Private 5-Hour Varanasi Tour at Dawn Including Boat Ride

Varanasi, India

5 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

If you’re looking for an enchanting experience of India’s religious traditions, opt for this private tour of Varanasi at dawn. Take a sunrise cruise down the holy Ganges River, see bodies publicly cremated at Manikarnika Ghat, and visit the famous Golden Temple (Kashi Vishwanath). See, too, pilgrims bathe at Assi Ghat and local wrestlers fight in mud pits during this cultural experience. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Varanasi are included.

Private sunrise tour of Varanasi including Ganges boat ride
A cultural experience ideal for first-time visitors
See pilgrims bathing in holy water at Assi Ghat
Visit the famous Golden Temple (Kashi Vishwanath) and see bodies publicly cremated at Manikarnika Ghat
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
English-speaking guide
Early morning boat ride
Heritage walk
Tea
Photography

Gratuities
Entrance fees of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Pick up from Varanasi Hotels. Please update your pick up address.

Operating hours
.5:00 am

Itinerary

Rise early and await pickup from your Varanasi accommodation, where you board a vehicle destined for Assi Ghat, the southernmost entry point to the holy Ganges River.

Along the way, your guide explains the significance of the Ganges River in the Hindu religion. Stop at Assi Ghat to watch pilgrims bathing in the allegedly holy waters before visiting a series of temples to receive Hindu blessings.

Then, head to a stadium to watch pehalwans (wrestlers) fight one another in a mud pit before boarding a boat to cruise along the River Ganges.

Your cruise concludes at Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most sacred ghats in Varanasi. The bodies of devout Hindus are cremated here in order for their ashes to be carried away by the river.

Disembark here and wander to Golden Temple (Kashi Vishwanath), characterized by its pastel pink exterior and golden spire. Over tea, delve deeper into Hindu traditions before you bid your guide farewell after hotel drop-off.

Assi Ghat

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Manikarnika Ghat

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Minimum age is 4 years

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate