Varanasi Tours and Trips 2024/2025

Varanasi is among the oldest cities in the world and is one of Hinduism’s holiest sites. The smells and sounds of this vibrant, history-rich city assault the senses, and with its heady mixture of religion and reality of death, taking it all in can be an intense experience. Yet, this is India at its most raw and authentic, and a Varanasi tour will leave few travelers unmoved.

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Varanasi Tour Reviews

5 - Excellent
Based on 38 customer reviews
Felt pampered throughout the holiday
5 - Excellent
  • John Wilson
“My wife and I wanted to see the highlights of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur but also to visit Varanasi and see some of the less touristic areas. The tour operator spent literally weeks advising us and tailoring a 17 day trip to meet our wishes. They included some 'off the beaten track' locations which were some of the best experiences we had. We wanted a private tour so that we could really experience the culture at first hand. The tour company provided a driver and car, with representatives to welcome us to each hotel and guides to show us round each location. Everything was absolutely superb and we felt pampered throughout the holiday. The best thing was that, through the company staff, we could meet local people and get a feel for their lives, instead of being in an isolated tourist group. The cost of the private package was comparable with a similar duration group tour provided by some Europe / US based firms. Altogether this tour company made this such a wonderful, memorable experience. I cannot recommend them too highly.”
Wont hesitate to go again
5 - Excellent
  • Tracey Aplin-Rae
“Can not fault this company from the time of my first email looking a the golden triangle tours Delhi Agra Jaipur they were brilliant. They were very prompt returning all my enquires prior to booking and changed the original tour as the Taj is closed on Fridays. payment for the fully escorted tour was easy and only a deposit was require the rest on arrival. We were met at the airport even though our plane from Singapore was several hours late.While in India they rang each day to see if everything was going ok. Our driver was excellent and each guide we had for each district were very knowledgeable and helpful. Second time in India and wouldnt not hesitate to use them again.”
We had a wonderful time in North India
5 - Excellent
  • Beth
“We had a wonderful time in North India. The best part of our trips was our drivers! Both were outstanding, professional and very friendly and helpful. Also, the organized guides along the way were also fantastic. The price of the trip was the best we had found for what we received. It was also very helpful having breakfast included each morning. The Golden Triangle tour is a must! Would highly recommend.”

Varanasi — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

Tour Highlights

  • Take an early morning boat trip out onto the river for views of the city and the chance to observe the faithful completing their ritual ablutions in the holy river — an unforgettable sight.
  • Visit Manikarnika Ghat, the most famous of the so-called ‘Burning Ghats’, to witness the macabre but emotive spectacle of Hindu cremation ceremonies.
  • Pay homage at the Vishwanatha temple, also known as the Golden Temple.
  • Explore the labyrinth streets of the Old City on foot. If you lose your bearings, just head to the river to find your way back.
  • Watch the Agni Puja ceremony that takes place every evening at Dasaswamedh Ghat, the main ghat.
  • Take a popular day trip 10km north of Varanasi to Sarnath, the site where the Buddha gave his first sermon. There is an archaeological park, temples representing the main Buddhist countries and a bodhi tree grown from an offshoot of the one under which the Buddha gained enlightenment.

Travel Tips

  • Hotels away from the center may be more comfortable and perhaps better value, but for the full experience, consider staying in the atmospheric Old City during your Varanasi tour.
  • Varanasi can be uncomfortably hot in the summer months. The best time for your trip to Varanasi is from October to March when temperatures are pleasantly cool. Bring something warm to wear in the evenings.
  • The rooftops of Varanasi are patrolled by troops of macaques and langurs. If you are staying in a hotel with a rooftop terrace, be careful with your belongings — monkeys have been known to carry off cameras and other valuables as well as any food they can manage to pilfer!
  • Since Varanasi is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, you will need to remain alert for scams. A common one involves rickshaw drivers telling you there is a problem at your hotel before offering to take you somewhere else. Insist on being taken to your hotel — and if they still refuse, politely get out and find another driver.
  • The Ganges may be Hinduism’s holiest river, but it is also incredibly polluted. If you decide to join the faithful for morning ablutions, make sure you don’t drink the water.
  • If Varanasi isn’t your dream destination, worry not! There are plenty of places to explore on an India trip.
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