The Ultimate 3 Days in Varanasi - How to Spend 39 Hours - For First Timers
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About this experience
We will be part of a perfect, sacred and wonderful journey during our 3-day Private trip to Varanasi. We will allow you to capture the beautiful Varanasi and Ghats. You may have heard of places and people, but you will live there.
According to Hindu mythology, taking a bath in the holy river Ganges is for cleaning their sin. We usually go for a bath especially in Kartik Purnima or during a solar /lunar eclipse in Dashashwamedh Ghat. Usually people spend their time having peace. The hand rowing boat ride starts from Dashashwamedh Ghat and goes to Harishchandra ghat & Manikarnika ghat and ends at Dashashwamedh Ghat. That is the best part of your life which you will never forget. Varanasi is also known as the city of temples so we will take you to the most popular temples which are Bharat Mata Mandir, Sankat Mochan, Durga Mandir, Ganga Aarti, Kashi Vishwanath Mandir.
Highlights
• Sarnath,
• Ganga Aarti.
• Rowing Boat ride on river Ganges, Sankat mochan, Manas Mandir.
• Heritage walk.
Available options
Tour with 5* Hotel & Breakfast
5 Star Hotel with Breakfast: Hotel Double Tree / Hotel Radisson / Luxury 5* Accommodation/ or similar accommodation<br/>Hand Rowing Boat Tour: Enjoy watching sunrise on the banks of river Ganges with the mesmerizing boat ride in Varanasi. <br/>Luxury Accomodation<br/>Duration: 3 days<br/>Everyday Buffet Breakfast.: Fine Dining Breakfast in the Hotel.<br/>SUV/ SEDAN/ TEMPO TRAVELLER: For 1 or 2 Members we use Sedan Hatchback cars like Swift Dezire or Etios Vehicle & For Persons, more than 2 We Use Big Cars.<br/>Mineral Water<br/>Pickup included
Tour With 4* Hotel & Breakfast
4 Star Hotel with Breakfast: Hotel Costa Rivera/ Hotel Fern Residency / Hotel Rivatas or similar Hotels as per the availability.<br/>Morning buffet breakfast Hotel<br/>Duration: 3 days<br/>Tea/ Coffee & Mineral Water: Mineral water will be provided everyday in the car, tea and coffee at local tea shop ( banarasi flavour). <br/>Sedan / SUV As per Traveler: For 1 or 2 Members we use Sedan Hatchback cars like Swift Dezire or Etios Vehicle & For Persons, more than 2 We Use Big Cars.<br/>Morning Boat Tour : 1hr 30 Minutes Morning Boatride along with the Ganges river.<br/>Pickup included
Tour Without Accommodation
Morning hand Rowing boat tour<br/>Luxury Car & Private Guide<br/>Duration: 3 days<br/>Mineral water + Tea/ Coffee: Mineral water will be provided everyday in the car, tea and coffee at local tea shop( Banarasi flavour). <br/>Luxury Transportation: For 1 or 2 Members we use Sedan cars like Swift Dezire or Etios Vehicle & For Persons, more than 2 We Use Big Cars & Buses.<br/>Mineral Water Per Person<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Hand Rowing boat tour in the morning
4* 0r 5* Hotel Private Superior Accommodation with Bed & Breakfast Basis if you book with Hotel
Mineral Water Everyday
English speaking tour guide within the tour.
Breakfast
What's not included
Gratuities
Sarnath Entrance Fee
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
7 reviews
5★
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Tripadvisor
4.8
135 reviews
5★
120
4★
10
3★
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2
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
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