Varanasi is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and can easily qualify as the cultural capital of India. It has a majestic history that has been revered worldwide and has attracted thinkers and the curious since time immemorial.
Apart from its comprehensive and distinct religious history, the city has also been the seat of excellent silk trade and civilization. It is one of the oldest cities in the world because of several documentations of the cultures that have lived on the ghats of this vivid city, thus making it an exceptional choice for a one-day tour. The best way to visit the city is with our one day Varanasi local sightseeing city tour by private cab.
The city has an expansive history of great writers and is often believed to be the seat of the creation of several popular religions. Even during the rule of rulers from different faiths, the city continued to be the center for Hindu activities but also made space for, and accommodated several other religions such as Buddhism and Sikhism.
The city boasts of the presence of the sacred river Ganges which is believed to have the ability to free the common man from the cycle of life and death, giving them “moksha”. People across the country and the world bring the remains of the dead to this city in the hopes of giving them a peaceful afterlife.
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Overview of 1 Day Varanasi Local Sightseeing Tour
1 Day Varanasi Local Tour
The best time of the year to visit Varanasi is between October to March as the summer months can be brutally hot, ruining the fun of the visit. While Varanasi is an extremely crowded city with narrow streets and lanes, it will be easy to navigate through the place with our private cabs as they offer comfort and luxury. With our local professional drivers, you can be assured that you will be provided with the best possible experience.
In your Varanasi one day tour package by cab, you will be visiting a plethora of locations. From a ride along the quiet waters of Ganga to the several temples located on its ancient Ghats, all your needs will be catered. The places you will be visiting are a boat ride on the holy river Ganges, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Durga Mata Temple and Bharat Mata Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Evening Aarti, Vishwanath Gali, and Namo Ghat.
Highlights of One Day Varanasi Local Sightseeing Trip
- Full-day Varanasi Local Sightseeing Tour
- Duration: 8 to 10 hours
- Tour by Private Cab (not shared with others)
- Pickup & Drop: Varanasi Hotel / Home
- Places Covered: Ganges river, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Durga Mandir and Bharat Mandir, Sarnath, Banaras Hindu University, Ganga Aarti, Vishwanath Gali, and NaMo Ghat.
Package Price for 1 Day Varanasi Local Sightseeing
Bajaj Qute
4 Seater / Taxi
₹ 2,199/-
Amaze / Etios / Dzire
4 Seater / Sedan
₹ 2,699/-
Ertiga / Xylo
6 Seater / MUV
₹ 4,499/-
Toyota Innova
6 Seater / SUV
₹ 5,499/-
Tempo/ Force Traveller
13-20 Seater / LCV
₹ 8,999/-
Optional Add-on: Boating ₹ 3,000/- (6 Pax)
Book this 1 Day Varanasi Sightseeing Tour
Following are the car rental companies that are organizing this private tour, select your preferred vendor from the list, check availability and book your tour!
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1 Day Itinerary of Varanasi Local Sightseeing Tour Package
Pickup from your Hotel in Varanasi at 9:00 AM
| S.No | Sightseeing Place | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ganges river | 120 minutes |
| 2 | Kashi Vishwanath Temple | 120 minutes |
| 3 | Sankat Mochan Temple | 50 minutes |
| 4 | Durga Mandir and Bharat Mandir | 40 minutes |
| 5 | Sarnath | 60 minutes |
| 6 | Banaras Hindu University | 50 minutes |
| 7 | Ganga Aarti | 90 minutes |
| 8 | Vishwanath Gali | 30 minutes |
| 9 | NaMo Ghat | 30 minutes |
Drop back at your Hotel in Varanasi by 6:30 PM
PLEASE NOTE: Guests can visit all the Varanasi tourism places listed above or remove any of the places that they don’t want to visit.
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Detailed Guide: Places to Visit with One Day Varanasi Local Sightseeing Tour by Car
Below are the list of sightseeing places to visit with our Varanasi local sightseeing tour in 1 day:
1. A visit to the Ganges
To begin your one day Varanasi tour by car, you can take an early morning trip to the holy waters of Ganges. A boat ride across the river as you watch the sunrise on the city horizon will be especially peaceful. As you wake up from your slumber, you can enjoy the spectacle of the brimming waters of the river as you catch a glimpse of the early morning rituals at the ghats.
The holy ghats are always filled with enthusiasts and devotees and every morning, and they participate in the necessary activities to accomplish the religious tasks they are here to fulfill. The ambiance is serene, and the waters seem endless as you consume the beautiful noises around the ghats.
The old walls of temples can be seen glimmering in the early morning sun. This is the best exercise you can indulge in to do away from the daily struggles of your otherwise hectic and consuming lives. Sip on some good desi chai while watching the sunrise in the greatest city in the world.
Must Do: Don’t leave your camera behind as the sun glimmering on the river is a beautiful sight to capture.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Next up on your local Varanasi sightseeing tour should be a trip to the world famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The city of Varanasi is also known as Kashi, and thus the temple derives its name. The temple is one of the oldest Hindu religious sites and is considered among the Jyotirlingas of India.
Temple goers worship Lord Shiva, and many of his followers often visit the site and participate in the various rituals. The temple has had a long history of destruction as kings from different faiths and regions have tried to replace it with other constructions, but since 1983 the temple rights were passed on to the government of Uttar Pradesh and things have been stable since.
The temple is a site of fantastic ancient architecture, built by history and the subsequent generous donations of worshippers across the years. The temple also boasts of a golden top made of a ton of gold donated by a follower. Visit this beautiful temple by the banks of the holy Ganges in the sacred city of Varanasi to experience the best of spirituality.
Must Do: There are several major aartis that one can witness here like the Mangala aarti, Sandhya Aarti, Shringar aarti and Shayana aarti, depending upon the time of the day.
3. Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan temple is a temple that worships Lord Hanuman. The temple is famous for the many monkeys that can be seen on the premises. Devotees flock to the temple across the year and partake in several religious and cultural activities. Sankat means problem and mocha is the act of resolving these problems, a tribute attached to Lord Hanuman.
Hanuman Jayanti is undoubtedly the day you should try visiting the place because of the massive festival that takes place here. Temple-goers partake in the “Shobha Yatra” that begins from the Durga Temple and proceeds onto the Sankat Mochan Temple.
Must See: Take a close look at the golden pillars inside the temple complex as they have beautiful carvings of Hindu deities.
4. Durga Mandir and Bharat Mandir
In your Varanasi sightseeing passage should be a visit to the Durga Mandir and the Bharat Mandir. The Durga Temple is believed to have been built by Bengali Maharani who was a devotee of Goddess Durga. The walls of the temple are stained red, and the premises are in close proximity to the Durga Kund. This temple depicts how the rulers built several markers of social, cultural and political identity to claim history and presence in this holy city.
The Bharat Mata temple is very different from traditional Hindu temples because rather than worshipping a deity, it glorifies the manifestation of the nation in the form of Bharat Mata. She is revered and worshipped by all regardless of their caste, creed, religion or class.
It is built on the Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus, and visitors from across the world visit the temple to understand Indian history and identity better. The statue resembles the map of India rather than adhering to any specific deity. It is a must visit for all that aspire to understand the national identity that overpowers so many of us and motivates us to better the country.
Must Do: Talk to the priests at the Durga temple to know some interesting facts about the history of the temple.
5. Sarnath, Varanasi
Sarnath is among the four holy Buddhist sites across the globe. It is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the place where Gautama Buddha preached his first sermon and first taught the Four Noble Truths to his disciples. Sarnath is also known as Isipatana, which means ‘the place of holy water’.
Sarnath is a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination in North India. The religious town offers a relaxing spiritual vibe and an insight into the origins of Buddhism. You can experience the rich culture and explore the Buddhist heritage on a one day Varanasi local sightseeing tour by private car.
The main attraction in Sarnath is the ruins of the ancient Buddhist monastery. The site includes a number of stupas, pillars, and sculptures that date back to the 3rd century BC.
The most iconic structure is the Dhamek Stupa at the site where the Buddha preached his first sermon. Other popular sightseeing attractions of Sarnath are Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath Archaeological Site, Mahabodhi Society Temple, and Deer Park. It also houses the Ashoka Pillar which is the inspiration for India’s national emblem.
6. Banaras Hindu University
The Banaras Hindu University or BHU is an internationally revered university and is based in the delightful city of Varanasi. The University also played an essential role in the Indian freedom movement. With the progress of time, it has become one of the most significant centers of learning in India.
The University has contributed to the country through several famous researchers, writers, thinkers and freedom fighters. The University has a large and beautiful campus, the architecture is vibrant and makes it a must visit place in Varanasi.
Must See: The Bharat Kala Museum is an art and archaeological collection of artifacts, it is the highlight of the Campus, thus making it an enriching trip.
7. Ganga Aarti
Gange aarti is one of the most sought after events in Varanasi that one must not miss seeing. It makes one experience the great joy of watching the rituals near the holy waters of the Ganges. The beautiful ambiance and the serene atmosphere as you watch thousands of diyas light up in devotion just cannot be described. These evening aartis are widely sought out by tourists because of the larger than life experience that it provides. It is rare to see thousands of individuals bundled up in devotion, peace, and spirituality.
Must Do: Get a strategic location close to the priests and keep your camera handy!
8. Vishwanath Gali
A bite of the most delicious and world-famous pan at Vishwanath Gali along with other famous Banarsi cuisines is the perfect way to end your day trip. Try some of the local street food and chat along with getting some sweets packed for your friends and family back home.
Also, check out the shops for traditional handicraft products such as saris. Buy the finest silk as a souvenir for your loved ones back home, take up some copies of the best of Tulsidas and Kabir Das, some of the greatest writers to have lived.
9. NaMo Ghat
Varanasi, is renowned for its 84 iconic ghats, attracting thousands daily. The city recently welcomed its 85th – the reconstructed ‘Khidkiya ghat,’ now known as ‘Namo Ghat’.
Renowned for its monumental ‘namaste’ hand-folded sculptures, it’s become a symbolic welcoming point, infusing modernity with heritage. This ghat, unique for its water, land, and air accessibility, offers visitors a visually rich representation of Kashi culture and hospitality.
Package Inclusions
- Pick and drop from Home / Hotel in Varanasi
- Selected Cab for Varanasi sightseeing as per the above Itinerary
- Vehicle Parking Charges
- Toll-gate Charges if any
- Driver Batta
Package Exclusions
- Entry Ticket Fee at tourist places in Varanasi
- Breakfast, Lunch or any meal
- Lodging / Accommodation in Varanasi
- Vehicle beyond the mentioned time duration
- Vehicle beyond the designated tour route
Terms & Conditions
Travelers are requested to follow the given itinerary for 1 Day Varanasi Local Sightseeing tour package. Ideally this 1 day Varanasi city tour package can not be customized, however if guests prefer to visit different set of places in Varanasi city tour, they can check the possibility of the same with the listed car rental companies and request for a custom quote.
The time spent on each Varanasi tourist attraction is to be followed as per the Itinerary schedule. In case of any delays or additional time spent at a particular place, driver or car rental company will not be responsible to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary.
Please also note that if a particular Varanasi sightseeing place is closed on the scheduled day of the tour, it will not be covered from the list of sightseeing places. Please check the possibility of visiting an alternate place with cab vendor before you book the tour.
FAQs
Ideally, no. However you can check with listed Varanasi cab vendors before booking the tour on any possibility to customize the tour. Additional charges might apply.
You must visit this ancient city of joy and religion for it will give you the experience of a lifetime and bring you closer to that part of India that values its religion, culture, and heritage and has found ways to thrive despite the indifference of the spread of globalization. There are several spectacular sites, and there are several bazaars too that one can explore. Thus, wrap up your one day Varanasi Local sightseeing tour and take home memories worth a lifetime!