Private Varanasi Holi Tour with Boat Ride, Guide & Breakfast

Varanasi , India

Private Varanasi Holi Tour with Boat Ride, Guide & Breakfast

Active

(4 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Celebrate the Festival of Colors like never before on this private Holi tour of Varanasi! Start your day with a peaceful sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, witness the ghats come alive with vibrant Holi festivities, and join locals in joyful color play. Enjoy a traditional breakfast and explore the city’s sacred lanes with an expert guide who shares the stories behind this ancient celebration. A perfect blend of culture, color, and spirituality — an unforgettable Holi experience in India’s spiritual heart!

Available options

Private Varanasi Holi Tour with Boat Ride, Guide & Breakfast

Pickup included

What's included

Private Air-Condition Vehicle

Pickup from within Varanasi,Hotel,Train Station or Airport.

English Speaking Guide

Breakfast

Walking tour of Varanasi.

All applicable taxes

All mention sightseeing places

Sunrise boat ride on Ganges River

Detailed itinerary

Early Morning pick up as per Hotel Location. Transfer to Ganges, enjoy boat ride across the river Ganges.Visit the numerous temples alongside river Ganga and get a closer view of Hinduism being in Varanasi. Observe the daily life of the natives.Later the City Tour Towards statrt with ( BHU ) Banaras Hindu University is an internationally reputed temple of learning, situated in the holy city of Varanasi.Durga and Monkey Temple . Sarnath post lunch to get the glimpses of Buddhist monuments and edifices covering Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath Museum and Mulagadha Kuti Vihar. In the evening, witness the major attraction of Varanasi - The grand Aarti ceremony performed by several priests on the banks of River Ganges. You will get to hear the majestic blended sound of Sanskrit mantras, drums, bells and cymbals.Later little walk and drop back to Hotel

Banaras Hindu University.formerly Central Hindu College, is a public central university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was established in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malaviya.With over 30,000 students residing in campus, it claims the title of largest residential university in Asia.

Durga (Monkey) Temple. ... It is devoted to Durga, the terrifying aspect of Shiva's consort, Parvati, and the embodiment of Shakti (divine female energy), and was built in a typical north Indian style, with an ornate shikhara in five segments, symbolizing the elements.

Stop 4

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.

Stop 5

Chaukhandi Stupa is an important Buddhist stupa in Sarnath, located 8 kilometres from Cantt Railway Station Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Stupas have evolved from burial mounds and serve as a shrine for a relic of the Buddha.

Sarnath Museum is the oldest site museum of Archaeological Survey of India. It houses the findings and excavations at the archaeological site of Sarnath, by the Archaeological Survey of India. Sarnath is located near Varanasi,

This modern temple has been erected by the Mahabodhi Society. It has excellent frescoes made by Kosetsu Nosu, Japan's foremost painter and is a rich repository of Buddhist literature. The ancient Mulagandha Kuti Temple is among the brick ruins of Sarnath.

ceremony performed by several priests on the banks of River Ganges. You will get to hear the majestic blended sound of Sanskrit mantras, drums, bells and cymbals.

What's not included

Lunch

Alcoholic Beverages

Dinner

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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.