What to do and see in Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh: The Best Sightseeing Tours

October 22, 2021 Vergie Nakamoto

Discover the best top things to do in Varanasi District, India including Banaras Tour, Visit to Death Hotel in Varanasi, Tour of Sarnath, the starting point of Buddhism religion (by car from Varanasi), Private Custom Tour: Varanasi Sightseeing & Excursion to Sarnath with Guide, Private Half-Day Varanasi Walking Tour and Tuk-Tuk Ride at Sunrise, Varanasi and Taj Mahal Tour with Ganges Boat Ride, Varanasi Photography Tour with Lunch, Varanasi Photography Tour, Varanasi Village Tour, Guided Half Day Sarnath Car Tour from Varanasi with a local in AC car.
Restaurants in Varanasi District

1. Banaras Tour

Banaras Walk
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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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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)

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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

Exclusions:

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

Delhi Airport Service Private Limited
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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!

5. Private Half-Day Varanasi Walking Tour and Tuk-Tuk Ride at Sunrise

City Tours India Varanasi

Walk on the steps of Ghats of Varanasi along with holy Ganges river with your personal guide. Enjoy a Tuk-Tuk ride to the holy city. Watch the pilgrims of the holy city in this jaw dropping one-of-a-kind 4-hour experience.

Inclusions: Private guide, Walking tour on the Ghats of Varanasi, Ride on a Tuk-Tuk, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Visit to old bazaars of Varanasi

Exclusions: Food and drinks

6. 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 !

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Varanasi Village Tour

Yo Tours

“The soul of India lies in its villages” as said by Mahatma Gandhi, and this tour is just the right approach to discover the depths of real India and its villages. This offbeat tour is an opportunity to actually be among the village communities of India and get personal in-depth insights into their lifestyle and livelihood, which are hardly mentioned in a travel guidebook. 1. Visit Village Sarai Mohana known for its silk weaving and craftsmanship of the weavers with their distinct design. Banarasi sarees made by these waivers are among the finest saris in India. 2. Experience ploughing, sowing seeds, cattle grazing, dairy farming, learn local cooking, visit to a local school and spend time with rural kids. 3. Finally visit the village Chiraigaon, here visit the house of Chiraigu and meet the natives; get to know about the day to day life of the villagers with their way of livelihood.

Inclusions: Highly trained and friendly Storyteller/ Guide who can speak English & Hindi, Car for all the destinations within city limits, Great local tips and recommendations, Experience the long history stretching back 2000 years

Exclusions: Water Bottle and Snacks

Reviewed By Ramraj900

I enjoyed the Boat Ride in the Lake.Being there in the peace with stunning view was breathtaking.Even the walk on the Ghats was one of a kind experience.

10. Guided Half Day Sarnath Car Tour from Varanasi with a local in AC car

Yo Tours Varanasi

Sarnath; an important Buddhist pilgrim spot, where Buddha made his first sermon after getting enlightenment. If you are running short on time or just come down to explore touristic destinations in and around city, half day city tour is the best option. We have picked up all the spilled pieces together and created a beautiful garland of it in our Sarnath Tour, an unmatched heritage experience with awesome stories to understand a city's existence, culture and lifestyle. Highlights of the tour would be following places. 1. Sarangnath Temple 2. Japanese Temple & Monastery 3. Chaines Temple & Monastery 4. Thai Temple & Monastery 5. Burmese Temple & Monastery 6. Mulgandha Kuti Vihar 7. Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins 8. Chaukhandi Stupa 9. Sarnath Archeological Museum 10. Budha Park 11.Bharat Mata Mandir 12. St. Mary's Cathedral Small Car (upto 3 Person) Big Car (upto 5 Person)

Inclusions: 1. Friendly Storyteller/Guide, 2. Hotel pick and drop, 3. Great local tips and recommendations, 4. Great conversations with stories that you can't find on the internet, 5.Snacks Local's Favorite Spot (Complimentary)

Exclusions: Bottled Water, Sunglasses. sunscreen and Cap (if required), Umbrella (in case of rainy season or summers), Camera if you enjoy photography as the tour is full of great places where you can take amazing shots

Reviewed By MariaCabreGil

We enjoyed a lot the Boat Ride in Varanasi! It is worth waking up early to enjoy the increadible sunrise in the river and the views of the ghats from the boats. RJ was our guide, he is very friendly and attentive. After the boat ride, we could enjoy the free tour arroud the streets of Varanasi with RJ. We had few time for the visit but he arraged it perfectly to our schedule. We ask him to visit “the street life in Varanasi” and he showed us small streets of the city with good explanations. Is was a very nice tour! Thank you!

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