About
Varanasi
Varanasi, the world's most ancient city is located in north India state
Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, Varanasi
has been a major centre of learning, religion, art and culture for more than
2,000 years. Often referred to as the 'eternal city', Varanasi is an
important centre of Hindu pilgrimage and also a popular tourist destination.
It is believed that those who die in the town will be released from the
cycle of rebirth. Varanasi got its name from the two streams flowing through
the city - Varuna and Asi. Pious Hindus come to this town to spend their
last days of life, they live in spartan communes run by a multitude of
religious trusts.
Pilgrims flock the holy city to take bath in the river Ganges and
performing Puja at the Ghats. There are a number of temples in the city,
popular among them are the Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Kashi
Vishwanath Temple etc. Apart from temples Varanasi has several other
attractions like the Alamgir Mosque. Locally known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera,
Alamgir Mosque was originally a Vishnu Temple built by Beni Madhav Rao
Scindia. Aurangzeb destroyed the temple and erected the mosque, the mosque
is a blend of the Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture. Bharat Mata
Temple is another attraction in Varanasi, it is dedicated to Mother India
and interestingly has no any image of deities.
The ancient city of Varanasi was developed on the western bank
of the north flowing Ganga river. In course of time the town has expanded
from Raj Ghat near the bridge to Asi Ghat. There are rows of old building
flanking the riverside. Varanasi is congested town, in the narrow bylanes
are crowded bazaars selling brassware, silk brocades and sarees alongwith
the bhadohi carpets. Varanasi offers a good combination of the sights,
sounds and smell that lingers long in the memory of visitors.
Ganges
Ganga
is the focus of interest for everyone who visits Varanasi. The importance of
the river Ganges can be hardly expressed in language, for Hindus Ganges is a
symbol of sanctity and deliverance. It is believed that a bath in the river
Ganges absolves one from all sins and also cures one from all diseases.
Besides, the dead are cremated in the river and holy men mediate on its
bank. A stay on the banks of the river Ganges ensures one a place in heaven.
Drinking a handful of Ganga water earns one the merit of Ashwamedha.
In Varanasi there are over 350 Ghats on Ganga, which were built by the
several kings over the centuries. The first of them is the Harishchandra
Ghat to the south and the last one to the north is Manikarnika. The Ghats of
Ganges are major attraction for tourists and pilgrims. All the Ghats
extending to a length of 5 km remains crowded all day long. Priests are
conducting Hindu religious rites starting from birth to death. Yogic
exercises, Wrestling bouts, Paranayam, recital of stories to the assembled
audience make the atmosphere lively. The Ganges offers numerous ghats for
the holy dips that include Tulsi Ghat, Dandi Ghat, Becharaj Ghat,
Dasaswamedh Ghat, Kedarnath Ghat, Assi Ghat etc.
Varanasi & Ganges Tour Package
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Varanasi - Allahabad
Duration: 10 Nights/11 Days
Day 01: Arrival at Delhi
After arrival you will be received and transferred to hotel by our representative. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast you will be taken for a full day city tour of Delhi. The excursion covers the Red fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Purana Qila, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Parliament House, the Qutub Minar etc. Overnight stay will be at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh
In the morning you will be transferred to railway station to board the train to Haridwar. After reaching Haridwar you will be driven to Rishikesh. Check-in and relax in the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Rishikesh.
Day 04: Rishikesh
Enjoy the whole day at Rishikesh, in the serene surroundings of the Himalayas. Places to be explored include temples, Ganga Ghats and Ashrams. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Rishikesh.
Day 05: Rishikesh - Haridwar - Varanasi
The fifth day of the tour begins with a drive to Haridwar. Haridwar is considered as one of the holiest Hindu pilgrim centers in India. The main attractions at Haridwar are the Ganga Ghats, temples and Ashrams. In the evening you will be transferred to railway station to board the train to Varanasi. Overnight on train.
Day 06: Varanasi
You will reach Varanasi in afternoon; check-in to hotel and relax. In the evening you will be taken to the Ganga Ghats to watch evening Aarti (Hindu ritual). Overnight will be at hotel in Varanasi.
Day 07: Varanasi
Early morning, you will be taken for a boat ride on the Ganges. It is a mystical and spiritual experience as you watch people offering water to the Sun God and devotees taking holy dip in the Ganges. Later in the day a city tour is arranged covering the Vishwanath temple, the Bharat Mata temple, BHU etc. Overnight stay will be at hotel.
Day 08: Varanasi
After breakfast you will be taken for an excursion to Sarnath. Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples. The attractions at Sarnath are the Buddha temples, the Dhamekha stupa, Chaukhandi stupa and the archaeological museum. Relax in the afternoon. Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.
Day 09: Varanasi - Allahabad
In the morning you will be driven to Allahabad to see the Sangam (meeting point) of the three rivers- Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati (a mythological river). Allahabad or Prayag is an important pilgrimage center of the Hindus. It is one of the four venues of the "Kumbh Mela". Overnight stay will be at hotel.
Day 10: Allahabad
After breakfast, a full day excursion of Allahabad begins, covering Sangam, Allahabad fort, the Ashoka pillar, temples and Ghats. You have leisure time in the evening and later board the Prayagraj Express Train back to Delhi. Overnight on Train to Delhi.
Day 11: Delhi
After reaching Delhi in morning you will be transferred to hotel. The whole day is at leisure. Later, in the evening transfer to the International Airport to catch the flight for onward destination.
