Walking tours - for an authentic Varanasi experience
Overview
Varanasi is a land of many faiths, a myriad of colors, smells & sounds, a cocktail of tastes and a melting pot of beautiful people and many ancient architecture & carvings. It is in Varanasi that anyone will find all these aspects of India in abundance. When passing through the residential spaces, you will find undoubtedly feel the sense of community and the spirit that exists in every area. People from all over India live in the old part of Varanasi and a tour of through its narrow alleys is quite an adventure not to miss..
Attractions of the tour:
- Religious activities along bank side of River Ganga
- Most Important Ghats
- Sacred Temples
- Narrow alleys
- Local Markets
- Cremations Ground
- Few nice locations for photography
FYI : Our walking tours are always theme-based walks – so let us invite you to come walk with us..
Attractions of the tour:
- Religious activities along bank side of River Ganga
- Most Important Ghats
- Sacred Temples
- Narrow alleys
- Local Markets
- Cremations Ground
- Few nice locations for photography
FYI : Our walking tours are always theme-based walks – so let us invite you to come walk with us..
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Eco friendly tour guide..
- Entry/Admission - Meer Ghat
- Entry/Admission - Alamgir Mosque
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
On the way to the Dashashwamedh Ghat (Main Ghat), we will pass from Godowlia Crossing, its the most busy/crowded crossing..
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Dasaswamedh Ghat Road Bangali Tola, Varanasi 221001 India
Dashashwamedh Ghat, is divided into two parts in between the two parts is Prayaga Ghat- which is replicates the holy city of Prayagraj (Allahabad). This ghat is presumed to be the first historically recorded site associated with the horse sacrifice performed by the Shiva Nagas king around the 3rd century. Walking around here you can get an idea of religious activities and the associated shops selling ritual items.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Man Singh Observatory, Dashashvamedh Ghat, Varanasi India
Man Mandir Ghat, on which stands a palace built by the king of Amber (Rajasthan), Savai Man Singh in 1585-1605. It is known primarily for the magnificent building with exquisite, ornately carved windows carving, and on the roof the Hindu Observatory built by Savai Jai Singh in 1710. The giant’s stone instruments were once used to study the movement of the sun, the moon, the stars, and other heavenly bodies.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Meer Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi 221001 India
Meer Ghat, named in 1735 after the Muslim commander Mir Rustam Ali, provides access to the Vishalakshi temple, and Dharma Kupa. At the top of the Ghat a conservative Brahmin (Swami Karapatri-ji) built New Vishwanath temple in 1956.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple), Lalita Ghat, , Varanasi India
Nepali Ghat, close to the bank is a pretty little shrine of the goddess Ganga River, and from the bank a staircase lead to the Nepalese temple (Replica of Pashupati Nath Temple), a very picturesque building, built chief of wood and brick, and known for its erotic sculptures in wood. All four gateways and the doors of the temple are fully decorated with symbolic and archetypal architecture. You we can have short stop here..
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Manikarnika Ghat, Ghasi Tola Road, Varanasi 221001 India
Manikarnika Ghat- famous for cremation ground (photography of the cremation area is prohibited), where one can watch the cremation and related rituals.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Alamgir Mosque, Nr. Panchganga Ghat, Varanasi 221002 India
Alamgir Mosque, which was built on the location of a 11th century Vishnu temple. After its first destruction in the 15th century, it was re-made by the king of Amber (Rajasthan), but finally demolished and transformed in mosque in 1673 by the bigoted Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The original image of black-marble Lord Vishnu is kept in the nearby house of Lakshmanabala, now known as Vindu Madhav Temple, and attracts thousands of devotees and pilgrims. To the left of the entrance gate is an image of Lord Vishnu’s vehicle Garudda, a divine bird, and to the right is Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devotees. These are pieces of the original temple and are excellent example of miniature and column architecture. Inside the temple, straight ahead one can see the image of Vishnu Madhava. While enjoying the flight of stone steps, on the left you pass through the monastery of Ramananda, a 14th century saint who was the guru of the great Saint Kabir (1398-1518).
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Maa Sankata Devi Temple, ck 7/159, sankata gali, chowk, vns, Rajadarwaja, Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
From here we continue our walks, as we enter the lanes of the northern part of the old city, we will get to peep through the galiya (Alley ways), and lives of people who have never left the street for years. Seeing the life style of Varanasi is distinct in nature, and referred to as Banarasipan. It is an art of living, both passionate and carefree, what the Varanasi dwellers call Masti (“Joie de vivre”), Mauj (“Delight, festivity”), and Phakarapan (“Care freeness”). Some point, we all enjoy a very famous local snacks and drinks – the taste of Varanasi.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Blue Lassi Shop, CK 12/1 Kunj Gali, Kachaudi Gali, Near Rajbandhu, Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
We can stop here for one who likes to drink a very famous lassi (on own expenses) ..
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi 221001 India
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its also known as Golden temple..
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
Passing by Local Markets, shops, and one more famous temple, we will end our tour here..
Duration: 30 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
On the way to the Dashashwamedh Ghat (Main Ghat), we will pass from Godowlia Crossing, its the most busy/crowded crossing..
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Dasaswamedh Ghat Road Bangali Tola, Varanasi 221001 India
Dashashwamedh Ghat, is divided into two parts in between the two parts is Prayaga Ghat- which is replicates the holy city of Prayagraj (Allahabad). This ghat is presumed to be the first historically recorded site associated with the horse sacrifice performed by the Shiva Nagas king around the 3rd century. Walking around here you can get an idea of religious activities and the associated shops selling ritual items.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Man Singh Observatory, Dashashvamedh Ghat, Varanasi India
Man Mandir Ghat, on which stands a palace built by the king of Amber (Rajasthan), Savai Man Singh in 1585-1605. It is known primarily for the magnificent building with exquisite, ornately carved windows carving, and on the roof the Hindu Observatory built by Savai Jai Singh in 1710. The giant’s stone instruments were once used to study the movement of the sun, the moon, the stars, and other heavenly bodies.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Meer Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi 221001 India
Meer Ghat, named in 1735 after the Muslim commander Mir Rustam Ali, provides access to the Vishalakshi temple, and Dharma Kupa. At the top of the Ghat a conservative Brahmin (Swami Karapatri-ji) built New Vishwanath temple in 1956.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple), Lalita Ghat, , Varanasi India
Nepali Ghat, close to the bank is a pretty little shrine of the goddess Ganga River, and from the bank a staircase lead to the Nepalese temple (Replica of Pashupati Nath Temple), a very picturesque building, built chief of wood and brick, and known for its erotic sculptures in wood. All four gateways and the doors of the temple are fully decorated with symbolic and archetypal architecture. You we can have short stop here..
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Manikarnika Ghat, Ghasi Tola Road, Varanasi 221001 India
Manikarnika Ghat- famous for cremation ground (photography of the cremation area is prohibited), where one can watch the cremation and related rituals.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Alamgir Mosque, Nr. Panchganga Ghat, Varanasi 221002 India
Alamgir Mosque, which was built on the location of a 11th century Vishnu temple. After its first destruction in the 15th century, it was re-made by the king of Amber (Rajasthan), but finally demolished and transformed in mosque in 1673 by the bigoted Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The original image of black-marble Lord Vishnu is kept in the nearby house of Lakshmanabala, now known as Vindu Madhav Temple, and attracts thousands of devotees and pilgrims. To the left of the entrance gate is an image of Lord Vishnu’s vehicle Garudda, a divine bird, and to the right is Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devotees. These are pieces of the original temple and are excellent example of miniature and column architecture. Inside the temple, straight ahead one can see the image of Vishnu Madhava. While enjoying the flight of stone steps, on the left you pass through the monastery of Ramananda, a 14th century saint who was the guru of the great Saint Kabir (1398-1518).
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Maa Sankata Devi Temple, ck 7/159, sankata gali, chowk, vns, Rajadarwaja, Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
From here we continue our walks, as we enter the lanes of the northern part of the old city, we will get to peep through the galiya (Alley ways), and lives of people who have never left the street for years. Seeing the life style of Varanasi is distinct in nature, and referred to as Banarasipan. It is an art of living, both passionate and carefree, what the Varanasi dwellers call Masti (“Joie de vivre”), Mauj (“Delight, festivity”), and Phakarapan (“Care freeness”). Some point, we all enjoy a very famous local snacks and drinks – the taste of Varanasi.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Blue Lassi Shop, CK 12/1 Kunj Gali, Kachaudi Gali, Near Rajbandhu, Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
We can stop here for one who likes to drink a very famous lassi (on own expenses) ..
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi 221001 India
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its also known as Golden temple..
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
Passing by Local Markets, shops, and one more famous temple, we will end our tour here..
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for travelers
- COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
miserablegoat
October 2019
September 2019. We read some of the reviews on tripadvisor and contacted Kashi Journeys about a guide and tours for Varanasi. We were only in Varanasi for 2 full days and wanted to sample the full spectrum of life in this sacred city. Bobby collected us from the airport and took us to our hotel...
September 2019. We read some of the reviews on tripadvisor and contacted Kashi Journeys about a guide and tours for Varanasi. We were only in Varanasi for 2 full days and wanted to sample the full spectrum of life in this sacred city. Bobby collected us from the airport and took us to our hotel where we met Rajeev Rastogi. Rajeev had already emailed that the River Ganges was in flood and that the boat trips we had planned were not available due to Government restrictions. He explained that the boat trip planned for the following day and the Ganga Aarti ceremony from the river would not happen but assured us that we would not be disappointed (and how right he was!!). Our journey to our hotel was bordering on epic. We were dropped off in the city and our hotel was about 1km toward the ghats. During our walk, the heavens opened and we had to take refuge in a little café. Thanks to the good grace of Rajeev he negotiated seating and some water whilst we waited – well over an hour – for the rain to ease. Rajeev got us to our hotel through the narrow laneways but we were absolutely soaked. Our first day comprised a steady walk, southwards through old Varanasi, passing shops, market, temples ashrams and street vendors, dodging bikes and cows, dogs and goats. Visits to markets and bazaars. The sights and sounds will be with us always. We made our way to the Harischandra Ghats where two families were celebrating the lives of their respective loved ones as the bodies of those deceased were engulfed in flames from the mango wood pyre. It was indeed a moving experience. The high level of the Ganges had forced the cremation area further up inland and there wasn’t much room with dogs and goats roaming in between people going about their daily lives. The store of mango wood did not seem to be big enough to cater for the number of cremations programmed – it goes 24/7; and probably 365 days a year. Rajeev’s commentary, more than fulfilled our dreams of seeing Varanasi; we were immersed and embraced everything. Imagine our surprise when Rajeev said he’d organized our positions at the Ganga Aarti ceremony for that night. Usually performed on the Ghats this was impossible due to the high water and was re-arranged to be performed higher up. One such was to be in a narrow area with a number of plastic patio chairs laid out in a courtyard, with more in that of a neighbour’s. It became congested very quickly, jostling, emotionally charged, with negotiations being carried out for better views. Rajeev disappeared briefly and then returned and ushered us to a property nearby, for another Aarti ceremony being held at someone’s home, on their balcony overlooking the Ganges. We had high, front row seats even though the audience grew markedly within the next hour, but the experience was enthralling. Rajeev participated in the actual ceremony; we felt part of it too. The second day we went northwards as saw some of the urban renewal projects, roads and demolition projects designed to create easier movement for pilgrims, locals and tourists to the various temples and mosques around the town, rather than through it. Even this provided insight into the workings of the local demolition/building industry – from using horses/donkeys to remove the rubble; handcarts to move materials; rickety bamboo scaffolding, the general lack of machinery and the temples left erect in the midst of the chaos. Rajeev took us to the Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple); the wood carving exquisite and, somewhat erotic, if you know where to look – and we rung the bell! The Manikarnika Ghats – the main funeral Ghats – was one of our required destinations though, from the aspect of a boat, not the shore. The great Ganga clearly had other ideas for the area became too congested as the number of cremations placed greater strain on the ever-dwindling area of the Ghats. All were performed on an upper platform, and we watched on from a distance. After lunch, to the ruins of Sarnath - the monuments of monasteries where Buddha first taught his followers about enlightenment and now a venue for mass pilgrimage. The multi-phased site dates back to the 6th century BC and is still partially occupied by temples today. The adjacent museum is also worth a nosey as this is where the Lion Capital from the Ashoka Pillar is located (google it!). It is beautiful in its own right but the other carvings are also worthy of viewing given their relative dating to comparable works from other contemporary civilizations. An epic 2 days in Varanasi made special by Rejeev. This guy is a legend and something of a philanthropist as is his colleagues. Use Kashi journeys and you won’t be disappointed – even if the Ganges is flooded.444utkarshs
October 2023
Really informative and wonderful experience on the walking tour. I learnt a lot about the Ghats. Had a great time
Really informative and wonderful experience on the walking tour. I learnt a lot about the Ghats. Had a great timejasonwY3683WL
July 2023
Had a wonderful time with Kashi Journeys! Our guide, Mukesh, was very patient, kind, and knowledgeable about Varanasi. He took us around the old town, sharing the history and culture of the city while also making sure we were having a good and safe time. He provided helpful recommendations while ...
Had a wonderful time with Kashi Journeys! Our guide, Mukesh, was very patient, kind, and knowledgeable about Varanasi. He took us around the old town, sharing the history and culture of the city while also making sure we were having a good and safe time. He provided helpful recommendations while also taking into consideration what we wanted to do. When we got caught in a large crowd of people returning from the Ganga Aarti, he made sure we were safe and could find the way back to our car. He also went above and beyond to help us navigate to our restaurant after the tour, essentially guiding our tuk tuk driver all the way there. Highly recommend Kashi Journeys and be sure to ask for Mukesh! Our driver, Ajit, was also very kind and made sure we got around in a fast and safe way.Nurbanu_K
June 2023
He was the best guide ever in all India. Anubis was so knowledgeable and sophisticated and the friendliest person. We thank him so much.
He was the best guide ever in all India. Anubis was so knowledgeable and sophisticated and the friendliest person. We thank him so much.klamoia
January 2023
My tour with Rajeev was incredible to say the least. I was lucky to have a tour with him and just 1 other person. Im usually not a big "tour" person, I like to explore alone. But it was my first day in Kashi and I wanted to learn about the city. It was the best decision I could have ever made....
My tour with Rajeev was incredible to say the least. I was lucky to have a tour with him and just 1 other person. Im usually not a big "tour" person, I like to explore alone. But it was my first day in Kashi and I wanted to learn about the city. It was the best decision I could have ever made... India is fast paced, but Rajeev has such a calming presence. He beautifully explained that this tour isn't about just simply seeing monuments or things, it's about feeling. We saw some incredible things, but more importantly he encouraged us to take as much time and space as we needed to process what we were experiencing. He is of course, extremely knowledgeable about the city, its history and the Hindu practices that take place there. I learned SO much. The whole day was something I will never forget.sssingh444
July 2022
Kashi Tours with Rajeev Ji was one of my favorite parts of my India trip. I didn’t know much about Kashi prior to going, I had watched a video or two but Rajeev Ji was able to show us things that really embodied the heart of Kashi rather than just the normal touristy things. My favorite part was ...
Kashi Tours with Rajeev Ji was one of my favorite parts of my India trip. I didn’t know much about Kashi prior to going, I had watched a video or two but Rajeev Ji was able to show us things that really embodied the heart of Kashi rather than just the normal touristy things. My favorite part was the Ganga Aartis, both morning and night which I 10/10 recommend. Definitely had some early mornings but in the end it was so worth it to really get a feel of what makes Kashi so special.