Varanasi in One Day: Sunrise to Aarti

The three walks every first-timer wants, in one day, with a rest when it is hot.

Duration: About 9 hours of guiding
Starts: Dawn to evening, with a break in the middle
Group: Private: only you and the people you travel with
Language: English, Hindi or Japanese
Pickup: From your hotel

Highlights

Sunrise boat ride on the Ganga
The old city lanes and markets
Ghats at sunset, Manikarnika and the Ganga Aarti
A long midday break at your hotel, planned in

What you will do

If you only have one day, this is the day. Shiva takes you on the river at dawn, through the old city in the morning, and back to the ghats for sunset and the aarti. In between, you rest at your hotel during the hottest hours: the day is long, and it is better with energy left for the evening.

This day combines

Sunrise on the Ganga: Boat Ride and Ghats2½ hours
Hidden Alleys and Markets of the Old City3 hours
Ghats at Sunset and the Evening Ganga Aarti3 hours

How the time goes

DawnSunrise boat ride and chai
MorningOld city lanes and markets, breakfast on the way
MiddayRest at your hotel
Late afternoonGhats at sunset and Manikarnika
EveningGanga Aarti, then back to your hotel

Meeting point

Shiva picks you up at your hotel or guesthouse in Varanasi. Staying near the ghats, where cars cannot go? He meets you at the nearest landmark.

Good to know

It is a full day on foot: comfortable shoes and water.
Works best if you arrive the evening before.

Best for

Travellers with one or two days in Varanasi.

Meals and tips

Meals are never included, unless the page says so. Shiva can suggest where to eat, and you pay at the stall or restaurant.

Tips are optional. If a tip is useful, Shiva tells you where, how, when and how much, and only then. Nothing else is extra: everything not listed above is included in the price.