Oldest City in the World, Varanasi Tour (02 Nights/03 Day)

Exploring Varanasi: The Oldest City in the World in 3 Days

If you’re considering a journey to Varanasi, the city often called the oldest continuously inhabited place on Earth, this 3-day tour offers a compelling taste of its spiritual atmosphere, ancient architecture, and vibrant street life. For $262 per person, guided by Dishika Travel, you’ll visit iconic ghats, witness mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, explore historic temples, and venture to Sarnath — all in a well-paced itinerary that balances meaningful sites with opportunities to soak in local color.

What we love about this tour is how it captures the essence of Varanasi’s spiritual rituals along the Ganges, and how it includes a trip to Sarnath — a significant Buddhist site that adds depth to the experience. Also, the chance to see the Ganga Aarti performed at Dashashwamedh Ghat is genuinely moving and photogenic.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the tour involves some early mornings and busy boat rides, which might be tiring for travelers sensitive to early starts or who prefer more relaxed pacing.

This journey is best suited for travelers eager to see the spiritual soul of India in an authentic, guided setting, but it’s probably not ideal for those with mobility impairments or looking for leisure-only vacations.

Key Points

• Cultural depth: Visit major temples like Kashi Vishwanath and explore Sarnath, offering a well-rounded spiritual experience.
• Authentic rituals: Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and participate in the local religious atmosphere.
• Historic sites: Explore the Ramnagar Fort and Bharat Mata Temple for a glimpse into Varanasi’s layered history.
• Local flavor: Enjoy traditional foods such as kachoris, jalebis, and Banarasi paan, experiencing the city’s culinary delights.
• Guided insights: The live guides speak multiple languages and enhance understanding of the sites’ significance.
• Balanced itinerary: The mix of boat rides, temple visits, and Sarnath excursions offers a comprehensive yet manageable itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Oldest City in the World: A Practical Review of the Varanasi Tour

Venturing into Varanasi with this 3-day guided tour gives you a fascinating window into one of the world’s most ancient cities, where spiritual practices have persisted for thousands of years. The $262 price tag, which covers transportation, guide services, and entry fees (excluding meals and personal expenses), presents a good value for those eager to absorb a wealth of sights and sounds with expert guidance.

Day 1: Setting the Tone with the Ganges and Nighttime Ceremony

Arriving in Varanasi, you’ll transfer from your point of arrival—be it train or plane—to your hotel. After settling in, the first highlight awaits: the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. This is no ordinary show; it’s a grand, candlelit prayer performed on the banks of the river, accompanied by chantings, music, and floating lamps. This ceremony is both spiritual and visually stunning, a sensory experience that’s hard to forget.

Many travelers comment on how moving the Ganga Aarti is. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the prayers and the flickering lamps created an almost surreal atmosphere.” To get the best view, a boat ride during the aarti provides a unique perspective — seeing the illuminated ghats from the water adds an extra layer of magic.

Later, you’ll stroll through local markets bustling with street food vendors and artisans selling handicrafts. The vibrant scene offers a taste of daily life, with street-side stalls serving kachoris and jalebis, sweet and savory treats that are a must-try.

Day 2: Temples and Sarnath

Starting early, a boat ride at dawn offers a peaceful way to witness the rituals at the ghats, with many visitors appreciating the quiet beauty of the river at sunrise. Then, visits to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple—the most revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva—are often the spiritual highlight. The temple’s intricate architecture and the devotion of pilgrims make it a truly immersive experience.

Additional temples like Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple give a layered view of Hindu worship practices. Some reviews note that the temples can be busy and crowded, but this adds to the authenticity of the experience.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a trip to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist site. Here, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, and the Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Archaeological Museum are must-see landmarks. Visitors often remark on the serenity of Sarnath compared to the bustling city, offering a peaceful reflection space.

Evening free time allows for shopping or sampling more local foods—perhaps some Banarasi sweets or street snacks—making this a flexible part of the trip.

Day 3: Cultural and Historical Insights before Departure

The last morning includes a visit to the Bharat Mata Temple, notable for its relief map of India, and a walk around Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of Asia’s oldest and largest residential universities. The New Vishwanath Temple on the campus offers spectacular views and spiritual ambiance.

Finally, a visit to Ramnagar Fort across the river adds a historical dimension, with its museum and architecture providing insight into the region’s royal past. Afterward, it’s time to check out and head to your departure point, filled with impressions of the city’s timeless charm.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This guided tour shines because it balances spiritual experiences, like the Ganga Aarti and temple visits, with cultural and historical insights, such as Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort. The inclusion of a boat ride at sunrise and during the evening adds a special touch, making you feel connected to the river that’s the lifeblood of Varanasi.

The guides, speaking multiple languages like English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Russian, ensure that you get rich context and background, helping you appreciate what you see. Many reviewers appreciate how the guides make the history and rituals accessible and meaningful.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is efficient and packed with sights, keep in mind that early mornings and boat rides can be tiring. If you’re not comfortable with early starts or navigating crowded areas, this might require some extra patience. Also, mobility impairments are not suitable for this tour, as many sites involve walking or steps.

The price of $262 is reasonable when you consider that it’s a guided experience covering major sites, some transportation, and expert commentary. Meals are not included, so budget for local food, which is part of the fun.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

Travelers looking for an immersive, guided introduction to Varanasi’s sacred and cultural landscape will find this tour rewarding. It’s especially suited for those interested in spiritual rituals, historical sites, and experiencing local life firsthand. Adventurous souls eager to witness the city’s pujas, processions, and temple ceremonies will feel right at home.

If you prefer a slow-paced, relaxed vacation focused on leisure without early mornings or strenuous activities, you might want to consider a more flexible or extended visit.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts for 3 days, with scheduled activities, site visits, and some free time in the evenings.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, entry fees to main sites, and guided commentary are included. Meals and personal expenses are not included.

Are guides available in different languages?
Yes, guides speak English, French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish, making the experience accessible for many travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel planning.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour involves some walking and boat rides, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or very young children.

What should I wear?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended, especially when visiting temples. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking.

Will I get enough time at each site?
The schedule is designed to cover key highlights efficiently, but it’s a fairly packed itinerary; expect some early mornings and busy sites.

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In essence, this tour offers a solid, insightful, and authentic glimpse into Varanasi’s soul. It balances cultural depth with practical convenience, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to understand India’s spiritual capital without feeling overwhelmed. While it’s paced for those comfortable with a fair amount of activity, it truly delivers a memorable experience of a city that’s as old as time itself.

You can check availability for your dates here: