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Our most recommended Varanasi Tours

Varanasi: Full Day Varanasi & Sarnath Guided Tour By Car

1. Varanasi: Full Day Varanasi & Sarnath Guided Tour By Car

Experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi and the historical significance of Sarnath on this comprehensive full-day tour. Your day begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel, the airport, or the railway station. Embark on a scenic drive to Sarnath accompanied by an insightful tour guide who will enrich your journey with captivating commentary. Upon arrival in Sarnath, explore the sacred grounds where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Engage with the tour guide's enlightening narratives as you absorb the historical and spiritual significance of this revered site. The visit continues with an exploration of the renowned Sarnath Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts. Returning to Varanasi, delve into the city's vibrant religious tapestry. Visit the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the serene Monkey Temple, the poignant Tulsi Manas Mandir, and the grand Birla Temple, each offering a unique perspective on Varanasi's diverse religious landscape. Throughout the day, you have the flexibility to enjoy lunch as per your preferences (lunch not included in the package). As the sun begins to set, embark on a mesmerizing boat ride along the holy Ganges River. Witness the enchanting panorama of ghats, witness the rituals, bathing, and cremation ceremonies that unfold along the riverbanks. The experience is further heightened by the profound spiritual aura that envelops the surroundings. Concluding the day, immerse yourself in the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony, where lamps and incense create a mesmerizing spectacle on the ghats. As the tour comes to an end, your guide and driver will ensure you are dropped off at your desired location, leaving you with memories of an enriching and transformative day exploring the spiritual heart of Varanasi and the historical treasures of Sarnath.

Varanasi: Private City Highlights Day Tour & Ganges Cruise

2. Varanasi: Private City Highlights Day Tour & Ganges Cruise

Varanasi Remembrances : After early morning pickup at 5:30am from your hotel, take a sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Witness morning rituals performed at the riverside. Kashi Vishwanath Temple : Afterward, follow your guide on a short walking tour of the old city's alleyways and catch sight of the Kashi Vishwanath, one of the holiest Hindu temples Banaras Hindu University : Banaras Hindu University (Pass By) Stop for breakfast (own expense), then head to Banaras Hindu University at 10am. Established in 1916, BHU is the largest university campus in Asia. Tour the campus and see the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum and the new Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), which is an exact replica of the original Vishwanath Temple. Bharat Mata Temple : Mother India Temple, built in 1918 and housing an unusual marble relief map of the Indian subcontinent. At 12:30pm, learn about the silk weaving traditions of Varanasi, then take a break for lunch (own expense). Afterward, drive about eight miles (13 km) to Sarnath to take in Dhamekh Stupa, known as the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon. You'll also visit the Archaeological Museum, which features treasures that date to the 3rd-century BC (closed Fridays). Dasaswamedh Ghat : At 5pm Ganges to view the cremation grounds, then return to Dashashwamedh Ghat to watch the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Your tour ends with return to your hotel around 8pm. Sarnath : Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.

Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner

3. Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner

Your tour will begin at 5:00 PM with pickup from your hotel. Take a boat ride along the river, where you can enjoy the breathtaking sights of the city lit up at night. Disembark to watch the aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges. See a priest take a sacred brass lamp and offer prayers to the holy river. The ceremony involves lights, cymbals, scented incense sticks, and people singing hymns and chanting. It’s a truly mesmerizing experience. After the ceremony, you will be taken for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Order your favorite dishes and relish them in the warm hospitality and cozy ambiance. After dinner, you will be dropped safely back at your hotel in Varanasi.

Varanasi: Sunrise Boat Ride w/ Ghats & Morning Rituals

4. Varanasi: Sunrise Boat Ride w/ Ghats & Morning Rituals

Early morning between 05:00 to 06:00, your assistant and the driver will report to your hotel lobby. Drive to Ganga Ghat on arrival and board the boat to explore the beautiful ghats and temples with morning rituals. This morning boat ride tour will give you a real view of holy Varansi, where you will see the morning rituals, special features of the various ghats that you will pass along the way such as the burning ghat where the dead are cremated. See the various activities and professions related to the religious death ceremonies. During your boat ride, your guide will give you a brief detail about ghats and holy things. Boats will pass away through burning ghat where the dead bodies are cremated. See the various activities and professions related to the religious death ceremonies. After your 1-hour boat ride, you will be dropped back off at the ghat and then driven back to your hotel.

From Varanasi: Temple Hopping on a tuk-tuk

5. From Varanasi: Temple Hopping on a tuk-tuk

First make your way to the most famous and important temples of Varanasi, the Goddess Durga temple. This is one of the most revered temples of the region, built in a striking red color. Learn of the many interesting stories and myths attached to this temple from your guide.  Next up is the famous Monkey temple or the Sankat Mochan temple, which is dedicated to the Monkey God. Known to relieve people from every sort of pain and trouble, see pilgrims in large numbers paying their respects here. Also, see the many curious monkeys roaming about the streets. Visit the Tulsi Manas temple, another famous and revered temple in the region. Dedicated to Saint Tulsi Daas, the writer of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, the walls of this temple have the entire Ramayana craved on them. Visited by people from all over the world, be amazed to see how the walls of this two-storey temple depict the epic poem. Next see the Bharat Mata temple or the Mother India temple. This temple is one of a kind in the entire country where rather than idol worship, there is an undivided map of India, symbolizing the worship for one’s motherland. Finally, explore the Shri Vishwanath temple in the Banaras Hindu University, which is known to be one of the tallest temples in India and has a lot of interesting stories and fables attached to its construction.

From Varanasi: One Day Ayodhya Tour from Varanasi

6. From Varanasi: One Day Ayodhya Tour from Varanasi

In the morning our chauffeur will receive you from Varanasi and your drive starts straight to Ayodhya city. The Ayodhya city is located on the distance of 215 kilometer from Varanasi and it will take around three and half hour to cover the distance. Upon reaching Ayodhya you will be amazed to visit the holy site and Birth place of Lord Rama the Janmbhoomi temple, then visit the Hanuman Garhi temple, Kanak Bhawan and valmiki ramayan bhawan. Also explore the Saryu river where every evening you will witness the holy prayer ceremony. After the visit return back to Varanasi in the same private vehicle. Here we will drop you to your designated place in Varanasi.

Varanasi Cultural Walking Tour with Local Snacks

7. Varanasi Cultural Walking Tour with Local Snacks

Experience the vibrant and ancient city of Varanasi like never before with our personalized cultural walking tour. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you'll explore the hidden gems and iconic landmarks of the city, while gaining valuable insights and secret tips on how to truly experience it. Refreshments will be provided along the way, and you'll end your tour with a newfound appreciation and understanding of the city's rich history and culture. Book your spot now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Varanasi.

Varanasi: 3-Hour Evening Aarti Tour with Boat Ride

8. Varanasi: 3-Hour Evening Aarti Tour with Boat Ride

Start your journey through Varanasi with hotel pickup and travel to Dasaswamedh Ghat. Here, board the boat for a tour of the Ganges river. During the 1-hour boat ride, experience the beautiful sunset as you and watch traditional ceremonies taking place on the riverbank, performed by Hindu priests and devotees. Observes the traditional cremation ceremony at Manikarnika Ghat, where the human body is brought to its final rest. Later, walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi as your guide shares stories of the city's culture and history. After this, finish your tour with drop off back at your hotel.

Delhi: 6-Day Golden Triangle & Varanasi Private Tour

9. Delhi: 6-Day Golden Triangle & Varanasi Private Tour

Begin the first day of your trip with a pickup from your hotel or other desired place in Delhi, Noida or Gurugram. Start with a half-day city tour of Delhi. Visit Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, and India Gate. Drive by Parliament House and the President's Palace. After that, proceed to Agra via a 4-hour drive. Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel.  On day 2, you will get up before sunrise, and head to the Taj Mahal to watch the sun come up over this world-famous monument. You will spend two hours exploring the site. After that, return to your hotel for breakfast and to check out, and then spend an hour visiting the Agra Fort. You will then start the 5-hour drive to Jaipur. After breakfast the following day, you will enjoy a guided tour of the Amber Fort. Next, visit the Jal Mahal, a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, followed by the Maharaja’s City Palace. Drive past the beautiful Hawa Mahal, a large structure built so the women of the royal household could observe the streets outside whilst remaining hidden.  After breakfast on day 4, you will be transferred to Jaipur airport for your domestic flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.  In the morning of day 5, you will be driven to Assi Ghat, where you will watch the Hindu fire ceremony rituals performed by women priests. Next, enjoy a sunrise boat tour on the River Ganges to see the Ghats of this ancient city. After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Varanasi which includes the Banaras Hindu University and its temple, a traditional school where children are learning an ancient version of Sanskrit, and a historical wrestling ground.  On day 6, if you have not chosen the option with a return flight to Delhi, you will be transferred to a location of your choice in Varanasi. If you have chosen the option with the flight, upon arrival at Delhi airport, you’ll be dropped off at a location of your choice in Delhi, Noida or Gurugram.

From Varanasi: Sunrise Boat Tour and Heritage Walk

10. From Varanasi: Sunrise Boat Tour and Heritage Walk

One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and one of the most holy for Hindus, Varanasi is the true embodiment of culture, mythology, heritage, and a real face of India. A city situated at the banks of the holy Ganges and known for its many ghats (embankments made in stone steps where pilgrims perform rituals) and large number of temples, this is definitely one of the best places to get to know India. Set off on an early-morning tour and explore this ancient city at dawn. Enjoy a boat ride past many colorful ghats and to where you can see people practicing their many rituals. One popular ghat is the Manikarnikaghat, where Hindu cremation takes place. Witness a funeral pyre there. Your tour will start with a pickup from your hotel by your guide at 5:00 AM in the summer or 6:00 AM in the winter. After reaching the ghat, get into the boat for a memorable ride on the Ganges where you’ll get to watch the city come alive with the sun. Once the boat ride is complete, walk through the oldest part of Varanasi and experience the rich culture and heritage of this mystical city firsthand. Get dropped off at your hotel at the end of the tour.

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What people are saying about Varanasi

Great tour! Rajat was professional, informative, accommodating, and friendly. Each part of the tour was worth it, and we enjoyed the one-of-a-kind beauty of Varanasi. Recommend for travelers who are up for a unique adventure!

On time. Informative. Incredible experience. Highly recommended.