Travel India, Your Way - Varanasi Excursion

Everything was good for this trip. Our driver Zakkir was excellent especially as we needed a hospital visit. The hotels were fantastic. Our backwater boat ride was disappointing but that was down to us being late due to the hospital. The cabin was perfect as was the food. The fact we could not visit the national park due to it being breeding season was not explained before we booked and we would probably not have booked if we had known but saying that we enjoyed our trip. Good value for money.

My trip to Benaras was more than a getaway — it was a journey of peace, faith, and rediscovery. Grateful to Aamir and team VE for curating it with such care and thoughtfulness.

They didn’t just plan my travel; they understood what I sought — quiet moments by the Ganga, walks through ancient alleys, and a touch of spirituality in every detail.

As a solo traveller, I felt safe, seen, and at ease. Benaras spoke to me in ways words can’t describe — a soulful experience I’ll always cherish.

I am a solo traveler (70), just completed the Buddhist Circuit tour with VE. It was also my first visit to India.
Aamir, the tour coordinator, did a great job making sure that the tour came off as planned. Bablu was a fantastic driver. He really catered to my every need. Professional, courteous and a lot of fun to be with. The hotels were excellent. The on-site guides were very good. Just make sure that they speak English clearly. This situation came up only once. I strongly recommend VE.

Excellent communication before and during the experience. We were able to see much of what Varanasi has to offer, all with a very knowledgeable guide!

Arvind. Is an extremely competent guide who provides enough information while allowing you to simply absorb the experience. The early morning Aarti Ganga is well worthwhile. Have a cup of lemon chai. Go for a boat ride past the ghats. Walk through the narrow alleys of Varanasi and soak it all. up. Highly recommend this experience and Arvind.

This 6 days Kashi Ayodhya journey was really peaceful and well organized btw. All places like Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Prayagraj and Ayodhya covered nicely without any rush. Sunrise boat ride and Ganga Aarti was highlight for me. Hotels and travel were comfortable. Little tired because full schedule but overall very good and spiritual experience. Recommended for anyone planning this route.

Sunny was an excellent guide — friendly, patient, and very knowledgeable. The tour was well-organized and never rushed. We loved starting with the sunrise on the Ganga, followed by a foodie walk through old Varanasi, a visit to Sarnath and BHU, and ending with front-row seats to the Ganga Aarti. Sunny shared great insights, helped us with photos, and made the day truly memorable. Highly recommend and would definitely book with him again!

The Cochin 5 day Kerala tour by Varanasi Excursion is very good and easy to enjoy. The trip starts from Kochi and everything is well planned. The houseboat in Alleppey is very nice, clean, and peaceful, and the food is tasty. The visit to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady is fun and you can see animals and nature. Hotels and travel are comfortable and on time. This tour is simple, relaxing, and good for anyone who wants to see Kerala in a short time.

The team at Varanasi Excursion are great to work with and really know how to look after their guests. My tour began with some additional time in Varanasi which they arranged at my request (see separate review for Tour Radar). The seven-day Buddhist Tour that followed was brilliantly organised to include all the major sites in the life of the Buddha, and the guides were all informative, although I struggled to understand some of their English. Special mention must go to T K Roy of Kushinagar, who not only had the clearest English but is a fascinating person who seems to have a high standing in his community, as he was greeted warmly wherever we went. Bablu, the driver for the whole tour, is another great character who navigates the hectic Indian roads with a level of skill that is almost superhuman. Nothing is too much trouble for him and he is great at engaging his guests on a personal level. Again, English communication was a challenge, but we overcame it with the help of translation apps. I didn’t meet Aamir, the tour organiser, in person, but he checked in regularly by phone to ensure that everything was going smoothly and arranged for some of my belongings to be couriered to me when they were accidentally left behind – very helpful. Overall, this was a great tour, and some of the hotels were first-rate, although I was disappointed to spend a few nights without hot water and often struggled to find staff who could converse in English. I was touring in the off-season, but I got the impression that many of the staff were not used to dealing with international guests.

This was my first visit to Varanasi, and it couldn’t have been more memorable—thanks to Aamir. He put together a meticulously planned and well-balanced itinerary that captured the true spirit of the city. From serene early morning boat rides on the Ganges and guided temple visits to exploring hidden alleys and sampling authentic local cuisine, every element was thoughtfully arranged. His attention to detail ensured that the entire experience was smooth, enriching, and deeply immersive. It was the perfect introduction to the spiritual and cultural richness of Varanasi.