Varanasi Ganga Aarti & Sunrise Boat Ride

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the spiritual heart of India. In the evening, your guide leads you through the old lanes to the river, where you watch the Ganga Aarti from a boat as priests perform a choreographed ritual with fire, bells and chanting.

Before dawn the next day, a rowing boat glides along the ghats as pilgrims bathe, pray and practise yoga in the first light. Finish with a walk through the narrow lanes and a cup of masala chai. Your guide explains the rituals and helps you photograph respectfully — photography is not allowed at the cremation ghats.

Groups are kept small and the pace relaxed, with time for photos and questions. A private version is available on request — just mention it in your enquiry, together with any dietary needs or mobility requirements.