How to Plan Your Ganges Tour (All-Inclusive)
If you’re looking for an adventure in India, a tour of the Ganges River is a must-see. This tour takes you to the oldest city in India, which is considered by many to be the spiritual capital of India. Here, you’ll see some of the most significant temples, witness the sacred Ganges River, and experience authentic Indian culture. Here’s a guide on how to plan your Ganges Tour.
Overview
The tour takes seven nights and includes a private transfer to and from all sightseeing spots in an AC private car with an experienced chauffeur. Accommodation is on a double occupancy basis for seven nights with breakfast. Monument entrance fees are included in the tour cost, and you will be shown all major touristic spots, and of course, the Ganges River. Personal expenses, such as laundry, calls, and drinks, aren’t included in the tour price.
What’s Included
- Exclusive A/C private car transfer with an experienced chauffeur
- Seven-night accommodation on Double occupancy + breakfast (If option chosen any All-Inclusive)
- All monument Entrance ‘Tour + Monument Entrance Fees’ or (If option chosen any All Inclusive)
- Transportation that is wheelchair and stroller accessible
- Infant seats are available upon request
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Meeting and Pickup Points
The tour provides limited pickup locations. After booking, you can select the nearest pickup point.
What to Expect
Throughout the tour, you will visit numerous sacred sites, including the Ganges river where you can witness the evening arti ceremony, which is one of the holiest rituals in India. You will also visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and another handful of notable local temples with rich historical significance.
Witnessing the Ganges River and taking a boat ride in the ghats while seeing traditional Hindu practices are among the other highlights of the tour.
Besides, enjoy the local city tour and Cremation ground tour, followed by an evening Ganga Aarti show.
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking. It is essential to note that wheelchair access is available, and the transportation is stroller-friendly. If you need infant seats, you must request them when booking your tour.
It is recommended that you dress in comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and have a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Expect warm to hot weather, but cooling nights.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies can vary depending on the travel agency or tour operator offering the tour. In this case, as per our research, you can cancel your booking for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time of the tour. Be sure to check the specific cancellation policy with the tour operator or travel agency you book the tour with to avoid any confusion.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Ganges, then this tour is something that should not be missed. By planning ahead and following the steps provided above, you’ll be all set for the adventure of a lifetime.
Insider’s Guide to Planning Your All-Inclusive Ganges Tour
If you are looking for a truly spiritual and cultural experience, a visit to the city of Varanasi situated on the banks of the Ganges can be an unforgettable journey. Planning your tour to the Ganges can be a challenging task as Varanasi can be chaotic yet mesmerizing with its ghats, narrow lanes, and bustling bazaars. But, don’t worry, we have got you covered! Here is an insider’s guide on how to plan your Ganges Tour to Varanasi.
Local Attractions
The Ganges river is the most significant attraction in Varanasi. Start your tour by taking one of the early morning boat rides to witness the mesmerizing sunrise on the river and observe the locals performing their daily rituals. The Ghats (a series of steps leading down the river) are also an integral part of the Varanasi experience. You can walk along these Ghats to explore various temples and shrines that are situated on the bank of the river. Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, and Assi Ghats are the most popular Ghats which should be on your list.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Hindu’s Lord Shiva, is one of the most significant religious sites in India and a must-visit attraction in Varanasi. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus.
The Sarnath is located 10 km from Varanasi and is considered one of the four Buddhist pilgrimage sites as it is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit this site to learn more about the history of Buddhism, and don’t miss the chance to see the fascinating Dharma Chakra inside the Sarnath Museum.
Dining Spots
Varanasi is a hub for vegetarian food lovers. Try the local street food, which is a treat for your taste buds! The city is famous for its chaats, samosas, lassi, paan, and kulhad chai. Kachori gali and Vishwanath Gali are the go-to places for trying local street food.
For a fine-dining experience with the view of the Ganges, Book a table at Breads of India situated on Assi Ghat, or Ganga View Cafe, located on Manikarnika Ghat. These restaurants also offer live music and dance performances in the evening to add to your experience.
Cultural Experiences
Experience the daily Ganga Aarti ceremony that takes place every day at Dashashwamedh Ghat. This ritual is a combination of chanting, music, and burning lamps that is performed to honor the river. It is a sight to behold and shouldn’t be missed.
Witness the Indian classical dance performance, Kathak, at the Varanasi cultural center. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about the local dance form while experiencing a cultural program in Varanasi.
Local History
Varanasi has a rich history and is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world. The city dates back to 11th century BC and is one of the seven holy cities in Hinduism. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhawan museum located at BHU campus to learn more about the history, art, and culture of the city. The museum has over 1,06,000 artefacts collected over centuries.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi to get a glimpse of the everyday lives of the locals. Start from the Kachori Gali and explore the adjoining lanes to see the weavers at work. You can also visit the Kashi Art gallery located in a hidden alley of Chausatti Ghat to experience the contemporary art culture of Varanasi.
In Conclusion, a visit to Varanasi is an experience of a lifetime. From religious sites to cultural experiences, Varanasi has something to offer for everyone. So, plan your Ganges tour, kickback, and immerse yourself in the serene and spiritual environment of Varanasi.
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