Varanasi - The City of Light
Extension tour in India | 4 days Varanasi | US$1100
Varanasi - The Ganges - Sarnath
Varanasi is one of the subcontinent’s holiest cities and offers India at its most exuberant. People have been making the pilgrimage to Kashi “The City of Light” to pray, drink, bathe and die in the waters of the Holy Ganges since time began. Not only is a city of unsurpassed religious significance for Hindus, it is also the site of Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon and its status attracts Buddhist believers from around the globe. Add to this some of the country’s best silk shopping, the stunning architecture that comes with millennia as a sacred site and narrow lanes just waiting to be explored and you have the perfect addition to your time in India.
Itinerary
Day 1
This morning you’ll be met at the hotel and transferred to Delhi airport for a morning flight to Varanasi. On arrival you’ll be met at the airport and then transferred to your hotel. The hotel is located in the heart of the Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges which allows you unlimited access to the best of the old city. In the afternoon you’ll take a walking tour through the maze of lanes which make up the old city, before ending at the ghats where you’ll witness the magical evening puja from the serenity of a boat on the Ganges.
Day 2
An early morning start is essential to witness one of India’s most unique ceremonies – bathing in the Ganges. You’ll take a sunrise boat trip along the Ganges following the ghats along the river – thousands of people flock here daily to cleanse their bodies, wash clothes and cattle and to partake in yoga – if you’re feeling brave you can even take a dip yourself. Once back on dry land, you’ll return to the hotel for breakfast and will then have the rest of the morning free to explore the city or just relax on the hotel’s terrace and take in life along the Ganges.
After lunch, you’ll visit the stupa at Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s most significant monuments. Sarnath is set amongst parkland 11km from the city center and the trip out here makes for a refreshing break. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3
Today you have a free day to further explore this fascinating city, maybe taking in a mosque, a museum, a fort or the golden temple. Alternatively you could revisit some of your favorite ghats or just refine your haggling skills whilst shopping for silk! At the end of the day you’ll be transferred to Varanasi train station for the overnight train back to Delhi.
Day 4
Tour ends on arrival in Delhi.
Pricing Per Person
1 person only
US$1100
2 people
US$850 (for 2 people traveling together sharing a room)
Facts and Information
Style
Extension tour – this tour is operated by Grasshopper Adventures and runs without a tour leader, but you will be supported by local transfer staff throughout and a guide in Varanasi.
Inclusions
Accommodation, local guide, domestic flight from Delhi to Varanasi, 2 tier aircon sleeper train ticket, all activities listed in the itinerary
Accommodation
2 nights - twin share
1 night twin - sleeper train
Meals Included
2 breakfasts
