Morning Yoga sessions on the ghats of Varanasi

Start this yoga tour with an early morning boat ride on the Ganges River, followed by an energizing yoga session with a professional teacher on the little-visited north bank of the river. Core of Yoga is known as the Surya Namaskara. Surya Namaskara or Sun Salutation is a yoga warm-up routine based on a gracefully linked sequence of asanas. The nomenclature refers to the symbolism of the Sun as the soul and source of all life. After the end of Yoga, visit one of the famous sun temples where you can perform some rituals or pooja. Varanasi is one of the oldest and most spiritual cities in India, making it an ideal place to practice the ancient discipline of yoga. The ghats of Varanasi descend from the city on the banks and into the waters of the holy river Ganges. There are nearly 100 individual ghats that line the river's edge in this region, their steep steps making access to the river possible during wet and dry seasons. The oldest and most famous ghats in the region are Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika and Harishchandra. Others include Assi Ghat, Scindia Ghat, Lalita Ghat and Kedar Ghat. As the religious capital of India among Hindus, Varanasi sees pilgrims and other visitors drawn in droves to the Banaras Ghats. Visitors can soak up the atmosphere by taking a sunrise boat ride along the river, while marveling at the colorful temples and religious activities that line the waterfront. Devout Hindus aim to visit the Banaras Ghats at least once in their lifetime.