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Activity Varanasi, India

Varanasi: 2 Days Varanasi & Sarnath Tour 4-star Hotel Stay

2 days Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Varanasi: 2 Days Varanasi & Sarnath Tour 4-star Hotel Stay

About this activity

Book the absolute best, top-rated 2 Days Varanasi and Sarnath Private Guided Tour for an unforgettable spiritual journey. Experience the mystical soul of India with a magical evening Ganga Aarti ceremony and a serene early morning private sunrise Ganges River boat cruise. Avoid chaotic crowds with pre-booked fast-track entry to the sacred Shri Kashi Vishwanath Golden Temple and the historic UNESCO heritage site of Sarnath. Travel in absolute comfort inside a private luxury air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated professional chauffeur and a certified live expert guide.

  • Private Sunrise Cruise: Enjoy a scenic rowboat ride on the holy Ganges River.
  • Golden Temple Access: Fast-track VIP entry to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
  • Witness Ganga Aarti: Reserved seating experience for the grand evening ritual.
  • Sarnath Excursion: Explore the ancient Buddhist cradle with a licensed guide.
  • Luxury AC Vehicles: Seamless hotel private transfers with a chauffeur.
Multi-day Tours Zombie Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration
2 days
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Guide
English, Spanish
Operated by
Taj One Day Tour

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–14 years) · Adults (15–90 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Transport by private, Air-Conditioned Car
  • Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Included: Bottled Water during Tour
  • Included: GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Included: Breakfast
  • Included: Personal care and attention
  • Included: Tour with Professional guide
  • Included: Hotel Pick-up and drop-off service
  • Included: Local taxes
  • Included: 4 Star Hotel Stay (If price selected)
  • Included: Professional Tour Guide

Not included

  • Not included: Dinner
  • Not included: Tipping / Gratuities : Guide and Driver
  • Not included: Flight Tickets

Itinerary

Day 1 · DAY 1: Spiritual Ghats, Temples & Grand Ganga Aarti

  1. Dasaswamedh Ghat

    2 hours Admission included

    The Soul of Kashi, Mystic Alleys & Ancient Culture:

    05:30 AM – 07:30 AM: Subah-e-Banaras & Private Sunrise Boat CruiseFollowing a comfortable private pickup from your hotel, arrive at Assi Ghat. As the morning air fills with the soothing resonance of Vedic hymns and classical music, step onto your private boat. Watch the rising sun paint the historic riverfront in shades of gold. Cruise past the historic Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh Ghats while your expert guide narrates the legendary history of Kashi.

  2. Varanasi Excursion

    one hour Admission included

    08:00 AM – 09:30 AM: Traditional Akhada Visit & Banarasi Breakfast:

    Disembark and walk over to a traditional clay 'Akhada' (wrestling arena). Observe the traditional lifestyle of the pehalwans (wrestlers) as they pay respects to the earth and engage in ancient fitness routines. Afterward, dive into a legendary local eatery to savor an authentic Banarasi breakfast consisting of piping hot Kachori-Sabzi and saffron-infused Jalebis.

  3. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    2 hours Admission included

    10:00 AM – 01:00 PM: The Hidden Alleys & Kashi Vishwanath Darshan:

    Begin your guided heritage walk through the mesmerizing, maze-like alleyways of Old Varanasi, which have remained unchanged for centuries. Navigate seamlessly to the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple). Along the way, discover hidden shrines and listen to captivating mythological tales shared exclusively by your guide.

  4. Varanasi

    Passing by

    01:30 PM – 03:00 PM: Traditional Satvik Lunch:

    Relax and enjoy an authentic, multi-course vegetarian Banarasi Thali at a carefully selected, clean heritage restaurant away from the city's hustle.

  5. Stop 5

    2 hours

    03:30 PM – 05:30 PM: Banarasi Silk Masterclass (Lallapura Colony):

    Head into the heart of Lallapura to visit the ancestral homes of master weavers. Watch real handloom Banarasi silk sarees being woven thread by thread. Converse directly with the artisans to understand the immense labor behind this fading art form. We use specific clusters equipped with generator backups so that unexpected power cuts never ruin your guests' experience.

  6. Ganga Aarti

    one hour Admission included

    06:00 PM – 08:00 PM: Exclusive Evening Ganga Aarti Experience:

    As dusk falls, witness the world-famous Ganga Aarti ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Avoid the overwhelming crowds by watching the ceremony from a securely docked private boat or an exclusive, pre-arranged elevated platform, offering a perfect, unobstructed view of the rhythmic brass lamps and spiritual chants.

  7. Varanasi

    Passing by

    08:30 PM: Return Transfer to Hotel:

    Relax as your private vehicle drops you safely back at your hotel.

4- Star Hotel Accommodation (If hotel price selected)

Accomodation 4 Star Hotel Stay

Day 2 · Day 2 : Sarnath & Kashi

  1. Kedar Ghat

    2 hours Admission included

    06:30 AM – 08:00 AM: Kedar Ghat Exploration & Morning Clay-Pot Chai:

    Begin the second morning at Kedar Ghat, renowned for its distinct South Indian Dravidian architecture. Sit peacefully by the river steps, sip on Varanasi's famous thick 'Kulhad' (clay-pot) Malai Chai, and soak in the calm, spiritual morning atmosphere.

  2. Sarnath

    2 hours Admission included

    09:00 AM – 01:00 PM: Sarnath - The Cradle of Buddhist Peace:

    Drive slightly outside the main city to Sarnath, the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his very first sermon. Walk through the peaceful archaeological park containing the massive Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and excavated ruins dating back to the 3rd century BC. Visit the Sarnath Museum to see the majestic Lion Capital of Ashoka and the world-renowned 'Dharmachakra' preaching Buddha statue.

  3. Sarnath

    Passing by

    01:30 PM – 02:30 PM: Cafe Lunch Break:

    Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a quiet, hygienic cafe located near the serene surroundings of Sarnath.

  4. Banaras Hindu University

    2 hours Admission included

    03:30 PM – 05:00 PM: Banaras Hindu University (BHU) & New Vishwanath Temple:

    Your next stop is Asia's largest residential university campus—BHU. Drive through its lush, tree-lined avenues to visit the grand New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), famous for its towering white marble spire and walls beautifully engraved with verses from the Bhagavad Gita.

  5. Stop 5

    one hour

    05:30 PM – 07:00 PM: Godowlia Bazaar & Local Street Food Crawl:

    Conclude your tour by exploring the vibrant markets of Godowlia and Chowk. Guests can shop for genuine local handicrafts, wooden toys, and silk souvenirs. Wrap up the day by tasting Varanasi’s iconic savory 'Tamatar Chaat' (tomato chaat) followed by the famous sweet 'Banarasi Paan' to complete the local experience.

  6. Varanasi

    Passing by

    07:30 PM: Final Drop-off:

    End of services with a private drop-off at your hotel, the Varanasi railway station, or the airport.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

  • Keymagics Hotel Anmol
  • L S Grand By GRB
  • OYO 75149 Hotel Indra
  • SPOT ON 39336 Ashirvad Gh
  • OYO 16610 Hotel Shri Ram International
  • OYO Hotel Shyamal
  • Nivedita Hotel
  • Hotel Raj Shanti Varanasi
  • Shree Sai Paying Guest House
  • OYO 14881 Hotel Tamilnadu
  • Goroomgo D S Residency Varanasi
  • OYO 48509 Hotel Mittram

and 1,022 more pickup points

Pickup and drop-off service available

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Specialized infant seats are available

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

  • All Inclusive with 4-star Stay

    Service:: At this price, you will get 4-star hotel stay with breakfast, private car with pickup and drop and sightseeing with Guide

    Pickup included

  • Tour with Car and Guide

    Service: At this price, you will get a private air-conditioned car with driver and a professional tour guide.

    Pickup included

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Varanasi: 2 Days Varanasi & Sarnath Tour 4-star Hotel Stay

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