Varanasi’s dinner tours blend authentic food experiences with prime views of the city’s famous evening rituals. Having explored countless options, I’m particularly fond of the riverside rooftop dinners – they offer excellent vantage points for watching the Aarti ceremony while enjoying local cuisine. The intimate boat-and-dinner combinations are another standout, providing both a peaceful Ganges experience and quality meals.
Most tours include pick-up service and run 2-3 hours, with prices starting at budget-friendly street food walks and extending to high-end private dining cruises. I especially recommend the evening packages that combine traditional music performances with home-cooked meals – they’re both tasty and culturally enriching.
Let’s explore the most worthwhile dinner tours in Varanasi.
Key Points
- The Ultimate 2-Day Tour in Varanasi offers a comprehensive guided experience with private accommodation, meals, and a sunrise boat ride for $127.11 per person.
- The Rooftop Dinner Experience provides a serene dining setting along the Ganges River, including a boat ride and Aarti ceremony, priced at $266 per person.
- The Affordable Evening Dinner Tour offers a value-packed experience with private air-conditioned transfer, a three-course dinner, and cultural insights for $46.00 per person.
- The Night Boat Ride and Aarti Ceremony combines spiritual and culinary experiences, including a sunset boat cruise and dinner, for $17.72 per person.
- The Maharaja Boat Ride and Dinner provides a luxurious 5-hour tour with a private chauffeur, live music, and the Ganga Aarti ceremony for $425 per person.
Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi – Fully Guided Tour – Rooftop Dinner on Ganges
Although a whirlwind of activity, this fully guided 2-day tour in Varanasi offers travelers a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Recommended by 100% of travelers with a 5.0 overall rating, the tour includes private deluxe accommodation, meals, and a scenic sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
With an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and an English-speaking guide, the tour provides hassle-free logistics.
Starting at 9 AM, the private tour is flexible and features free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Priced at $127.11 per person, the tour provides exceptional value with the lowest price guarantee.
Read our full review: Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi – Fully Guided Tour – Rooftop Dinner on Ganges Review
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Varanasi: Private Evening Rooftop Dinner
A rooftop dinner along the Ganges River provides a serene and captivating way to experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi.
This private evening experience offers a 4-hour tour, including a boat ride, attendance at the Aarti ceremony, and a delectable dinner. Priced at $266 per person, this top-rated activity boasts a 5-star customer review.
Guests can expect a private group setting, allowing for a more intimate and personalized evening.
This dinner tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to enjoy Varanasi’s rich cultural heritage while indulging in a memorable dining experience on the iconic Ganges.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Private Evening Rooftop Dinner Review
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Varanasi: Evening Dinner With Private Transfer
For those seeking a more affordable yet immersive dinner experience in Varanasi, the “Evening Dinner With Private Transfer” tour provides an excellent option.
Priced from $46.00 per person, this 2.5-hour tour includes a private air-conditioned transfer, a fixed three-course North Indian dinner at a local restaurant, and the opportunity to learn about Varanasi’s culture and tradition.
The tour includes all taxes, service charges, and even bottled water, making it a convenient and value-packed experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this dinner tour is an attractive choice for travelers looking to savor authentic Varanasi cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Evening Dinner With Private Transfer Review
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Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner
Offering a unique blend of spiritual and culinary experiences, the “Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner” tour takes visitors on an enchanting journey through the holy city.
Priced at $17.72 per person, the 4-hour experience includes a sunset boat cruise, attendance at the captivating aarti ceremony, and a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides flexibility and convenience.
Highlights include breathtaking views, immersion in Varanasi’s rich culture, and the option for a live tour guide in multiple languages.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner Review
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Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner
Typically, the “Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner” tour provides a captivating exploration of the city’s spiritual and culinary delights.
Priced from €54.88 per person, the 4-hour experience includes a sunset boat ride, witnessing the awe-inspiring aarati ceremony, and a dinner at a local restaurant.
Travelers can enjoy the city illuminated at night, learn about the cultural significance of the rituals, and savor the flavors of Varanasi.
With positive reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guides and memorable boat ride, this tour offers an immersive introduction to the spiritual heart of India.
Flexible booking options and free cancellation further enhance the experience.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner Review
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India: Evening Ganga Aarti With Dinner and Private Transfer
Exploring Varanasi’s spiritual essence, the “India: Evening Ganga Aarti With Dinner and Private Transfer” tour provides an immersive experience.
For $90 per person, you’ll witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony, led by a head priest. The 45-minute ritual includes Aarti Agni Pooja, a prayer to Lord Shiva.
After the ceremony, enjoy a boat ride to Dashashwamedh Ghat and a dinner at a local Indian restaurant. Transportation is included, with a private air-conditioned car picking you up and dropping you off at your Varanasi hotel.
However, past customers have reported poor visibility of the Aarti, a short boat ride, and a disappointing dinner experience, earning the tour a 1/5 overall rating.
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Varanasi: Evening Arti Boat Tour With Dinner
The “Varanasi: Evening Arti Boat Tour With Dinner” offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony from the comfort of a royal boat.
The 4-hour tour includes a private boat ride, traditional dinner, and hotel transfer for $266 per person.
Highlights include the awe-inspiring Aarti rituals, a royal boat experience on the Ganga River, and a delicious meal at a renowned local restaurant.
Complimentary snacks and drinks are provided onboard.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this private group tour led by an English-speaking guide is a must-try for those seeking an authentic Varanasi experience.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Evening Arti Boat Tour With Dinner Review
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Varanasi: Maharaja Boat Ride and Dinner
Visitors seeking an unparalleled Varanasi experience can embark on the captivating “Maharaja Boat Ride and Dinner” tour. Priced at $425 per person, this 5-hour excursion includes a private chauffeur pickup, a decorative Maharaja boat ride with live music, and a delectable dinner at a local restaurant.
Along the journey, guests will witness the awe-inspiring Ganga Aarti, a one-hour ceremony featuring mantras and hymns dedicated to Hindu deities.
The tour offers a seamless blend of culture and gastronomic delight, with included amenities like snacks, drinks, and a welcome cocktail.
With free cancellation and a pay-later option, this experience is a must-try for those seeking an unforgettable evening in Varanasi.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Maharaja Boat Ride and Dinner Review
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Recap
Varanasi offers a range of dinner tours that allow visitors to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage. These tours often include a boat ride along the Ganges, witnessing the Aarti ceremony, and enjoying a delicious rooftop meal overlooking the river. Whether it’s a private tour or a group experience, these dinner tours provide a unique and memorable way to explore Varanasi’s vibrant nightlife.