Varanasi Homestay Extension

4 days4.217 reviews
Short breaks
From
CAD $398

Lift your spirits in the sacred Varanasi.

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.

Map of Varanasi Homestay Extension including India
Trip code: HHAV
Start
Varanasi, India
End
Varanasi, India
Destinations
India
Meals
3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Transport
Private vehicle, Cycle rickshaw, Boat
Accommodation
Homestay (3 nights)
Days
4
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 5
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Short breaks
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Orginal: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip generates 39.87 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

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 Intrepid 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.

Itinerary

Map of Varanasi Homestay Extension including India

Inclusions and activities

Meals

3 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Cycle rickshaw, Boat

Accommodation

Homestay (3 nights)

Included 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

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 Intrepid 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 Intrepid website for more information.

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

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 Intrepid 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.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 based on 17 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Linda · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 10 Nov 2024

Jo-anne · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 05 Nov 2024

Laurie · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 05 Nov 2024

Alena · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 30 Sep 2024

paul · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 24 Aug 2024
Varanasi Homestay Extension
From
CAD $398