Take some time off from your busy schedule to explore the vibrant ghats, timeless temples, and mystical aura of Varanasi that captivates the hearts and minds of those who venture within its hallowed boundaries. Plan a guided tour to Varanasi with our Varanasi local sightseeing tour packages.
Often referred to as the Spiritual Capital of India, Varanasi is a place where people come to seek spiritual solace and connect with their inner selves. It’s a place that provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in rich culture and heritage. It’s a place that boasts unique charm and atmosphere to draw a huge influx of visitors from all around the world. And it’s a place that takes you to another world, giving you a chance to add more depth to your travel experience.
Widely renowned for numerous ashrams and meditation centers, Varanasi invites visitors to explore the realms of devotion, introspection, and self-discovery. The ethereal ceremonies that take place along the ghats, the melodic chants that resonate through the winding alleys, and the ancient rituals that unfold on the riverbanks create an atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and transformative.
So, whether you seek spiritual solace, cultural immersion, or a deeper understanding of India's ancient traditions, Varanasi promises to offer a transformative journey that will leave you enthralled for sure. It is a city that leaves an imprint on your heart, a place where the boundaries between the earthly and the divine blur, and where the quest for meaning and enlightenment takes center stage.
The top 4 points of interest to visit in Varanasi with our Varanasi local sightseeing tour packages are:
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to be transported to a realm where the earthly and the divine intertwine. Nestled amidst the winding alleys of Varanasi, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to the eternal flame of faith that has burned bright for thousands of years.
As you approach the temple, a palpable aura of reverence envelops your senses. The air is thick with the heady fragrance of incense, and the gentle strains of devotional chants reverberate through the bustling streets. The grand entrance beckons you forward, adorned with intricate carvings that depict stories from Hindu mythology, each curve and line breathing life into ancient tales of gods and heroes.
The sanctum sanctorum, home to the magnificent Vishwanath Lingam, stands as the epicenter of spiritual energy. Bathed in the soft glow of flickering oil lamps, the lingam exudes an otherworldly aura that stirs the soul. Here, in the presence of Lord Shiva, devotees from all walks of life come to seek solace, divine blessings, and a glimpse of the eternal truth that lies beyond the veil of mortal existence.
2. Tulsi Manas Temple
Lying in close proximity to Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the Tulsi Manas Temple which stands as a radiant beacon of spiritual enlightenment and poetic beauty. Dedicated to Lord Rama, this enchanting temple is a testament to the power of devotion and the eternal resonance of divine verses.
Inside, the main shrine houses a beautiful idol of Lord Rama and his beloved consort, Goddess Sita, along with his devoted brother, Lord Lakshmana, and the revered Hanuman. The deities, sculpted with exquisite craftsmanship, radiate a divine aura that touches the hearts of all who behold them.
The walls of the shrine are adorned with verses and illustrations from the Ramcharitmanas, immortalizing the sacred poetry that captures the essence of Lord Rama's life and teachings.
Beyond its religious significance, the Tulsi Manas Temple holds a special place in the hearts of literature enthusiasts. It is believed to be the very spot where Goswami Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas, a literary masterpiece that brought the epic story of Lord Rama to the common people in their native language, Hindi.
The temple thus serves as a tribute to Tulsidas' devotion, literary brilliance, and his immense contribution to Indian culture and spirituality.
3. Chunar Fort
The next attraction you can explore with our Varanasi local sightseeing tour packages is the Chunar Fort. Situated nearly 40 km southwest of the city, Chunar Fort is an ancient fortress that features a rich history dating back to ancient times and has witnessed the rule of various dynasties including the Mauryas, Guptas, Mughals, and British.
It is situated on the banks of the river Ganga and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Widely renowned for its strategic location and impressive architecture, Chunar Fort was primarily built as a defensive structure and played a crucial role in many battles that happened in the past. Visitors can explore its massive walls, gates, underground passages, and various structures while exploring the surroundings of the complex.
You can also step back into the region’s bygone era as you take a guided tour of this age-old edifice.
4. Varanasi Fun City
Enjoy an escapade to the Varanasi Fun City Water Park to get relief from the scorching heat. It is counted as one of the topmost destinations for people to fill their day with unlimited fun and boundless entertainment.
Ideal for all age groups, the Varanasi Fun City Water Park is a perfect recreational spot for all those who wish to do something exciting on their coming weekend. Here you can try your hand at a plethora of water rides to set your heart racing. Some of the best slides in this park are the body slide, close slide, spiral slide, high-speed slide, etc.
The best thing about the Varanasi Fun City Water Park is its huge swimming pool where you take a dip in its waters and create some unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Other activities that draw visitors’ attention are the Rain Dance, Bhoot Bangla, and a food court that satiates your little hunger pangs before or after the sightseeing exploration.
Shopping
Don’t return home from your Varanasi tour without indulging in shopping! A place to cater to all interests, Varanasi has everything one needs to experience the best of retail therapy.
For instance, you can begin with the Thatheri Bazaar to buy religious artifacts, copper products, brass items, and other antique souvenirs under one roof. While Vishwanath Lane is known for its designer bangles, the Godowlia Market remains crowded with people looking for household things.
Several other markets including the Rajan Silk Market, Dal Mandi Market, and Golghar Market are famous among the locals over there for Banarasi Sarees, Suits, Dupattas, Dress Materials, and trendy footwear. You can also take some time out for Chowk and Urban Hatt to purchase handicrafts and handlooms. Please note that bargaining is a common practice in Varanasi, so make sure to negotiate as much as you can.
In conclusion, it won’t be wrong to say that Varanasi is an enchanting city that beckons travelers from far and wide to embark on a spiritual and cultural odyssey unlike any other tourist destination in India. You can make the most of your trip by including a few more places on your itinerary list. These include Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Nepali Temple, Chinese Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, and Tibetan Temple. Adding to these are Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Shivala Ghat, etc.
Book a Varanasi tour package with us to enjoy your Varanasi tour to the fullest. We at Varanasi Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, offer a diverse range of travel packages that can be customized as per your holiday needs. Based on your prerequisites, our team of experts also helps you curate an itinerary of your choice. You can also leverage the benefits of all-inclusive packages to have fun with your near and dear ones. Please fill out the Contact Us to get in touch with us.
How to Reach Varanasi?
To be there in Varanasi, you can choose from the following modes of transportation which are as follows:
By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or Varanasi Airport is nearly 24 km away from the city center and receives regular flights from Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Goa, Khajuraho, and Kathmandu as well. After deboarding your flight, book a private taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Varanasi to commute further to your desired location.
By Train: Another convenient way is by train. Catch a train to either the Varanasi Railway Station or Kashi Railway Station to enjoy a smooth and comfortable train journey to Varanasi. Both the railheads are linked with the other major railheads of the country. Outside the stations, the facility of autos and rickshaws are available at reasonable prices.
By Road: The city of Varanasi maintains great road connectivity with Patna, Lucknow, Ranchi, Gorakhpur, and Allahabad. For your ease, the state government runs various buses to and from Varanasi on an everyday basis. One can also opt to travel in deluxe coaches to enjoy the road traveling in their utmost comfort. From Lucknow, it takes around 6 to 7 hours to cover the required distance.