Private journeys across India · Replies within 24 hours
Reviewed by Mirza Shadab Beg, Founder, Travelage India, Agra · Last updated 24 October 2026
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Short answer: three days is a good length for a Varanasi trip. Arrive for the evening Ganga aarti, spend day two on a dawn boat ride on the Ganges, the old lanes and Sarnath, and use day three for a slow morning and departure. A private guide explains the rituals and what to photograph.
Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and it does not hurry for visitors. People come to bathe, to pray, to cremate their dead and to be cremated themselves, and all of it happens in the open along the riverbank. It can be moving, confusing and exhausting in the same hour.
Three days is the right amount. You arrive and see the evening aarti, spend a full morning on the river and in the lanes, visit Sarnath in the afternoon, and still have time to rest. Your guide explains what you are seeing, where to stand and what not to photograph, so you can be present instead of worried.
If you can give a fourth day, we can add a quieter second morning, silk weaving, or a day trip.
Met at the airport or station and taken to your hotel, usually near the ghats. Rest after your journey. In the evening, watch the Ganga aarti, the fire ceremony on the riverbank, from a good vantage point with your guide.
Take a boat on the Ganges at sunrise, drifting past the ghats with your guide. Return for breakfast, then walk the old lanes, with their temples, silk shops and sweet stalls. In the afternoon, drive about 10 km (6 miles) to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first teaching, and visit the stupa and museum. The evening is yours.
A relaxed morning. If you wish, return to the river or take a last walk, then transfer to the airport or station for your onward journey.
Varanasi rewards preparation. Here is what we arrange so you can take it in.
The evening aarti and dawn boat ride are planned for the best light and the least crowding, with your guide beside you.
Your guide explains what you are seeing, where to stand and where not to photograph, so you can be present and respectful.
A government-approved guide joins you in each city, matched to the language and pace you prefer.
Your guide is chosen for the language you prefer and the things you love. Ask for Japanese or Russian and we will arrange it where we can.
Here is every leg with its distance and likely drive time. Times vary with traffic and stops.
| Leg | Distance | Drive time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varanasi airport to Hotel | about 25 km (16 miles) | 45 to 60 minutes | Traffic varies; the last stretch is on foot near the ghats |
| Varanasi to Sarnath | about 10 km (6 miles) | 30 to 45 minutes | Deer Park, stupa and museum |
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“Shadab is a tireless worker. He has arranged our trip according to our wishes. He has also managed to promptly overcome any inconvenience or mistake during the trip.”
“…He was very responsive and was always available when we had any questions. He also recommended hotels and places to stay. He was very flexible with providing guides only for the requested days.”
“Very awesome experience.. extremely professional and courteous, the chauffeur and the guides were very knowledgeable and knew the way to maneuver the system. They were highly flexible in adapting to any changes in my schedule.”
“I went to India alone and had an amazing experience with my tour guide, shiraz. He showed me all the beautiful places that india has to offer and even brought to places that was not initially planned after requesting it to make sure that I was completely satisfied with my tour.”
“I had an amazing time with Kishan (driver) and Bobby (guide). They both are very polite, nice and easy going. Bobby taught me so many facts and interesting things about Taj Mahal and India Culture in general.”
“Ali is a wonderful person and a fantastic & experienced driver! He keeps an immaculate car and is always very accommodating with any need, responsive and smiling. We felt comfortable and safe with him. Also a big shout out to Prahlad for his very interesting guided tour of Jodhpur!”
The right route depends on your time and what you hope to see. The highlighted row is the journey on this page.
| Journey | Time needed | How you travel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Days Varanasi Spiritual Tour | 3 days / 2 nights | Private luxury car and guide | Varanasi and Sarnath, unhurried |
| Varanasi, Prayagraj & Ayodhya | 5 days / 4 nights | Private luxury car and guides | Three holy cities in one journey |
| Golden Triangle with Varanasi | 8 days / 7 nights | Car, plus one flight | Monuments first, then the Ganges |
| Agra Mathura Vrindavan | 2 days / 1 night | Private luxury car | Krishna temples and the Taj Mahal |
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Yes. Three days lets you see the evening aarti, a dawn boat ride, the old lanes and Sarnath without rushing. With a fourth day you can slow down or add a day trip.
October to March is the most comfortable. Winter mornings are cold and foggy. April to June is very hot, and July to September is monsoon, when the river is high and some ghats are submerged.
A nightly fire ceremony of lamps, chanting and bells performed by priests on the riverbank. You can watch from the steps or from a boat. Your guide helps you choose a good vantage point.
Photography is welcome on the ghats and the river, but not at the cremation ghats, and you should ask before photographing people. Your guide advises on the day.
By air, with direct flights from Delhi and other major cities, or by train. We can advise on the best option and book flights for you. They are not included in the tour.
Varanasi is crowded and the lanes are narrow, with cows and traffic. With a private guide and car you avoid touts and know where to go. Keep valuables close in crowds.
Light, modest clothing with shoulders and knees covered, and shoes that slip off easily. Add layers in winter.
Yes. You have your own luxury car and licensed guide. Nothing is shared with other travellers.
With care. The ghats involve many steps and the lanes are narrow and uneven. Tell us about mobility needs and we will plan the boat and the walking accordingly.
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A Travelage representative meets you at the airport or station with a name board. Share your arrival details and we confirm everything the day before.
3 days / 2 nights. Starts and ends in Varanasi, with a private luxury car and a licensed guide.
Dress modestly, remove shoes at temples, and ask before photographing people. Photography is not allowed at the cremation ghats. Your guide explains this on the day, and rules and timings can change.
October to March is the most comfortable. December and January mornings are cold and often foggy on the Ganges, which can delay flights and boats. April to June is very hot, and July to September is monsoon, when the river is high, some ghats are underwater and boat routes may be restricted.
Dev Deepawali (around the full moon in November) lights the ghats with lamps and draws very large crowds, and the date follows the lunar calendar. Tell us if you want to be there, and book early.
