Varanasi 2 Days Tour with Expert Tour Guide

Guided tour by private car to Bharat Mata Temple (Mother India) in Varanasi is unique and unlike most temples in India. It is dedicated not to a deity but to the personification of India as Bharat Mata, or Mother India. This temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in the spiritual and cultural heritage of India. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and reflects his ideals of simplicity and unity. Unlike traditional temples filled with idols and images of gods and goddesses, the centerpiece here is a large relief map of undivided India. The map is meticulously detailed, showing the vast geographical features of the subcontinent, including mountains, plains, rivers, and oceans.

Visit to the Durga Temple, is one of Varanasi’s most iconic and ancient temples. It’s renowned for its striking architecture, rich history. It is located in the Durga Kund area, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the fierce warrior goddess in Hindu mythology. As you approach the Durga Temple, you’ll notice its distinct red color, which symbolizes the fiery and powerful nature of the goddess. The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture, with a multi-tiered spire (shikhara) that rises dramatically into the sky. The entrance to the temple is usually bustling with activity, with devotees, priests. According to local legend, the idol of Goddess Durga in the temple is believed to have appeared on its own (swayambhu) rather than being installed by human hands. The goddess is said to protect the city and its people from evil forces, making this temple a significant site of worship.

A drive-pass tour of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) offers a glimpse into one of India’s most prestigious and historic institutions. Founded in 1916 by the visionary educationist and nationalist leader Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is not just a university but a symbol of the educational and cultural renaissance of India. Here’s what to look out for as you drive through this sprawling campus.

Starting the Tour

As you approach BHU, you’ll first notice the massive gates, which are a grand entrance to the university. The most prominent gate is the Singh Dwar, also known as the Lion Gate, which is intricately designed and stands as a symbol of the university's strength and heritage. The gate opens up to a wide, tree-lined boulevard that sets the tone for the serene and academic environment within.

Throughout your drive, you’ll notice the peaceful and studious atmosphere that pervades the campus.

The New Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple, is one of the most prominent landmarks within the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus in Varanasi. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a symbol of spiritual devotion and architectural grandeur, attracting visitors from across the globe. The Temple was commissioned by the Birla family, one of India's leading industrialist families, The foundation for the temple was laid in 1931, and it took more than three decades to complete, with the temple being officially opened in 1966. Temple architecture. follows the traditional Nagara style, which is characterized by a tall, ornate spire (shikhara) and intricate carvings.

The temple is constructed with white marble, which gives it a serene and majestic appearance. It stands on a large platform, and its height is approximately 77 meters making it one of the tallest temples in India.

As the sun begins to set, We will make your way to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the Ganga Aarti, a powerful and mesmerizing ritual that takes place every evening. The Ganga Aarti is a spiritual ritual performed by a group of priests who offer prayers to the Ganges River, which is considered sacred and personified as the goddess Ganga in Hinduism. The Aarti begins with the chanting of mantras and the ringing of bells. The priests, dressed in traditional saffron robes, perform synchronized movements with large brass lamps (aarti) and other ritual items like conch shells and incense sticks. They offer these to the river, invoking the goddess and thanking her for her blessings. The entire ceremony is a visual spectacle, with the flames of the lamps reflecting on the water, the rhythmic sound of the conch shells, and the devotion of the gathered crowd creating a deeply moving experience. The Ganga Aarti is a deeply spiritual experience that encapsulates the essence of Varanasi.

Pre-Dawn Pick-Up:

Your journey begins in the early hours, approximately 30 minutes before sunrise. You'll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the banks of the sacred Ganges River. The streets of Varanasi, usually bustling with activity, are still and serene at this hour, adding to the anticipation of the experience ahead.

Arrival at Dashashwamedh Ghat:

You’ll arrive at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the oldest and most vibrant ghats in Varanasi. The atmosphere is calm and tranquil, with the faint sounds of temple bells and the murmur of prayers starting to fill the air. The ghat is lightly illuminated, and you’ll notice a few early risers beginning their day with rituals and prayers by the river.

Witnessing the Sunrise:

As you move slowly along the river, the first light of dawn begins to break. The sky gradually shifts from deep indigo to soft shades of pink, purple, and gold. The sun, still below the horizon, casts a gentle glow over the river, creating a mirror-like reflection of the sky on the water.

As the sun begins its ascent, and the entire river is bathed in the warm, radiant hues of orange and red. The golden light reflects off the water, creating a magical and almost ethereal atmosphere. The ghats on either side of the river start to come alive with activity as devotees perform their morning rituals, offering prayers, and taking holy dips in the river.

Manikarnika Ghat: One of the most significant ghats, where the cremation fires burn continuously, symbolizing the cycle of life and death.

Harishchandra Ghat: Harishchandra Ghat, another important cremation site, named after the legendary King Harishchandra.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known as Golden Temple.

The main deity is known by the names Shri Vishwanath and Vishweshwara literally meaning Lord of the Universe. Varanasi is also called as Kashi hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

The Temple had been demolished several times by the Muslim rulers, most recently by Aurangzeb who constructed the Gyanvapi Mosque on its site. The current structure was built on an adjacent site by the Maratha ruler, Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the year 1780.

The present Kashi VIshwanath Corridor is a great initiative of Prime minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The admission pass is not included in tour, if Traveller wants to visit our Guide will help to buy the tickets and can visit the temple.

A tour of Sarnath, offers a deep dive into one of Buddhism's most significant sites. It was here that Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, making Sarnath a key pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide. The area is also rich in ancient ruins, stupas, temples, and museums that provide a glimpse into India's spiritual and historical heritage.

1. visit to the Dhamek Stupa, the most prominent structure in Sarnath. This massive stone and brick stupa marks the spot where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra).

2. Buddhist Temple: After visiting the Dhamek Stupa, head to the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern Buddhist temple built by the Mahabodhi Society in 1931.

Ashoka Pillar:

The Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in 250 BCE to commemorate his conversion to Buddhism. The original pillar was 15.24 meters tall and had a lion capital, which now resides in the Sarnath Museum.