Varanasi stands out as one of India’s most compelling destinations, especially for those who want to experience a city alive with spiritual rituals, ancient temples, and lively markets. This city isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about feeling the pulse of India’s spiritual heart. A well-planned 3-day tour lets you dive into the rituals at Ganga Aarti, explore Sarnath where Buddha preached his first sermon, and wander through bustling ghats—each step revealing a new layer of Varanasi’s soul. We especially recommend a private boat ride along the Ganges for its unique vantage point and the chance to see the city from the water at sunrise or sunset.
For those considering a comprehensive experience, the Ultimate 3 Days in Varanasi tour [] offers a seamless blend of cultural, spiritual, and leisure activities, including a luxury stay and a hassle-free airport transfer. Meanwhile, if you’re tight on time but want a full immersion, the 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour [] combines top monuments, rituals, and Sarnath in a personalized package.
1. The Ultimate 3 Days in Varanasi – How to Spend 39 Hours – For First Timers
Rating: 5.0/5 (132 reviews)
Price: $123.98 per person
Duration: 3 days (approx.)
This private tour is ideal for first-timers who want a hassle-free and customizable experience. It includes a scenic cruise along the Ganges, visits to Sarnath—where Buddha first preached—and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi’s most revered Hindu shrine. Accommodation at a 4/5-star hotel with breakfast makes this package a solid choice, especially since it covers airport transfers and some meals.
Tour guide Sonny, with a five-star rating, personalizes your itinerary, ensuring you see what interests you most. The highlight is the Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ceremony that captures the city’s spiritual rhythm. Reviewers love the flexibility and comfort, often noting the intimate setting and smooth logistics. Priced at $123.98, this tour offers excellent value—an ideal pick for those seeking a comprehensive but relaxed introduction to Varanasi.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for first-timers wanting comfort and customization, with a focus on iconic sites, spiritual rituals, and a touch of luxury.
2. 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (85 reviews)
Price: $180.00 per person
Duration: 3 days (approx.)
Perfect for travelers short on time but eager to absorb Varanasi’s essence, this private tour covers monuments, museums, religious sites, and Sarnath—the birthplace of Buddhism. The tour is well-paced, with air-conditioned transportation making it comfortable despite the summer heat. It features a dawn boat ride on the Ganges, where you’ll see locals offering water to the Sun God and participate in the renowned Aarti ritual.
Guests praise guide Wasim for his knowledge and flexibility, making every stop meaningful. The itinerary offers a rich mix of spiritual and cultural experiences, including visits to temples, markets, and the Buddhist stupas. The price of $180 balances well against the inclusions, especially considering the personalized attention and the comprehensive sightseeing.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you prefer a private, all-encompassing look at Varanasi, especially for travelers keen on both spiritual rituals and cultural history.
3. 3 Days Admirable Tour in Varanasi with private tour guided
Rating: 5.0/5 (72 reviews)
Price: $107.77 per person
Duration: 3 days (approx.)
This tour is budget-friendly but doesn’t skimp on depth. It includes a visit to the largest cremation center in the world, a boat ride at sunrise, and explorations of old temples and the bustling old city. The highlights are visiting Sarnath, the Dhamekh Stupa, and exploring the ancient temples dedicated to Shiva.
Reviews mention the guide’s flexibility and the ability to see both iconic and lesser-known sites. The tour’s focus on authentic experiences makes it perfect for travelers who want a genuine feel of Varanasi without luxury extras. It’s priced affordably at $107.77, offering excellent value with personalized attention.
Bottom Line: Best suited for budget-conscious travelers who want a rich, authentic experience with flexible scheduling and guided insights.
4. Experience Varanasi Tour: 3 Days Private Guided Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (45 reviews)
Price: $260.00 per person
Duration: 3 days (approx.)
This immersive private cultural experience is for those who want to get closer to Varanasi’s everyday life. Highlights include morning and evening boat rides, a food walk through residential areas, and visits to flower, spice, and paan markets. The third day visits Sarnath with its Buddhist stupas.
Our favorite part? The inside look into local markets and street food which reveals the city’s flavors and traditions. Guide Kunal is lauded for his deep local knowledge, making this tour personal and engaging. At $260, it’s on the higher end but justifies the cost with intimate experiences and a comprehensive itinerary.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting an in-depth, participatory experience of Varanasi’s culture, food, and daily rituals.
5. Varanasi tour in 3 days without accommodation
Rating: 5.0/5 (7 reviews)
Price: $140.00 per person
Duration: 3 days
Designed for travelers who prefer to arrange their own accommodations, this tour focuses on sightseeing, temple visits, and Ganga Aarti viewing from a private balcony. The driver seamlessly moves you between sites, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath.
Guests appreciate the flexibility, especially with the included admission tickets and private transfers. The price of $140 is competitive, making it a good choice if you already have accommodation sorted or want to control your budget.
Bottom Line: Ideal for independent travelers who want guided sightseeing without hotel bookings, combining flexibility with all major highlights.
6. Live a round experience in Varanasi. 3 Days Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
Price: $321.65 per person
Duration: 3 days (approx.)
If you’re after a deep, personal immersion, this tour is for you. The itinerary includes visits to temples, markets, and rituals, plus an exploration of rural villages among cereal fields and orchards on the third day. It combines the best of city life and countryside.
Guests highlight the full engagement and flexibility of the tour, with the guide acting as a host and friend. The cost reflects the personalized nature, but if you want a comprehensive and intimate experience, this out-of-town addition might be worth it.
Bottom Line: Best for seasoned travelers craving a personal, all-encompassing experience combining spiritual sites and local village life.
7. Varanasi: 3-Day Private Enchanting Varanasi
Rating: 4.5/5 (6 reviews)
Price: $122 per person
Duration: 3 days
This private guided tour emphasizes religious and cultural highlights like Bharat Mata Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, and Sarnath. You’ll also enjoy evening Ganga Aarti and morning boat rides. The guide’s insights ensure you understand the significance of every site.
Guests note the personal touch, especially the guided visits and blissful evenings at the ghats. With a competitive price of just $122, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a focused, spiritual experience with the comfort of a private guide.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a guided, spiritual overview of Varanasi with easy logistics.
8. Delhi, Agra, Jaipur: Private Tour– 2 Nights/3 Days
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: $26 per person
Duration: 3 days
While not a Varanasi-specific tour, this “Golden Triangle” trip offers a quick immersion into India’s iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and Delhi’s bustling streets. It’s perfect if you want a taste of India’s diversity in three days, but it’s less about spirituality and more about history and architecture.
Guests enjoy guided visits and private transportation, making it a smooth trip. At $26, it’s the best deal, though it’s more suited if you’re looking for a broad overview rather than Varanasi-specific experiences.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting an introduction to India’s highlights rather than focusing solely on Varanasi.
$26 per person
9. Varanasi: 3-Day Private Varanasi Tour with Accommodation
Rating: 4.6/5 (reviews)
Price: $62 per person
Duration: 3 days
This affordable private tour combines hotel stay, temple visits, and Sarnath. It includes a boat ride and Ganga Aarti viewing. The guide is praised for making the experience meaningful, especially for travelers interested in both religious rituals and cultural exploration.
At $62, it offers great value, particularly for budget-conscious travelers seeking a guided, authentic experience with flexible scheduling.
Bottom Line: Ideal for budget travelers wanting a full, guided experience with hotel included.
$62 per person
10. 2 Night 3 Days Spiritual Varanasi with Cruise Ride
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: $246.00 per person
Duration: 3 days
This tour combines spiritual rituals with a scenic cruise on the Ganges, including evening ceremonies and visits to famous temples like Kashi Vishwanath. The cruise offers a peaceful way to see the city from the water, especially during sunset.
Guests often praise the calm atmosphere of the cruise and the authentic views of the ghats. The price reflects the quality of experience and inclusion of both water and land explorations.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those craving a spiritual and visual immersion, with a relaxing boat ride as a highlight.
$246 per person
11. 3 Day Varanasi Ganga Aarti Tour with Sarnath Buddhist Temple
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: $219 per person
Duration: 3 days
This tour emphasizes Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, visits to Sarnath, and exploration of Buddhist sites. It balances religious rituals with cultural visits, including the Buddhist Pilgrimage in Sarnath.
Guests appreciate the focused itinerary and the opportunity to witness both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. At $219, it offers a well-rounded spiritual experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers interested in multiple religious traditions and the ritualistic side of Varanasi.
$219 per person
12. 3 day varanasi tour from delhi
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: $402 per person
Duration: 3 days
This package combines air travel with guided sightseeing, including Ganga Aarti, Sarnath, and Ramnagar Fort. It’s perfect if you want to maximize your time and minimize planning, with a focus on cultural highlights.
Guests enjoy the convenience of private transport and the guided insights. The higher price reflects the all-inclusive nature, suited for travelers seeking a stress-free, comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Recommended for travelers who want an easy, all-in-one trip with air travel included.
$402 per person
13. 3 Days 2 Nights Exploring the Sacred Essence of Varanasi
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: $122 per person
Duration: 3 days
Focused on religious and ritualistic highlights, this tour includes Ganga Aarti, temple visits, and Sarnath. It’s ideal for those wanting a deep spiritual connection without luxury frills.
Guests praise the insightful guide and the ability to see major sites efficiently. At $122, it’s an excellent value for a spiritual-focused experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a meaningful, spiritual journey with practical logistics.
$122 per person
14. 3 Days in Varanasi: Ganga Aarti, Temples & Cultural Walks
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: $280 per person
Duration: 2.5 – 3 days
This tour offers a comprehensive look at Varanasi, with Ganga Aarti, temple visits, and cultural walks through the city’s streets. It includes private transport and a guide.
Guests note the well-organized itinerary and the chance to witness both daytime rituals and evening ceremonies. The price is reasonable given the cultural richness packed into the trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a full itinerary with a mix of spiritual, cultural, and local experiences.
$280 per person
15. Ayodhya: 3-Day Varanasi with Ganges Boat Ride and Ayodhya
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: $280 per person
Duration: 3 days
This combined trip includes Varanasi and Ayodhya, visiting Kashi Vishwanath, taking a boat ride, and exploring Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanuman Garhi. The itinerary balances Hindu pilgrimage sites with river experiences.
Guests appreciate the comprehensive spiritual focus and the opportunity to see two key religious centers in one trip. At $280, it’s suited for travelers wanting a broader religious exploration.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in Hindu pilgrimage sites and river rituals in multiple sacred cities.
$280 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Varanasi 3-Day Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your budget, interests, and travel style. If you want an all-inclusive luxury experience with personalized touches, the Ultimate 3 Days in Varanasi [] hits the mark. For a more local, authentic experience, the budget-friendly options like the Admirable Tour [] or the Private Guided Tour [] offer immersive experiences at a lower price.
Consider what themes matter most—religious rituals, cultural exploration, or local markets—and match those with the tour’s focus. If you’re interested in combining spirituality with countryside visits, the Live a round experience [] might be ideal.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons like winter or festivals, when Varanasi’s energy is at its peak.
Final Thoughts
Varanasi offers a wealth of options for a 3-day trip, from luxury tailored tours to budget-friendly explorations. The city’s spiritual rituals, historic sites, and cultural vibrancy make it a destination worth planning ahead for. Whether you prefer a guided spiritual journey like the Ganga Aarti experience or an immersive cultural walk, there’s a tour designed for you.
For a first-timer, the Ultimate 3 Days Tour provides comfort and comprehensive coverage, while those wanting a personalized journey might prefer the Private Enchanting Tour. No matter which you choose, booking early ensures you secure your spot in this lively city’s unforgettable story.