Visit Varanasi ... Embark on Ultimate Spiritual & Religious Journey

Varanasi is the holiest city of the Hindu world, filled with temples and teeming with cultural life.

In Varanasi the Ganges river is considered a living goddess who is revered as Ganga Ma. Without the river Varanasi would not exist as we know it.

Considered as the abode of Lord Shiva, River Ganges is believed to have the power of washing away all of one's sins. As pundits here will tell you, whatever is sacrificed and chanted here or given in charity reaps its fruits thousand times more than those good deeds performed at other places because of the power of that place.

It is believed that three nights of fasting in Varanasi city can reap you rewards of many thousands of lifetimes of asceticism!

Photos

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrival Varanasi / Evening Aarti

  Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, transfer to Hotel for check in
  
  Varanasi is the holiest city of the Hindu world, filled with temples and teeming with cultural life. In Varanasi the Ganges river is considered a living goddess who is revered as Ganga Ma. Without the river Varanasi would not exist as we know it. Considered as the abode of Lord Shiva, River Ganges is believed to have the power of washing away all of one's sins. As pundits here will tell you, whatever is sacrificed and chanted here or given in charity reaps its fruits thousand times more than those good deeds performed at other places because of the power of that place
  
  Later in the evening Aarti on the ghats of Ganges
  
  Evening Aarti
  Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedhghat, close to KashiVishwanath Temple, is one of the prime attractions of Varanasi. It starts just after sunset, with a bunch of young men choreographing to the chantings, holding the lamps. People start arriving at the ghats as early as 5pm. Dasaswamedhghat becomes a hub of activity, with people sitting and waiting for the aarti, buying flowers and other things from nearby shops or performing pooja. It is conducted every sunset by five white-robed priests - These five young men sway in seemingly choreographed movements, worshiping the river goddess with incense, camphor, flowers and earthen lamps. Thousands of illuminated lamps are immersed in the waters of the holy Ganges and the floating lamps add a divine look to the river at dusk. Sit with some �sadhu� and enjoy knowing their lifestyle from close proximity. You might even run into someone who is more than 100 years old! The Ghats also provide a good option for photography with serene temples and their bustling courtyards creating a perfect backdrop.
  
  Overnight at Varanasi

• Day 2

  Varanasi Sightseeing

  Early morning boat ride on the Ganges
  
  We rise before dawn and step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. We wait for the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches and temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit �Shlokas� now rises, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety and joy.
  
  Later Darshan & City Tour
  
  Varanasi being a centre for Hindu customs, temples form the main attraction. The Ganga Ghats (river fronts) are the main center of religious activities and rituals and also form one of the main attractions of Varanasi. The Alamgir Mosque, blend of the Hindu and Mughal styles of the architecture, is another important attraction of Varanasi. Some of the most important temples of Varanasi are Durga temple, Vishwanath temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple and the Bharat Mata temple.
  
  Evening free for shopping
  
  Varanasi is also visited for the wonderful shopping options that are offered ... holy water of Ganga or Ganga Jal, Banarasi silk sari, crystal & stone Shivlinga, glass beads, Rudraksha mala, Flutes, Sweets, Ramnami cloths to name a few
  
  Overnight at Varanasi

• Day 3

  Varanasi / Excursion to Allahabad & Sarnath

  Today depart on an excursion to Allahabad & Sarnath
  
  Allahabad - Allahabad or Prayag is also called the "Tirth Raj", the king of all pilgrimage centers. There are many references to Prayag or Allahabad in Indian epics, Vedas and Puranas. Allahabad stands at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna (two of India's holiest rivers) and Saraswati River (a mythical river which is not visible). The place where river Ganga and river Yamuna meet is called Sangam (union). Sangam is the venue of many sacred fairs and rituals, and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year.
  
  Triveni Sangam - The Triveni Sangam in Allahabad is a confluence of three rivers, the Gange, Yamuna and Saraswati. Of these three, river Saraswati is invisible and is said to be flowing beneath the earth. It meets the other two rivers from the base. The point of confluence is a sacred place for the Hindus, as it is of high religious importance to the Hindus. A bath here is said to wash all the sins and free human from the cycle of birth. The site of Sangam is a treat to the eyes. One can see the muddy and pale yellow water of Ganges merging with green water of Yamuna. The Ganges is only 4 ft deep, while Yamuna is 40 ft deep near the point of nexus. The river Yamuna ends at this point and Ganges continues after this till it meets sea at Bay of Bengal.
  
  En route on return visit Sarnath - The site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.
  
  Overnight at Varanasi

• Day 4

  Departure from Varanasi

  Morning at leisure
  
  Later transfer from hotel to airport for departure flight

Notes

Round the Year Destination ... Extention available to Amritsar, Khajurahoo & Other Destinations across India

Hotels

Taj Ganges - Varanasi

Varanasi

Radisson Hotel - Varanasi

Varanasi

Taj Nadesar Palace

Varanasi

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