Published on Jan, 2025
Our guide Bharat picked us up at the hotel at 0600 along with a car and diver. The traffic was heavy even at that hour but our driver was good and we felt safe. We walked the final 400 yards to the Ganges and strolled along the chats witnessing all aspects of life. Bharat arranged a boat for just the two of us along with himself and the boatman. It was an incredible trip as we witnessed the cremations as the sun rose. We returned to our hotel for breakfast at 0830.
Bharat collected us again at 1030 to drive 10 miles to the Buddhist holy site at Sarnath. We also saw the deer park, a Jain temple, a museum,the statue of a 80 foot Buddah and a Thai temple. We were offered the opportunity to go shopping but declined. We returned for the hotel at 1315..
Bharat collected us at 1630 for the Ganga Aarti ceremony. The crowds were very heavy near the river so we travelled the final part by trishaw. We had the best seats on a balcony directly above the ceremony. We were safely back in the hotel by 1930.
Bharat is a very professional and experienced guide who gave us a wealth of knowledge. It was a truly memorable day. Thank you Bharat. I would highly recommend this tour.