Varanasi – the ghats at river Ganges
Varanasi, known as Benares, is a famous holy Hindu city situated on the banks of the river Ganges (Ganga)Varanasi is also a noted centre for silk weaving.
The city is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. More than 1 Million pilgrims visit Varanasi each year.
The ghats at the river Ganges are the main center of religious activities and rituals and also form the main attraction of Varanasi. There are nearly 100 ghats, most of which are bathing ghats, while some others are for cremation. According to Hindu belief, bathing in the river Ganges will remit sins and dying in Varanasi ensures release from the eternal cycle of birth and rebirth.
Varanasi is also associated with Buddhism. After the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya he came to Sarnath, an exceedingly tranquil town situated 10 km north of Varanasi.
A weekend for your senses
Sarnath & Varanasi (day 1)
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After your journey experience the hospitality of Dr. Jains family and enjoy a special breakfast and later lunch in a homly atmosphere. |
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Walk along the villages and get in contact with locals and school children. |
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Explore the Buddhist sides of Sarnath and attend tibetan prayers with instruments at a monestary. |
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See the Tibetan University and talk to a member of the faculty about the culture. |
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Visit the beautiful archiological museum. |
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Attend the evening prayers at the river Ganga and enjoy the magical atmosphere by boat. |
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Evening prayers at river Ganges
Varanasi (day 2)
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Take an early boat ride to see the sunrise at the river Ganges and observe the most intimate rituals of life and death along the ghats. |
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Observe the cremations at the main cremation ghat and witness the holy rituals from close by. |
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Walk through the narrow lanes along the ghats and its temples, small shops with hundreds of people, cows … |
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Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on the green campus of Benares University (home of 14.000 students) and its beautifully situated temple. |
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Visit one of the oldest weaving factories and observe the traditional way of silk weaving. |
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Attend the evening prayers at the river Ganga and enjoy the magical atmosphere by boat. |
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| The tour includes |
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All transport (AC 2nd class train, pick up and drop railway station, taxi, autorikshaw, boat) |
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Breakfast and lunch on the first day in Sarnath |
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1 night in a 4* Hotel in Varanasi including breakfast |
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Excellent tour guides in Varanasi and Sarnath |
| Not included |
| Insurance, tips, hard/soft drinks, dinners and lunch on second day |
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