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Discover North India's top sights on this 3-day Delhi to Varanasi tour by train, including guided sightseeing, river boat rides, and comfortable overnight travel.
Traveling through India can be an overwhelming but rewarding experience, especially when time is limited. This 3-day Delhi and Varanasi tour by express train offers a well-paced journey through two of India’s most iconic cities, combining sightseeing, culture, and comfortable overnight travel. Designed for travelers seeking an authentic taste of India beyond the capital, this tour balances guided exploration with personal reflection.
What we love about this experience is its combination of convenience and depth. You get to see Delhi’s most famous landmarks within a day, then switch gears to the spiritual and ancient city of Varanasi, riding the train overnight in comfort. The personalized private tour ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd, and the inclusion of hotel transfers and train tickets makes logistics straightforward. The only possible downside? The tight schedule means you’ll need to be ready for a busy itinerary and some early mornings, especially at sunrise in Varanasi.
This tour suits travelers who are short on time but want a meaningful, immersive glimpse of North India’s diverse attractions. It’s ideal for first-timers who want to tick off major sights efficiently, or seasoned travelers longing for a spiritual experience on the Ganges without the hassle of planning internal transportation.
The tour kicks off in New Delhi, where a private car picks you up directly from your hotel. This door-to-door service already sets a tone of convenience. The day begins with visits to Delhi’s most famous sites: the Qutub Minar, the Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid. These sights offer a well-rounded introduction to Delhi’s Mughal, colonial, and modern architecture, along with its vibrant street life.
What’s great about this itinerary? It’s carefully curated to cover a broad spectrum of Delhi’s highlights without feeling rushed. The Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an impressive glimpse into Indo-Islamic architecture, while the Lotus Temple’s distinctive flower shape provides an inspiring moment of serenity amidst urban chaos. Humayun’s Tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal, offers a peaceful walk through Mughal history.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to sample some of Delhi’s delicious cuisine, a critical part of any authentic experience. The tour balances sightseeing with opportunities to taste the city’s diverse flavors, although meal costs are not included, so you can opt for local street food or sit-down meals.
As evening approaches, you’ll board an overnight train from New Delhi Railway Station heading to Varanasi. Traveling in air-conditioned chair class with reclining seats, you’ll get a restful night’s sleep—an efficient way to maximize your time. This mode of travel not only gets you to Varanasi quickly but also offers a glimpse into daily Indian life and the country’s rail network.
Traveling at night means you arrive in Varanasi refreshed and ready for the next day’s adventures, and the train journey itself is often part of the charm for travelers wanting to witness India’s bustling railway stations and characterful scenery.
The moment you arrive in Varanasi, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. After a brief rest, the day begins with a sightseeing tour of the city’s most renowned sites. First on the list is Assi Ghat, known for its lively atmosphere and long-standing community of foreign students and visitors.
Next, the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most sacred cremation sites, provides a profound and sometimes emotional insight into Hindu funeral rites. Among the many ghat visits, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple takes center stage; this Jyotirlinga temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the holiest places for Hindus and offers an intense spiritual atmosphere.
A trip to Sarnath’s Dhamek Stupa, about 13 kilometers away, introduces a different dimension — Buddhism’s significance in the region. The massive stupa symbolizes the Buddha’s teachings and is a peaceful spot away from the busy ghats.
One of the most praised aspects of this tour, as reflected in reviews, is the early morning boat ride on the Ganges. Watching the sun rise over the river while witnessing the rituals of pilgrims and cremations offers a truly authentic and humbling experience. The serene waters and the sight of people performing prayers or cremations create an unforgettable tableau.
Later, you are free to explore the city’s bustling markets, where artisans sell handcrafted beads, sacred symbols, and souvenirs. The narrow alleyways and vibrant street life give you a real taste of Varanasi’s enduring charm and spirituality.
In the evening, you’ll board another overnight train back to Delhi, completing your whirlwind 3-day adventure. With comfortable seats and the convenience of train travel, you’ll arrive back in Delhi refreshed but with a wealth of memories.
The tour includes overnight accommodation in twin or double rooms, with extra beds available for larger groups. Transportation within Varanasi is managed via private vehicles, with different cars allocated based on group size—ranging from Tata Indigo or Swift Dzire for small groups to Toyota Innova for larger parties.
This tailored approach ensures comfort without sacrificing the intimacy of a private tour, making the experience feel personalized rather than just another group package.
The price of $275 per person is quite competitive considering the comprehensive nature of the tour. Included are round-trip train tickets, hotel transfers, sightseeing with a local guide, boat ride in Varanasi, and one breakfast. Meals outside the included breakfast are extra, so budget accordingly for lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Not included are drinks, additional meals, or entrance fees for some sites, which are left to your discretion. The flexible approach allows you to choose how much to indulge in local cuisine or skip certain sites depending on your interests.
One traveler described the experience as “brilliant,” emphasizing how the arrangements and guides made the trip smooth and memorable. The emotional and humbling aspects of witnessing cremations by the Ganges left a profound impression, highlighting the depth of the spiritual experience.
Another review pointed out the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views of the river, which added a layer of authenticity and comfort to the journey. The combination of sightseeing, spiritual sites, and the boat ride is described as “a perfect snapshot of India’s soul.”
This trip is perfect for those short on time who want a comprehensive taste of North India’s highlights. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in history, spirituality, and culture, who don’t mind a packed schedule. The private tour format ensures flexibility and personalized attention, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those seeking a hassle-free experience.
If you want to see Delhi’s main sights in a day, then experience the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi with a boat ride and temple visits, this tour balances sightseeing, culture, and authentic moments beautifully.
This 3-day Delhi and Varanasi tour by train offers an excellent value for travelers eager to explore two of India’s most significant cities in a short window. It combines the convenience of private transfers, guided sightseeing, and comfortable overnight train travel, making it an efficient yet meaningful journey. The inclusion of key sites like the Qutub Minar, India Gate, and the Ganges boat ride ensures you’ll come away with a well-rounded experience.
The tour’s focus on authenticity—whether through witnessing cremations or exploring local markets—makes it more than just a checklist of attractions. It’s an opportunity to connect with India’s spiritual, architectural, and cultural essence in just three days.
This experience works best for travelers who want a structured, hassle-free trip with rich sights and moments that will stay with them long after the journey ends. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned traveler, the combination of guided insights and authentic encounters offers a memorable snapshot of North India.
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes private hotel transfers, train tickets in air-conditioned chair class, and transportation in Varanasi with private vehicles.
What kind of train tickets are provided?
Round-trip train tickets are included in air-conditioned chair class with sleeping beds, ensuring a comfortable overnight journey.
Are meals included?
Only one breakfast is included. Other meals are not included and will need to be purchased separately.
Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so some flexibility might be possible, but the itinerary is designed for a structured experience.
What sites are visited in Delhi?
Delhi highlights include Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid.
What are the main attractions in Varanasi?
Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Dhamek Stupa are key sites, along with the Ganges boat ride.
How long is the train journey?
The train from Delhi to Varanasi and back each takes approximately 12 hours, allowing for restful overnight travel.
Is this suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the private nature of the tour makes it suitable for solo travelers seeking a guided experience.
What do reviews say about the experience?
Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, authentic cultural encounters, and stunning river views, describing it as a “brilliant” trip.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and modest clothing for temple visits are recommended.
This well-organized 3-day journey offers a balanced glimpse into North India’s history, spirituality, and daily life. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting to see key sights with minimal fuss, making the most of limited time without sacrificing authenticity.