Varanasi

Varanasi:  Places to visit in Varanasi, Varanasi Tour Packages, Private Day Tours, City Sightseeing, Excursion & Activities

Varanasi Tour Packages, Varanasi- one of the world’s oldest living cities, holds a revered place in Indian history and culture. Mentioned in both the Mahabharata and Ramayana, this city was already a thriving trade hub when Rome was being founded. Just 10 km away lies Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon around 500 BCE, establishing the foundation of Buddhism. Known for its exquisite paan (betel leaves) and silk sarees with intricate brocade work, Varanasi offers a journey through history, spirituality, and culture. A boat ride along the Ganges and strolls along its ghats provide experiences that are unforgettable.  Various tour packages to Varanasi include visits to ancient temples, ghats, a serene boat ride on the Ganga, and the iconic Ganga Aarti. Sarnath often serves as an additional highlight for travelers.

Major Attractions in Varanasi:  The Ghats of Varanasi: The ghats are the lifeline of Varanasi, stretching along the banks of the Ganges. There are around 88 ghats, each marked by a sacred lingam. The most visited include:  Dashashwamedh Ghat – bustling with activity and spiritual rituals, Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats – cremation ghats, significant in Hindu beliefs, Assi Ghat – a favorite for early morning baths and yoga sessions, Sunrise along these ghats, local rituals, and priests performing daily pujas create a spiritual atmosphere unique to this city, Kashi Vishwanath Temple: A major pilgrimage site, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses His 12th Jyotirlinga. Built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, the temple complex is also home to shrines of Kaal Bhairav, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, and Virupaksh Gauri. Often called the Golden Temple, it attracts thousands of devotees every day, Durga Mata Temple: Also called the Monkey Temple, this 18th-century shrine celebrates Goddess Durga, symbolizing feminine power. Known for its North Indian-style multi-tiered shikhara, the temple is vibrant with the presence of monkeys and devotees alike, Bharat Mata Temple: Unlike traditional temples, Bharat Mata Temple honors Mother India, featuring a marble relief map of undivided India instead of an idol. Built in 1936 by freedom fighter Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, it is located within the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus, Alamgir Mosque: Constructed by Aurangzeb, this mosque blends Hindu and Mughal architectural styles and stands on the site of an earlier Vishnu temple, Tulsi Manas Temple: Dedicated to Lord Rama, this temple marks the residence of Saint Tulsidas, where he authored the epic Shri Ramcharitmanas, New Vishwanath Temple: Situated within Banaras Hindu University, this temple, planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and funded by the Birlas, is open to people of all faiths and social backgrounds, Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Established in 1917, BHU spans 5 square kilometers and houses Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum with miniature paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts that reflect Varanasi’s rich cultural heritage,  Ramnagar Fort: Dating back to the 18th century, this sandstone fort, still home to the royal family, features Saraswati Bhawan Museum with vintage cars, ivory collections, medieval costumes, and traditional artifacts. Accessible by boat from Dashashwamedh Ghat, the fort is a visual treat for history enthusiasts.

Nearby Excursions: Allahabad (Prayagraj): Approximately 135 km from Varanasi, this city lies at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. It is a prominent site for fairs, rituals, and pilgrimages,  Sarnath: About 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is a key Buddhist center where Buddha delivered his first sermon and formed the first Sangha. Emperor Ashoka later constructed the famous stupa along with several other Buddhist monuments here.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (April–June): High temperatures (up to 45°C) but ideal for bathing in the Ganga, Monsoon (July–September): Holy rituals peak during this period; greenery enhances the ghats, Winter (December–January): Cool weather for sightseeing, though river bathing may be challenging.

How to Reach Varanasi – By Air: Varanasi airport connects to major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, By Train: Varanasi Railway Station links the city to major destinations, with taxis and cabs available for onward travel,  By Road: UPSRTC buses and taxis offer easy access from neighboring states.

Scenic India Tours offer comprehensive pilgrimage tour packages along with complete travel and sightseeing services for Varanasi. Our services include hotel reservations, flight bookings, car rentals, and local transportation to make your Varanasi journey seamless and enjoyable. We are always ready to assist you in planning your trip. Simply fill out the form at the bottom of this page with your travel details, and we will respond to your query as quickly as possible.