Full Day Varanasi Tour by Car
Overview
Experience the spiritual essence of India with a Full Day Varanasi Tour by Car, a journey that takes you through the ancient and sacred city of Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares. Widely considered the oldest living city in the world, Varanasi is the spiritual heartbeat of Hinduism, where time seems to stand still, and devotion permeates every corner.
This thoughtfully curated tour offers the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver, allowing you to explore the city’s highlights at your own pace. Begin your day with a serene sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges, where you’ll witness the city awaken with rituals, chants, and morning prayers along the ghats. The rising sun casting golden hues over the water is an unforgettable sight.
Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, along with other iconic spiritual sites such as Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and the New Vishwanath Temple at BHU. You’ll also explore the unique Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a relief map of India carved in marble.
In the afternoon, choose to visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, or browse through local markets known for exquisite Banarasi silk sarees and handicrafts. Conclude your spiritual journey with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a soul-stirring ritual of fire and devotion performed on the banks of the holy river.
Ideal for pilgrims, culture lovers, and curious travelers, this private full day varanasi tour with ganges river boat cruise with ganges river boat cruise offers a deep and immersive glimpse into India’s timeless spiritual traditions—all in a single, unforgettable day.
Included/Exclude
- Private AC vehicle with driver for the full day
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Fuel, tolls, parking, and driver allowances
- Sunrise boat ride (shared or private, depending on package)
- Entry fees to temples, monuments, or museums
- Guide services (optional – can be arranged on request)
- Meals, tips, and personal expenses
- Sarnath excursion entry ticket (if opted)
Tour Plan
Recommended Start Time: 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM
Your day begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel by a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Drive to the ghats of the River Ganges, where you’ll embark on a serene sunrise boat ride—a must-experience moment in Varanasi.
As the golden sun rises over the water, you'll witness a spiritual spectacle: locals and pilgrims performing daily rituals, offering prayers, bathing in the holy river, and chanting mantras.
Key Highlights:
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Dashashwamedh Ghat – The most vibrant and oldest ghat in Varanasi
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Assi Ghat – A peaceful spot where spiritual seekers gather for yoga and prayers
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Morning Aarti & Ganga rituals
This sacred hour offers a glimpse into the soul of Varanasi—peaceful, powerful, and timeless. After the boat ride, return to your hotel or enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant (optional; not included).
After breakfast, proceed to explore Varanasi’s most revered temples and spiritual landmarks. With your private car and driver, comfortably move through the city’s spiritual heart.
Temples & Sites Covered:
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the most sacred temple in Varanasi. Note: Entry may be restricted for non-Hindus; Darshan only from outside if applicable.
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Annapurna Devi Temple – Adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath, devoted to the goddess of nourishment.
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Bharat Mata Temple – Unique for housing a massive relief map of undivided India carved in marble.
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Tulsi Manas Mandir – Built at the site where Goswami Tulsidas composed the epic Ramcharitmanas.
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Durga Temple (Monkey Temple) – Famous for its red ochre color and large population of monkeys.
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Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – One of Asia's largest universities; visit the New Vishwanath Temple, a modern replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant known for authentic Banarasi cuisine. You may try dishes like Baati Chokha, Tamaatar Chaat, or Kachori Sabzi. (Lunch is not included in the package and is payable directly.)
Option 1: Sarnath Excursion (Recommended)
After lunch, take a short drive (approx. 10 km) to Sarnath, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. This is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Major Attractions:
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Dhamek Stupa – A massive stone and brick structure marking the spot of Buddha’s sermon
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Ashoka Pillar – With the lion capital that is now India’s national emblem
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Sarnath Archaeological Museum – Houses rare Buddhist artifacts, sculptures, and relics
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Mulagandha Kuti Vihar – A modern Buddhist temple with stunning murals and a serene setting
Option 2: Varanasi Local Markets Tour
If you prefer staying within the city, explore Varanasi’s bustling markets:
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Shop for Banarasi silk sarees, wooden toys, handmade jewelry, and musical instruments
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Try local sweets like Malaiyyo, Rabri, and Lassi from famous street vendors
As the day draws to a close, head back to the Dashashwamedh Ghat by 5:30 PM to secure a good viewing spot for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti.
The Ceremony Includes:
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Chanting of mantras
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Bells and conch sounds
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Fire offerings by priests
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Rows of oil lamps lighting up the dusk sky
Optional: Watch the ceremony from a boat on the river (available at extra cost), offering a magical view of the ghat and the synchronized rituals.
After the Ganga Aarti, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel, railway station, or airport as per your preference.
Your Full Day Varanasi Tour by Car ends with cherished memories of spiritual experiences, cultural insights, and sacred moments that make Varanasi truly timeless.
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