Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: spiritual varanasi & the holy river ganges tour at Chennai

Colourful, charismatic, and steeped in history and legend, Varanasi is India's most sacred city; a rare place where an ancient, yet still thriving, religious tradition is so incredibly accessible. At 1,500 years old, the 'City of Lights' is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world. The beating heart of the Hindu universe, Varanasi is where the spiritual and physical realms meet. During this immersive, four-night sojourn, explore the history of Varanasi and philosophy of Hinduism, and peek into Buddhism, whilst discovering several uniquely diverse and captivating traditions and destinations. Included are a sunrise boat-ride on the Ganges River, sunset aarti ceremony at the ghats, silk-weaving workshop, Hindu Temple, the Archaeological Museum, and Lutyens' Delhi. Guided visits to iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Humayyan's Tomb and the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath round out your excursion to Varanasi in grand style.

04MIDMAA-A Spiritual Varanasi & the Holy River Ganges

Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights

Departs from: Chennay

Re-join ship: Galle

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for India and Sri Lanka. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Indian Rupee; however, US Dollars, Euros and British Pounds are well-accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).

Explore the 'Heartbeat of Hinduism' through uniquely diverse and captivating traditions and iconic destinations during this immersive, four-night Varanasi experience.

DAY ONE - Saturday, March 11, 2023 - Chennai/Delhi

Disembark the ship and transfer to Chennai Airport for your scheduled flight to Delhi

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and transfer to Chennai Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately two-hour, 45-minute afternoon IndiGo Airlines flight (#6E 6567), departing at approximately 2:15 p.m. and arriving in Delhi at approximately 5:00 p.m., with lunch served in-flight.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in

Upon arrival at Delhi Airport and after passport and visa formalities, meet your guide and transfer to The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel for check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Room at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi

DAY TWO - Sunday, March 12, 2023 - Delhi/Varanasi

After breakfast and check-out, depart for a drive through New Delhi en route to Delhi Airport

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and depart for a scenic sightseeing drive through New Delhi en route to Delhi Airport.

Pass through Lutyen's Delhi, by the War Memorial Arch and Presidential House

Along the way, drive through 'Lutyen's Delhi'. Commissioned in 1911 and inaugurated as recently as 1931, this magnificently-planned area of Delhi is a combination of British and Indian architecture. From here, travel past the War Memorial Arch, better known as the 'India Gate', then drive down Rajpath and past the Presidential House.

Visit the magnificent Humayun's Tomb

Next, a visit is made to Humayun's Tomb, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent monument was built in red sandstone by Haji Begum, Humayun's first wife and mother of Emperor Akbar. Her design was way ahead of its time, and the basis for the design of the famous Taj Mahal, built almost a hundred years later.

Transfer to Delhi Airport for your scheduled flight to Varanasi

Following your orientation drive through New Delhi, transfer to Delhi Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately one-hour, 25-minute afternoon Air Vistara flight (#UK 812), departing at approximately 1:20 p.m. and arriving in Varanasi at approximately 2:45 p.m., with lunch served in-flight.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in

Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport and after passport and visa formalities, meet your guide and transfer to the Taj Nadesar Palace for check-in and some free time to freshen-up.

The regal and elegant Taj Nadesar Palace, a 5-star hotel

Named after the goddess, Nadeshwari, whose shrine continues to adorn the entrance, this 18th-century palace-turned-hotel is nestled amidst mango and jasmine scented grounds. It formerly served as the city residence of the Maharajah of Varanasi, and a venue for entertaining visiting royalty and statesmen. Today, the Taj Nadesar Palace Hotel offers genteel rooms and suites in an elegant setting, and an upscale spa and restaurant.

Varanasi, the City of Lights

Also known as Kashi (City of Lights), Varanasi is probably the place in India that has the most profound impact on visitors. Formerly known as Benares, Varanasi sits on a bend of the Ganges River, and its spiritual significances comes from its status as a 'crossing place' where gods and goddesses can descend to earth. Since the 6th century B.C., Varanasi has been a pilgrimage site; Hindus try to visit here at least once in their lifetime to pray, and bathe in the holy river. The Old City is a maze of tiny alleys. It is home to several temples, including the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is only accessible to Hindus, and many cows…which have traffic priority.

Visit the ghats by the Ganges River at sunset

Early this evening, meet your guide and proceed to the ghats by the Ganges River, where the setting sun casts mystical shadows upon the darkening water and tiny sacred lamps that line the banks are ceremoniously lit. It is here, in magical Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges, that the most intimate rituals of life and death take place.

Experience an authentic aarti prayer ceremony, a striking sensory experience

Upon arrival, observe Brahmins invoking Lord Shiva, the most powerful of the Hindu trinity, with a ceremonial ritual of devotion known as the aarti. Seemingly both a fiery celebration and solemn entreaty, the aarti is a striking sensory experience said to have a connection to fire rituals referenced in the Vedas. Following this aarti prayer ceremony, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Palace Room at the Taj Nadesar Palace - Varanasi

DAY THREE - Monday, March 13, 2023 - Varanasi

Take a picturesque boat-ride at dawn along the Ganges River to observe morning rituals

After an early-morning wake-up call, meet your guide and depart for a picturesque boat-ride at dawn along the Ganges River. Thousands of pilgrims visit Varanasi daily to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges, which, in the Hindu religion, is believed to wash away sins. As you glide along the Ganges, observe these holy rites as devotees perform ritual sunrise bath and religious ceremonies in the pink-and-gold light; an ancient tradition that has endured throughout centuries. Chanting of mantras, singing of hymns and sweet fragrance of incense fill the morning air with mystery. Following your boat-ride, return to your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit a local temple and an artisanal silk weaving workshop

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for a morning visit to a local temple. Following your visit, get an insider's view on an age-old, world-renowned local craft during a stop at an artisanal silk weaving workshop. Silk weaving originated in Varanasi, and the beautiful fabrics made on these looms remain second-to-none.

Enjoy lunch and some free time at leisure at the hotel

Leaving the silk weaving workshop, transfer back to the hotel for lunch and some free time at leisure.

Visit the Buddhist site of Sarnath, Dharmekh Stupa, and the Archaeological Museum

Later this afternoon, meet your guide and depart for the transfer to the Buddhist site of Sarnath, the religious centre where Buddha delivered his first speech after gaining sambodhi (enlightenment). Next, visit the Dharmekh Stupa, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. A final stop is made at the Archaeological Museum, which houses a small-but-renowned collection of Buddhist and Brahmanist antiquities. Following your visit, transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Palace Room at the Taj Nadesar Palace - Varanasi

DAY FOUR - Tuesday, March 14, 2023 - Varanasi/Delhi/Colombo

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out, and transfer to Varanasi Airport for your scheduled flight to Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and transfer to Varanasi Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately one-hour, 35-minute afternoon Air India flight (#AI 405), departing at approximately 12:10 p.m. and arriving in Delhi at approximately 1:45 p.m., with lunch served in-flight.

Upon arrival in Delhi, you are met and assisted with your scheduled onward flight to Colombo

Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, you are met and assisted with check-in for your onward, approximately three-hour, 35-minute Sri Lankan Airlines flight (#UL 196), departing at approximately 6:45 p.m. and arriving in Colombo at approximately 10:20 p.m., with dinner served in-flight.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in

Upon arrival at Colombo Airport and after passport and visa formalities, meet your guide and transfer to the Shangri-La Hotel for a late night check-in.

Overnight accommodations in a Deluxe, Ocean-View Room at the Shangri-La Hotel - Colombo

DAY FIVE - Wednesday, March 15, 2023 - Colombo/Galle

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and depart for Galle

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately two-hour transfer to Galle.

Transfer to the pier and ship

Upon arrival at the port of Galle, transfer to the pier and embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 3.9 miles (about 6.25 kilometres), at times over uneven, bumpy, gravel, cobblestone, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, board/de-board the airplane and embark/disembark the boat, three steps at the Archaeological Museum, 15 steps at Sarnath, 20 steps at Humayun's Tomb, and 50 steps at the ghat. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, camera, any necessary medication, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Hats and shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples; we suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks, because the pavement may be very hot. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Liquids and sharp objects are not permitted in hand luggage; please carry any liquid medicines, along with a copy of your medical prescription. At the time of booking, guests should use their names exactly as they appear on their passports, as the booking of airline seats is involved. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. We thank you for your understanding. For your added safety and protection, please leave jewellery, valuables, and large amounts of cash on board the ship. Guests should be respectful towards local sentiments and customs. Photography/videography are prohibited inside the temples. The tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice, and airline alterations to the flight schedules may affect the tour itinerary, tour sequence and/or programme content. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• One-night stay in a Luxury Room at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
• Two-night stay in a Palace Room at the Taj Nadesar Palace - Varanasi
• One-night stay in a Deluxe, Ocean-View Room at the Shangri-La Hotel - Colombo
• Scheduled flights: Chennai/Delhi, Delhi/Varanasi, and Varanasi/Delhi/Colombo (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating

Participating airlines restricts baggage allowance to one soft luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 33 pounds (about 15 kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately 22x14x10 inches (about 55x35x25 centimetres) per person, plus one carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 15.4 pounds (about seven kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately total 46 inches (about total 115 centimetres - L+B+H). Supplement for excess luggage is to be paid directly at the check-in counter. Passengers with more than approximately 22 pounds (about ten kilograms) of excess luggage must check-in at least 90 minutes prior to departure. Maximum weight per item: approximately 33 pounds (about 15 kilograms)

• Four breakfasts (breakfast is provided in-flight on Day 5), four lunches (three lunches are provided in-flight on Day 1, Day 2, and Day 4), and four dinners (one dinner is provided in-flight on Day 4), with drinks included
• Tour of Humayun's Tomb and Lutyens' Delhi - New Delhi
• Evening visit to the Ghat River to view an aarti ceremony - Varanasi
• Sunrise boat-ride on the Ganges River - Varanasi
• Stop by a silk weaving workshop and local temple - Varanasi
• Visit Sarnath, the Dharmekh Stupa and Archaeological Museum - Varanasi
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.

Note