2 days Varanasi spiritual tour

Two days on the Ganga — the great temples and the old lanes, the evening aarti, a boat at first light and the silk weavers of Banaras.

At a glance

Duration

2 days, 1 night

Destinations

Varanasi

Transport

Private AC car plus boats

Tour type

Private

Guide

Licensed Varanasi guide

Starts

Your Varanasi hotel, 9 am

What makes this one worth it

• Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna, Durga and Tulsi Manas temples
• Banaras Hindu University and the New Vishwanath temple
• Evening Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Sunrise boat past Dashashwamedh, Assi and Manikarnika ghats
• Sankat Mochan temple and a Banarasi silk weaving centre

Your day by day

1. Day 1 · 9:00 AM

   The temples of Varanasi

   Your driver and guide meet you at the hotel. Kashi Vishwanath, the Annapurna and Durga temples, Tulsi Manas temple, Banaras Hindu University with its New Vishwanath (Birla) temple, and the Bharat Mata temple, with time in the lanes and markets of the old city.

2. Day 1 · 5:30 PM

   Ganga aarti

   The evening aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, watched from the steps or from a boat on the river. Back to the hotel.

3. Day 2 · 5:30 AM

   Sunrise on the Ganga

   A boat past Dashashwamedh, Assi and Manikarnika ghats as the morning rituals begin. Back for breakfast.

4. Day 2 · 9:30 AM

   Sankat Mochan and the silk weavers

   The Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple, an optional visit to Ramnagar Fort, a Banarasi silk weaving centre and the handicraft markets.

5. Day 2 · 3:00 PM

   Drop-off

   Back to your hotel, or to the airport or station for your onward journey.

What the price covers

• Private AC car
• Licensed Varanasi guide
• Two private boat rides
• One night hotel with breakfast
• All entry tickets
• Taxes

What it does not cover

• Flights or trains to Varanasi
• Meals other than breakfast
• Camera fees
• Tips

Questions people ask

How early is the sunrise boat?

On the water by 5:30 am in summer, closer to 6 in winter. It is the best hour of the day here.

Is there a dress code?

Modest clothing, and shoes come off at the temples. The lanes are uneven, so wear something you can walk in.

Can we photograph the cremation ghats?

No. Your guide will be direct about this. Everywhere else is fine.

Should we watch the aarti from the steps or from a boat?

Either works, and the choice is yours. The boat gives you a calm view away from the crowds, while the steps put you right in the energy of the ceremony.

Can we take phones into Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

No. Phones, bags and cameras go into lockers outside, and your guide will help you with them before you go in.

Can we stay close to the ghats?

Yes, if you choose a riverside hotel, though most are reached on foot through narrow lanes the car cannot enter. A city hotel is easier for luggage and access, and we will suggest what suits you.

Can you meet us at the airport or station?

Yes. Getting to Varanasi is not included, but we can add an arrival transfer if you send us your flight or train details, and on day two we drop you at the airport or station.

Is vegetarian food easy to find?

Very. The old city around the temples is largely vegetarian, and your guide can point you to good places for kachori, chaat and a proper thali.

When is the best time to visit Varanasi?

October to March is the most comfortable, with mild days and cool mornings on the river. In the monsoon the Ganga can rise high enough that boats are suspended for safety, so we plan around that if needed.

On the route