From Delhi: 2 Days Varanasi Tour By Fastest Train
Location: Uttar Pradesh, India
Country: India
Rating: 5/5 (based on 4 reviews)
Price: $58 per person
Duration: 1-2 days

Quick Overview
This 2-day overnight trip from Delhi to Varanasi offers an efficient way to experience one of India’s most revered spiritual centers. Traveling aboard the Vande Bharat Express, you’ll reach Varanasi in about eight hours—fast, comfortable, and surprisingly smooth. The tour promises a blend of iconic sights like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and a boat ride along the Ganges River.

What we love about this experience: First, the well-organized itinerary ensures you see the highlights without feeling rushed. Second, the knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories and insights that deepen your understanding of Varanasi’s spiritual significance.

A potential consideration is the early start and tight schedule, which might be overwhelming for those wanting a more relaxed pace. But if you’re looking to maximize your short time in Varanasi while traveling comfortably, this tour hits the mark.

This trip suits travelers who appreciate a structured yet authentic encounter—those eager to see the main sights with helpful guides, and who don’t mind a busy two days packed with culture.

Key Points
– Comfortable, fast train travel from Delhi makes the journey easy and efficient.
– Spiritual highlights include the Ganga Aarti and boat ride, offering memorable visual and emotional experiences.
– Cultural sites like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, BHU, and Sarnath provide insight into India’s religious history.
– Authentic encounters with local rituals and guided explanations make the visit meaningful.
– Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead offers peace of mind.
– Group size typically private, with multilingual guides ensuring personalized attention.

The Experience in Detail

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Traveling from Delhi to Varanasi in Comfort and Style

Starting early around 6 AM, you’ll board the Vande Bharat Express, renowned as India’s fastest train, whisking you from the bustling capital to the spiritual hub of Varanasi in just 8 hours. The train’s modern amenities and smooth ride make this a comfortable journey—significantly more pleasant than long road trips or sluggish trains.
Travel time is a big plus here. Instead of losing a day in transit, you arrive mid-afternoon, ready to start exploring. The reviews reflect this convenience; travelers like Leo from Switzerland note, “It was an amazing trip and excellent experience,” emphasizing how smooth the journey was.

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Check-In and Rest: Setting the Stage for Spiritual Discovery

Upon arrival, you’re typically checked into a hotel where you can settle in and catch your breath before the evening’s activities. The proximity of the hotel to the ghats is key, helping you avoid long transfers later. Resting briefly before heading out, you’ll get a chance to prepare for the spiritual highlight of the day: the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

The Ganga Aarti is the heart of Varanasi’s spiritual life. As evening falls, you’ll walk straight to the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat, where a dedicated team of priests performs a beautifully choreographed ceremony.
The sight of rhythmic chants, flickering oil lamps, and the rhythmic ringing of bells creates an atmosphere of profound reverence. The reviews highlight how mesmerizing this ritual is—one traveler from Japan mentions, “Guide was kind and spoke Japanese well, making the experience even more special.” This ritual isn’t just a tourist attraction; for many, it’s a deeply moving spiritual moment.

Day Two: Getting Up Close with Varanasi’s Sacred Sites

Early Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges

The next morning, you’ll take a guided boat ride along the Ganges. This is the best way to see the city’s famous ghats and temples, like Manikarnika Ghat and Assi Ghat. The early light and gentle river currents make for a peaceful yet lively scene, with locals performing daily rituals and pilgrims bathing.
According to reviews, the boat ride offers a “stunning view,” providing a different perspective of Varanasi’s spiritual rhythm. Expect to see incense smoke rising, pilgrims washing away their sins, and the sky awash with dawn’s soft colors.

Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple and BHU

Back on land, your day includes visits to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of India’s most revered Shiva temples. The intricate architecture and vibrant prayer scenes make this a must-see.
You’ll also explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where the campus’s historic buildings and the Vishwanath Temple within its grounds are worth the walk. The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum offers a peek into local arts and crafts, which adds depth to your understanding of Varanasi’s cultural fabric.

Optional Short Trip to Sarnath

If time permits, a quick excursion to Sarnath is included. This site is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, and the Dhamek Stupa along with the archaeological museum are compelling sights. The reviews suggest that guided explanations here help make the history come alive—it’s about connecting the dots of India’s spiritual evolution.

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Returning to Delhi: The Comfort of the Fast Train

By mid-afternoon, it’s time to head back to the train station for your return journey. The Vande Bharat Express again offers a comfortable, quick transit back to Delhi, arriving in the early evening. The reviews consistently praise the organization and the smooth ride, emphasizing how this makes the entire experience stress-free.

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Why This Tour Works Well

Value for Money: At just $58 per person, this package offers a comprehensive experience with transport, guides, and key sightseeing. The convenience of a package, including hotel stays and guided tours, means less fuss and more focus on the sights.

Authentic Cultural Encounters: From the Ganga Aarti to the boat ride and temple visits, you’re immersed in Varanasi’s spiritual heartbeat. Guides like Suresh Kumar earn praise for their knowledge and friendly nature, making each stop more meaningful.

Time-Efficient: With just two days, you hit the highlights without feeling overwhelmed. The train’s speed and included itinerary maximize your short trip, giving you a genuine taste of Varanasi’s spiritual essence.

Traveler Reviews: The positive feedback underscores the quality—“Highly recommend,” “Incredible experience,” and praise for the guides’ kindness and knowledge. Many mention how the experience exceeded expectations, especially the views and rituals.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re short on time but eager to see the spiritual core of India, this tour offers a well-rounded taste. It’s perfect for travelers who value guided insights and want to experience iconic rituals like the Ganga Aarti.

Travelers interested in temples, history, and river rituals will find this trip rewarding. The tour is also suitable for those who appreciate organized, private groups and multilingual support—especially helpful if you speak languages like Japanese, French, or Spanish.

Note that the schedule is quite packed, so if you prefer a slow, relaxed pace, this might feel hurried. Also, the early start and late return could be taxing for some, but for many, it’s a small price for a memorable, authentic visit.

The Sum Up

This 2-day Varanasi tour from Delhi provides an excellent balance of comfort, culture, and spirituality. The swift train ride cuts down travel fatigue, allowing maximum time to explore the city’s iconic sights and rituals. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making complex history and traditions accessible and engaging.

For those wanting a snapshot of Varanasi’s spiritual life, this tour offers a genuine experience at a very reasonable price. It’s especially well-suited for travelers eager to combine convenience with authentic cultural moments, without sacrificing comfort or insights. Keep in mind that the schedule is quite tight, so if you’re after a laid-back pace, you might find it a bit hurried—but for most, it’s a rewarding introduction to India’s spiritual heart.

In short, this trip is a smart choice for curious travelers who want to make the most of two days in Varanasi, with all the essentials covered and in comfortable style.

FAQs

How long does the train ride from Delhi to Varanasi take?
The journey is about 8 hours on the Vande Bharat Express, making it the fastest option available.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Expect to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, experience the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges, and explore Sarnath if time permits.

Is hotel accommodation included?
Yes, you check into a hotel after arriving in Varanasi, providing a comfortable base for your explorations.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for your travel schedule.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Hindi, ensuring support for many travelers.

How suitable is this for someone with mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but you should confirm specific needs with the provider for a smooth experience.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport and visa if required; some tours ask for passport details to book train tickets.

Is this tour good for families?
It’s not suitable for babies under 1 year or those with altitude sickness, but older children and family groups with a keen interest in culture and history will enjoy it.

What makes this tour a good value?
Combining fast transport, guided visits, and authentic rituals at just $58 makes it a cost-effective way to experience Varanasi’s spiritual core in a short time.

This detailed review aims to help you understand exactly what to expect and how to make the most of this efficient, well-reviewed Varanasi experience from Delhi.