Walking tours - for an authentic Varanasi experience
Walking tours - for an authentic Varanasi experience
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 photographyFYI : Our walking tours are always theme-based walks – so let us invite you to come walk with us..
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Godowlia
On the way to the Dashashwamedh Ghat (Main Ghat), we will pass from Godowlia Crossing, its the most busy/crowded crossing..
10 minutesDasaswamedh Ghat Road Bangali Tola
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.
30 minutesMan Singh Observatory
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.
15 minutesMeer Ghat
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.
10 minutesNepali Temple (Kathwala Temple)
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..
20 minutesManikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat- famous for cremation ground (photography of the cremation area is prohibited), where one can watch the cremation and related rituals.
20 minutesAlamgir Mosque
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).
30 minutesSankahtha Mata Mandir
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.
1 hourBlue Lassi Shop
We can stop here for one who likes to drink a very famous lassi (on own expenses) ..
10 minutesKashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its also known as Golden temple..
10 minutesGodowlia
Passing by Local Markets, shops, and one more famous temple, we will end our tour here..
30 minutesIncluded
- Bottled water
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Eco friendly tour guide..
- Entry/Admission - Meer Ghat
- Entry/Admission - Alamgir Mosque
Not Included
- Vehicle for pickup and drop from/to any hotel..
- Any monument entrance fee..
Good to Know
- 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
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.