Varanasi stands out as one of India’s most evocative cities, especially when it comes to dinner experiences. The city’s magic isn’t just in its ancient temples or bustling markets but also on its riverbanks after sunset. Watching the Ganga Aarti, sampling local food, or cruising along the river at night offers a unique way to connect with Varanasi’s spiritual heartbeat. We love tours like the Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi – Fully Guided Tour – Rooftop Dinner on Ganges for their immersive approach—especially the rooftop dinner overlooking the Ganges, which combines serene views with authentic local flavors.
While some tours focus on spiritual ceremonies, others highlight the city’s vibrant markets or culinary traditions. Whether you prefer a quiet boat ride, a lively market stroll, or a hands-on cooking class, Varanasi’s dinner experiences promise memorable moments that go beyond just eating. Here’s a closer look at the best options available.
1. Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi – Fully Guided Tour – Rooftop Dinner on Ganges
This fully guided two-day tour combines history, spirituality, and delicious food, making it our top pick for a comprehensive Varanasi experience. You’ll explore famous ghats and narrow lanes, hear the bells of local temples, and learn the stories behind the city’s spiritual sites. One of the program’s highlights is the rooftop dinner on the Ganges, which offers stunning sunset views over the river while savoring authentic Indian cuisine.
On the first day, you visit Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon, and then enjoy a Ganga Aarti in the evening—an unforgettable spiritual ritual. The second day involves a relaxed exploration of local life on the riverbanks, with interactions and insights from your guide. The rooftop dinner provides a perfect blend of scenic beauty and culture. The tour’s reviews, rating a perfect 5.0/5 from 24 travelers, reflect how well it balances sightseeing, storytelling, and a memorable dinner experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want an all-encompassing introduction to Varanasi, combining history, spirituality, and a special rooftop dinner.
2. Varanasi: Evening Arti Boat Tour with Dinner
For those who want a magical evening with a focus on the Ganga Aarti combined with a luxury boat ride, this tour hits the mark. At $266 per person, it offers a luxurious experience that combines spiritual spectacle with fine dining. During this 4-hour tour, you’ll transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle to the river, then enjoy a royal boat ride in front of the ghats as the aarti ceremony unfolds.
The highlight is witnessing the fire and incense-lit ceremony from the water, a sight that’s as breathtaking as it is profound. Afterward, you’ll relax at a nearby restaurant for a hearty dinner, making this an elegant way to experience Varanasi after sunset. The small group setting ensures an intimate experience, and the reviews praise the awe-inspiring views and smooth logistics.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious, spiritually rich evening with a combination of boat ride, ceremony, and gourmet dinner.
$266 per person
3. Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner
This tour offers an affordable way to experience Varanasi’s nighttime magic. At just $58 per person, you’ll get a boat ride at sunset, a chance to see the famous aarti ceremony, and then enjoy a local restaurant dinner with a cozy vibe. The night boat ride provides a fantastic vantage point to see the illuminated ghats and the flickering lamps during the ceremony.
It’s praised for its informative guide, who shares insights into the spiritual significance of the rituals. The highlight is the spectacle of the aarti from the water, which many travelers find deeply moving. The tour is perfect for those on a budget who still want an authentic cultural experience without sacrificing quality.
Bottom Line: Best for budget-conscious travelers wanting a combination of scenic boat views and evening rituals.
$58 per person
4. Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner
Slightly different from the previous option, this night boat tour priced at $28 offers a relaxing sunset cruise that culminates with the Aarti ceremony. The tour includes a cozy local restaurant where you can taste authentic Indian dishes afterward. The focus here is on viewing the spiritual ceremony from the water, which is considered one of the most mesmerizing sights in Varanasi.
While it’s more affordable, the reviews note that it might have a more basic setup, but the overall experience remains immensely rewarding. It’s a great choice for those who want a simple yet beautiful evening with dinner included.
Bottom Line: A good budget option for experiencing Varanasi’s spiritual evening from the water with dinner included.
5. Varanasi: Private Evening Handicraft Market Tour with Dinner
If you’re interested in exploring local arts and crafts, this private evening market tour is a wonderful choice. It combines a shopping experience in some of Varanasi’s best handicraft markets with a delicious dinner. The tour is tailored to your interests, allowing you to admire artisan work and pick up souvenirs like silk fabrics, jewelry, and pottery.
The guide helps you understand the cultural significance of each craft, making it more than just shopping—it’s a cultural exchange. The tour’s personalized nature makes it perfect for travelers who enjoy interactive, hands-on experiences. The focus on local craftsmanship sets this apart from other tours.
Bottom Line: Excellent for art lovers or those wanting a more intimate, cultural shopping experience combined with dinner.
$61 per person
6. Varanasi: Maharaja Boat Ride and Dinner
For a royal experience, this tour offers a serene boat ride in the evening, accompanied by traditional music and artistic performances before dinner. At around $425 per person, it’s a premium option that emphasizes luxury and culture. You’ll be transferred from your hotel to the ghats in an air-conditioned vehicle, then enjoy a quiet boat cruise with live classical music enhancing the atmosphere.
After the cruise, you’ll dine in a nearby restaurant, savoring local flavors while reflecting on the elegant sights of the river and spiritual rituals. With its high-end vibe and cultural focus, it’s suited for travelers who want a special occasion experience.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking luxury, cultural depth, and a taste of regal Varanasi.
$425 per person
7. Varanasi: Traditional Indian Cooking Class with Dinner
Finally, for the culinary enthusiast, this hands-on cooking class allows you to learn the secrets of traditional Indian dishes directly from a local chef. Over around 3 hours, you’ll discover how to prepare dishes using local spices and ingredients, then sit down with the family to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The experience costs $28 per person, making it a great value.
Guests love that they not only get to eat authentic food but also take home recipes to recreate the flavors back home. The class provides insight into Varnasi’s culinary culture, making it a rewarding experience for food lovers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want an interactive, immersive culinary experience and to take a piece of Varanasi’s food culture home.
$28 per person
How to Choose Your Best Dinner Experience in Varanasi
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you want an all-in-one culture, the Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi is hard to beat. For a luxurious evening with scenic boat views, the Evening Arti Boat Tour offers elegance and spirituality in one package. Budget travelers might prefer the Night Boat Ride and Aarti that combines affordability with authenticity.
If you’re a craft or art lover, the Private Handicraft Market Tour caters to your interests, while those seeking a luxury, cultural feast should consider the Maharaja Boat Ride and Dinner. Foodies and cooking enthusiasts will find the Traditional Indian Cooking Class a delightful way to learn and taste.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your ideal experience. Think about your priorities—whether it’s spectacle, culture, cuisine, or luxury—and choose the tour that best fits your travel style.
Varanasi offers a diverse array of dinner experiences that highlight its spiritual, artistic, and culinary richness. Whether you opt for a scenic boat ride, a cultural market visit, or a hands-on cooking class, each experience promises a memorable night in this timeless city. Choose what excites you most, and prepare for an evening filled with flavor, faith, and unforgettable views.