Dawn Boat Ride and Old City Lane Walk
'Swift and all beautiful art thou, O Surya, maker of the light, Illuming all the radiant realm.' - Hymn to the Sun God, from the Rig Veda.
Start with a 45-minute boat ride from Dasashwamedh Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat. During the ride, the Varanasi guide will introduce guests to the history of Varanasi, the morning rituals, and the special features of the various ghats along the way.
See from your boat Manikarnika, the ghat where the dead are cremated, and observe the various activities and professions related to religious death ceremonies. Guests are welcome to ask any questions they may have.
Stop by Manikarnika Kund, a small sacred water tank.
Walk through narrow lanes into the very heart of the city toward Varanasi's most famous pilgrimage site, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple). The lanes on the way are dotted with small shrines, residences, tea shops, and lodgings for pilgrims. If interested, guests can stop at the Satua Baba Ashram, where young men are taught various scriptures in Sanskrit.
Arrive at the Golden Temple.
Visit both the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Annapurna Temple.
From here, a 10-minute walk will bring guests out through a larger lane toward the colourful Phool Mandi (Flower Market).
End the walk at the Flower Market, from where the guide will help guests find a rickshaw or their car.
