Varanasi by Private Car and Driver: Ganga Aarti, Ghats & Ethical Travel Tip

Varanasi by Private Car and Driver: Ganga Aarti, Ghats and Ethical Travel Tip

02 Sep 2025

The Eternal City of Varanasi

Known as one of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi is the spiritual heartbeat of India. Pilgrims, philosophers, and travelers from across the globe come here to experience the sacred Ganges, vibrant ghats, and centuries-old temples. For first-time visitors, the city can feel overwhelming—crowded lanes, chaotic traffic, and endless activities happening all at once. Traveling with a private car and driver in Varanasi ensures that you can explore the holy city comfortably, without the stress of managing logistics on your own.

Why Choose a Private Car and Driver in Varanasi

Hiring a private driver in Varanasi is one of the smartest choices for travelers. The city has narrow lanes and busy intersections, making self-driving or relying only on local taxis challenging. With a private driver:

  • You get door-to-door transfers from hotels, airports, or ghats.
  • Flexibility to stop at hidden temples, silk workshops, or viewpoints.
  • Safety and comfort, especially for families and seniors.
  • Local knowledge of traffic patterns and timings of Ganga Aarti.

This makes your Varanasi private tour by car and driver smooth and enjoyable.

Arrival in Varanasi: First Impressions

Most visitors arrive in Varanasi via Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or by train. Your private car driver in Varanasi picks you up directly, avoiding confusion at busy stations. The first drive into the city introduces you to buzzing streets, honking auto-rickshaws, and colorful bazaars. Unlike group tours, a private driver ensures you settle into your hotel comfortably, before beginning the spiritual journey.

The Significance of Ganga Aarti

The highlight of Varanasi by private car and driver is witnessing the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Priests perform rituals with large brass lamps, chanting mantras while the river glows with diyas (oil lamps). Travelers often describe this as one of the most powerful spiritual experiences of India. Your driver ensures you reach the ghats early to secure a good spot, or arranges boat rides from the river for a breathtaking view.

Exploring the Ghats of Varanasi

Varanasi has over 80 ghats, each with its own story. With a private driver in Varanasi, you can plan visits to the most meaningful ones:

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat: Famous for evening aarti.
  • Manikarnika Ghat: Known as the main cremation ground, central to Hindu beliefs of moksha.
  • Assi Ghat: Popular with students, travelers, and yoga enthusiasts.
  • Harishchandra Ghat: Another important cremation ghat, linked to the legend of King Harishchandra.

Visiting with sensitivity is crucial, and an ethical travel approach in Varanasi means observing rituals without disturbing locals.

Boat Rides on the Ganges

One of the most serene experiences of Varanasi tours by private car and driver is taking a boat ride at sunrise. As the sun rises, the ghats come alive with priests, pilgrims, and morning prayers. Evening boat rides during aarti are equally enchanting. Drivers help arrange safe, licensed boats, ensuring you avoid overcharging or unsafe operators.

Temples of Varanasi

Varanasi is also called the city of temples, with thousands scattered across its lanes. Some of the must-visit shrines include:

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
  • Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: Popular among devotees seeking relief from troubles.
  • Durga Kund Temple: Known for its red façade and importance in Navaratri celebrations.
  • Tulsi Manas Mandir: Where the Ramcharitmanas was composed.

Your private driver in Varanasi ensures timely visits, as temple crowds can be overwhelming during festivals.

Day-Wise Suggested Itinerary for Varanasi

Day 1: Arrival and Evening Aarti

Arrive in Varanasi. Your driver in Varanasi takes you to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti. Overnight stay in hotel near ghats.

Day 2: Sunrise Boat Ride & Temple Visits

Early morning boat ride, followed by visits to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Kund, and Sankat Mochan Temple. Evening at leisure with a cultural music performance.

Day 3: Excursion to Sarnath

Drive with your Varanasi private driver to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit Dhamek Stupa, museum, and monasteries. Return to Varanasi in evening.

Day 4: Local Exploration

Visit weaving centers for Banarasi silk, take a heritage walk through old lanes, and relax at Assi Ghat with evening prayers.

Ethical Travel Tips in Varanasi

To experience Varanasi respectfully, travelers should follow ethical travel practices:

  • Avoid intrusive photography at cremation ghats.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and ghats.
  • Support local artisans by buying authentic Banarasi silk instead of machine-made copies.
  • Respect temple rituals and avoid pushing in queues.
  • Hire licensed boats and guides, supporting fair wages.

Following these ethical travel tips in Varanasi ensures your journey benefits locals while maintaining cultural sensitivity.

Experiencing Banarasi Culture

A trip to Varanasi is not only about temples and ghats but also about local culture. Your private driver India tour in Varanasi can take you to:

  • Silk Weaving Workshops: See artisans creating famous Banarasi sarees.
  • Classical Music Performances: Varanasi is home to legendary sitar and tabla players.
  • Street Food Walks: Taste kachoris, chaat, and rabri in trusted shops recommended by your driver.
  • Morning Yoga at Assi Ghat: Many travelers join yoga sessions at sunrise.

These cultural experiences give depth to your spiritual journey.

Safety and Comfort with a Private Driver

Navigating Varanasi’s lanes can be exhausting, especially for elderly travelers. A private driver in Varanasi ensures:

  • Comfortable transfers between ghats, temples, and hotels.
  • Knowledge of clean rest stops and restaurants.
  • Assistance with luggage and parking near busy areas.
  • Safety at night when moving between ghats and hotels.

This makes Varanasi by private car and driver suitable for families, solo travelers, and seniors alike.

Food Experiences in Varanasi

Food is an essential part of the Varanasi experience. With your driver’s guidance, you can enjoy:

  • Kachori-Sabzi: A breakfast staple.
  • Banarasi Paan: Iconic cultural symbol.
  • Lassi: Served in earthen cups at famous shops.
  • Chaat and Street Snacks: From Deena Chaat Bhandar or Ram Bhandar.

Having a driver in Varanasi ensures you eat at hygienic, safe spots instead of random stalls.

Excursion to Sarnath

A day trip to Sarnath with a private driver is a must. Located 10 km from Varanasi, this is where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment. Attractions include Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and the Sarnath Museum with Buddhist relics. Driving with a private car ensures a peaceful journey without haggling over local taxis.

Shopping in Varanasi

No visit to Varanasi is complete without buying souvenirs:

  • Banarasi Silk Sarees: Handwoven by local artisans.
  • Wooden Toys: Colorful handicrafts from local markets.
  • Brass Lamps and Idols: Used in temple rituals.
  • Handmade Paan Boxes: Traditional gifts.

Drivers can guide you to trusted shops, avoiding overpriced tourist traps.

Festivals in Varanasi

Travelers visiting during festivals enjoy unique experiences:

  • Dev Deepawali: The ghats glow with thousands of diyas.
  • Mahashivratri: Celebrations at Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
  • Holi: Played with colors and music near Assi Ghat.

With a Varanasi private driver, you navigate festival crowds safely and reach the best vantage points.

Why Ethical Travel Matters in Varanasi

Varanasi’s cultural depth requires responsible tourism. Over-commercialization can harm traditions. By following ethical travel tips in Varanasi, hiring local guides, and respecting sacred rituals, visitors become part of preserving the city’s spirit instead of disturbing it. A private driver service without commission stops also ensures money supports local communities directly.

Book Your Tour Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Enquire Now