Varanasi, India
Varanasi: Ghats, Ganga Aarti & Sarnath
Experience India’s spiritual heart with sunrise boats on the Ganga, the evening aarti at Dashashwamedh, sacred temples and a peaceful visit to Sarnath.
About this trip
Discover Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, on a thoughtfully paced three-day spiritual journey. Walk the historic ghats of the Ganga, watch the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and take a serene sunrise boat ride as the city wakes. Continue to Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, for a quieter contrast to the intensity of the old city. Incredible India highlights the riverfront ghats and Sarnath among Varanasi’s defining experiences.
Travel plan:
Day 1 – Arrival, temples and Ganga Aarti
Arrive in Varanasi, transfer to your hotel and check in. Explore the lanes around Kashi Vishwanath and the old city. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat — arrive early for a good view from the steps or an optional boat.
Day 2 – Sunrise boat and Sarnath
Begin with a sunrise boat ride along the ghats. Later, drive to Sarnath to visit Dhamek Stupa, the archaeological park and the museum (closed on Fridays). Return for a relaxed evening near Assi Ghat.
Day 3 – Southern temples and departure
Visit Sankat Mochan Temple and the Banaras Hindu University campus if time permits, then transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Highlights
- Watch the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Take a sunrise boat ride along the sacred ghats
- Explore the lanes of old Varanasi
- Visit the Kashi Vishwanath corridor area
- Discover Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon
- See Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath archaeological park
- Spend a peaceful evening near Assi Ghat
- Taste Banarasi street food and local sweets
Inclusions
- 2 nights’ hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Airport or railway-station pickup and drop
- Private vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
- Sunrise boat ride on the Ganga
- Sarnath excursion
- Driver allowance, parking and applicable road taxes
- Trip assistance throughout the holiday
TipOctober to March is the most comfortable season for ghat walks. Carry modest clothing for temples, arrive 30–45 minutes early for the aarti, and confirm Sarnath Museum timings (typically closed on Fridays).
NoteThe ₹9,999 starting price assumes twin-sharing accommodation. Flights, trains, monument tickets, special temple darshan fees and meals not listed under inclusions are excluded. Boat rides depend on river and weather conditions.