Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the holiest place in Hinduism, built along the steps, or ghats, of the Ganges. You travel there and back by overnight sleeper train, with two full days in between and a guide to show you round.
The trip
- Leaving Delhi: an evening sleeper train to Varanasi.
- First day in Varanasi: we meet you at the station and take you to your hotel to rest. Then a guided tour of the temples, including Bharat Mata, Durga and Kashi Vishwanath, and the ghats along the river. In the evening, the Ganga Aarti, the fire ceremony held on the riverbank every night.
- Second day: a boat ride on the Ganges, time at the ghats and markets, then Sarnath, about 10km away, where the Buddha first taught. Overnight train back to Delhi.
Included
- Delhi–Varanasi–Delhi sleeper train (3AC)
- One night in a hotel, with early check-in
- An air-conditioned car and an English-speaking guide for both days in Varanasi
- The boat ride and the Ganga Aarti
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the first day; breakfast and lunch on the second
- Hotel and government taxes, tolls and parking
Not included
- Monument entry and camera fees
- Tips, drinks and personal spending
Questions
Is the overnight train comfortable?
3AC sleeper carriages have air-conditioning and berths with bedding, and are how many Indian families travel long distances. Bring a padlock and chain for your bag and a light layer for the air-conditioning.
