MV Bengal Ganga

Arrive in Varanasi and embark the ship. Welcome onboard and enjoy lunch, followed by Safety Briefing. Varanasi is a major religious hub in India and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the developmentof Buddhism. Hindus believe that death in this city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. The city is known worldwide for its many Ghats, which are embankments made in steps ofstone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions.

In the evening ride the country boat to the Dashashwamedh Ghat to see the “Ganga Aarti” ritual, performed by a group of priests lined up on the riverbank chanting mantras and performing the prayer ritual with lamps, incense, bells and traditional Hindu instruments to honor the river. Thousands of devotees throng the riverbank to participate in the ceremony every evening.

After breakfast stroll in the Ghats and observe the morning rituals performed by priests, and experience the hustle and bustle of devotees and road side vendors. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple for “Darshan” and offering prayers to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Proceed to visit Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The Archaeological Museum here contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years. Enjoy lunch onboard and begin cruising downstream viewing the countryside and life along the river. Dinner & overnight onboard Bengal Ganga.

In the morning today, we sail back to Varanasi enjoying our breakfast. Disembark the ship for your onward journey. Disembarkation Time: 08:00 Hrs.