Best Travel Agency in Varanasi 2026 — Ayodhya Travel Services
Since 2015, Ayodhya Travel Services (Kashi Dham Tours & Travels) has been a trusted pilgrimage and travel partner in Varanasi — helping families, senior citizens, and NRI visitors experience Kashi with AC cabs, Ganga boat rides, VIP darshan assistance, and door-to-door packages from ₹2,999. No middlemen. No hidden charges.
Ayodhya Travel Services, also known as Kashi Dham Tours & Travels, is a Varanasi-based pilgrimage travel company founded in 2015 by local resident Shivay Raj. The agency is physically located at C33/158 B-1-D, Lahartara, Sigra, Varanasi — 221010, Uttar Pradesh. Verified contact: +91-8081518587. The agency holds a 4.9-star Google rating and specialises in Kashi pilgrimage packages, AC cab service, Ganga boat rides, hotel booking near ghats, and multi-city tours covering Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Gaya — starting from ₹2,999 per person.
📋 What’s on This Page
- What makes us a trusted Kashi travel planner
- About the founder — experience & credentials
- How to evaluate any Varanasi tour operator
- 7 warning signs of a bad travel agency
- Complete services — cab, boat, hotel, guide, darshan
- How to book in 5 steps
- Varanasi tour packages — 2026 rates & itinerary
- AC taxi & cab service — all vehicles & rates
- Best time to visit Varanasi
- Varanasi ghat guide
- Reviews from real travellers
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact & book
Why Pilgrims Call Us a Trusted Kashi Travel Planner
Ten years of daily work on these ghats shapes a different kind of service. Unlike OTA aggregators or Delhi-based operators who sub-contract everything, our team has managed every component in-house since day one — the cabs, the boats, the guides, and the hotel relationships.
Verified Credentials
🙏 Owner-Managed, Not Call-Centre Operated
Shivay Raj or a core team member personally answers every inquiry at +91-8081518587. Moreover, every itinerary is reviewed by the founder before your trip begins. That level of direct accountability is rare in this industry.
💰 Itemised Quote Before Any Payment
You receive a full WhatsApp breakdown — hotel name, cab model, boat type, guide name, and all darshan charges — before paying a single rupee. Furthermore, only 20% advance is required to confirm your booking.
🚖 In-House, GPS-Tracked Cab Fleet
Every vehicle in our fleet is GPS-enabled, sanitised before each trip, and driven by our own background-verified drivers with 3+ years of Varanasi city experience. Consequently, you never get a last-minute stranger behind the wheel.
🛥️ Direct Boat Ownership at Dashashwamedh
We operate our own boats from Dashashwamedh Ghat — no broker in between. As a result, you pay actual boat rates instead of the inflated tourist prices quoted by middlemen along the ghats.
🏨 Partner Hotels Within Walking Distance of Ghats
All accommodation partners are located within 500 metres of Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat. This is especially important for senior pilgrims who cannot manage long walks with luggage in summer heat.
📿 Temple Access Through Local Contacts
Through long-standing relationships with local temple sevaks, we help pilgrims access priority darshan windows at Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan, and Kal Bhairav — reducing waiting times significantly on busy days.
About the Founder — Shivay Raj
📍 Our Varanasi Office — Visit Us Anytime
C33/158 B-1-D, Lahartara, Sigra, Varanasi — 221010, Uttar Pradesh. Open 7 days a week.
💡 If the embed does not load, open our location in Google Maps →
How to Evaluate Any Tour Operator in Varanasi — 9-Point Checklist
Varanasi has hundreds of travel agents. However, many are Delhi-based aggregators with no physical presence here. Before you book anyone — including us — use this checklist to confirm you are dealing with a genuine local company:
| Criterion | What to Check | Ayodhya Travel Services |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Varanasi office | Search Google Maps — look for a verified pin with reviews | ✅ C33/158 B-1-D, Lahartara, Sigra, Varanasi |
| GST registration | Ask for GSTIN on your invoice | ✅ GST registered — available on request |
| Itemised quote in writing | Hotel name, cab model, guide fee, boat type — all separate | ✅ Full WhatsApp breakdown before payment |
| Advance payment under 25% | Reputable operators rarely need more than 25% to confirm | ✅ Only 20% to lock your booking |
| In-house vehicles or outsourced | Ask directly: “Do you own your cabs or hire daily?” | ✅ Own fleet — GPS-tracked, sanitised |
| Google reviews — 100+ genuine | Check review dates and profile photos — identify bulk fake reviews | ✅ 4.9★ — organic reviews over 10 years |
| Direct WhatsApp number | Someone must answer at 4 AM if your driver is late | ✅ +91-7068878517 — 24/7 WhatsApp |
| Senior citizen support | Ground-floor rooms, wheelchair option, slow-paced itinerary | ✅ Dedicated senior care package |
| Sattvic / no-onion-garlic meals | Essential for many devotee families — confirm before booking | ✅ Available by arrangement |
💡 Apply this checklist to any agency you consider. A genuine local Varanasi operator will answer every row with confidence. If they hesitate on the GST or advance payment questions, proceed with caution.
7 Warning Signs of a Problematic Varanasi Travel Agency
Before booking any Kashi pilgrimage operator, watch for these specific patterns. They are based on traveller complaints documented on TripAdvisor and JustDial over the past two years — not generalised warnings.
🚩 No Verifiable Varanasi Address
Many agencies claiming to be “local” are run from Delhi or via OTA platforms. Ask for a Google Maps pin with actual street-level photos. Without one, there is no accountability if something goes wrong.
🚩 Lump-Sum Pricing With No Breakdown
A reliable agency always separates: hotel name + rating, cab model, guide fee, boat type, and darshan charges. A single combined price almost always hides a downgrade in hotel quality or guide credentials.
🚩 More Than 50% Advance Required
Reputable operators ask for 20–25% to confirm. Demanding 50% or full payment before sharing the complete itinerary removes your leverage if the service delivered differs from what was promised.
🚩 Fewer Than 100 Independent Reviews
Any company positioning itself as a top Varanasi tour operator should have served enough clients to accumulate genuine feedback over several years. Additionally, check that review dates are spread across time — not clustered in a single week.
🚩 Vague Vehicle Confirmation
If the agency says “we’ll arrange a cab” without naming the specific model and registration number before payment, they may send whatever is available that day — not what was discussed.
🚩 Guides Without Verifiable Credentials
Varanasi has many informal guides who station themselves near ghats and railway stations. A legitimate pilgrimage company employs certified guides with government-issued credentials and documented language skills.
🚩 No Direct Mobile Contact
Your operator must be reachable by phone and WhatsApp — not only through a contact form. Spiritual travel involves early morning boat rides and late-night arrivals. Someone must pick up at 4 AM if your driver is delayed.
Complete Pilgrimage Services in Varanasi — One Team, Everything Arranged
Rather than coordinating separate vendors for cabs, boats, hotels, and guides, our pilgrimage experts manage the entire journey end-to-end. Therefore, you arrive in Kashi and focus entirely on the spiritual experience.
AC Cab & Taxi Service
Dzire, Ertiga, Innova, Crysta, Tempo Traveller & buses. Airport pickup, station transfer, local sightseeing, and all outstation routes. GPS-tracked, 24/7.
Ganga Boat Rides
84 Ghats cruise, Ganga Aarti viewing, VIP Bajra boats. Boats operated directly by us — no broker fees. Sunrise, evening, and Dev Diwali special charters.
Hotel Booking Near Ghats
Budget dharamshalas to quality hotels within 500m of Dashashwamedh Ghat. Pure veg, no onion-garlic meal options. Ground-floor rooms for elderly guests.
Certified Local Guides
Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali & Kannada-speaking guides. Government-certified, background-checked. Rituals explained in your language throughout.
Priority Darshan Assistance
Helped by local temple contacts, we arrange early-window access at Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan, and Kal Bhairav — reducing waiting time on high-footfall days.
Sattvic Food Arrangements
Pure vegetarian, no onion-garlic meal plans for devotee families. South Indian, Gujarati & North Indian options. Special medical diet requirements accommodated.
Train & Flight Coordination
IRCTC booking support, flight coordination from major cities. Airport and Varanasi Cantt station pickups included with all tour packages.
Senior Citizen Care Package
Dedicated caregiver-trained guide, wheelchair assistance, ground-floor rooms, slow-paced itinerary, and emergency medical contacts at BHU Medical College.
How to Book — 5 Steps, Under 10 Minutes
Call or WhatsApp with your travel dates, group size, and budget. You receive a full itemised quote within 10 minutes. Confirm with just 20% advance via UPI — the remaining balance is settled at the end of your trip, after confirming everything was delivered as agreed.
Call or WhatsApp Us
Reach Shivay Raj on +91-8081518587 (call) or +91-7068878517 (WhatsApp). Share your travel dates, group size, home city, and budget. Available 24/7 including public holidays.
Receive Your Itemised Quote in 10 Minutes
We send a full WhatsApp breakdown — hotel name, cab model, guide name, boat type, darshan arrangements, and all charges. No hidden line items. No last-minute additions.
Customise Your Itinerary
Tell us what matters most — a specific ghat visit, dietary needs, wheelchair access, or more rest time between temples. We adjust at no extra cost. Group discounts apply for 6+ persons (10% off) and 10+ persons (15% off).
Confirm With 20% Advance
Pay only 20% via UPI, bank transfer, or Google Pay to lock your booking. You receive written confirmation with driver name, vehicle number, and hotel address within 2 hours.
Arrive, Relax, Experience Kashi
Your driver meets you at the airport, railway station, or hotel. The guide is on call throughout your stay. Remaining payment is due only at the end — after you confirm everything was delivered as promised.
Varanasi Tour Packages 2026 — Day-wise Itineraries & Rates
Every package from our Kashi travel team includes an AC cab, hotel near the ghats, Ganga boat ride, certified guide, and priority darshan assistance. Below is a sample 3-day itinerary, followed by our current package menu:
📅 Sample Itinerary — Varanasi Kashi Darshan (2 Nights / 3 Days)
- ArrivalDriver meets you at Varanasi Airport (VNS) or Varanasi Cantt — free pickup included.
- Check-inHotel near Dashashwamedh Ghat. Ground-floor or lift access arranged for elderly guests.
- 4:30 PMPrivate boat from Dashashwamedh Ghat. Cruise past all 84 ghats as the sun sets.
- 6:30 PMGanga Aarti viewed from the river — the best unobstructed angle in Varanasi.
- 8:30 PMDinner at a pure vegetarian restaurant. Banarasi thali or South Indian options available.
- 5:00 AMSunrise Ganga boat ride — morning rituals, yoga at Assi Ghat, golden light on the ghats.
- 9:00 AMKashi Vishwanath darshan via early-window access. Guide explains Jyotirlinga significance.
- 11:00 AMAnnapurna Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman, Durga Temple — each with guide commentary.
- 2:30 PMSarnath — Dhamek Stupa, ASI Museum, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. Full Buddhist history narrative.
- 8:00 PMOptional: silk-weaving workshop or classical music evening at a heritage haveli.
- 6:00 AMWalking tour through old-city galis. Hidden shrines that most visitors never find. 3,000 years narrated.
- 8:30 AMKal Bhairav Temple — guardian deity of Kashi. Unique prasad offering.
- 10:00 AMBreakfast, hotel checkout. Luggage stored until departure time.
- As neededAC cab to airport or railway station. Driver monitors your departure time.
All Varanasi Tour Packages — 2026 Rates
Varanasi — Prayagraj — Ayodhya Tour
3 Nights / 4 Days. Kashi Vishwanath, Triveni Sangam holy dip, and Ram Mandir darshan. AC cab, hotel, guide, and VIP entry. Ideal for families of 4–8.
Varanasi (Kashi) Local Darshan — 2 Days
2 Days. Sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath, Ganga Aarti, Sarnath, and 10+ temples. AC cab and certified guide included. Perfect for a focused spiritual visit.
Varanasi — Ayodhya — Chitrakoot
4 Nights / 5 Days. The complete Ram Van Gaman pilgrimage circuit — Kashi, Sangam, Ram Mandir, and Kamadgiri parikrama at Chitrakoot.
Pind Daan — Gaya + Varanasi + Prayagraj
3 Nights / 4 Days. Ancestral rituals at Vishnupad Temple Gaya, Veni Daan at Sangam, and Asthi Visarjan in the Ganges. Pandas coordinated at each site.
AC Taxi Service in Varanasi — All Vehicles & 2026 Rates
Our local cab service in Varanasi operates across 6 vehicle types, covering every group size and budget. All vehicles are air-conditioned, GPS-tracked, and sanitised before each trip. Specifically, every driver is employed directly by us — not sourced from daily-hire aggregators.
Maruti Ertiga — ₹13/km
Airport: ₹950 | 8Hr/80Km: ₹1,900 | 12Hr/120Km: ₹2,600 | Seats: 6
📞 Book Ertiga
Toyota Innova — ₹15/km
Airport: ₹1,250 | 8Hr/80Km: ₹2,400 | Intercity: ₹15/km | Seats: 7
📞 Book Innova
Toyota Crysta — ₹17/km
Airport: ₹1,500 | 8Hr/80Km: ₹2,600 | Outstation: ₹17/km | Seats: 6–7
📞 Book Crysta
Tempo Traveller — ₹25/km
Airport: ₹2,500 | 8Hr/80Km: ₹5,500 | Outstation: ₹25/km | Seats: 10–17
📞 Book Tempo Traveller
35-Seater AC Bus — ₹50/km
Airport: ₹10,000 | 8Hr/80Km: ₹18,000 | Intercity: ₹50/km | Seats: 35
📞 Book 35-Seater💡 Night charge: ₹300 extra after 9 PM. Outstation minimum: 250 km/day. Prices include driver & fuel. Toll tax extra for outstation routes. Full 2026 rate list →
Best Time to Visit Varanasi — Month-by-Month Guide 2026
The best time to visit Varanasi is October to March, when temperatures sit between 8°C and 28°C and major festivals fall — including Dev Diwali (5 November 2026) and Mahashivratri (26 February 2026). In contrast, May and June bring extreme heat above 44°C and are best avoided unless your schedule is fixed.
| Month | Weather | Crowd Level | Key Events | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct – Nov | 22–32°C, pleasant | High — festival season | Navratri, Dussehra, Dev Diwali 5 Nov | ⭐ Best Time |
| Dec – Feb | 8–22°C, cool & foggy | Medium-High | Makar Sankranti, Magh Mela, Mahashivratri 26 Feb | ⭐ Best Time |
| March – April | 25–38°C, warming | Medium | Holi (legendary in Varanasi), Ram Navami | ✅ Good |
| May – June | 38–46°C, very hot | Low | — | ⚠️ Avoid if possible |
| July – Sept | 28–36°C, monsoon | Low | Sawan month (special Shiva worship) | 🌧️ Manageable with agency |
🪔 Dev Diwali 2026 — Book Early
On 5 November 2026, every ghat is lit with over one million earthen lamps. The reflection on the Ganges is unlike anything else in India. However, boat slots and ghat-facing hotels typically sell out 3–4 weeks before the date. Therefore, if you plan to attend, check availability now →
Varanasi Ghat Guide — 6 Ghats You Should Not Miss
Varanasi has 84 ghats stretching 6.5 km along the western bank of the Ganges. Most first-time visitors see only three or four of them, which means missing genuinely transformative experiences. Here is our local guide to the most important ones:
🔥 Dashashwamedh Ghat
The spiritual centrepiece of Varanasi. The nightly Ganga Aarti (7 PM) is performed by 7 priests simultaneously. Viewing from a boat — rather than the crowded ghat steps — gives the best unobstructed panoramic view.
🌅 Assi Ghat
Southernmost major ghat. Morning yoga, the famous “Subah-e-Banaras” sunrise programme, and a notably calmer atmosphere make this a favourite among returning pilgrims and long-stay visitors.
🪦 Manikarnika Ghat
The most sacred cremation ghat in Hinduism. Hindu belief holds that dying here grants moksha — liberation from the rebirth cycle. Fires reportedly have burned continuously for over 3,500 years. Observe respectfully from the river only.
🏰 Scindia Ghat
Famous for a partially submerged Shiva temple that sank into the river under the ghat’s weight. One of Varanasi’s most photographed spots — particularly striking at sunrise when mist rises off the water.
🏋️ Tulsi Ghat
Where the poet-saint Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas. Additionally, Varanasi’s ancient wrestling akhadas are active here at dawn — a completely tourist-free, deeply authentic experience.
🙏 Kedar Ghat
A smaller, more meditative ghat with a Kedarnath Shiva temple. Particularly popular with South Indian pilgrims. The quieter atmosphere here contrasts noticeably with the busier central ghats.
All 84 ghats are covered in our 84 Ghats Boat Tour. See outstation and day-trip cab options →
Reviews from Real Travellers — What Our Pilgrims Say
The following reviews are published on our Google Business Profile and have been reproduced here for reference. Each reviewer’s name and the approximate posting date are shown exactly as they appear on Google.
“We visited with a group of 12. Kashi Dham provided the best tour guide Abhishekji, a boat with live traditional music, snacks, and wheelchair assistance for our senior citizens. They adjusted our booking without hesitation. Really the best service — highly recommended.”
— Akash Mor, Mumbai ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Feb 2026 — Google Review)“We completed a 5-day tour of Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. Everything was smooth. Driver Deepak Singh was polite, punctual, and knowledgeable. The hotel was excellent and close to Kashi Vishwanath. The Ganga boat ride was simply amazing.”
— Arvind K Neeraj, Bangalore ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Feb 2026 — Google Review)“Thanks to Shivay for organising our trip to Naimisharanya, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Kashi, Gaya, and Deoghar. Everything was well organised. Pure vegetarian no-onion-garlic food everywhere. VIP darshan was wonderful. My senior citizen parents faced zero discomfort.”
— Smruthi Ram, Chennai ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Dec 2025 — Google Review)“Our NRI family came from the US specifically for a Kashi pilgrimage. Shivay understood our needs perfectly — English-speaking guide, pure veg food, hotel with Western-style bathroom. Everything was arranged without us needing to ask twice.”
— Ramesh Iyer, New Jersey, USA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Apr 2026 — Google Review)⭐ Did We Make Your Pilgrimage Special?
Your review helps other pilgrims find a trustworthy Varanasi travel partner. It takes less than one minute on Google.
Frequently Asked Questions — Varanasi Pilgrimage Travel 2026
❓ Which is the best travel agency in Varanasi for Kashi pilgrimage in 2026?
Ayodhya Travel Services (Kashi Dham Tours & Travels), contact +91-8081518587, is a well-regarded pilgrimage travel agency in Varanasi. Founded in 2015 by local resident Shivay Raj, the company carries a 4.9-star Google rating. Pilgrimage packages start from ₹2,999 per person and include AC cab, hotel near ghats, Ganga boat ride, certified guide, and priority darshan assistance at Kashi Vishwanath.
❓ What is the phone number of Ayodhya Travel Services in Varanasi?
The direct call number is +91-8081518587. WhatsApp bookings and queries go to +91-7068878517. Both lines are active 24/7, including public holidays. The owner, Shivay Raj, personally responds during 6 AM–11 PM IST.
❓ What is the address of your Varanasi office?
Physical address: C33/158 B-1-D, Lahartara, Sigra, Varanasi — 221010, Uttar Pradesh, India. The office is open 7 days a week. You can also find us on Google Maps by searching “Kashi Dham Tours Travels Varanasi.”
❓ What is the best time to visit Varanasi?
The best time to visit Varanasi is October to February. Specifically, October–November brings Dev Diwali on 5 November 2026 — one million earthen lamps across every ghat — and the Navratri festival. Furthermore, December–February offers cool, comfortable temperatures (8–22°C) ideal for walking the ghats. Mahashivratri on 26 February 2026 is the most powerful spiritual experience of the year.
❓ What does a standard Varanasi tour package include?
A standard package from our Kashi travel team includes: AC cab pickup from airport or railway station, hotel within 500m of the ghats, sunrise Ganga boat ride, Ganga Aarti viewing by boat, Kashi Vishwanath priority darshan, Sarnath tour with certified guide, heritage ghat walk, and pure vegetarian meal options. Rates start at ₹2,999 per person for a 1-night / 2-day programme.
❓ How do I get priority darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Priority access to Kashi Vishwanath requires either the official Sevayat channel — which has limited and complex availability — or a locally connected operator with established temple relationships. Through long-standing contacts, our team arranges early-window entry that typically reduces the standard 3–5 hour queue. This is particularly valuable during Mahashivratri, Mondays, and Shravan month.
❓ Do you offer 24-hour cab service in Varanasi?
Yes. Our local taxi and cab service in Varanasi operates around the clock for airport transfers, railway station pickups, early morning boat rides, and late-night departures. All vehicles are GPS-tracked. To book, call +91-8081518587 or WhatsApp at any time. See cab booking options →
❓ What is the cab fare from Varanasi to Ayodhya?
A one-way cab from Varanasi to Ayodhya (approximately 200 km, 3.5 hours) costs between ₹2,500 and ₹3,200 depending on vehicle type. A round trip with driver waiting during darshan typically costs ₹5,500 to ₹7,000. For current rates and vehicle options, see our Varanasi to Ayodhya cab booking page →
❓ Is Varanasi safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, Varanasi is generally safe for solo female travellers when arranged through a reputable local operator. Our team provides a female guide option on request, accommodation in hotels with 24-hour front desks near the ghats, GPS-tracked cabs with background-verified drivers, and a direct emergency line to the owner throughout the trip.
❓ Can you arrange Pind Daan in Gaya along with Varanasi?
Yes. Our ancestral-ritual package covers all three key destinations: Pind Daan at Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Veni Daan at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, and Asthi Visarjan in the Ganges at Varanasi. We coordinate directly with the required pandas at each location. Contact +91-8081518587 to plan this 3-night / 4-day programme.
❓ Do you offer tours for senior citizens with wheelchair assistance?
Yes. Our senior citizen package (from ₹3,499 per person) includes ground-floor hotel rooms, wheelchair assistance at ghats and temples, a slow-paced itinerary with rest breaks built in, pure sattvic meals, and a caregiver-trained guide. Emergency medical contacts at BHU Medical College are also maintained. Read the full senior citizen tour guide →
❓ How far in advance should I book for Dev Diwali in Varanasi?
Ideally 3–4 weeks in advance at minimum. Hotels facing the ghats — particularly within walking distance of Dashashwamedh — typically fill up 6–8 weeks before Dev Diwali. Our boat slots for this evening are limited and go quickly each October. In 2026, Dev Diwali falls on 5 November. Check availability on WhatsApp →
Contact Our Varanasi Travel Team — Book Your Kashi Pilgrimage
Whether you need a simple airport transfer or a multi-city pilgrimage circuit covering Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Gaya — our team is available 24/7 to plan it. Transparent pricing, reliable service, and a journey planned by people who live in Kashi.
🙏 अतिथि देवो भवः — The Guest is God. We live by this every day.
Official Resources for Varanasi Pilgrims
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism — Events, safety guidelines, and registered operators
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple Official Website — Darshan booking and temple rules
- Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra — Official Ram Mandir Ayodhya darshan portal
- IRCTC — Train booking, Delhi to Varanasi routes
- Varanasi District Administration — Emergency contacts and local services