Original
Short Breaks
Varanasi Homestay Extension
4 Days | Lift your spirits in the sacred Varanasi.
4.2
Very Good
17 reviews
4 days
Start
Varanasi, India
Finish
Varanasi, India
Trip Code
HHAV
Min Age
5
Trip Size
1 - null
Physical Rating
Meals
3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Transport
Private vehicle, Cycle rickshaw, Boat
Accommodation
Homestay (3 nights)
From £264(4 days)
Trip Informations
Explore holy Varanasi on an insightful Short Break Adventure – an atmospheric blend of temples, river ghats, and bustling bazaars. Cruise along the Ganges at dawn for a magical experience as the sun rises over groups of pilgrims absolving sins in the river. Explore the city and nearby Sarnath and wander independently through the bright bustle of the backstreets of the city. Visiting Shiva's city is a must on any visit to India, and this four-day adventure is a perfect addition to your Indian exploration.
Why you’ll love this trip
Embrace the local rituals and customs at our homestay in Varanasi. Upon arrival, be treated to a home-cooked meal, sharing food and interacting with your warm and welcoming hosts.
Spend sunrise cruising along the Ganges, watching Varanasi emerge into a new day, passing the many ghats and temples along the river banks while pilgrims wash themselves in the holy waters.
Head out of town to Sarnath and visit the place where Gautama Buddha first began his teachings of the sacred Dharma.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Tuuur Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management.
Is this trip right for you?
On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Tuuur partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer the experience of travelling with others, please consider the North India Highlights adventure – search trip code HHKH on the Tuuur website for more information.
Itinerary
Inclusions
Meals
3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Transport
Private vehicle, Cycle rickshaw, Boat
Accommodation
Homestay (3 nights)
Activities
Varanasi - Family dinner
Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
Varanasi - Ganges candle flower ceremony
Varanasi - Sarnath excursion
Varanasi - Silk weaving centre
Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Important notes
1. This trip finishes upon arrival in Varanasi on Day 4. Please do not book any flights flights before 12 noon.
2. This is a join-in trip, so if other travellers have booked on the same date you will share included activities. As this is not a group itinerary you may be travelling or accommodated on your own, without other Tuuur travellers.
3. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Reviews (17)
5 stars
12
4 stars
2
1 star
3
Linda
Nov 10, 2024
I highly recommend this homestay. What would a trip to India be without a trip to Varanasi. I liked the room set up for the homestay. I had a large bedroom with balcony and private bath and access to a lounge area and a kitchen. The family was super nice and Bintu an excellent cook. We learned a great deal from her cooking demonstrations. Our daily guide Anu did a fantastic job showing us around and filling us in on the history of Varanasi and Sarnath.
Jo-anne
Nov 05, 2024
The Varanasi Home Stay was excellent - we were lucky enough to travel during Diwali and the festivities were wonderful to see and experience. Bindu and her family were very welcoming and Anu was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. An assault on the senses but worthwhile to experience
Laurie
Nov 05, 2024
As two older women travelling to India our Intrepid Homestay was amazing. If you are considering this tour book it!!! Our hosts were so attentive and friendly. They included us in there very private Dawhli ceremony as well as the neighbourhood firecrackers and festivities. Great food and transportation, the Ganges sunrise and sunset on the river was magical
Alena
Sep 30, 2024
Varanasi 3 day extension was the most magical experience with evening & morning prayers watched from the boat or on foot. Anu our local baranasi guide was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and caring guide, trying to make the most out of our time in Varanasi. Thank you, Anu!!
paul
Aug 24, 2024
the hosts at the Gauri villa were great , very good dinner and breakfast. The tour leader Anu was very good his knowledge of Varanasi was outstanding and his organising skills 100% I highly recommend him also the tour driver Vaibhav best driver ever I would not think about doing Varanasi without both of them.
Teresa
Mar 21, 2024
From beginning to end we were shown gracious hospitality by our guide Anu and our hosts at Gauri villas, Bhindu and Pa
Carole
Mar 07, 2024
I would highly recommend a Varanasi Homestay. The home is well located, comfortable and clean with very welcoming hosts. Breakfast was delicious with best Marsala Omelettes I have had in India. Transport to important sites in Varanasi were well planned and my guide was very knowledgeable abd protective I believe Varanadi homestay should be included in everyone’s itinerary to India
Sarah
Mar 01, 2024
Varanasi was a great extension to our Classic Rajasthan trip. We enjoyed our homestay, it was really special to meet the family and stay in their home. The breakfasts were nice and helping with dinner preparations was fun. Our guide was a local and an expert on all the sites we visited. The temples were all unique and interesting and the sunrise and sunset boat trips on the Ganges were fantastic.
Kate
Jun 19, 2023
The homestay was the best way to experience Varanasi. The hosts were so friendly and welcomed us like family. The touring around Varanasi with Intrepid helped us get a deeper understanding of the intricacies of this city. I felt like a local with all the inside knowledge.
Natalie
Apr 14, 2023
A wonderful and moving trip to experience the culture of Varansi, which was made so much more spectacular with the welcoming, kind and caring nature of the Pankaj Nair and Bindu (owners of the homestay). They went above and beyond for me and it was a fantastic experience.
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