Varanasi Walking Tour - Explore Varanasi and its culture

About This Tour

• Traditionally known as Kashi or Benaras, the city of Varanasi sits elegantly on the banks of the holy river Ganga. As the sun rises from the east, you would witness prayers, hymns, and chants from all across the city. The most aesthetic and prominent one would be ‘Har Har Mahadev’. 
• And rightly so, since it is home to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. ‘Kashi’ is another name for Varanasi while Vishwanath refers to Lord Shiva, the Lord of the world. Along with other prominent temples and shrines like the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Kund, and Durga Mandir, you would discover that Varanasi is home to an estimated 23,000 temples. 
• It is not just the Hindu hymns that will bewitch your ears, but the divine calling from hundreds of mosques, Jain temples, Sikh gurudwaras, and Buddhist sites.
• This truly makes Varanasi, the microcosm of India, where dwells inexhaustible religious and cultural diversity. 
• A walking tour helps you explore Varanasi closely. From the pilgrim’s worship traditions to enigmatic cremation rituals. You cannot afford to miss anything out.
• Varanasi is an old city. Even Mark Twain thought so when he said, “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
• Thus, while you move through its narrow alleys and bustling streets, you are sure to come across its history, traditions, legends, and people.
• You can head North to find heritage aspects of the city. Come across colorful markets near the Govindpura chowk and Vishwanath Galli. These markets sell flowers, metal, handicrafts, traditional clothing and much more.
• The colorful Havelis would enchant your site as you would enjoy breathtaking architecture. Look out for cows in the way!
• South Varanasi offers more mesmerizing experiences. You could visit Akharas (Traditional wrestling grounds) and witness the sport of Kushti. May you could try one move or two! Learn more about Indian Classical music and the art of Yoga at various meditation centers.
• Discover the origin of Banarasi Silk saree since silk weaving is the oldest and major industry in the city of Varanasi. Hundreds of artisans work day in and day out working upon handlooms to make not only sarees but various traditional clothing.
• To walk further you need a large appetite since Varanasi offers a wide array of street food choices. From sweet to salty, from spicy to sugary, the city boasts mouthwatering gastronomy. Foods such as Kachori Sabzi, Thandai, Rabri Malai Lassi and Baati Chokha are a must-have. Don’t forget the famous Banarasi Paan (Betel leaves).
• Later, get a boat ride and pay a visit to the numerous ghats on the banks of river Ganga. If you happen to get a tour guide, he will beautifully explain the meaning and purpose of each ghat.
•  There are a total of 88 ghats whose patrons are the royal families that ruled the city of Varanasi in earlier times. Start with the Assi ghat and feel the essence of the city of Varanasi. Witness the Ganga Arti at its best and fall in love with the melody of pilgrim chanting prayers in unison. 
• Move further to Dashwamedha Ghat, one of the most significant ghats in Varanasi. It is located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. To witness Hindu cremations, reach the Manikarnika ghat. One of the most significant ghats, it is named after Maharani Lakshmibai of Jhansi.
• It is not the primary cremation ghat of Varanasi as people know it. Jalasen Ghat on the opposite side is the actual cremation site where the rites take place.
• Other ghats such as Raj Ghat, Scindia Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, and Harishchandra Ghat are also worth visit on this Varanasi walking tour.
• If you still wish to explore Varanasi, you could cover monumental sites such as the Ramnagar Fort that is the royal residence of King of Varanasi - Kashi Naresh. Or you could go and try using the sundial at the Jantar Mantar that was built by Jai Singh II of Jaipur.
• You could even pay a visit to the site of Sarnath, the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon. Other places such as Ashoka Pillar, Alamgiri Mosque, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum are also worth visiting.
• So what’s left of this incredible city? What more can you get out of one of the most culturally rich cities in the world? Maybe a moment of bliss, satisfaction and a handful of memories. 
• Since people from all across the country come here seeking liberation and enlightenment, you may also find the liberation of thought, love, and travel on this incredible walking tour. And that too without a guide book! Enjoy!

Tour Plan

• Tour starts at 9 am - Meet your guide near the Assi Ghat
• Visit the Durga Kund to get some blessings. Time 9.10 am to 9.30 am
• Proceed to Assi Ghat. Time - 9.30am to 9.50 am
• Visit the other ghats such as Jain Ghat, Raj Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat to reach the Dashwamedha Ghat. Time - 9.50am to 10.50
• Head to Jantar Mantar (Man Singh Obervatory) near by Dashwamedha Ghat
• Later, proceed to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Annapurna Devi Temple. Time 10.50 am to 11.15 am.
• Walk to the Manikarnika Ghat, while also exploring Nepali Ghat and Man Mandir Ghat along the way. Time - 11.15 am to 11.45 am.
• Finally, reach Alamgiri Mosque. Time - 11.45 to 12pm

Meeting Point

• We will meet near the Assi Ghat

Duration of Tour

• The duration of tour is approximately 3 hours

What to expect on this tour?

• Explore Varanasi and discover its spiritual and cultural heritage
• This tour will include walking and a boat ride through river Ganga.
• You will get a chance to photogenic sites of ghats, temples and monuments in Varanasi.

What does this tour include?

• A professional English speaking tour guide would be escorting this tour.
• Travel Charges of the local transport.
• Permission of photography on the tour.

What are the tour exclusions?

• Any personal nature expenses.
• Pick up and drop from the hotel.

Things to note

• This tour would be available only on weekdays
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes as this tour include walking.
• Dress code for this tour would be smart casuals
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy of the tour

• If you cancel the tour before 3 days of the tour start date, a full refund will be given.
• If you cancel within 1-3 days of the tour start date, there is a 30% cancellation fee.
• If you cancel within 1 day of tour start, full cancellation charges would be applied