Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti in Varanasi
Varanasi, India

Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti

Outty Ranking 77 4.9 · 35 traveler reviews14 hoursFrom $117
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Outty Ranking

77/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti worth booking?

Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti is a 14-hour experience in Varanasi, India, from $117 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
77 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (35)
Duration
14 hours
From
$117 per person

This is a Private Tour, designed for the regular tourist who comes to Varanasi first time and wants to experience to way of life in India with Hinduism and Buddhism.  It includes Morning boat ride at the dawn followed b

What you get

    About this experience

    This is a Private Tour, designed for the regular tourist who comes to Varanasi first time and wants to experience to way of life in India with Hinduism and Buddhism.  It includes Morning boat ride at the dawn followed by old city walk, Sarnath Tour [The Birth Place of Buddhism] and Evening Boat ride followed by Ganga Aarti.It will includes:  This tour have two break one after morning boat tour for breakfast and another after Sarnath Tour for lunch. Note: This tour can also be done in two days. Like first day Start from Afternoon Sarnath tour or in the Evening start with Evening Ganga Aarti and next day morning boat ride followed by old city walk and after breakfast Sarnath tour.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pick up and drop off
    • Professional Private Guide Licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
    • Guide in other language [French/ German/ Spanish/ Italian] on demand and availability
    • A seating arrangement offering one of the best views of the Aarti
    • Exclusive boat during morning boat ride
    • Sarnath Entrance Tickets

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Gratuities
    • Tips

    What you'll see and do

    1. Banaras Ghats

      Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges

      240 minutes here

    2. Ganges River

      Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges

      240 minutes here

    3. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

      Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Manikarnika Ghat

      The creamation Ground of Lord Shiva

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Dasaswamedh Ghat

      Main Ghat

      120 minutes here

    6. Sarnath

      Sarnath: Sarnath in Varanasi, is the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. It makes Sarnath one of the most venerated Buddhist places. There are many Buddhist monuments and edifices at Sarnath. Some of the important Buddhist monuments at Sarnath are the Dhamekha stupa, the Dharmarajika stupa & the Chaukhandi stupa and monasteries and temples of different schools of Buddhism from Japan, China, Thailand, Burma and others. The Indian Buddhist society called Mahabodhi Society maintains a park around the Buddha temple. The Mahabodhi Temple within the park has a tooth relic of the Buddha. There is also a vast expanse of ancient ruins at Sarnath. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most precious ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. The Lion Capital of Ashoka pillar at Sarnath is the National emblem of India, which is displayed in the archaeological museum in Sarnath.

      180 minutes here

    7. Ashoka Pillar

      The pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns dispersed throughout the Indian subcontinent, erected or at least inscribed with edicts by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd century BCE

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    8. Dhamek Stupa

      Dhamek Stupa Sarnath marks the spot where the Buddha preached his first message. Built by the great Mauryan king Ashoka in he 3rd century BCE

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    9. Ganga Aarti

      Aarti is a Hindu ritual, in which light is offered to one or more deities. Aartis also refer to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when offering of lamps is being offered.

      60 minutes here

    10. Chaukhandi Stupa

      The Chaukhandi Stupa is regarded as one of the most divine and important monuments of the Buddhist culture

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Varanasi Day Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
    • A maximum of 10 people per booking
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • This tour includes two breaks: the first after the morning boat tour for breakfast, during which travellers will have the option to return to their hotel—depending on its location—and rest for around two hours before heading to Sarnath. The second break will be after visiting Sarnath, allowing time for lunch and relaxation before proceeding to the Ganga Aarti experience.

    Photos

    VaranasiSarnathManikarnika GhatDharbhanga GhatVaranasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti in Varanasi, photo 6Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti in Varanasi, photo 7

    Good to know

    Duration
    14 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    12
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Varanasi Day Tours, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.7.

    See everything Varanasi Day Tours runs

    Why this scores 77

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)62
    Booking momentum (14% weight)54
    Value for money (12% weight)84
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Varanasi.

    How much does Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti cost?

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    Prices start at $117 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Varanasi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti take?

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    Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Varanasi is not rushed.

    Is Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 35 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Varanasi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti?

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    Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Varanasi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Varanasi and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Varanasi One Day Tour with Sarnath, Boat Ride & Aarti start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Varanasi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Varanasi?

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    On Outty we rank every Varanasi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour), A Journey of A lifetime, Varanasi full day guided tour | Ranked 1 Tour Operator on Viator. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Varanasi?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Varanasi?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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