Book Varanasi holiday packages and explore the various religious, cultural, historical, and spiritual places — along with colourful gardens and the Ganges riverfront — that fill your visit with lifelong memories. If you are in the older-age category or a devoted pilgrim seeking peace, a tour to Varanasi is one of the most meaningful journeys you can take.
The city is lined with famous Ghats on the Ganges riverfront. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous, known for the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony held every evening. Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation Ghat — a site of deep spiritual significance for Hindus who believe dying in Kashi grants moksha. A boat ride on the Ganges is one of the signature experiences of any Kashi tour package — watching the city's ancient temples and ritual life from the water is unlike any other perspective. You can also visit the silk factories and buy Varanasi sarees, silk dupattas, and other handwoven textiles that the city has been famous for centuries.
Browsing Varanasi holiday packages also lets you explore the rich history of this city — from the ancient kingdoms that shaped it to how it survived and thrived through the challenges of Indian history before Independence. Our customised Varanasi tour packages come with the best accommodations, quality food, and pick-up and drop facility from the hotel to all sightseeing destinations in the itinerary.
A lesser-known fact about the city: Ustad Bismillah Khan, the legendary Shehnai maestro and a strong believer in Goddess Saraswati, played his Shehnai at the portals of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple throughout his life. This story reflects the layered spiritual and cultural character of Varanasi — a city that has always transcended religious boundaries. If you are seeking to witness the glory of this place, Pilgrimage Tour India is here to help you plan your dream visit.
Varanasi at a Glance - 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|
| Also Known As | Kashi, Benaras — one of seven Sapta Puri (sacred cities) of Hinduism |
| City Age | One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities |
| Spiritual Significance | Home to Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga; dying in Kashi is believed to grant moksha (liberation) |
| Location | Uttar Pradesh, on the west bank of the Ganges River |
| Nearest Airport | Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) — ~26 km from city centre |
| Main Railway Station | Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) — well-connected pan-India |
| Ideal Duration | 2–4 days (temple + ghats + Sarnath). 4–6 days with Prayagraj + Ayodhya. |
| Package Starting Price | ₹5,999 per person |
| Best Season | October to March |
| KV Temple Timings | Opens 2:30 AM | Closes 11:00 PM | 5 aartis daily |
| Nearby Destinations | Prayagraj (120 km), Ayodhya (210 km), Sarnath (10 km), Gaya (240 km) |
Varanasi Tourism Guide:
Best Time to Visit, How to Reach, Best Places to Visit in Varanasi, Fair and Festivals of Varanasi, Shopping in Varanasi, Things to Do in Varanasi, Art and Culture of Varanasi, Ghats in Varanasi, Hotels in Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple - 2026 Darshan Guide
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the centrepiece of any Varanasi pilgrimage tour. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the most revered Shiva shrines in India. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor — inaugurated December 13, 2021 — created a complex of over 5 lakh sq ft connecting the Jyotirlinga directly to the Ganga. It includes 40+ smaller temples, a cultural centre, and a viewing gallery, and can accommodate up to 50,000 pilgrims per day (as per Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust).
Know about Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
Best Time to Visit, How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath, History of Kashi Vishwanath, Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings, Rituals at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Temple Timings & Aarti Schedule 2026
| Aarti / Event | Time | Notes |
|---|
| Temple Opens | 2:30 AM | Entry for early devotees |
| Mangala Aarti | 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM | Most auspicious — advance booking required at shrikashivishwanath.org |
| Bhog Aarti | 11:15 AM – 12:20 PM | Midday ritual — advance booking required |
| Sapta Rishi / Sandhya Aarti | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Evening — arrive by 6:30 PM to get a good position |
| Shringaar Aarti | 9:00 PM – 10:15 PM | Night ritual |
| Shayan Aarti | 10:30 PM | Final aarti of the day |
| Temple Closes | 11:00 PM | Daily |
Darshan: General Darshan is free. Sugam VIP Darshan (₹250/person) — book at shrikashivishwanath.org. Early morning hours generally have shorter queues — visiting before 7:00 AM is recommended on non-festival days.
Dress code: Covered clothing required — no shorts, sleeveless tops, or skirts inside the sanctum. Mobile phones and cameras restricted. Scarves available near the gates for ₹20–₹50.
Varanasi Tourism Guide
Best Time to Visit | How to Reach | Best Places to Visit in Varanasi | Fairs and Festivals | Shopping in Varanasi | Things to Do | Art and Culture | Ghats in Varanasi | Hotels in Varanasi
Popular India Pilgrimage Tour Packages
Varanasi Tour Package Types - 2026 Pricing
Choose the right Varanasi holiday package based on your budget and group size:
| Package Type | Duration | Price Per Person | Inclusions |
|---|
| Budget / Economy | 2 Days / 1 Night | ₹5,999 | 1-night hotel (twin sharing), breakfast, AC vehicle for sightseeing, KV Temple visit, Ganga Aarti |
| Standard | 3 Days / 2 Nights | ₹8,500 | 2-night hotel, breakfast + dinner, AC vehicle, Sarnath, KV Temple, Ganga Aarti, boat ride |
| Premium / Deluxe | 4 Days / 3 Nights | ₹14,500 | 3-star hotels, all meals, AC vehicle, Sarnath, KV Temple, boat ride, Ayodhya or Prayagraj day trip |
| Varanasi + Prayagraj | 5 Days / 4 Nights | ₹17,500 | Hotels, all meals, AC vehicle, KV Temple, Ganga Aarti, Sangam at Prayagraj |
| Varanasi + Ayodhya | 5 Days / 4 Nights | ₹18,500 | Hotels, all meals, AC vehicle, KV Temple, Ram Mandir Ayodhya Darshan |
| Family Package (4 pax) | 3–4 Days | ₹7,500/person | Family-paced itinerary, triple/quad rooms available, guide optional |
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
The best time for a Kashi pilgrimage package is from October to March — cool weather (15–25°C), accessible ghats and temples, and several major festivals. Avoid April–June due to extreme heat (35–45°C) that makes outdoor ghat walks difficult.
| Season | Months | Conditions | Key Events |
|---|
| Peak (Best) | October – February | 15°C – 25°C. Cool, dry. | Dev Deepawali (Nov), Makar Sankranti (Jan 14), Magh Mela Prayagraj (Jan–Feb) |
| Good | March | Warming up, manageable. | Holi — Rangbhari Ekadashi at Manikarnika Ghat is especially atmospheric |
| Avoid | April – June | 35°C – 45°C. Very hot. | Early morning temple visits only; avoid afternoon ghat walks |
| Monsoon | July – September | Heavy rain, humid. | Shravan Mondays — KV Temple very crowded; Nag Panchami, Teej |
| Mahashivratri | Feb/Mar 2026 | Massive crowds, night-long events | Biggest KV Temple event — book 4–6 months ahead |
How to Reach Varanasi
By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is approximately 26 km from the city centre. IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa fly from Delhi (~1.5 hrs), Mumbai (~2 hrs), Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Ola, Uber, and prepaid taxis are available outside arrivals.
By Train
Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) is the main station. Key trains: Kashi Vishwanath Express, Shiv Ganga Express, Vande Bharat Express (Delhi–Varanasi ~8 hrs). Book 30–60 days in advance for peak season.
By Road
NH19 connects Varanasi to Prayagraj (120 km, ~2.5 hrs), Ayodhya (210 km, ~4 hrs), Lucknow (290 km, ~5 hrs), and Gaya (240 km, ~4 hrs). Ola/Uber and auto-rickshaws available within the city.
Things to Do in Varanasi
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most anticipated experiences on any Varanasi pilgrimage tour. Priests perform synchronised rituals with large brass lamps, incense, and conch shells at approximately 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily (slightly earlier in winter). A boat on the river gives the best unobstructed view. Reach the ghat by 5:30 PM to get a good spot on the steps.
Boat Ride on the Ganges
A sunrise boat ride (4:30–6:30 AM) is the most recommended — the light on the ghats, morning rituals, and the stillness of the river create an experience specific to Varanasi. Evening post-Aarti rides (~7:30 PM) are also popular. Private boats: ₹200–₹600/hour.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Darshan
Book Sugam Darshan (₹250) at shrikashivishwanath.org before visiting. Enter from Vishwanath Gali or the Corridor gates near the Ganges. Early morning hours have shorter queues.
Explore the Ghats of Varanasi
Varanasi has 88 ghats. Dashashwamedh Ghat — evening Ganga Aarti. Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghat — cremation ghats where pyres burn around the clock, central to Varanasi's moksha belief. Assi Ghat — yoga, sadhus, student life. Panchganga Ghat — where five sacred rivers are said to converge underground. Tulsi Ghat — associated with poet-saint Tulsidas.
Visit Sarnath
10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Key stops: Dhamek Stupa (5th century CE), Ashoka Pillar, and the Sarnath Museum — which houses the original Ashoka Lion Capital (national emblem of India). Comfortable half-day trip.
Kaal Bhairav Temple
The Kaal Bhairav Temple in the Kotwalpuri area is one of the most important Shiva shrines in Varanasi. Kaal Bhairav is considered the 'Kotwal' (guardian) of Kashi — tradition holds that no pilgrimage to Varanasi is complete without seeking his blessings. The deity is offered liquor as part of the ritual — an unusual practice that draws both pilgrims and curious visitors.
Ramnagar Fort
Located on the east bank of the Ganges, Ramnagar Fort (18th century) is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Varanasi. The fort has a museum with vintage cars, palanquins, royal arms, and astronomical clocks. The annual Ramnagar Ramlila (held over 31 days during Navratri) is one of India's most traditional and elaborate Ramlila performances and is listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Silk Shopping in Varanasi
Varanasi is India's most famous centre for handwoven silk. Banarasi silk sarees with gold and silver brocade are among India's most sought-after textiles. Visit weaving workshops in Adampura and Alaipura for factory-direct prices. The Vishwanath Gali market near the temple sells silk dupattas and stoles. Buy from shops that show you the weaving process — more likely to be genuine handloom.
Temples Beyond Kashi Vishwanath
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (founded by Tulsidas), Annapurna Temple (next door to Kashi Vishwanath — Goddess Annapurna is Varanasi's patron deity of food), Durga Mandir (also called Monkey Temple), Tulsi Manas Mandir (built 1964 on the site where Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas), and Bharat Mata Mandir — with a relief map of undivided India instead of a deity.
Our Varanasi Tour Packages
| Package Name | Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|
| Kashi Prayagraj Tour | Multi-day | Varanasi ghats, KV Temple Darshan, Prayagraj Sangam |
| Varanasi Temple Tour | Day tour | KV Temple, Sankat Mochan, Kaal Bhairav, Durga Mandir, Sarnath |
| Varanasi Ayodhya Tour | Multi-day | Varanasi Darshan + Ram Mandir Ayodhya |
All our Varanasi travel packages are customisable — choose duration, hotel category, meals, and departure city. Varanasi packages available from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and other cities. Contact us for exact pricing.
Varanasi Tour Packages for Every Traveller
| Traveller Type | What We Offer | Recommended Package |
|---|
| Pilgrims & Devotees | KV Temple Sugam Darshan, Ganga Aarti, all ghats, pindaan arrangements | Varanasi Temple Tour (Day) or 3-day Kashi package |
| Senior Citizens | Paced itinerary, AC vehicle throughout, Corridor wheelchair access, assistance | 2–3 day Economy or Standard package |
| Families | Child-friendly pace, Sarnath Museum, boat ride, silk shopping | 3–4 day Standard or Premium package |
| Couples | Sunrise boat ride, evening Ganga Aarti, heritage hotel options | 2–3 day Standard package |
| First-Time Visitors | Complete Varanasi + Prayagraj + Ayodhya circuit | 5-day Varanasi Ayodhya Prayagraj package |
| History & Culture Seekers | Ramnagar Fort, Bharat Kala Bhavan (BHU), Sarnath Museum, Silk weaving | 3–4 day custom itinerary |
Practical Tips for Your Varanasi Trip
- Book KV Temple Sugam Darshan (₹250) at shrikashivishwanath.org in advance — especially for Mangala Aarti (3 AM) and Shravan Mondays
- Early morning hours have shorter queues at KV Temple — visiting before 7:00 AM is recommended
- For Ganga Aarti: reach Dashashwamedh Ghat by 5:30 PM for a good spot on the steps
- Sunrise boat ride (4:30–6:30 AM) from any major ghat — most atmospheric time on the Ganges
- Do not miss Kaal Bhairav Temple — consider it mandatory on any Kashi pilgrimage
- Leave shoes at the designated counter before temple areas — carry a small cloth bag
- Carry small-denomination cash (₹10–₹100 notes) for donations, prasad, and boat rides
- Dress modestly for all temple visits — scarves available near gates for ₹20–₹50
- For pindaan or pitru tarpan at the Ghats, arrange a Kashi-based pandit through your hotel in advance
- On Shravan Mondays, KV Temple crowds peak — arrive before 3:30 AM or book VIP Darshan
Major Festivals in Varanasi - 2026
| Festival | 2026 Date | What Makes It Special |
|---|
| Mahashivratri | February 2026 | Biggest KV Temple event — night-long celebrations. Book accommodation 4–6 months ahead. |
| Holi / Rangbhari Ekadashi | March 2026 | Lord Shiva is said to celebrate Holi at Manikarnika Ghat on Rangbhari Ekadashi — one of India's most vivid Holi celebrations |
| Dev Deepawali | Nov 2026 (Kartik Purnima) | All 88 ghats lit with over 11 lakh diyas — one of India's most photographed riverfront sights |
| Ganga Mahotsav | November 2026 (5 days pre Dev Deepawali) | Classical music, boat processions, rangoli on the ghats |
| Makar Sankranti | January 14, 2026 | Mass bathing in the Ganges at dawn. Kite flying across the city. |
| Shravan Mondays | July–August 2026 | Every Monday — KV Temple crowds peak; arrive before 4 AM or book VIP Darshan |
| Chhath Puja | October 2026 | Devotees stand in the Ganges at dawn and dusk — deeply moving at all Varanasi ghats |
