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KUONI INSIDER

Andy Zgraggen
Executive Manager, Purchasing India

Catch an early evening boat ride to experience the mystical worship of the Ganges. See rituals that have been practiced for centuries, see the 5000 year old flame lit by Shiva himself and catch a glimpse of the ever present funeral pyres. The sights, sounds and smells of Varanasi will stay with you forever."

Varanasi Snapshot

  Golden hues of dawn light sparkle on the dark Ganges water, smoke sweetened by wisps of sandalwood hangs low on the air, drifting with the breeze from the pyres burning on the ghats of Varanasi, an ancient city of life and death.

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River Ganges in Varanasi
Fighting lion statue, Khajuraho temple
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Varanasi & Khajuraho

Explore the cultural and religious heart of North India

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The exotic city of Varanasi is the cultural and religious centre of North India. Hinduism's holiest city draws more than a million pilgrims annually to ritually bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Explore labyrinthine streets that bustle with merchants peddling their wares to the pilgrims passing through to the ghats (steps) down to the river.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho is renowned for its spectacular group of exquisitely carved Hindu and Jain temples which date back to the Chandela dynasty. These architectural masterpieces feature over 800 sculptures and are adorned with ornate spires, carved pillars and erotic panels.

Varanasi & Khajuraho Holiday Highlights
•   Enjoy a magical boat ride along the Ganges in the spiritual city of Varanasi and watch worshippers submerge themselves at bathing ghats.
•   Take a fascinating tour of the majestic Temples of Khajuraho. Just 22 of the original 85 temples remain today and these stunning monuments feature intricately carved friezes depicting all aspects of life including the spiritual and sensual.
•   Banares Hindu University is one of Varanasi's most famous landmarks and its campus is home to the Bharat Kala Museum which boasts a fantastic collection of art, sculptures, miniature paintings and Mughal artifacts.
•   Discover the highlights of this enchanting region along with some of India's most vibrant cities and stunning scenery with our fantastic Indian Odyssey tour.

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Our experienced Personal Travel Experts are waiting to tailor make your dream India holiday. We can combine your choice of flights and destinations, hotels and experiences as your bespoke trip springs to life. Simply:
•   Look through our online portfolio or request your free copy of our fantastic new Discover brochure
•   Email us for a quotation
•   Give us a call on 01306 747002

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  • Boat Ride on the Ganges, Varanasi: Discover this pilgrim city

    Varanasi is a pilgrim city of great culture and antiquity that famous American writer Mark Twain once said was ‘older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together’. During this boat ride on the holy Ganges you’ll see worshippers at bathing ghats and pas...


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  • Temples of Khajuraho & City Tour: See Kandariya Mahadeva

    Just 22 of the original 85 majestic Temples of Khajuraho remain today. The most famous in the western group is Kandariya Mahadeva, which features beautifully carved friezes depicting the sensual aspects of life. While the eastern group boasts fine examples of both Jain and Hindu temples.


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  • Varanasi City Tour: Explore the pilgrim city

    Formerly known as Benares, Varanasi is a pilgrim city of great culture and antiquity that famous American writer Mark Twain once said was 'older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.' On this wonderful tour you’ll visit Sarnath, allegedly the si...


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  • Varanasi Experience: Walk around the Old Town

    You'll be driven to Assi Gath to board a boat for a cruise down the River Ganges. Arrive at the main gath and take a walking tour of the Old Town before visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Then return to the main gath to witness the evening aarti ceremony, then embark on a rickshaw ride before returning to your hotel.


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  • Varanasi Morning Experience: Take a dawn cruise

    Set off on a magical cruise in the dawn light and see your surroundings from a different perspective. Float down the Ganges past ornate ghats in a small rowing boat, watching the first stirrings of activity as the sun rises higher in the sky and another busy day begins.


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