Upon your arrival at Varanasi airport this morning, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel. Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India is also known as Kashi and Benaras.

This afternoon, visit the Bharat Mata Temple, the only temple dedicated to Mother India, housing a relief map of India, carved out of marble. Then, experience an evening rikshaw ride to the ghats to enjoy the grand ‘Aarti’ ceremony conducted everyday at sunset by white-robed priests. The young priests sway in seemingly choreographed movements, worshiping the river goddess with incense, flowers and earthen lamps.

Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Holy River Ganges. See the ‘bathing ghats’ where thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the Sun God by immersing themselves in the holy water of River Ganges, and the ‘burning ghats’ where cremations are conducted.

After the boat ride, return to your hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century BC to 12th century AD. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the national emblem of India. Visit the ruins, stupa, Buddhist temple and the Sarnath Museum. Varanasi city is renowned for its silk weavers, who prepare the finest types of woven silk fabrics. Later in the afternoon, visit silk weavers and cooperatives to see the process of silk weaving.