Namaste. I am Rohit, a guide. I have been helping pilgrims and travellers for the past 8 years. While my home is in Braj, I have guided many guests to Varanasi – the city of Lord Shiva, the city of light.
Varanasi is not a city you can "cover" in a hurry. It is a city you absorb. The ghats at sunrise. The Ganga Aarti at dusk. The narrow lanes of the old city. The smell of kachori sabzi in the morning. The sound of temple bells in the evening. And the feeling of standing at Manikarnika Ghat, watching the eternal cycle of life and death.
But before you can absorb any of it, you need to answer one question: How much should a 2-day Varanasi tour package cost?
The answer is not a single number. Because packages vary widely – from bare-bones budget tours to premium ghat-view stays with private guides. This guide breaks down the real prices, what you get at each tier, and how to choose the best value for your trip.
Let us begin.
The Price Range at a Glance
Here is the complete price picture for a 2-day Varanasi tour package in 2026.
| Package Type | Price (per person) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Package | ₹3,500 – ₹4,999 | Solo travellers, backpackers, tight budgets |
| Mid-Range Package | ₹7,080 – ₹8,999 | Families, couples, first-time visitors |
| Premium Package | ₹8,999 – ₹14,499 | Comfort seekers, NRI travellers, special occasions |
| Private Cab Only | ₹4,500 – ₹12,500 (whole vehicle) | Those who want to book hotels separately |
| Solo Traveller (Budget) | ₹4,200 | Solo travellers on a budget |
| Solo Traveller (Premium) | ₹10,500 | Solo travellers seeking comfort |
The Bottom Line:
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Cheapest 2-day package: ₹3,500 per person (TripCosmos budget package)
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Best value mid-range: ₹7,080 per person (Kashi Taxi stay-inclusive package)
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Premium ghat-view: ₹8,999 per person (TripCosmos premium package)
Budget Package – ₹3,500 to ₹4,999 per person
This is the entry-level tier. It is designed for travellers who want a genuine Varanasi experience without spending much.
What You Get at ₹3,500 (TripCosmos Budget Package):
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | 1 night near the ghats (twin-sharing) |
| Cab | Airport or railway station pickup and drop |
| Boat Ride | Guided sunrise Ganga Boat Ride |
| Ganga Aarti | Evening aarti visit at Dashashwamedh Ghat |
| Sightseeing | Kashi Vishwanath Temple and ghat walks |
Source:
What You Get at ₹4,999 (Pinaak Budget Package):
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Itinerary | 2-day flexible itinerary |
| Boat Ride | Sunrise boat ride on the Ganga |
| Ganga Aarti | Prime position viewing |
| Temples | Kashi Vishwanath Temple |
| Sarnath | Excursion to Sarnath |
| Food Experiences | Banarasi street food walk |
Source:
Who This Is For: Solo travellers, backpackers, students, and anyone who prioritises experiences over comfort.
Local Tip: The ₹3,500 package is the lowest verified price on the market. If someone quotes you less, check what is missing – usually the boat ride or the aarti viewing.
Mid-Range Package – ₹7,080 to ₹8,999 per person
This is the sweet spot for most travellers. You get a proper hotel, a private cab, and all the key experiences.
What You Get at ₹7,080 (Kashi Taxi Stay-Inclusive Package):
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | 2–3 star hotel (1 night) |
| Meals | Breakfast |
| Cab | Private AC vehicle |
| Boat Rides | Sunrise and evening boat rides |
| Temple Planning | Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna, Kal Bhairav route planning |
| Aarti Coordination | Ganga Aarti timing management |
Source:
What You Get at ₹8,999 (TripCosmos Premium Stay Package):
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Premium ghat-view hotel (1 night) |
| Cab | Private cab for all transfers |
| Guide | Full guided sightseeing circuit |
| Ganga Aarti | Pre-arranged prime position viewing |
| Boat Ride | Private sunrise Ganga Boat Ride |
Source:
Who This Is For: Families, couples, first-time visitors who want a balance of comfort and value.
Local Tip: The ₹7,080 package is the best value in the market. It includes both sunrise and evening boat rides, which most budget packages do not.
Premium Package – ₹8,999 and above
This tier is for travellers who want comfort, privacy, and a higher standard of service.
What You Get at ₹8,999 to ₹14,499 (TripCosmos Premium Package):
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Premium ghat-view hotel |
| Cab | Private cab for all sightseeing and transfers |
| Guide | Senior local guide (not a junior helper) |
| Ganga Aarti | Prime position viewing |
| Boat Ride | Private sunrise boat ride |
| Couples Rate | ₹24,999 for two with heritage room upgrade |
Source:
Who This Is For: NRI travellers, honeymooners, comfort seekers, and those celebrating special occasions.
Local Tip: The premium package locks in all prices at confirmation. There are no revisions at check-in, no fuel or toll additions, and no porter charges billed separately.
Private Cab Only – ₹4,500 to ₹12,500 per vehicle
If you prefer to book your hotel separately, you can hire a private cab for the 2-day sightseeing and transfers.
Purvanchal Rent a Car – 2-Day Kashi Tour Fare:
| Vehicle | Fare (Whole Vehicle) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Dzire / Etios Sedan | ₹4,500 | 2–4 passengers |
| Ertiga / Triber MUV | ₹6,000 | Up to 6 passengers |
| Innova Crysta | ₹8,500 | Maximum comfort |
| Tempo Traveller | ₹12,500 | 12–17 passengers |
Source:
What Is Included:
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Fuel, toll taxes, and parking charges
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Driver allowance and night charges
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Pick and drop from Varanasi Airport or Railway Station
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Full 2 days local sightseeing
What Is Not Included:
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5% GST
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Boat ride charges
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Ganga Aarti tickets
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Local guide fees
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Hotel accommodation and meals
Who This Is For: Travellers who want to choose their own hotel or who are travelling in a large group.
What Is Typically Included
Most 2-day Varanasi tour packages include the following.
| Inclusion | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel (1 night) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (ghat-view) |
| Breakfast | Sometimes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Private AC Cab | Shared | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sunrise Boat Ride | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ganga Aarti Viewing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (prime position) |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sarnath Excursion | Sometimes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Local Guide | ✗ | Sometimes | ✓ |
| Airport/Railway Pickup | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
What Is Typically Not Included
These items are usually excluded from package prices.
| Exclusion | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lunch and Dinner | Unless specified |
| Temple Donations | Personal offerings |
| Paid Aarti Tickets | Mangala Aarti (₹500), Saptarishi Aarti (₹300) |
| Personal Expenses | Shopping, tips, etc. |
| Air or Train Tickets | Travel to Varanasi |
| Guide Service | Unless selected |
| 5% GST | On some packages |
Important: Kashi Vishwanath Temple general darshan is free. Sugam Darshan (priority) costs ₹250–₹300 per person. Mangala Aarti costs ₹500 per person and requires advance online booking.
Source:
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
Here is what a typical 2-day Varanasi tour looks like.
Day 1 – Arrival and Ganga Aarti
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Arrival at Varanasi Airport/Railway Station. Pickup and hotel check-in |
| Afternoon | Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Corridor |
| Evening | Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (pre-arranged viewing) |
| Night | Dinner and overnight stay |
Day 2 – Sunrise Boat Ride and Sarnath
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Sunrise boat ride on the Ganga |
| Morning | Walk through the ghats and old city lanes |
| Late Morning | Excursion to Sarnath (Dhamek Stupa, Museum) |
| Afternoon | Checkout and transfer to airport/railway station |
Source:
Solo Traveller Pricing
Solo travellers pay a premium because they cannot share costs.
| Package | Solo Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Package (TripCosmos) | ₹4,200 per person |
| Premium Package (TripCosmos) | ₹10,500 per person |
Source:
Local Tip: If you are a solo traveller, consider joining a small group tour or booking a shared package to reduce costs.
Group Discounts
Groups of 6 or more travelling together often get additional discounts.
| Group Size | Discount |
|---|---|
| 2–5 travellers | Standard rate |
| 6+ travellers | Additional discount (varies) |
Source:
Local Tip: Contact the operator directly on WhatsApp for a group quote. Most operators offer better rates for larger groups.
How to Get the Best Price
Here are the practical steps to secure the best price for your 2-day Varanasi tour package.
1. Book Directly with Local Operators
Local Varanasi-based operators like TripCosmos, Kashi Taxi, and Pinaak offer better rates than national aggregators. They manage everything in-house and have no middlemen.
2. Travel Midweek
Weekends and festival periods see higher prices. Tuesday to Thursday is the cheapest window.
3. Book the Cab Only If You Have Hotel Points
If you have hotel loyalty points, book the cab only (₹4,500 for a Sedan) and use your points for the stay.
4. Avoid Peak Season
October to March is peak season. If you can travel in April or September, you will find lower rates.
5. Negotiate for Groups
If you are travelling with 6 or more people, ask for a group discount. Most operators will negotiate.
6. Check What Is Included
A ₹3,500 package may not include the boat ride or aarti viewing. Compare inclusions, not just prices.
How to Reach Varanasi
By Air:
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Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) – connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities
By Train:
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Varanasi Junction – major railhead linked to cities across India
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Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction – another major station
By Road:
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From Delhi: 820 km, 12–14 hours
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From Lucknow: 320 km, 6–7 hours
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From Prayagraj: 120 km, 2.5 hours
Where to Stay
| Area | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ghat-view hotels | Views of the Ganga and aarti | ₹3,000–₹15,000 |
| Near Dashashwamedh Ghat | Central location | ₹1,500–₹5,000 |
| Near Assi Ghat | Quiet, less crowded | ₹800–₹3,000 |
| City centre (Godowlia) | Budget options | ₹500–₹2,500 |
Important: Book your stay 2–3 months in advance for October to March.
What to Eat
| Food | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Kachori Sabzi | The classic Banarasi breakfast |
| Tamatar Chaat | Spicy tomato chaat |
| Banarasi Paan | Betel leaf with areca nut and fillings |
| Malaiyo | Winter-only saffron milk foam |
| Banarasi Silk Sarees | Not food, but a must-buy souvenir |
What to Carry
Essentials:
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered)
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Water bottle
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Cash (ATMs run out during peak season)
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ID proof for temple darshan
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Power bank
What Not to Carry:
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Large bags
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Expensive jewellery
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Electronics inside Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Conclusion
The best price for a 2-day Varanasi tour package is not the cheapest one. It is the one that gives you the full Varanasi experience – the sunrise boat ride, the Ganga Aarti, the temple darshan, and the food walk – without cutting corners.
A ₹3,500 package will get you there. A ₹7,080 package will make you comfortable. An ₹8,999 package will make it memorable. And a ₹4,500 cab-only booking will give you the freedom to explore on your own terms.
Whatever you choose, come to Varanasi. Sit at the ghats. Watch the river flow. And let the city of light show you something you did not know you were looking for.
Har Har Mahadev.
Plan Your Varanasi Trip
For bookings, queries, and custom packages:
Call Us: +91 7078723132 | +91 9557104160
WhatsApp Us: +91 7078723132 | +919557104160
Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM daily
Our Services:
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Varanasi Tour Packages (2, 3, 4 Days)
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Private AC Cab for Kashi Darshan
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Hotel Reservations in Varanasi
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Local Guide for Temple and Ghat Tours
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Ganga Aarti Viewing Arrangements
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Boat Ride Bookings
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Customized Itineraries for Families, Couples, and Groups
