The Ultimate 1 Day in Varanasi - How to Spend 13 Hours - Private Guided Tour
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The Ultimate 1 Day in Varanasi - How to Spend 13 Hours - Private Guided Tour

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10h - 13h
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About this experience

Early morning we will be taken for a boat ride on the Ganges. It is a mystical and spiritual experience as you watch people offering water to the Sun God and devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganges. We will visit all the famous Ghats of Varanasi via boat and return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, see the “Temple Tour” most religious Kashi Vishwanath temple, the Bharat Mata temple, Sankat Mochan (Hanuman temple), Manas Mandir, and BHU. At noon we will be taken for an excursion to Sarnath. Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples. The attractions at Sarnath are the Buddha temples, the Dhamekha stupa, the Chaukhandi stupa, and the archaeological museum, return to the hotel. Evening, get ready to experience one of the most memorable moments of your life, as you will be taken to the River Ganges. Enjoy Ganga Aarti. Get a glimpse of the spiritualism at the Ganga Ghats. Enjoy the Ganga Aarti from top After all you can retire for the night.

Available options

The Ultimate 1 Day in Varanasi - How to Spend 13 Hours - Fully Guided Tour

Entrance Fee for Monuments<br/>Duration: 13 hours<br/>Sunrise till Sunset<br/>Sedan, SUV, Tempo Traveller: Pick-up and drop-off are included with the sightseeing.
2 to 3 Members - Sedan Car
3 to 4 Members - Suv Bigger Car<br/>Boat Tour in the morning<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off is included
Knowledgeable English Speaking tour guide
Mineral water per person.
Morning tea at local tea shop
Monument Entrance Fee
Mesmerizing 1:30 Hours Sunrise Boat ride in On Ganges
Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Boat Ride: Early morning we will pick you up from your Hotel at 5:00 AM in Summer / 6:00 Am in Winter and start your day with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges river. The boat ride will start from Dashashwamedh Ghat & Will finish at Manikarnika Ghat get a Heritage Walk along with narrow lanes, you will walk It is a mystical and spiritual experience on the edge of the river Ganges during Sunrise you will see people offering water to the Sun God and devotees taking a holy dip in the river Ganges will surely allure you. Varanasi gives an inimitable mixture of mystical and supernatural views. According to Hindu belief, Varanasi completely frees the soul from the human body. These are the Ganges of Varanasi which completes the idea of holiness. After a short walk to the oldest part of Varanasi is famous for its narrow lanes. On this tour, you will find popular street food, perfume shops, Traditional Ayurvedic Oils Markets, and many other rare items. Walk to Godowliya market.

2

Breakfast Break for 2 Hrs

3

After Visiting Sarnath we will take you for a “City tour”., Drive to the riverside and enter one of the oldest streets to enjoy a walking tour. A guided walk in the old streets of Varanasi and through millennia-old alleys, and sacred temples will leave you enchanted. Come across the oldest lifestyles of this ancient city by getting into these old streets. A walk that promises to surprise at every step is rich in scenery and scenery
Ask your guide a question to know the profoundness of each place you illuminate during this walking tour of Varanasi. If you face this, you will have a lot of experience
Amble around the oldest city of the world, visit one of the most sacred Hindu Temples (Bharat Mata Temple ) most religious( Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Shri Annapurna temple) BHU Sankat Mochan, walk through the narrow lanes and also explore ancient mosques. along with the narrow lanes of Varanasi

4

Later just before sunset, you are going to get the most memorable moment of your life, because you will be taken to the River Ganges and embark to witness the Ganga aarti ceremony, a grand event that starts at 5.00 pm and you experience a great rapture during this process at Dasashwamedh Ghat. Aarti, written as Aarti, is a Hindu ritual performed by a group of young clergymen well garbed in silk saffron and white robes holding lamps which are waves in a synced motion with the sound of bells drums cymbals, and chanting some Sanskrit mantras takes up a specific spot in the Ghat and start the rituals by offering flowers to the river Ganga and light is offered to one or more deities. In India, Hindus worship the Ganges River as a goddess. . After this, you will return back to the hotel, and services will end here. The tour ends with pleasant memories of the trip. We will drop you at the hotel.

5
Stop 5

After Breakfast Freshen up yourself, you will be taken to Sarnath, which is the place 13 km away from the city of Varanasi where Gautama preached his first sermon to his five apostles and so Buddhism began from there. This makes Sarnath one of the most revered Buddhist sites. After that emperor, Ashoka created several stupas and monuments to spread Buddhism. Some of the important Buddhist monuments are the Dhamekha stupa, the Dharmarajika stupa & the Chaukhandi stupa, and monasteries and beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka and several animals and birds which get the matter of attractions in Sarnath.

What's not included

Gratuities
Meals

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
50 reviews
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Tripadvisor 4.9
210 reviews
5★
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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

About Varanasi

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, is a spiritual and cultural hub on the banks of the Ganges River. Known for its ancient temples, vibrant ghats (riverfront steps), and rich cultural heritage, it offers a profound experience of India's spiritual traditions and historical depth.

Top Attractions

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a major pilgrimage site. The temple's golden spire and intricate architecture are awe-inspiring.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Dasaswamedh Ghat

One of the most famous ghats in Varanasi, Dasaswamedh Ghat is a bustling hub of activity. It's known for its evening Ganga Aarti, a spectacular ritual of worshipping the Ganges River.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (boat rides cost INR 200-500)

Sarnath

A significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It's home to several ancient stupas, temples, and museums.

Historical Half day Free (entry fees for some sites)

Manikarnika Ghat

One of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, Manikarnika Ghat is primarily used for cremation ceremonies. It's a profound and moving experience to witness the rituals here.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is one of India's most prestigious universities. The campus is vast and beautiful, with museums, temples, and lush gardens.

Educational 2-3 hours Free (entry fees for some sites)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kachori

A deep-fried, spiced pastry filled with a mixture of lentils, onions, and spices. It's a popular street food item in Varanasi.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Peda

A sweet made from condensed milk and sugar, often flavored with cardamom. Banarasi peda is famous for its rich and creamy texture.

Dessert Vegetarian

Malaiyo

A traditional Banarasi sweet made from reduced milk, sugar, and saffron. It's often served during festivals and special occasions.

Dessert Vegetarian

Chaat

A savory snack made with a variety of ingredients like potatoes, onions, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind sauce. It's a popular street food item.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Boat rides on the Ganges River Exploring narrow alleys and hidden temples Meditation and yoga sessions Attending the Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat Visiting ancient temples and historical sites Swimming in the Ganges River (not recommended due to pollution) Attending winter festivals and fairs Visiting historical sites and museums

Best Time to Visit

October to March

This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and participating in various festivals. The city is lively with tourists and pilgrims.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Hindi
  • Widely spoken: English, Bhojpuri
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Varanasi is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing, scams, and petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings, and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use common sense and stay alert
  • • Avoid walking alone at night
  • • Be cautious of strangers and touts

Getting there

By air
  • Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport • 24 km from city center
By train

Varanasi Junction, Manduar Diara

By bus

Varanasi Bus Stand, Sarnath Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Varanasi. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Varanasi Sarnath Cantt (Cantonment)

Day trips

Sarnath
10 km from Varanasi • Half day to full day

Sarnath is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, known for its ancient stupas, temples, and museums. It's a peaceful and historically rich area, offering a contrast to the bustling old city of Varanasi.

Chunar
55 km from Varanasi • Full day

Chunar is a historic town known for its ancient fort, located on the banks of the Ganges River. The fort offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Rajghat
20 km from Varanasi • Half day

Rajghat is an ancient site located on the banks of the Ganges River, known for its historic significance and scenic beauty. It's a peaceful and serene place to visit, offering a break from the bustling city of Varanasi.

Festivals

Diwali • October or November (dates vary by lunar calendar) Maha Shivaratri • February or March (dates vary by lunar calendar) Ganga Mahotsav • November (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

  • Hire a local guide to navigate the city's narrow alleys and hidden temples.
  • Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat for a spectacular and moving cultural experience.
  • Try local street food and sweets, but be cautious and choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
  • Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.
  • Use common sense and stay alert to avoid scams, pickpocketing, and petty crime.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-60
1
Childs
Age 5-11
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
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