Varanasi Tour Packages

Varanasi Tour Packages

Through its centuries-long history, Varanasi has also been called Kashi and Banaras, which is why the same trip is often booked as a Kashi tour package. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is its most important pilgrimage site.

How to Plan a Trip to Varanasi

Settle these before you travel:

• Choose Trip Duration: Two to three days are enough for Varanasi and Sarnath. Add a day or two if you also want to visit Prayagraj or Ayodhya.

• Make Advance Reservations: It saves you last-minute hassles and lets you travel with a relaxed mind. Look for hotels or guesthouses within your budget and book online, or call them if online booking is not available.

• Transportation: Plan how you will reach Varanasi from your city. Book your flight or train tickets early. For a road trip, hire a private cab.

• Sightseeing Plan: List the places you want to visit and make sure your itinerary covers both temples and heritage sites.

• Be Aware of Local Customs: Get to know the local customs and temple rules so that you do not make unintentional mistakes.

If you book a Varanasi holiday package, you do not have to worry about any of this. The itinerary, transport and pre-booked hotels are all handled by our team.

How to Reach Varanasi

You can reach Varanasi by air, train or road:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (IATA: VNS) at Babatpur, about 22 km from Varanasi as listed by the district administration. It has direct flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai.

• By Train: Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Banaras Railway Station (BSBS, earlier called Manduadih) are the two main railway stations. Many express trains run from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Lucknow. Popular trains include the Kashi Vishwanath Express, Shiv Ganga Express and the New Delhi to Varanasi Vande Bharat Express, which takes about 8 hours.

• By Road: Varanasi is on NH 19, the Delhi to Kolkata highway. Many private Volvo coaches and UPSRTC buses serve the city. You can also book our Varanasi package with road transfers to cover this journey.

Distance from Major Cities to Varanasi

From Mumbai and Kolkata, a direct flight or an overnight train is the practical choice.

Accommodation in Varanasi

Choose the area first. It decides how much you walk.

• Near the Ghats: Staying near the ghats puts you close to the Ganga, the temple and the evening aarti. Many of these properties are inside narrow lanes where cars cannot enter.

• Cantonment Area: Located close to Varanasi Junction railway station, it offers modern and convenient hotels. It is also well connected to other parts of the city.

• Sarnath: Sarnath is about 10 km from Varanasi and is ideal for those who want to explore the Buddhist heritage as well.

Accommodation by Budget

Places to Visit in Varanasi

Here are the top places that you will visit with our Varanasi travel package:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most sacred temples in India. It houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Often referred to as the 'Golden Temple', it was rebuilt by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780.

General darshan is free. The temple opens at 2:45 AM with the Mangala Aarti and closes at 11:00 PM after the Shayan Aarti. Sugam Darshan, which has a shorter queue, is listed at INR 250 per person on the temple's official schedule and runs from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Mobile phones, smart watches and cameras are prohibited inside. Lockers are limited, so the temple advises visitors to leave belongings at the hotel. No vehicles are allowed between Godowlia and Maidagin, and the temple runs e-carts for visitors with disabilities.

Ghats of Varanasi

The ghats of Varanasi are a delight to explore. The district administration counts 88 ghats along the Ganga. Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and Panchganga Ghat are among the best known. Keep one evening for the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. A boat ride shows you the ghats from the river.

Banaras Hindu University

Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916, Banaras Hindu University has a main campus of about 1,370 acres. BHU describes itself as the largest residential university in Asia. The New Vishwanath Temple, built by the Birlas in 1966, stands inside the campus. Bharat Kala Bhavan, an art museum, is also here. It has a large collection of miniature paintings, sculptures, textiles and old photographs of Varanasi.

Ramnagar Fort

Ramnagar Fort, about 14 km from the city on the opposite bank of the Ganga, is the royal residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi. The family still lives in a part of it. Built by Maharaja Balwant Singh in 1750 in cream-coloured Chunar sandstone, it houses a temple dedicated to Ved Vyasa and a museum displaying vintage cars, royal palanquins, swords, guns and antique clocks.

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation ghat of Varanasi and a deeply sacred place for Hindus. Cremations take place here through the day and night. It is believed that those cremated at Manikarnika attain moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Visitors are welcome to observe respectfully from a distance. Photography is not permitted.

Tulsi Manas Temple

Built in 1964 on the site where the saint-poet Tulsidas is said to have composed the Ramcharitmanas, this white marble temple is dedicated to Lord Ram. Verses from the Ramcharitmanas are carved across the temple walls. It is well maintained and is one of the more peaceful stops in the city. Durga Temple and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple are a short distance away.

Sarnath

Located about 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is one of the four principal Buddhist pilgrimage sites. UNESCO inscribed the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath on its World Heritage List in 2026.

Key attractions include the Dhamek Stupa (5th to 6th century CE), the Ashoka Pillar built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (its Lion Capital became India's national emblem), the Sarnath Museum, and temples from Japan, Tibet, Thailand and China. It is a half-day trip from Varanasi and is included in most of our Varanasi packages.

Things to Do in Varanasi

• Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganga: Board a boat at dawn and drift past the main ghats as priests light lamps and the city wakes. Sunrise shifts through the year, so fix the departure time the evening before.

• Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Every evening at sunset, rows of priests perform a synchronized lamp ceremony with bells, conch shells and Sanskrit chants. The start time moves with sunset through the year, so check the day's time locally. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early. It is best viewed from a boat.

• Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Darshan: The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (inaugurated in December 2021) connects the temple directly to the Ganga at Lalita Ghat. Carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar recommended), which is needed with Sugam Darshan and aarti tickets.

• Walk the Old City Lanes: The narrow gallis (lanes) between Dashashwamedh Ghat and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple are lined with flower sellers, silk shops, sweet shops and tiny shrines. They are best explored on foot with a local guide.

• Explore Banarasi Silk Weaving: Visit a weaving workshop in the old city to watch weavers make Banarasi silk sarees on handlooms, a skill passed down through generations.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

The best time to visit Varanasi is the winter season, from November to February. The weather is pleasant and comfortable for moving around the city. IMD normals for December to February show nights of about 9 to 12°C and days of about 23 to 27°C. Pack woollens and a jacket.

The city receives heavy footfall during festivals like Diwali, Dev Deepawali and Maha Shivaratri. If you want a peaceful, uncrowded trip, avoid these dates.

The monsoon, from July to September, is the hardest season for river activities. High water can cover the lower steps of the ghats and stop boat rides, so check local conditions before you plan a trip around the river.

Best Time Quick Reference

Temperature and rainfall figures are IMD climatological normals for Varanasi (1981 to 2010).

Cost of Varanasi Holiday Package

We offer a range of packages for pilgrims from all walks of life. Our budget Varanasi tour package starts from INR 6,254. You can also extend it into a longer pilgrimage with our Varanasi Prayagraj Ayodhya Vindhyachal Yatra, which starts from INR 14,375. Each package lists what it covers: hotel, meals, transfers and sightseeing. Flight or train tickets to Varanasi, special darshan or aarti tickets and personal expenses are extra unless your quotation says otherwise. Give us a call so that we can take things forward.

All prices are starting prices per person on twin sharing.

* Approximate reference prices are marked with *. Final price can vary by travel date, hotel category, group size and availability.

Which Varanasi Package Fits Your Days

• 2 days: The Varanasi Sarnath Sightseeing Tour (INR 6,337) covers Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath.

• 3 days: The Varanasi Prayagraj Tour Package (INR 8,638) adds the Triveni Sangam.

• 4 days: The Varanasi Prayagraj Ayodhya Vindhyachal Yatra (INR 14,375) is the choice if Ayodhya is a must.

• 5 to 8 days: These tours add Bodhgaya, Naimisharanya, Chitrakoot or Puri, and start from INR 18,857.

• 13 days: The Best of Uttar Pradesh tour starts in Delhi and also covers Agra and Mathura.

Varanasi Food Guide

Varanasi is as much a food destination as it is a spiritual one.

• Kachori Sabzi: The classic Varanasi breakfast of crispy kachoris with spiced aloo sabzi and jalebi, sold at stalls around Godowlia Chowk from early morning.

• Banarasi Lassi: Thick, creamy lassi served in earthen kulhads and topped with fresh cream.

• Malaiyo: A winter-only delicacy of milk foam flavoured with saffron and cardamom.

• Thandai: A cold milk drink blended with nuts, saffron and spices, especially popular during Holi and Shivaratri.

• Banarasi Paan: Sweet paan with gulkand is the traditional way to end a meal.

Shopping in Varanasi

Varanasi produces some of India's most prized handcrafted goods, many with GI (Geographical Indication) protection.

• Banarasi Silk Sarees: Known for their gold and silver zari brocade work and considered auspicious for weddings. Ask the seller about the weave, the material and the GI tag before you pay.

• Brassware & Metalcraft: Diyas, idols, religious items and decorative pieces. Thatheri Bazaar near Vishwanath Lane is known for them.

• Rudraksha & Religious Items: Rudraksha beads, malas and puja items are widely available in Vishwanath Gali near the temple.

• Wooden Toys & Lacquerware: A GI-tagged craft of brightly painted wooden toys, and an affordable gift.

Festivals & Events in Varanasi

Hotels fill early on festival dates. Book ahead if you plan to travel on any of these.

Travel Tips for Varanasi

• When you visit a temple, wear modest clothes.

• If you fancy a boat ride, early morning is the best time for it. It is cooler, and the morning rituals on the Ghats are under way.

• If you are visiting during Diwali, Dev Deepawali or Maha Shivaratri, book your Varanasi trip well in advance.

• Be cautious while taking photographs. Do not take pictures inside temples or at the cremation Ghats.

• Leave your mobile phone and smart watch at the hotel before going to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Lockers there are limited.

• Footwear: You will remove your shoes at every major temple. Wear sandals or slip-ons instead of laced shoes.

• Senior citizens should keep a slow pace. The ghats have steep steps and vehicles cannot enter the old city lanes.

Book Your Varanasi Tour Package with Namaste India Trip

Namaste India Trip offers customizable Varanasi tour packages for families, senior citizens, couples and groups. Each one is planned around your time and budget. You can add a day, change the hotel category or include Prayagraj, Ayodhya or Bodhgaya. Call +91-9711616316 or write to info@namasteindiatrip.com for an itinerary and a quote.