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Early morning take a short trip by country boat on the sacred river Ganges to see the Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Pilgrims flock the Ghats to have a ritual bath and perform puja to the rising sun, following centuries old tradition. Breakfast at the hotel. Visit some of the many Hindu temples that line the river Ganges and stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling, among other things, the world famous Benaras Silks. Lunch on board. Afternoon visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 B.C.
Here you will witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Archaeological Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. The main attraction at this excellent Archaeological Museum is the superb capital from the Ashokan pillar. It has the Ashokan symbol of four back-to-back lions which has been adopted as the state symbol of modern India. Other finds from the site include many figures and sculptures from the various periods of Saranath - Mauryan, Kushana, Gupta and later. (The museum is closed on Fridays). Royal Rajasthan on Wheels departs for Agra. Dinner & overnight on board.
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