Location: Varanasi
Top Things to do in Varanasi
Countries
10 Day Trips from in Varanasi That You Shouldn't Miss
The north Indian city of Varanasi, or Benares, is regarded as sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Situated in the fertile Ganga valley and on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, who come to bathe in the holy river. Known as the City of Temples and a beacon of culture, Varanasi has produced many renowned writers. It’s also a center of silk weaving, so practice haggling at the chaotic bazaar for some beautiful souvenirs. Rickshaws are the best way to get about.
Restaurants in Varanasi
1. 3-Days Delhi and Varanasi Tour by Express Train.Includes,Hotel Transfers.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Explore 2 of the most fascinating places in India on this exciting 3-day adventure. Spend a day exploring the sights of Delhi before embarking for 2 awe-inspiring days in the sacred city of Varanasi to see its remarkable riverbank rituals. Round Trip A/C train tickets and hotel pick up/drop-off is included.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Overnight accommodation on double / twin sharing rooms. (Extra Person will be provide Extra bed in same room Exp- 3 person will be provide 1 Triple Sharing room and 5 persons will be provide 1 Double and 1 Triple Sharing Room), Fuel surcharge, Local taxes, Round trip Train Tickets in Air-Condition Chair Class with Sleeping Bed, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Train station arrival, departure, sightseeing with Boat Ride in Varanasi., Sightseeing with Station Drop in Delhi by Private Vehicle., All Transfer Sightseeing as per tour Itinerary (Transportation is provided in 3 different vehicles: 1-3 Person by Tata Indigo or Swift Dzire and 4 to 6 Person by Toyota Innova
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By sandeepk543
We travelled there and deal that to travel us all place in low price and we enjoyed rhta trip most thanks for that.
2. Private Full-Day Varanasi Tour with Boat Ride
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Explore Varanasi on a private full-day tour that includes a sunrise and sunset boat ride on the Ganges River. Visit landmarks in and around Varanasi including Banaras Hindu University (BHU)'s Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, and Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath — an important Buddhist site. Finally, watch the evening aarti ceremony from the sunset boat cruise.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Local Guide, Hotel Pickup, Hotel Drop off, Boat Ride
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Monument Fees
Reviewed By vandan4u
It's so impressive when you land at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport at Varanasi.. State of the art airport and the size of the airport is good compared to the size of the city. very good parking facility. Airport is about 15km away from the city but it's very well connected by bridges. once you enter the city of varanasi you get the real feel of a town. Narrow and bad surface roads, indiscipline traffic, lots of small vehicles driving without any rules. Today I was in the commercial part of the city starting from Mall road, Cantonment area,Nandesar,Chetganj, Sigra, Bhelupur. India's major modern retail stores are there and I was surprised to see the size of these stores, it's huge. All major foreign food chains are also there. chaotic traffic and no parking places made drive worst. Next day we started early at 6am for darshana at Kashi Vishwanath Temple,one of the Jyotirlinga. Major renovation work is in progress in the temple complex and in the surrounding areas. Luckily in the morning there was no crowd and we could easily enter and do darshan with peace. This area during the day is over crowded and vehicles are not permitted so make sure you plan accordingly. Next we went to Bengali Tolla Market. Vehicle entry is open till Girjaghar Chowraha and then you have to walk. it's a crowded area as the main entry of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is on that road. The corporation has tried to make it a model road with beautiful lighting poles and same colour buildings but lot is still desired. Similar road has been made in Amritsar,road going towards Golden Temple and it's beautiful. Here street hawkers have taken the 50% of the road only two wheelers take the vehicles inside. After a kilometre or so on right side there are two roads ,one going towards Dashashwamedh Ghat and other towards Bengali Tola. Tola means mohalla, basti. Usually this area has variety of tourist related Stores having handloom and handicraft products, Banarasi sarees etc and multi culture food joints. Unfortunately most of the stores and eateries have been closed due to Covid 19 epidemic. I found the boards of Korean, Japanese, German, Israel, Russian and Indian food restaurants. The lane width is hardly 5-6 feet in width and two wheelers, cows, dogs roaming around, you get narrow space to walk. The temperature is much lower in this area as sun can hardly come in. We stopped at few Banarasi saree stores and at Brown bakery/German bakery. Both are exactly on one opposite side of a small lane. They also have a terrace restaurant but due to Covid epidemic it was closed. We settled in German Bakery,They have cuisine from Japan, Korea, Israel, Italian and Indian. Very basic place, pitiable condition they are in since a year. Dependent on tourism, they have no business to survive. Both have few rooms also to stay, but all closed. We ordered Israel food, coffee etc. It was ok in taste. From this place we visited Madanpura, a hub of Banarasi textiles. Many stores for sarees and dress materials and range is unlimited. The evening was well spent on the boat in the Ganga. From Dashashwamedh Ghat, we were shown all the ghats. as per the boatman there are 384 ghats, I could only count some 25-30 ghats. Each ghat has a name and a history. You need good guide to see the ghats who can explain real history else search on Google. We unfortunately didn't take proper guide and relied on boatman but his knowledge was very basic. Boatman takes you till Assi Ghat and that is the happening ghat. The other side of the river is barren land and villages far away. Surprising to see nothing much developed on the other side. Ratneshwar Mahadev, which is the only temple in the river is a tilting structure,40' high has many stories around it. Manikarnika Ghat is a cremation ghat, never remains off,24*7 the cremation continues. Harishchandra Ghat is also used for cremation. To move around in this area you have to walk & climb. The boat trip's last stop is at Ganga Ghat where the Arti is performed. We saw it from the boat and from some distance so we could not feel the grandeur of the arti. The sound was also low so couldn't hear also. But I am sure from near it must be a good sight. The next day visit was of Sarnath. About 10-12 km outside of Varanasi. Luckily it was Sunday and so traffic was less, else as per taxi guy, this takes upto 1.30-2 hours. We reached in just 30 minutes. This is the place where Gautam Buddha taught Dharma to his five shishya. The stupa Dhamekh, ruins, museum, deer park and Buddhists monasteries of China, Tibet, Japan, Sri Lanka and under construction of Korea is there. It's much smaller and of less grandeur than it's in Kushal nagar, Coorg, Dharamshala. There is one handloom weavers society store else nothing much to see. Unfortunately for us,due to Covid epidemic, most of the temples were closed since almost a year. Again about the Ghats, we went again there to take a walk. Started from Assi Ghat, which is the most commercial ghat,less of religious, more of youth happening place. Pizza Vatika on the bank slightly up and under the trees is a beautiful place to just enjoy the beauty of Ganga. Mouthwatering Pizza and desserts are must try. From Assi Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat, it's about 3km. You can see Ghats from a nearby distance. Ghats are almost 5 stories down then the road/city. It's fun walking and understanding each Ghat. Nothing is mentioned on the Ghat so you have to search on Google to know about it. It's all majestic and must have been built with knowledge to sustain many floods. During the floods water goes upto 40-50 ft high. Now with the time needs major renovation or rejuvenation without spoiling the original beauty. More facilities for tourists can be done with a plaque giving details about each ghat. A proper walking track which is clean and straight. Few benches to enjoy the beauty of Ganga. Apart from Ganga Ghat, all the ghats were empty, few locals enjoying kite flying, cricket playing, taking afternoon siesta or chitchatting. No nuisance of beggars or boatmen were there. The work of bridge is in progress over Manikarnika ghat and so we took boat to cross one ghat and reached Ratneshwar temple. The only temple which is in the river and is tilting more than Pisa tower. I had most disappointing experience here. It's not maintained at all. This has a history and architectural wonder but is not maintained at all. From here we went up, to go back and it was absolutely surprising route. Very small lanes of about 3-4' width, every other house is a temple and only locals can guide you out. Google got confused too, even mobile signals were not coming in. Small shops of yarn and grey cloth were there at the end and reached us to Chowk Thana after about 2km of walk. It was absolutely mystery walk. Many lanes were totally dead, without any people or doors. May be back side of the houses or leading to some more mystery lanes. You can still find temples there. Chowk is the most crowded area, it's again on the side of the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple. The only transportation available from here is human pedal carts, you don't like taking a ride on it but there are no options and no place to walk also. The places we missed in Varanasi were Benaras Hindu University campus, which is supposed to be the biggest educational campus of India and also International Music Center Ashram. This music center organises Indian classical music concert on Wednesday and Saturday evenings at 8pm. Unfortunately due to the Covid epidemic we avoided street food but I would like to chart out the list which I had gathered. Remember CLIP in Varanasi. C for Chat, L for Lassi, I for Imarti and P for Banarasi Pan. For Chat 1) Kachori and Samosa near Dashashwamedh Ghat. Famous being Kashi Chat Bhandar, Bati Chokha, Ram Bhandar. 2) For lassi , Pehlwan lassi at Assi Ghat, Blue Lassi in Kachaudi lane and Baba Lassi in Bengali Tola. 3) Imarti or Jalebi. Most famous is Shri Ram Bhandar, you need patience to wait here for your turn. 4) Paan. Banarasi paan is world famous. These paan are small in size but absolutely mouth freshening. On any chauraha you will find paan shop so just enjoy it. Apart from above items Varanasi is also famous for Hot flavoured milk called Malai and Rabadi. Also don't miss lemon tea on Ghat. There are so many other local cuisines and would love to try on my next visit. Varanasi is also very famous for Banarasi sarees and dress material. That also I would like to cover in the next visit. Handloom weaving units are worth visiting as I saw a demo unit in one of the stores.
3. Same day Bodhgaya tour from Varanasi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Same day guided visit to Bodhgaya from Varanasi The crucible of Buddhism, Bodhgaya was where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath a bodhi tree 2600 years ago and became Buddha (the 'Awakened One'). In terms of blessedness, this tiny temple town is to Buddhists what Mecca is to Muslims. Unsurprisingly, it attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world every year, who come for prayer, study and meditation.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Professional and Govt approved tour guide, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Transport by private Air Conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Everything which is not mentioned into inclusions
Reviewed By 240ashoks
My wife and I had a free day in Varanasi and so took one day tour of Varanasi. Everything went without a hitch and our tour guide Bharat was super. A must recommend.
4. Private Day Tour in Varanasi
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 11 reviews
Day Tour is combination of All tour from Sunrise with Boat to Sunset with Ganga arti(ceremony), all the important temple of city to old and small street (heritage walking ),
Inclusions: Private transportation, Tour Guide, Boat
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Lunch, Dinner
Reviewed By 2019rajeebm
Praveen may be young but his knowledge is immense. Having walked the lanes and bylanes of Varanasi since he was a teen, Praveen showed us some of the hidden sides of this historic city that one wouldn't find in guide books or the net. It was a treat to hear the many myths and stories he has to tell as we explored the old city down the narrow lanes through which history moved silently for centuries. Join Praveen and experience the many sights, sounds and tastes of Varanasi. Thank you Praveen for helping us have a wonderful time.
5. Insight Varanasi Day Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 19 reviews
This is a Private Tour, designed for the regular tourist who comes to Varanasi first time and wants to experience to way of life in India with Hinduism and Buddhism. Do you believe that one's sins can be absolved by taking a dip in the holy Ganges in Varanasi? Local people believe that Varanasi is the place where liberates your soul from human body to the ultimate. You will see a lot of pilgrims who go to the Ganga Ghats in Varanasi to take a dip in the holy Ganges to absolve them from all sins. Insight Varanasi Day Tour will take you to the Sarnath where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. It will includes: Sarnath Tour [Birth place of Buddhism] Evening Boat ride followed by Ganga Aarti Morning boat ride followed by old city walk.
Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off by private AC vehicle, Professional English speaking Private Guide [For Safe & Honourable tourism we provide only incensed Guide], Professional guide in other language [French/ German/ Spanish/ Italian] on demand and availability, Private Driver, Two times Private boat ride [Morning & Evening], Bottled water
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Tips
Reviewed By Janr20
It was so amazing and totally unexpected but delightful. It will not be forgotten and it will always be with me forever. Hints : warm clothing in December, good footwear, appropriate clothing and a good camera. If you want a good seat arrive early
6. Varanasi Boat Ride and Ancient Temples Day Tour with Breakfast
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
Explore a land of literature, aesthetic, art and spirituality, Varanasi on this 5-hour early morning tour. Enjoy a sunrise boat ride, followed by traditional refreshment and visit Hindu temples afterward.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Light refreshments, Professional guide, Boat Ride, Morning Arti, Walking
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By ravinaredi
visit in last few days everthing was so systematic from entry to exit .every one having keep quiet in church & to see the body of st francis xaviour is nice one experience .ligh & sound show & few things to see is nice experience & v can know some culture of christian too .overall everything to see is nice experience.
7. Private Custom Tour: Varanasi Sightseeing & Excursion to Sarnath with Guide
Overall Ratings
1.0 based on 1 reviews
Visit the Holiest city of India- Varanasi and immerse yourself with the pristine essence of rich Hindu religious culture. Visit the popular temples built with great architecture and the world famous Benaras Hindu University. Also, go for an excursion to Sarnath which is one of the three holiest sites for Buddhists. This is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon in 528 BC. Experience the religiously and culturally rich heritage and history of these cities. Includes transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle (including excursion to Sarnath) and services of a knowledgeable guide.
Inclusions: Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle, Local guide, Private tour, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water
Exclusions: Camera charges at monuments, Gratuities, Food and drinks
Reviewed By Ana11032785
I booked a domestic, international Meet and Assist transit service with your company for the first time. To say that I am very pleased with the service is to say nothing. I was met with a name placard just at the aircraft, taken by cart to a luggage pick-up area, and stayed at an arrival lounge for several hours to wait for my international flight check-in. Your customer service representative, Ajay, was extremely professional and attentive, really took great care of me as a solo female traveler with a few big suitcases, it was important to me to get an assist and feel safe during my transit time. When the time for my check-in came, another employee, Beny, with her colleague, accompanied me to the check-in counters and helped me go through all the procedures, taking me straight to my boarding gates. It was the best airport experience I had in India. Definitely worth every penny. Highly recommended!
8. Private 3-Night Agra and Varanasi with Sarnath Tour from Delhi by Train
Travel by train from Delhi to Agra and Varanasi on this 3-night private sightseeing tour. In Agra, see the Taj Mahal and other world famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the holy city of Varanasi, located on the banks of the river Ganges, visit the sacred Buddhist site Sarnath. In addition, witness the mesmerizing Aarti (prayer ceremony) on the banks of the Ganges to round out a trip you will never forget!
Inclusions: Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By Ana11032785
I booked a domestic, international Meet and Assist transit service with your company for the first time. To say that I am very pleased with the service is to say nothing. I was met with a name placard just at the aircraft, taken by cart to a luggage pick-up area, and stayed at an arrival lounge for several hours to wait for my international flight check-in. Your customer service representative, Ajay, was extremely professional and attentive, really took great care of me as a solo female traveler with a few big suitcases, it was important to me to get an assist and feel safe during my transit time. When the time for my check-in came, another employee, Beny, with her colleague, accompanied me to the check-in counters and helped me go through all the procedures, taking me straight to my boarding gates. It was the best airport experience I had in India. Definitely worth every penny. Highly recommended!
9. Varanasi and Taj Mahal Tour with Ganges Boat Ride
Experience the spirituality, mysticism and religious rituals of India on a 7-day private tour of Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. Visit the beautiful Taj Mahal, take part in a puja ceremony on the banks of the Ganges, and explore the street food in Delhi
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Bottled water, Professional guide, Private tour, All Sightseeing,All Pickup and drop by private air condition vehicle., Interstate transportation by air-condition Car / Flight, Accommodation if option selected, Boat ride and River Ganges., All Entrance fees including Taj Mahal.
Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By ValPenna
We had the Elephanta Caves and city tour. It was perfectly organized. Indian Magic Tours staff came at our appartment and took us to south Mumbai. After a quick tour of Victoria’s station, we went to Gateway of India and took the boat. Once on Elephanta Islande, a guide took care of us. He was very clear and made us discover a lot of very interesting information about the caves and Hindou religion. After that and a little tour in a fishermen village, we went back. Then another guide came for the city tour. We went to Marine Drive, Malabar Hill and Kamala Nehru Park. We also visited a beautiful Hindou temple before Malabar Hill. This entire day experience was wonderful !
10. Private Day Excursion To Allahabad Same day Tour From Varanasi
Welcome to Varanasi- Private Day Excursion Allahabad Same day Tour From Varanasi with Pickup and drop Within any Varanasi Location / Place . This is an Private Trip . English Speaking Tour Guide is Included. You Will Tours To ALLAHABAD FORT , PATALPURI TEMPLE AND AKSHAYA VAT , ANAND BHAWAN - Allahabad , SWARAJ BHAWAN - Allahabad , KHUSRAU BAGH - Allahabad , HANUMAN MANDIR - Allahabad , ALLAHABAD MUSEUM - Allahabad . Private Air-Conditioned Car Will be Provided.
Inclusions: Private Transportation, Guided Tours & Transfers
Exclusions: No Meals and Accommodation
Reviewed By Sridhar M
It was a very tight schedule to see everything in one day in Varanasi but we made it. It was worth it the trip to saranath especially to see the the Ashok chakra original version glad that we could see the ancient historical monument
TAGS
