Varanasi full day tour

One day on the Ganga from dawn to the evening aarti — two boat rides, the old temples, the university and time for the silk shops.

At a glance

Duration

About 14 hours

Destinations

Varanasi

Transport

Private AC car plus boats

Tour type

Private

Guide

Licensed Varanasi guide

Pickup

Your hotel in Varanasi

What makes this one worth it

• Sunrise boat past Assi, Dashashwamedh, Harishchandra and Manikarnika ghats
• Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna, Durga and Tulsi Manas temples
• Banaras Hindu University and the Birla (New Vishwanath) temple
• Bharat Mata temple and its marble relief map of India
• The evening Ganga aarti watched from a boat

Your tour schedule

1. 5:00 AM

   Pickup and down to the river

   Your guide meets you at the hotel and walks you down to the ghats before the sun is up.

2. 5:30 AM

   Sunrise boat along the ghats

   A rowing boat from Assi to Manikarnika as pilgrims bathe and the morning prayers begin.

3. 7:30 AM

   Breakfast at the hotel

   Back to the hotel for breakfast and an hour's rest.

4. 9:30 AM

   The temples, BHU and the old city

   Kashi Vishwanath corridor, Annapurna, Durga and Tulsi Manas temples, the Banaras Hindu University campus and its Birla temple, Bharat Mata temple, then the lanes and markets of the old city.

5. 1:30 PM

   Lunch and free time

   Lunch at a place your guide recommends, then free time for Banarasi silk, handicrafts or a rest.

6. 5:30 PM

   The Ganga aarti from the water

   A boat from Dashashwamedh Ghat to watch the evening aarti from the river, away from the crush on the steps.

7. 7:30 PM

   Back to your hotel

   Drop at your hotel after the ceremony.

What the price covers

• Private AC car and driver
• Licensed English-speaking guide
• Sunrise and evening boat rides
• Entry tickets where charged
• Bottled water
• Tolls, parking and taxes

What it does not cover

• Hotel stay
• Meals
• Shopping
• Tips

Questions people ask

Can we photograph the cremation ghats?

No. Manikarnika is seen from the boat, without cameras. Your guide will say when.

Are phones allowed inside Kashi Vishwanath?

No. Phones, bags and cameras are left in lockers outside the temple. Your guide will help.

Is it a long day?

It is, with a three-hour break in the middle. Anyone who wants to skip a part can do so.

Do we need to book our own hotel?

Yes, a hotel stay is not part of this tour. We pick you up from wherever you stay in Varanasi, and we are happy to suggest options if you have not booked yet.

Is Sarnath included?

No, this day stays in Varanasi itself. If you would like to see Sarnath, where the Buddha first taught, we can add it or swap it in for part of the afternoon.

What should we wear?

Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and shoes that slip off easily for the temples. Winter mornings on the river are cold, so bring a warm layer for the sunrise boat.

Is this tour suitable for older travellers?

Yes, with some care. The ghat steps are steep and the old lanes uneven, so your guide sets an easy pace, and anyone can rest at the hotel during part of the day.

What is the best season for this tour?

October to March is the most comfortable. In the peak monsoon the river can rise enough that boats are suspended, and winter dawns can be foggy, so we keep the plan flexible.

Is vegetarian food easy to find?

Very. Much of old Varanasi is vegetarian, and your guide will recommend a good place for lunch, which you order and pay for yourself.

On the route