2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Varanasi, India
- 2 days (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Experience the essence of Varanasi in just two days with a perfectly curated tour for first-time visitors. Explore one of India’s holiest cities along the sacred Ganges River, guided by an expert who brings its history and culture to life. Visit iconic landmarks while uncovering the city's rich traditions, from its intricate architecture to its spiritual significance. Gain a deeper appreciation for Varanasi’s dynamic blend of ancient rituals and modern-day vibrancy.
- Overnight accommodation in a 4-star hotel
- An exclusive boat during sunrise boat ride
- All sightseeing and activities included
- Guide leads you through a thoughtful itinerary and provides insightful commentary
What's Included
- Private chairs in balcony to witness evening aarti ceremony and private hand rowing boat in morning
- All airport and railway station transfers, sightseeing & excursions will be by a private chauffeur driven, AC Toyota Car.
- Services of an English speaking local guide for the monuments as per the program.
- An exclusive boat during sunrise boat ride
- All currently applicable taxes, including the GST of 5.0% applicable on total invoice amount
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusion
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Varanasi AirportVaranasi India
Pickup details
We shall pick-up guests from Varanasi airport or railway station. We need arrival/departure flight or train details.
Itinerary
Day 1
Varanasi arrival + Northern Bazzar Walk + Evening aarti ceremony from a private balcony
2 Stops
1
Ganges River
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Ganga Aarti
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Hotel based on whichever category is chosen by you
Meals: Not included
Day 2
Sunrise boat ride + Understand cremation rituals [See it live if you want] + Visit to Sarnath + Departure transfer
4 Stops
1
Indianapolis
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Manikarnika Ghat
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Sarnath
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
4
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Not included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- No high heel shoes are recommended to wear
- An additional Christmas Evening and New Year evening gala dinner will be extra and addition at Hotel and should be settled directly with clients in Hotel.
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 39 reviews
Ricardo_G, Mar 2024
The itinerary should be updated, you do not need two days, our traveling schedule was constructed under this itinerary and unfortunately we felt that they could add more places or things to do. We were half of the time inside the hotel. 😢 (plus we were very far from the main area of Varanasi)
Although the guide was helpful and kind, we feel the script of the tour needed more power, a punch. We want to have as many details and information and the city has all the history to achieve this.
Fidel_C, Mar 2024
The Ganges river boat ride and the cremation ritual. The tour guide and driver were pleasant and professional
David_L, Feb 2024
The most valuable asset of the whole tour was the guide's explanations. He was well versed and thoughtful in bringing us to different spiritual sites. Our guides were prompt in picking us up from the airport. We arrived at 12PM and were brought to our hotel. I would advise travellors to skip hotel check-in so they don't waist valuable tour time stuck in traffic (we had to change our tour schedule because of it.) The first day we went to a silk manufacturer that specialised in Jacquard. It was a short experience with a sales focus. We then went ot a restaurant with a large number of other tourists, the food wasn't flavorful as most street food, but it was clean. We then didnt have time to go to our next destination so we went to the cremation site which was the spiritual hilight of the trip. The guide talked us through the meaning and significance of the practice. Raw and emotional, not for the faint of heart. We then walked to the evening ceremony (not the hi-light even though there is much tradition, its really nothing more than a few monks yelling in a microphone for an hour (no disrespect at all, just curbing expectations.)) Our seats weren't great as we had a pole right in front of our faces. We were brought to the three star hotel afterwards, which was another story. There were mice in the unit, and alot of hair on the shower floor, however, the setting was beautiful and the hotel pick was great.
The next morning we went to the ganges for sunrise which was absolutely stunning and the guide shared some of his favorite street food with us which tasted great. We then went to Sarnat the buddhist site and the guide brought us to an antioque shop, but everything being sold was new but made to look old. We left and were brought to a restaurant that was empty save ofr a few tourists and the food was sub par and flavorless, but clean. That concluded our tour. I think it would be easy to get a similar experience for half the cost, and on your own with a few google searches to find general information about the sites. however, the guide made it so we could be present in the moment and not on our phones researching what the significance of the cremation site was. Also note that there is only one night stay in the hotel, it is a two day, one night tour. I would recommend to families, but i think negotiating a rate for more people would make it feel more fair. 3.5/5
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Dear Guest,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We appreciate your positive comments about our guide's explanations and the promptness of our pick-up service. We apologize for any inconvenience during your hotel check-in and the challenges faced at the cremation site.
Your insights on the silk manufacturer and the restaurant experience are duly noted, and we'll work towards enhancing those aspects. We regret any discomfort caused by the pole obstructing your view during the evening ceremony and acknowledge your concerns about the hotel conditions.
We're delighted to hear that the Ganges sunrise and the guide's street food recommendations were highlights for you. Your observations regarding the antiques shop and restaurant at Sarnath are valuable, and we'll use them to improve future experiences.
We understand your perspective on cost, and we strive to provide a balance between convenience and value. Your recommendation for families is appreciated, and we'll explore options for more flexible rates for larger groups.
Thank you again for your detailed review. We value your input and hope to have the opportunity to enhance your experience in the future.
Best regards,
Vimal Kumar
Maria_C, Jun 2023
Wonderful experience. I loved seeing the ceremonies at night and seeing the city from the boat in the morning. It was super interesting and a great way to learn about the country's culture.
Deborah_V, Oct 2022
Varanasi is a truly magical experience of sights, sounds, tastes and add to that the genuine warmth of its people - the whole experience was fantastic and our guide and driver made the tour a wonderful adventure we will never forget!
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Dear Ms Deborah,
Thank you for taking out time in writing this wonderful review. Happy that you loved our services and our deigned tours this much.
Hope to serve you someday soon again.
Till then, keep travelling !
Sonia Sharma.
michaelyee816, Oct 2019
Excellent tour through Sarnath and Varanasi! Although the tail end of the monsoon rains prevented us from boating on the Ganges, our guide provided us the opportunity to still see the traditional ceremonies. We were grateful to have visited all the temples and sacred sites that make Varanasi such a special place. Varanasi at night is a very lively spot, so having an experienced guide and driver is a must have.
Jodie_Y, Aug 2018
Varanesi was definitely a lifetime experience for us. The vibrancy of this city is amazing. Sunny our guide led us through the crazy streets and really looked after us. I would highly recommend booking a tour with this company as from the time of booking till the tour finished they were in constant contact with me and they were always on time waiting for us.
OscarMar_T, Jul 2018
Sunny was both informative and entertaining and had lots of good insights . Both sunny and his driver were excellent ...
NadineMarie_A, Oct 2023
Étant en solo, je conseille cette formule découverte. Wassim, mon guide ,très professionnel, à l écoute, m a fait tout particulièrement aimé cette ville si typique au bord du Gange
Likely to Sell Out
From $135.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers
39
2 days
Free Cancellation
From
$135.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
![Varanasi Morning Boat Tour [RowBoat]](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-360x240/09/c3/3c/2d.jpg)
Attractions in Varanasi, India
- Sarnath Tours & Tickets
- Varanasi Ghats (Banaras Ghats) Tours & Tickets
- Chaukhandi Stupa Tours & Tickets
- Dashashwamedh Ghat Tours & Tickets
- Manikarnika Ghat Tours & Tickets
- Ganges River (Ganga) Tours & Tickets
- Kedar Ghat Tours & Tickets
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) Tours & Tickets
- Pillars of Ashoka Tours & Tickets
- Dhamek Stupa Tours & Tickets