1 Night / 2 Days
Varanasi
Extension Tour
Varanasi moves at its own pace. Dawn on the Ganges, ghat walks, Ganga Aarti, and the Buddha's first teaching site at Sarnath.
Tour Overview
Varanasi sits on the western bank of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. This 2-day extension covers the ghats, the old city, a dawn boat ride, the Ganga Aarti ceremony, and the Buddhist site of Sarnath, 10 kilometres away.
The ghats are the heart of the city. Each one carries a different character and rhythm. Walking them slowly from Assi Ghat northward gives you the full picture. The river at dawn is a different experience entirely. Pilgrims bathe, priests perform morning rituals at the water's edge, and the light on the Ganges at this hour is exceptional for photography.
Sarnath closes the extension. It is the site where the Buddha gave his first teaching after enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, deer park, and archaeological museum make it one of the most significant Buddhist sites in India.
- Ghat walk from Assi Ghat northward through Dashashwamedh and Harishchandra Ghat
- Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of India's most striking ritual ceremonies
- Dawn boat ride on the Ganges at the most important hour of the river day
- Extraordinary photography light on the river and ghats at first light
- Old city walk through narrow lanes, silk weavers, chai stalls, and old havelis
- Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first teaching, with Dhamek Stupa and deer park
One Stop, River to Stupa
Dawn on the Ganges and evening Aarti at the ghats, closing with Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first teaching.
01
Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh
Ghat walks and boat rides on the Ganges at dusk and dawn, the Ganga Aarti ceremony, the old city's narrow lanes, and Sarnath's Dhamek Stupa 10 kilometres out.
2 Days · 1 City + Sarnath
The route, stop by stop.
A short stay in Varanasi by flight or train, closing with the onward journey from Varanasi Airport after Sarnath.
01
Delhi
Days 1
02
Varanasi
Days 1 - 2
02
Sarnath
Days 2
Varanasi
Days 1 - 2
Day 1
Arrive Varanasi, Ghat Walk, Dusk Boat Ride and Ganga Aarti
You arrive in Varanasi by flight or train at 14:00 and transfer to your hotel near the ghats. At 15:30 you walk the ghats northward from Assi Ghat through Tulsi, Harishchandra, and Dashashwamedh. Each ghat has its own character. The city reveals itself on foot. At 17:30 you take a boat ride on the Ganges at dusk, watching the ghats from the river as the light fades. At 19:00 you attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Priests in saffron carry fire lamps, incense rises, and bells carry across the water in one of the most striking ritual ceremonies in India. Dinner in the old city follows and you overnight at your hotel.
Day 2
Dawn Boat Ride, Old City Walk, Sarnath and Onward Flight
You are on the river by 05:30 for the dawn boat ride. Pilgrims bathe in the early light, priests perform morning rituals at the water's edge, and the ghats carry a quietness that the rest of the day does not. The light on the river at this hour is exceptional for photography. Breakfast at 07:30. At 09:00 you walk through the old city, the narrow lanes behind the ghats, the chai stalls, the silk weavers, and the old havelis. You visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the surrounding lanes of the old quarter. At 11:00 you drive to Sarnath, 10 kilometres away, where the Buddha gave his first teaching after enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, archaeological museum, and deer park close the visit. Lunch and transfer to Varanasi Airport follow for your onward flight.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included
- Lodging in Varanasi for one night, including all meals.
- Dusk boat ride on the Ganges on Day 1.
- Dawn boat ride on the Ganges on Day 2.
- Guided ghat walk and old city walk.
- Ganga Aarti attendance at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Guide and transfer to Sarnath including entrance fees.
- Air-conditioned vehicle for all local transfers in Varanasi.
- Airport or station assistance before and after the tour.
- Water bottles during all transfers and walks.
Not Included
- Personal expenses like laundry, phone calls, liquor, à la carte food, etc.
- International or domestic airfares and rail tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and Gratuities
- Day 1 Meal
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion section.
Booking & Terms.
Booking Procedure
To confirm your seat, a 50% advance amount along with a recognized Government Identity card (Aadhar, Pancard, Driver’s License, OCI, Passport, Voter’s ID, school/College ID) is to be sent to us.
For non Indian nationals, only Passport is allowed.
Id’s should be scanned and emailed at sa****@**********ia.com
Cancellation Policy
| Notice Given | Refund |
|---|---|
| 120 days or more before departure | Full refund |
| 60 days or more before departure | 80% refunded |
| 30–59 days before departure | 60% refunded |
| 21–30 days before departure | 40% refunded |
| 11–20 days before departure | 20% refunded |
| 10 days or less, or no-show | No refund |
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Netherlands
We were a bit late with planning the safari trip and many good spots were fully booked, but Krunal was very helpful and creative in planning a trip that met our needs. The resorts where very comfortable and the food was tasty. Krunal was very responsive to our messages Read More
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Switzerland
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Australia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Varanasi Extension Tour?
1 night and 2 days, covering Varanasi's ghats, the Ganga Aarti, and Sarnath.
Is this a safari tour?
No. This is a heritage-only extension, built to pair with a wildlife tour or run as a standalone trip.
What are the main sights covered?
The ghats along the Ganges, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the old city, and Sarnath's Dhamek Stupa and deer park.
Are both a dusk and dawn boat ride included?
Yes, one boat ride at dusk on Day 1 and another at dawn on Day 2, each showing the ghats in very different light.