The 10 Best Cultural Tours in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

July 25, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

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. Banaras Tour

Banaras Walk
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Early Morning Ganges Tour- Visiting Early morning to Ganges and doing Boat Ride,observe morning religious activities such as bathing ceremony, Hindu rituals and rites, yoga and meditation, listen to the  sound of prayers, bells and Mantra with  from the boat. Sarnath Tour, which is very famous place for Buddhist. In deer park, Buddha preached his first sermon to his five disciples about 2500 years ago.Varanasi Varanasi City Sightseeing, visiting BHU (Banaras Hindu University), Sankat Mocahn Temple, Durga Mata Temple and Bharat Mata Temple. Evening Ganges Ceremony Later after the City tour witness the evening ceremony of mother Ganges, Which is called Ganga Arti

Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Boat Ride at River Ganges (Twice: Morning and Evening)

Exclusions: a. Hotel Room b. Any Air Fare/Train Fare c. Any personal Expenses d. Video Camera Charges at monuments. e. Tips/Gratitude to Driver/Guide (Recommended)

Reviewed By zzci

Me and my friend booked the tour from Banaras tour. They provided as a very excellent and a very nice guided tour. They have got a very good knowledge about hidden treasures of Varanasi. Highly recommended.

2. Visit to Death Hotel in Varanasi

Tour Varanasi
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Have you ever thought, what every Hindu wants after death ? Paradise or Heaven ? No, it is Moksha or Salvation.  We invite you to explore a hostel wherein people check-in to die ..... also known as Death Hostel or Salvation House.  Highlights :  • Guided visit to Death Hostel to Varanasi  • Interact with those who are going to die in next few days • A guided death house tour to Varanasi  • Know what a person regrets and wish for when he is at edge of death 

Inclusions: A personal English speaking tour guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off by a private medium car, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Goods and services tax

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Everything which is not mentioned in 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.

3. Tour of Sarnath, the starting point of Buddhism religion (by car from Varanasi)

Sair
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Just 10 km away from Varanasi, lies the city of Sarnath. It is a pilgrimage center for the Buddhists and the Jains. It is famous for its ruins of Buddhist temples and stupas. It is considered to be the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon and led the wheel of time, enshrining his principles of teaching into laws. The site became a center of learning. Only a kilometer away from Sarnath lies, Singhpur, a village which was the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the Eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism. A temple dedicated to him is an important pilgrimage site. In this tour, you will be accompanied by a well-informed guide who will walk you through the ruins of the ancient monasteries, temples, and stupas of Buddhists and the archaeological museum. You will listen to narratives of the history of Sarnath, learn bout the philosophy of Buddhism. You will be picked up in an air-conditioned car from your location to Sarnath and return.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea

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Reviewed By Natarajanbala58

A place to feel the old Goa, be it the architecture, locality, Art galleries. Need to walk a lot to experience and enjoy. Have a good Camera and don't forget to carry a water bottle . Visit either during the morning or evening hours because it is too hot during the peak of the day. Visit to Fontainhas is incomplete if you don't visit the Altino hills Maruthy temple. From where you can have a good view of the the new Atal Bridge over Mandovi River.

4. Walking Tour By Aman

Boat & walking tour with Aman
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Explore Varanasi's heritage/history through a person who has their roots in this holy city. My family has lived in Varanasi for multiple generations, working as bronze temple tower designers. I love my city and also love to share about every street corner and the complex history of Varanasi...

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: Coffee and/or Tea

Reviewed By nathanrK933OA

We were fortunate enough to find Aman accidentally whilst walking around Varanasi. He is a very relaxed and knowlegable guy and showed us the most amazing side of the Ghats. We went on Diwali which would usually be super busy but due to covid was much calmer. We hope to hang out with Aman whilst we are still in Varanasi as he is a great person to know in the city. Thanks again for everything!

5. Banaras Wala Tours

Assi ghat, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India Vinay Singh
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4.9 based on 100 reviews

What makes my tours different from others is that i offer an authentic experience of Varanasi with an extremely knowledgeable guide to lead the way. Each tour is individually tailored to your interests so you get to see what is important to you. You can try traveler friendly street food, take a prive sunrise tour of the Ghats and ceremonies, wander through the winding back alleys and old city, see the Aghori Babas and temples, and experience how spirituality is so deeply woven into the lives of the people here. Having lived here my whole life and being a guide for the last 8 years has given me a deep knowledge of the city and the traditions, rituals and religions that it surrounds. During the tour I will pass on much of this to you so you can have a more meaningful experience of the city.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Chai, Local sweets

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Reviewed By zana f

A trip around Varanasi with Vinay was amazing. I've been to Varanasi several times but he was the forst person who took me to sanskrt university where he explained to me the philosophy of mahabharata, but aplied to common everyday experiences of people. I would recommend him as a guide to everyone. Charismatic character with a lot of knowledge and kindness.

6. Religious tour of Varanasi with official guide

Lord Varahar Shire, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Near Dashaswmedh Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India My Tour Guide Varanasi
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Varanasi is a great spot for Hindu pilgrims.Hindus come to Kashi (Varanasi) to fulfill their religious and spiritual needs.In the name of religion they get easily cheated.if you wish to get your needs smoothly and safety completed.Hire a approved guidesfrom this platform who will facilitate you for following needs.1-Ganga puja 2- Shiv darshan 3 - In organising real priests 4- Temple tours 5- Helping to perform ritual to leave cremation remains in holy river Ganga. 6-Banarasi Real silk shopping places. This tour is made for Hindus weather they come from overseas or from any Indian territories. Money in form of INR also can be paid at the place of USD

Inclusions: Puja Darshan

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Reviewed By rajiv n

Everything about Varanasi was worth discovering.The nimbu chai was invigorating Keep it up! And all the best

7. Private Custom Tour: Varanasi Sightseeing & Excursion to Sarnath with Guide

Delhi Airport Service Private Limited
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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. Varanasi and Taj Mahal Tour with Ganges Boat Ride

India Magic Tours

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 !

9. Varanasi Photography Tour with Lunch

SITA World Tours

Varanasi has been a cultural and spiritual center of North India for several thousand years. It lies on the Ganges - considered a holy river. Hindus believe that death in the city will bring salvation, making it a major center for pilgrimage. Varanasi also was a significant place of activities during the development of Buddhism. The city’s daily hustle and bustle and Varanasi’s otherness make it an absolute highlight for photographers, especially for those interested in portrait and street photography. Lunch is included after the tour. Highlights : • Streets, Temples, Ghats • Varanasi Riverfront • Religious ascetics

Inclusions: Transport by private air conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off within city center., English Speaking Local Guide., Lunch at local Restaurant. ( Beverage Excluded), 02 bottles of mineral water per person

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities ( Optional, Camera and accessories (available for rent)

Reviewed By rudra254

This is an amazing place to have all types of South Indian cuisines. The staff is really helpful and courteous and provide very good guidance in selecting the dishes.

10. Varanasi Photography Tour

SITA World Tours

Varanasi has been a cultural and spiritual center of North India for several thousand years. It lies on the Ganges - considered a holy river. Hindus believe that death in the city will bring salvation, making it a major center for pilgrimage. Varanasi also was a significant place of activities during the development of Buddhism. The city’s daily hustle and bustle and Varanasi’s otherness make it an absolute highlight for photographers, especially for those interested in portrait and street photography. Highlights : • Streets, Temples, Ghats • Varanasi Riverfront • Religious ascetics

Inclusions: Transport by private air conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off within city center., English Speaking Local Guide., 02 bottles of mineral water per person

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities ( Optional, Camera and accessories (available for rent)

Reviewed By rudra254

This is an amazing place to have all types of South Indian cuisines. The staff is really helpful and courteous and provide very good guidance in selecting the dishes.

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