Varanasi Tour Itinerary with Holi Celebration

Namaste! - With folded hands, we welcome you to experience the essence of India.

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is more than just a city—it is an experience. Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is considered the spiritual capital of India. People from around the world come here in search of spiritual cleansing, religious rituals, and to witness the mystical energy that surrounds the city. Now imagine blending this deeply rooted spirituality with the vibrant chaos of Holi, India’s most joyful festival. This 3-day tour offers you a chance to dive into history, walk the ghats of eternity, and dance in colors that celebrate life itself.

Terms & Conditions

• Terms and conditions apply to all bookings.

• Group Discounts: Special discounts are available for larger groups.

Not Suitable For:

• Pregnant women

• Individuals with mobility impairments

• Persons over 95 years of age

Important Information

What to Bring:

• Valid passport or government-issued ID

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Personal towel

• Clothing for Holi: Wear white cotton garments, preferably old clothes.

• Footwear: Use waterproof sandals or old shoes.

• Health & Hygiene: Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food.

• Safety: Avoid over-crowded areas during Holi unless in an organized event.

Not Allowed:

• Drones

• Alcohol, drugs, and chewing gum

• Beverages inside the vehicle

Booking Information

Select your preferred date, number of participants, and language (English or Hindi) to reserve your place on this unforgettable journey to the spiritual capital of India—Varanasi.

Experience the magic of Holi, the Festival of Colors, in the sacred city where life, death, and rebirth flow together on the banks of the Ganges. This once-in-a-lifetime trip will guide you through the vibrant traditions, sacred rituals, and joyful celebrations that make Holi in Varanasi truly unique.

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We hope the experience of India lingers in your memory and leaves you with a lasting fondness for the country and its people. As we say in India,

"Please Come Back Soon!"

Total Tour Cost for 02 People Traveling Together: - INR 34,500

Cost Does Not Include:

• Entrance Fees: as well as camera and video fees

• Personal Expenses: Such as laundry, drinks, telephone calls, Tip etc.

• Accommodation & Meals: Any hotel stay or meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Cost Includes:

• Local Guide: Professional guide for the tour

• Transportation: All journeys as per the itinerary in a comfortable, air-conditioned Sedan Car

• Taxes: All applicable taxes

• Boat ride on Sharing basis

• Lunch.

• Gratuities.

• Monument fees.

• GST Levy: Government taxes included in the cost

Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi – Spiritual Welcome and Ganga Aarti

Morning / Afternoon: Arrival in Varanasi

Your journey begins with your arrival in the ancient city of Varanasi, a cultural and spiritual epicenter on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Whether you arrive by train or flight, you'll immediately be enveloped by the city’s mystique—resonating temple bells, winding alleys, and the pervasive scent of incense welcoming you into its spiritual fold.

Upon arrival, a private transfer will escort you to your pre-booked hotel. For a more immersive experience, choose accommodation either along the ghats or within the old city near landmarks like Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat. These locations offer easy access to key sites and a front-row seat to the daily rhythm of Varanasi.

After check-in, freshen up and relax. If time permits, enjoy lunch at a recommended local eatery. Baati Chokha offers an authentic taste of Uttar Pradesh, with traditional dishes like baati (baked wheat dough balls), chokha (spiced mashed vegetables), and sweets like jalebi. Alternatively, try Kashi Chat Bhandar for a flavorful mix of Banarasi street foods.

Evening: Witness the Grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

As dusk falls, prepare to experience one of the most iconic rituals in India—the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. This mesmerizing ceremony is performed by a group of priests dressed in saffron robes, wielding multi-tiered brass lamps in a synchronized, rhythmic motion, all while chanting Vedic hymns and offering prayers to the river goddess, Ganga.

You can choose to witness the spectacle from the ghat itself or, for a more serene perspective, take a boat ride on the river to watch the ritual from the water. The reflection of the flames on the Ganges, accompanied by the sound of conch shells and bells, creates a transcendent atmosphere.

Dinner

Post-aarti, head to one of Varanasi’s scenic rooftop restaurants. The Lotus Lounge offers a tranquil riverside setting and a mix of Indian and international cuisines. Alternatively, Spicy Bites is a favorite among visitors for its thali platters and expansive views of the ghats.

Be sure to try a Banarasi paan, the city’s famed after-dinner treat made from betel leaf, areca nut, and sweet fillings.

Overnight Stay

Return to your hotel and turn in early. Tomorrow’s agenda includes the vibrant celebration of Holi—a day of color, culture, and community.

Day 2: Holi Celebration – A Day of Color, Culture & Connection

Early Morning: Boat Ride on the Ganges & Heritage Walk

Begin your Holi day at dawn with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. As the first rays of light dance on the river, you'll witness the city coming alive. From pilgrims performing ablutions to sadhus meditating and priests conducting early morning rituals, this ride offers a moving glimpse into the sacred life of Varanasi.

Following the boat ride, embark on a guided walking tour through some of Varanasi’s most significant ghats:

• Manikarnika Ghat – the primary cremation ground, where life and death coexist openly.

• Assi Ghat – a cultural hub often hosting morning music and yoga sessions.

• Harishchandra Ghat – another important cremation ghat reflecting the city’s raw realism.

This early morning experience sets a reflective tone before the energetic festivities to follow.

Breakfast

Return to your hotel for a traditional Banarasi breakfast. Savor crispy kachoris stuffed with lentils, served alongside spicy aloo sabzi, and end with syrupy jalebis. Pair it with a glass of fresh lassi or masala chai for a complete local experience.

Late Morning to Afternoon: Celebrate Holi in Varanasi

Change into plain white cotton attire—it’s time for Holi, the festival of colors! This is not just a celebration but a deeply immersive cultural moment where joy knows no bounds.

There are several safe and fun ways to join in:

• Hotel/Hostel Holi Events – Places like Zostel Varanasi or Bunked Up Hostel often host inclusive Holi events with organic colors, music, and food.

• Local Holi at Assi Ghat or Bengali Tola – For a more grassroots experience, join locals where color throwing, drum circles (dhols), and spontaneous dancing rule the day.

Expect to be smeared with gulal (colored powder), greeted with laughter, and offered sweets and thandai (a festive milk-based drink, sometimes infused with bhang).

Safety Tip: Use waterproof covers for your phone and wallet, keep valuables at the hotel, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, and celebrate with a group.

Post-Holi Lunch & Rest

Return to your hotel to wash off the vibrant hues. After a refreshing bath, indulge in a Banarasi festive thali featuring:

• Gujiya – sweet dumplings filled with khoya

• Dahi Vada – lentil fritters soaked in yogurt

• Puran Poli – sweet lentil-stuffed flatbreads

• Aloo Tamatar and Jeera Rice

• Traditional laddoos and sweets

Take the afternoon to rest and rejuvenate after the high-energy celebration.

Evening: Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple

As the city settles down post-Holi, take a spiritual detour to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of India’s most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s golden spire and vibrant spiritual atmosphere leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

Nearby, visit the Annapurna Devi Temple and the Kal Bhairav Temple, known as the guardian deity of Varanasi. These temples hold historical and mythological significance, and are often visited in sequence by pilgrims.

If you have time afterward, enjoy a peaceful walk by the ghats or sip herbal tea at a riverside café.

Dinner

Opt for something light and wholesome. Brown Bread Bakery is known for its organic offerings, homemade breads, and continental options. For a quiet, cozy vibe, Aum Café is another great choice offering vegetarian fusion dishes and fresh juices.

Overnight Stay

Retire for the night. Varanasi’s Holi will leave an indelible impression—colors may fade, but the memories linger forever.

Day 3: Buddhist Heritage at Sarnath + Departure

Morning: Excursion to Sarnath

After an early breakfast, check out and set out for a short drive (approx. 30 minutes) to Sarnath, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. This is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.

Places to explore:

• Dhamek Stupa – Built to commemorate Buddha’s first teachings, this cylindrical structure is a major spiritual symbol.

• Chaukhandi Stupa – A historical monument marking the place where Buddha met his first disciples.

• Mulagandha Kuti Vihar – A modern temple with stunning frescoes depicting scenes from Buddha’s life.

• Sarnath Archaeological Museum – Home to the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, India’s national emblem.

The tranquil gardens and meditative ambiance of Sarnath offer a serene contrast to the vibrancy of Holi and the sacred chaos of Varanasi.

Midday: Return to Varanasi & Last-Minute Shopping

Return to Varanasi around noon. Enjoy a quick lunch at a local eatery—Deena Chat Bhandar or Sri Annapurna Restaurant are great for a casual but satisfying meal.

If time permits, dive into some last-minute shopping at:

• Godowlia Market – For Banarasi silk sarees, jewelry, and local trinkets.

• Thatheri Bazaar – Known for brassware, wooden toys, and classical musical instruments.

Pick up souvenirs like rudraksha beads, incense, or handcrafted Banarasi dupattas to carry a piece of Varanasi home.

Afternoon: Departure

Depending on your schedule, a private transfer will take you to Varanasi Airport or Railway Station. Depart the city with a heart full of spiritual warmth, cultural richness, and the colors of Holi etched into your memory.