Hidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour)
Hidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour)
We are local guides. Our families have lived for many generations in Varanasi allowing us to know every hidden corner of this beautiful and ancient city, along with fascinating stories about our traditions, history, religion, and ordinary people like ourselves.Varanasi represents the soul of India. A visitor alone can never hope to uncover more than a fraction of its secrets.
Still, with our help, you will be able to discover the essence of this captivating city.Our tour will start at the meeting point, from where we will embark on a 3 hours journey to discover the most important historical and religious sites. We will visit the Ghats, crematorium, temples, narrow streets, markets and popular food stalls, but also less touristic spots that are key to understanding the reality of modern Varanasi.During our tour, we will be sharing with you historical information and other important facts but also telling you interesting stories about our daily life, our gastronomy and our customs.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Dashashwamegh ghat
There are two mythologies about the ghat is that the Lord Brahma was created the Dashashwamedh ghat in order to welcome the Lord Shiva, and the second one is the Lord Brahma was sacrificed the ten horses in a yajna here. This ghat is famous for the Agni Pooja which is held here daily in the evening by a group of the priest who are dedicated to the Lord Shiva, River Ganges, Surya, Agni as well as the whole universe.
10 minutesShri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)
Kashi Vishwanath Temple :- The Kashi Vishwanath temple is widely recognized as one of the most important places of worship in the Hindu religion. Inside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the Jyotirlinga of Shiva. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stands tall on the Western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
20 minutesNepali Temple (Kathwala Temple)
The mandir is made of terracotta, stone and wood and took three decades to complete. The wood is termite proof. It is constructed in Nepali style of architecture and is surrounded by tamarind and ficus religiosa (peepal) trees.
15 minutesManikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat:- This Ghat is famous for being the sacred cremation ground for Hindus. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest cremation grounds among the sacred riverfronts (Ghats), alongside the river Ganges. In Hinduism, death is considered a gateway to another life marked by the result of one's karma. It is believed that a human's soul attains moksha, and hence breaks the cycle of rebirth when cremated here.The well at the ghat is called Manikarnika Kund and was built by Lord Vishnu.
25 minutesAlamgir Mosque
Alamgir Mosque:- Towering above Panchganga Ghat in the heart of Banaras, the Alamgir Mosque dominates the skyline of the city from along the ghats of the great Ganga. Alamgir means “Conqueror of the World”, a title Aurangzeb bestowed upon himself after becoming the 6th Mughal ruler in 1658. It’s the one monument that is instantly recognizable from wherever you are, a focal point that has attracted the attention of many artists since the 17th century. Also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera or Aurangeb’s Mosque, the mosque was built in the 1680s on the foundations of the ancient Bindu Madhav (Nand Madho) Temple, which Aurangzeb had demolished in 1673 after capturing Varanasi in 1663.
20 minutesIncluded
- Bottled water
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Entry/Admission - Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)
- Entry/Admission - Manikarnika Ghat
- Entry/Admission - Alamgir Mosque
- Entry/Admission - Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple)
Not Included
- Food and drink, Transportation
Good to Know
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
- Covid protective measures in place to ensure the safest experience
- 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 experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.