10 daysVaranasi & Sarnath history and culture school trip
India’s oldest living city and the place of the Buddha’s first sermon — a history, culture and heritage-science trip for school groups.
Students explore Varanasi’s ghats and lanes, Sarnath’s Ashokan heritage and museum, and the craft of Banarasi weaving, with worksheets and a tour escort throughout.
- StartsVaranasi
- EndsVaranasi
- Best timeOctober – March
Groups, Education & MICE Desk
School, university & corporate groups · Speaks English, Hindi, GujaratiTour rate
- Prices are per person on twin sharing, in Indian rupees, including GST.
- Hotels named are “or similar”. Groups of 10+ get special prices — ask us.
Book this tour
Day by day
-

Arrive and meet the tour escort. Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti with a short talk on the city’s 3,000-year history.
Highlights of the day
- Dashashwamedh Ghat — Main ghat on the Ganga, famous for the nightly Ganga Aarti. Aarti at sunset
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Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon: the Dhamek Stupa, Ashokan pillar remains and the Archaeological Museum with the Lion Capital, India’s national emblem.
Highlights of the day
- Dhamek Stupa — Massive stupa marking the site of the Buddha’s first sermon. Sunrise to sunset
- Sarnath Museum — Home of the Ashokan Lion Capital, adopted as India’s national emblem. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; closed Fridays
-

Sunrise boat ride along the ghats, a visit to the Banaras Hindu University campus and a weavers’ workshop to see Banarasi silk on the loom.
Highlights of the day
- Banaras Hindu University — Founded in 1916, one of Asia’s largest residential universities. Campus visit by arrangement
-

Closing quiz and certificates, then transfer for the journey home.
MealsBreakfastLunchDinnerShare this day
Drive times are approximate and depend on road and border conditions.
Highlights
What’s included
Included
- Hotels on quad sharing for students, twin for teachers
- All meals (vegetarian)
- AC coach and licensed guides
- Entry tickets and boat ride
- Tour escort and 24/7 support
- Group travel insurance
Not included
- Train or air fares to Varanasi
- Personal expenses
Tour preparation
Before you go
- Valid passport (6 months+) or government photo ID for Indian citizens.
- Travel insurance covering medical care and cancellation.
- Copies of documents saved on your phone and email.
What to pack
- Light cotton clothes; a warm layer for early mornings, hills and air-conditioned trains.
- Comfortable shoes that slip off easily for temples.
- Scarf or shawl to cover shoulders / head at religious sites.
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, personal medicines.
Money
- UPI and cards work in cities; carry some cash (₹) for small shops, tips and villages.
- ATMs are widely available; tell your bank you are travelling.
Health
- Drink sealed bottled or filtered water.
- For Ladakh / high altitude, rest on day one to acclimatise.
Etiquette
- Remove shoes before entering temples and homes.
- Ask before photographing people.
Visa & entry rules
India — e-Visa for foreign nationals
Most foreign visitors need a visa; many nationalities can apply for the Indian e-Visa online at least 4 days before arrival. Passport valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages. Official e-Visa website.
Visa rules change. Always check official sources before you travel. Indian e-Visa (official)
Terms for this tour
- Prices are per student on quad sharing; teachers on twin sharing.
- 1 free teacher place for every 15 paying students.
- The final name list with ID copies is due 21 days before travel.
- A signed parent consent form is required for every student under 18.
- 30% on confirmation, 40% 45 days before travel, balance 15 days before travel.
- Payments from the school or company account by bank transfer.
| Days before departure | Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 45 days | ₹2,500 handling |
| 45 – 30 days | 25% |
| 29 – 15 days | 50% |
| 14 – 7 days | 75% |
| Less than 7 days / no-show | 100% |
Strongly recommended, covering medical care, evacuation and cancellation. We can arrange a policy on request.
Our policies
Tour map
- Day 2 Varanasi → Sarnath 12 km · 30 min
Distances and drive times are approximate and depend on road and border conditions.
Tour gallery
1 / 2Reviews
“Our Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour with Inditour was exceptionally well organized — every detail thoughtfully arranged for a smooth, meaningful and truly memorable journey.”
Buddhist Pilgrimage, August 2026
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Golden Triangle, [Month year]
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Kerala Backwaters & Ayurveda, [Month year]
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Ladakh: Leh, Nubra & Pangong, [Month year]
Talk to the expert who plans this tour
Ask about dates, hotels, prices for your group or changes to the route. You get a written quotation — no payment needed.
- Reply within one working day — usually within the hour on WhatsApp
- Free changes until your planner confirms
- Secure payment by UPI, card or net banking



