, and also enjoy views of Varanasi’s temples as the sun starts to rise. After boat ride you will visit some of the temples in the surrounding. Languages: English. Inclusions: Meals as indicated Transport Tickets Exclusions: Gratuities Important Info: Passport or ID are required Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

A major Buddhist centre, Sarnath lies 10 kilometres north east of Varanasi. It was here that Buddha preached his message of the ’middle way’ to nirvana after achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya. In around 234 BC, Emperor Ashoka, a great follower of Buddhism, erected a stupa here. Between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, several Buddhist structures were built here in Sarnath. Most of the Sarnath’s monuments are set in large gardens making it quite pleasant for a visitor to spend some time here. The Buddha Purnima festival is held here in May to celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha. Languages: English. Inclusions: Meals as indicated Transport Tickets Exclusions: Gratuities Important Info: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Passport or ID are required Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

A private tour of the holy city Allahabad (now Prayagraj), believed to be the 'Triveni Sangam' meaning the land where three of the holiest rivers of India meet. The city has an India history lesson to offer its visitors.

• Anand Bhavan : It is a historic house museum in Allahabad, India focusing on the Nehru Family. It was bought by Indian political leader Motilal Nehru in the 1930s to serve as the residence of the Nehru family.

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, known for its mesmerizing Ganga Aarti; is a place that belongs on your bucket list. The Aarti performed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat attracts a huge audience from different parts of the world, who come to witness the Holy Ganges being worshiped. The Aarti starts after the sunset at around 6:30 pm in the summer season (7:00 pm in the winter season) and is a forty-five-minute long soulful ritual. The Aarti, a highly choreographed ceremony, is performed on a stage by a group of young pandits. The chanting of hymns and blowing of the conch shell marks the start of the Aarti. After which, the pandits dressed in saffron coloured attire praise the lord by waving the large flaming lamps in a thoroughly synchronized manner. The Varanasi Ganga Aarti is meticulously ended by the priest pouring holy water in the sacred river whilst chanting the hymns. Inclusions: Meals as indicated Tickets Transport Important Info: Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Passport or ID are required Children must be accompanied by an adult. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Start your tour visiting the main temples in Varanasi including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Durga Temple, and Sankat Mochan Temple. These are famous for their ornate carvings and historical significance Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University and is about thirty minutes walk from the gates of the university. The temple, built by the Birlas, was planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Unlike many other temples in Varanasi, this temple is open to all irrespective of caste or creed. 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. 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

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