India · Religious & Spiritual

Full-Day Varanasi Sightseeing Tour with Sarnath and Sunrise Boat Ride

1 Day Round trip from Varanasi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Sunrise boat ride on the holy Ganges
  • 02 Visit the world-famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple
  • 03 Explore Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon
  • 04 See Banaras Hindu University and the Bharat Kala Museum

Explore the holy city of Varanasi on a full-day sightseeing tour that combines sacred temples, a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, and the spiritual heritage of nearby Sarnath. Visit the world-famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and Banaras Hindu University, including the Bharat Kala Museum. The journey also takes you to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, before concluding at Namo Ghat for a memorable photo stop.

Explore the holy city of Varanasi on a full-day sightseeing tour that combines sacred temples, a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, and the spiritual heritage of nearby Sarnath.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Cities Varanasi, Sarnath
Languages English, Hindi

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Sunrise on the Ganges and Sacred Varanasi Sightseeing

  • Start with an early morning trip to the holy waters of the Ganges. Experience the peacefulness of a boat ride across the river as you watch the sunrise on the city horizon.
  • Next, visit the world-famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is one of the oldest Hindu religious sites and is considered among India's Jyotirlingas.
  • Continue to the Sankat Mochan Temple, a place of worship dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is famous for the many monkeys that can be seen on the premises. Devotees visit throughout the year to take part in religious and cultural activities, seeking a resolution to their problems, as 'Sankat' means problem and 'mochan' refers to resolving these problems, while paying tribute to Lord Hanuman.
  • Proceed to the Bharat Mata Temple. Unlike traditional Hindu temples, this temple glorifies the manifestation of the nation as Bharat Mata.
  • Next, explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU), an internationally acclaimed university in Varanasi. The university played a significant role in the Indian freedom movement and has become one of the country's most prominent learning centres. Don't miss the Bharat Kala Museum, an art and archaeological collection of artifacts that is a campus highlight and offers an enriching experience.
  • Proceed to Sarnath, the home of Lord Buddha, where he preached his first sermon and taught the Four Noble Truths to his disciples. Other popular attractions in Sarnath include the Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath Archaeological Site, Mahabodhi Society Temple, and Deer Park. The Ashoka Pillar, which inspired India's national emblem, is also here.
  • Varanasi is renowned for its 84 iconic ghats, which attract thousands of visitors daily. Recently, the city welcomed its 85th ghat, the reconstructed 'Khidkiya Ghat,' now known as 'Namo Ghat.' Capture a memorable picture at Namo Ghat, where our tour concludes.
Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, Namo Ghat

Where this trip takes you

Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, Namo Ghat

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Varanasi 2 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off from your home or hotel in Varanasi
  • Selected cab for Varanasi sightseeing as per the above itinerary
  • Vehicle parking charges
  • Toll-gate charges, if any
  • Driver batta
  • Boat ride

What's Not Included

  • Entry ticket fees at tourist places in Varanasi
  • Breakfast, lunch, or any meal
  • Lodging/accommodation in Varanasi
  • Vehicle usage beyond the mentioned time duration
  • Vehicle usage beyond the designated tour route

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Bring some snacks if you don't want to completely rely on the kind of food you get.
  • If you visit during the monsoon season (July to September), make sure you bring a rain jacket.

Know before you go

  • Witness the mesmerizing morning Arati ceremony at Assi Ghat.
  • Embark on a serene boat ride, exploring over 100 temples and ghats.
  • Capture stunning photos at the majestic Shivala Fort.
  • Experience the intriguing rituals at Harishchandra Ghat.
  • Visit the iconic Dashasumedh Ghat, renowned in Varanasi.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, India
Tour start
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 1 day finishes where it began, in Varanasi.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

INR 5,000 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total