Tour Highlights
Itinerary
- We look forward to welcoming the guests at Varanasi. (Suggest arriving by an early afternoon flight)
- Varanasi is also known as Kashi or Banaras, and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is often regarded as one of the spiritual hubs of India. The city is famous for its ancient temples, vibrant ghats, and rich cultural heritage.
- This early evening the guests will be escorted via a boat to witness the renowned Ganga Aarti, offering a profound experience of this sacred ritual.
- The Ganga Aarti is performed by students of the Vedas and Upanishads, under the guidance of the head priest from the Gangotri Seva Samiti.
- Upon completion of this ritual, guests will be escorted back to the hotel.
Experience:
• Evening boat ride on the Ganges
• Witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony
Travel Information
• Arrival at Varanasi Airport / Railway Station
• Meet & assist on arrival
• Transfer to hotel and check-in
• Boat transfer for Ganga Aarti experience
• Return transfer to hotel after Aarti
Overnight: Hotel in Varanasi
- After breakfast, we drive to visit the Sarnath - Ancient Buddhist Site. The place bears the testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered one of his first sermons expounding the principles of Buddhism.
- Following this, we will visit a Banarasi Silk weaver, and witness generations-old craftsmanship come alive on handlooms, where intricate patterns and rich fabrics are meticulously created and guest’s may visit some of the silk boutique stores per their discretion.
- Following the visit, the guest’s would return to the hotel with sometime at leisure to explore the various Silk Weavers and boutiques close to the hotel and lunch is recommended at the hotel.
- Late afternoon the guests will join in the celebrations of the iconic Dev Deepawali festival. The guests will be escorted to the banks of the Ganges to board their Bajra boat for the festivities.
- Dev Deepawali is celebrated every year in Varanasi, in respect of the river Ganges by the pilgrims. It is held in the month of Kartika Purnima or Full Moon of Kartika Month of the Hindu calendar. In the Hindu religion, Dev Deepawali is celebrated based on the belief that the Gods descend on Earth on this grand occasion. It is also believed that on this day, the demon Tripurasur was killed by the Gods, and hence this is regarded as a day of victory and celebrations. Through this experience, the guests will be seated on their Bajra boat witnessing the magical spectacle of sounds, lights, and festivities set across the ghats.
- Later, guests will be escorted to their hotel for dinner.
Experience:
• Visit Sarnath – ancient Buddhist site
• Visit Banarasi silk weaver & local boutiques
• Experience Dev Deepawali celebrations
• Bajra boat experience along the Ganges (shared)
• Witness illuminated ghats and festive rituals
Travel Information
• Hotel to Sarnath transfer by private vehicle
• Guided visit of Sarnath and silk weaving experience
• Return to hotel for leisure time
• Evening transfer to Ganges for Dev Deepawali experience
• Boat boarding for Bajra experience (shared)
• Return transfer to hotel after celebrations
Overnight: Hotel in Varanasi
- Early in the morning around 05:30am, we will leave for a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple with a special entry for the darshan. The temple, standing on the bank of the Ganges, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Following this, visit the Annapurna temple which is dedicated to the Goddess of Food.
- After the temple visit, the guests return to their hotels for breakfast.
- Following this, the guests check-out from the hotel, and drive to Varanasi airport to board flight to onward destination.
Experience:
• Early morning visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple (special darshan)
• Visit Annapurna Temple
• Experience morning spiritual ambience of Varanasi
Travel Information
• Early morning transfer for temple visit (approx. 05:30 hrs)
• Assisted entry for darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Return to hotel for breakfast
• Transfer to Varanasi Airport for departure
Accommodation
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham or Similar
Varanasi
Taj Ganges
Varanasi
Hotel pristine or Similar
Varanasi
What's Included
Inclusions
The cost of accommodation is for 2 Nights/ 3 Days.
Please note that, if required, Anecdotes reserves the right to offer similar-category hotels and will advise guests of any changes.
- All transport and vehicles as required per the itinerary. Transport will be provided in Innova or similar vehicles (3-4 guests per vehicle)
- The vehicle are on sharing basis and confirmed as per the itinerary, no vehicles are given on disposal or exclusive to any guest.
Accompanying an English-speaking historian cum storyteller for sightseeing as per the program.
- One guide will be assigned to the group staying at Hotel Pristine and Ramada Plaza by Wyndham.
- One guide will be assigned to the group staying at Taj Ganges.
- Guided Experience of the Dev Deepawali celebrations onboard a Bajra Boat (Bajra on a sharing basis with other Anecdotes guests)
- Kashi Vishwanath Darshan with special entry tickets
- Evening witness the Ganga Aarti
- Boat ride on the Ganges
- Visit Banarasi Silk weavers
- Guided visit to the historic site of Sarnath
- Breakfast - On all days at the hotels, except Day 1 (From Day 2 - Day 3)
- Dinner - On all days (From Day 1 - Day 2)
The tour cost includes all entry fees and charges, as per the itinerary, assuming all Indian Nationals
- Medical Assistance: Please note, your personal concierge will be able to assist in coordinating any medical requirements or aid, if required, during the tour
- The cost is based on minimum of 10 guests travelling with a total occupancy of 5 rooms at Taj Ganges
Exclusions
- Taxes of 5% will be added to the per-person cost
- No Individual airport pickup or drop
- Single room supplement (ON REQUEST)
- Domestic / International Airfare and other travel to and from Varanasi
- Meals as not mentioned in the above tour cost
- Vehicle on disposal or exclusive
- Beverages, alcohol, and non-alcoholic would be at the guest's discretion
- Any additional services utilized at the hotel or items purchased during the tour
- In the event of any unforeseen medical requirements, the expenses would be at the guest's discretion
- Personal and travel insurance
What Our Customers Say
I had a great week in Rajasthan- visiting Jaipur, Agra, and Ranthambore in a few days. Everything was planned perfectly - the driver was top-notch, the guides were very knowledgeable and experienced, and the customer service from the office was always helpful and reactive. Safari was an exceptional bonus with sightings of tigers, bears, and even a leopard! Thank you, Vikas, for helping me before, throughout, and after my trip!
Luca, Mallia & Milanes
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Priya Sen
Our trip to Egypt was brilliantly planned by Anecdotes, and we enjoyed the hospitality and professionalism of the guides and service partners as we toured this majestic country. Communication was great, and the resolution of one minor hiccup was immediate and effective. I congratulate Anecdotes on the quality of their services and recommend them highly.