Varanasi: Private Guided Tour of Varanasi and Sarnath

Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, beckons travelers to explore its rich cultural heritage. This private guided tour offers an immersive experience, taking visitors through the serene grounds of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and the captivating streets of Varanasi. With hotel or airport pickup, a luxury vehicle, and a knowledgeable English guide, the tour promises a seamless and enlightening journey. As the sun sets, the iconic Ganga Aarti ceremony on the Ganges River presents a mesmerizing finale, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of this sacred city’s timeless allure.

Key Points

• This private guided tour offers a comprehensive experience of Varanasi and Sarnath, including visits to iconic landmarks, temples, and the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
• The tour is priced at €40.80 per person and includes pickup, luxury transportation, a private English-speaking guide, and access to key sites.
• In Sarnath, visitors can explore the Sarnath Museum, Dhamek Stupa, Deer Park, and ancient monastery and temple ruins, gaining insights into the life of Buddha.
• The Varanasi tour covers vibrant streets, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Monkey Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Birla Temple, and culminates in the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
• An optional boat ride on the Ganges River, weather permitting, offers a unique perspective of Varanasi’s spiritual atmosphere and activities on the ghats.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private guided tour of Varanasi and Sarnath offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of two of India’s most iconic destinations.

Priced from €40.80 per person, the 1-day tour includes pickup from your Varanasi hotel or airport, transportation to the nearby town of Sarnath, and 2 hours of sightseeing there.

After a lunch break, the tour continues with a 3-hour guided exploration of Varanasi, including visits to Hindu temples and the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony.

The tour provides a private English-speaking guide, a luxury vehicle, and bottled water throughout the day.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a convenient and immersive way to discover the spiritual and cultural highlights of this remarkable region.

Pricing and Inclusions

At a starting price of €40.80 per person, the private guided tour of Varanasi and Sarnath offers excellent value for the comprehensive experience it provides. The tour includes a luxury vehicle for the entire day, pickup and drop-off from the chosen location, a private live English guide, and a mineral water bottle. Plus, the tour provides access to key highlights such as Hindu temples, the Ganga Aarti ceremony, and the Sarnath Museum. To better understand the inclusions, consider the following table:

Inclusions	Details
Transportation	Luxury vehicle, airport/hotel pickup and drop-off
Guide	Private live English guide
Other	Mineral water bottle

The tour’s pricing and inclusions make it an attractive option for those seeking an in-depth exploration of Varanasi and Sarnath.

Itinerary and Highlights

The private guided tour of Varanasi and Sarnath offers an immersive itinerary that allows visitors to explore the cultural richness of these renowned destinations.

The tour begins with a 20-minute drive to Sarnath, where travelers spend 2 hours sightseeing and visiting the museum to discover the site of Buddha’s first sermon.

Afterward, the guide leads a 3-hour tour of Varanasi, where highlights include:

1. Witnessing the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats.
2. Exploring the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Monkey Temple, and Birla Temple.
3. Optionally taking a boat ride on the Ganges River, weather permitting.
4. Participating in the Ganga Aarti ceremony.

The tour concludes with return to Varanasi, providing an enriching day of culture.

Sightseeing in Sarnath

Sarnath, the serene locale where Buddha delivered his first sermon, provides visitors with a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich Buddhist heritage.

The tour includes a visit to the Sarnath Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Buddhist artifacts, including the iconic Lion Capital of Ashoka.

Guests will also explore the Dhamek Stupa, a massive stone monument marking the site of Buddha’s first teaching.

The peaceful Deer Park, where the Buddha first taught, offers a tranquil respite.

Visitors can wander through the ruins of ancient monasteries and temples, imagining the vibrant spiritual community that once thrived here.

This immersive experience in Sarnath complements the dynamic tour of Varanasi.

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Guided Tour in Varanasi

After exploring the serene Sarnath, the tour then ventures into the vibrant and chaotic streets of Varanasi.

The guided tour takes visitors through the city’s most iconic landmarks, including:

1. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu sites.
2. The Monkey Temple, known for its playful primates.
3. The Tulsi Manas Mandir, a temple dedicated to the famous Hindu poet.
4. The Birla Temple, a modern and architecturally impressive structure.

The tour also includes an optional boat ride on the Ganges River, weather permitting, and culminates in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, where visitors can witness the spiritual rituals performed along the river’s edge.

Optional Boat Ride

An optional boat ride on the serene Ganges River is available during the tour, weather permitting.

The boat ride offers a unique perspective of Varanasi’s iconic ghats and temples along the riverbank. Guests can witness the rituals and activities on the ghats, including the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony, from the comfort of the boat.

This optional activity allows visitors to fully enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of the holy city. The boat ride is subject to weather conditions and can be arranged based on availability and guest preferences.

It provides an enchanting and memorable experience, complementing the comprehensive guided tour of Varanasi and Sarnath.

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

One of the highlights of the Varanasi tour is the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a captivating and centuries-old Hindu ritual performed daily on the banks of the sacred Ganges River.

Visitors can witness the mesmerizing display of light, music, and devotion as the priests wave large, flaming lamps in a synchronized dance.

The ceremony typically includes:

1. The offering of flowers, incense, and other sacred items to the river.
2. The chanting of ancient mantras and hymns.
3. The ringing of bells and the beating of drums.
4. The release of floating lamps, creating a breathtaking display on the water.

Participating in the Ganga Aarti is a profound and unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Varanasi.

Important Information

Visitors should come prepared for the Varanasi tour with essential items like sunglasses to shield their eyes from the sun and comfortable shoes for the walking involved. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited. Plus, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, the following guidelines should be observed:

What to Bring	What’s Not Allowed	Special Considerations
Sunglasses	Alcohol	Not suitable for pregnant women
Cash	Drugs	–
Comfortable Shoes	–	–
–	–	–
–	–	–

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, and French, catering to diverse needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary to your preferences. The tour provider offers flexibility to adjust the sightseeing locations and timings based on your interests and convenience.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour can accommodate individuals with disabilities, though specific accessibility details are not provided. Guests are encouraged to discuss any needs or concerns with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure the tour meets their requirements.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Optional Activities?

The tour includes an optional boat ride on the Ganges River, which is subject to an additional fee. Other optional activities, such as lunch, may also incur extra charges not included in the tour price.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Lunch Option?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or halal lunch option. The tour operator provides customizable meal options to accommodate various dietary requirements. Simply let them know your preference when booking the tour.

What Are the COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place for the Tour?

The tour follows strict COVID-19 safety protocols, including mandatory masks, temperature checks, and sanitization of vehicles and high-touch areas. Hand sanitizer is provided, and social distancing is maintained throughout the tour.

Recap

This private guided tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Varanasi and Sarnath, the spiritual heart of India. Visitors can discover the sacred sites, including the Ganga Aarti ceremony, and opt for a boat ride on the Ganges for a unique perspective. The tour’s competitive pricing and inclusions, such as hotel/airport pickup and an English-speaking guide, make it an attractive and practical choice for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: