Witness one of the city's most wonderful scenes—an evening prayer ceremony on the banks of the sacred Ganges, with help from a private guide. With flaming torches, plumes of burning incense, and the sound of chanting prayer around you, this spiritual event effuses a marvelous, ethereal atmosphere.

Lining the banks of the Ganges, the center piece for Varanasi, are the ghats—a series of steps leading into the water. They stretch for miles up and down the river, and your guide explains how they serve as sites for some of life's most intimate events.

At Dasaswamedh Ghat, an Aarti ritual takes place—a Hindu ceremony of light being offered to deities. Gaze in awe at the marvelous act of worship as people offer flaming torches and candles to their gods, and smells of burning incense fill the air and sounds of praiseful song serenade the revered occasion.

As the ceremony concludes, many Diyas—ghee-based candles—are offered to the holy waters of the Ganges, providing a stunning finish to your evening.