Private Half-Day Tour in Sarnath from Varanasi
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
On this tour, you will be taken to the ancient city of Budda-age. You will be visiting Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa along with Tibetan Temple. Also, you have an amazing opportunity to explore the Sarnath museum which holds artifacts and scriptures dated back the 3rd century.
Available options
Tour with Entrance Fees
Car, Driver, Guide & Tickets: In this option, you will get a private car, driver, and tour guide. Attraction tickets will be included.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Parking, toll taxes; and fuel
Private live tour guide as per itinerary
Bottled water
Pick-up and Drop-off to anywhere in Varanasi
Entrance Fees of all the attractions
Detailed itinerary
1
The driver will pick you up from any location or airport in Varanasi and will drive you towards Sarnath City.
2
Stop 2
This is your first stop in Sarnath city. It is a massive stupa that originated as pre-Buddhist tumuli, in which ascetics were buried in a seated position, called chaitya.
3
Stop 3
The next stop will be another Buddhist stupa. These stupas have evolved from burial mounds and serve as a shrine for a relic of the Buddha.
4
This city is home to a large number of twentieth-century Buddhist temples built and maintained by Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese monks. This temple houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha or Buddha in a resting position. Famous for its Thangka or Tibetan Buddhist paintings, and frescoes, the Tibetan Temple showcases many of these on the walls and ceilings.
5
Last but not the least, you will be taken to a museum. Some notable images at the museum is of Buddha preaching, from the Gupta period, and the Lion Capital of Ashoka. Other objects like figures of birds, animals, male and female heads dating from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD and terracottas, decorated baked bricks and pots, images of Jain Tirthankaras Parshvanatha, and Vimalanatha, etc.
6
The driver will drop you back to your preferred location in Varanasi, with wonderful memories of Sarnath city.
What's not included
Tips and Gratitudes
Available languages
Guide guide
HI
DE
RU
CMN
JA
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please carry all travelers valid photo ID (in your mobile) for monument entry
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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