Two of the highlights of your time in Varanasi are the sunset and sunrise cruises on the Ganga. Start your day with a sunrise morning boat cruise on the Ganga. It is a surreal experience to arrive at the Ghats just before dawn and witness the eons old scene – the most devout Hindu’s are waiting at the holiest Ghats to greet the rising sun as they immerse themselves in the Ganga, while others on the wide riverbank steps meditate and practice yoga. It is also a great opportunity to experience some of Hinduisms ancient and iconic rituals. You can simultaneously witness the religious ceremony as a recently deceased Hindu’s ashes are immersed in the river so that their soul can achieve salvation, while nearby another Brahmin priest orchestrates the naming ceremony of a newborn. Your boat offers an excellent view of all the activity on the Ghats – women immersing themselves into the Ganga discreetly while still wearing their sarees and ascetics waist deep in the water offering prayers as they pour holy water over themselves. After the boat cruise you will walk through the narrow lanes and through the crowded bazaars to discover a way of life that has not changed much over the past few millennia. Experience a walk on some of the Ghats – it is a lot less crowded on these Ghats in the early morning, which allows for a close-up look as pilgrims and locals go about their rituals and related activities.

Return to your palace for a late breakfast and to pack. You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel in the mid-morning and driven to the airport, where you are assisted with boarding your afternoon flight to Khajuraho. You are greeted on arrival at the Khajuraho airport and you are driven to your hotel and assisted with your check-in. Although this hotel is not as luxurious as the other lodging on your tour, it is the only upscale option in Khajuraho and far superior to any other lodging. There is a break for a late lunch, if you so desire – airplane food will have been served on the flight.

Start your guided tour of the famed temples, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These magnificent examples of Hindu religious art were constructed about a thousand years ago. Thousands of extremely detailed stone sculptures adorn the facades of these temples, and the subject matter includes some very explicit erotic scenes. The sophisticated design and building techniques that were used in the creation of these temples and the detailed artistry of the sculptures cannot be described in words – you have to experience them personally to grasp their impact. You have the option of attending the sound and light show at the western group of temples in the evening – it is hard to understand and not of high quality.