Things to Do in Varanasi
Namaste! 🙏
I am Badal. My family has lived for many generations in Varanasi allowing me to know every hidden corner of this beautiful and ancient city, along with fascinating stories about our traditions, history, religion, and ordinary people like myself.
Varanasi represents the essence of India. Here you will find India's life and drama. But here you will also discover that mysterious and magical "energy" that has captivated many foreigners over the centuries.
Varanasi has a million secrets. A visitor alone can never hope to uncover more than a fraction. Still, with my help, you will be able to discover the essence of this captivating city and its thrilling history.
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 street food stalls, but also less touristic spots that are key to understanding the reality of modern Varanasi.
During our tour, I 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.
I will be delighted to take you on this journey. Let me be your key to unlocking the hidden secrets of the ancient and spiritual city of Varanasi.
Namaste 🙏
Greetings!🌸
Welcome to Varanasi, the oldest and most vibrant city in the world. The city is the abode of Lord Shiva and the confluence of all religions.
Varanasi has a long lasting history associated with a lot of beliefs, stories, legends, myths, and rituals.
I will make you all familiar with every aspect.
In this holy city you will find temples, mosques, monasteries and churches.
Today I will introduce you all to the antiquity of this unique city.
We start from the church called St. Thomas Church Godowlia followed by the Street of Varanasi Bazaar and the Manikarnika Ghat cremation place and all other important ghats. We end the tour at Alam Gir Mosque.
The tour consists of the following locations:
- Thomas Church
- Maa Kaali Temple
- Kashi Labh Mukti Bhavan
- state school
- Hospital
- Alleys of Varanasi
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Panchganga Ghat
- Alam Gir Mosque
- Old streets of Varanasi
- The famous Vishwanath Gali
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- To see and perceive major hand-made handloom products
I will make you familiar with culture, tranditional lives, religion, and the antiquity of my holy city, Varanasi.
It will be an extraordinary experience for the tourists to make their trip unforgettable.
Regards.🙏
Explore the timeless charm of Varanasi through our personalized, contribution-based free walking tour, designed to immerse you in the soul of the city. Led by passionate local guides, this journey goes beyond the surface, uncovering the city’s rich history, vibrant heritage, and hidden treasures. You’ll walk away with insider tips and local secrets to make the most of your stay.
In just two hours, we’ll guide you through 9 to 10 iconic spots, from lively bazaars to serene alleyways, showcasing the city’s cultural diversity and spiritual essence. Along the way, you’ll hear captivating stories, quirky facts, and suggestions for unforgettable experiences.
There’s no set fee for this tour—we simply suggest a contribution of ₹1000 per person to help us continue bringing these tours to life. Join us and discover the magic of Varanasi like a true local!
Carry a bottle of water. Wear comfortable clothing, suitable footwear, a mask (optional), sunglasses (optional) & cap/umbrella (optional) for walking.
Please note: We do not conduct free tours for individuals. In the event of a single-person booking, rescheduling option will be given, if not possible, your booking will be considered a no-show.
Greetings!
I'm Anant Prakash your food tour guide. I welcome you to this holy city Varanasi!🙏
Varanasi is well known for the Ghats, Grand Ganges, architecture, art and culture of various religions, and apart from these, a variety of street foods of this city is appreciated.
In this food tour you'll experience the various street food of varanasi.
The food items you'll taste and experience are as follows:-
Morning Food items:
- Kachori Sabzi
- Jalebi
- Choti kachori with Chana
- Malai toast with tea
- Malaiiyoo
- Lassi
- Thandai
- Banarasi Betal Paan
Evening Food items:
- Samosa with Chole
- Golgappe (Pani puri)
- Aaloo Tikki
- Tamatar Chat
- Lassi
- Thandai
- Dahi Vada
- Dosa
- Idli Sambar
- Vada Sambar
- Kulfi falooda
- Banarasi Betal Paan
The food tour will cost according to what you have eaten other than guiding charges that is between $10 to $50, depending upon your experience and satisfaction.
Thanks! 🙏
The Call of the Ganges…
The air is thick with the scent of incense, the echoes of temple bells ring through the alleys, and the Ganges flows, carrying whispers of centuries past. Varanasi isn’t just a city; it’s an experience, a portal to a world where time moves differently.
What Awaits You?
On this free walking tour, we take you deep into the labyrinthine streets, revealing the secrets hidden behind centuries-old temples, bustling markets, and sacred rituals.
🔸 Dashashwamedh Ghat – Witness the breathtaking morning energy of Varanasi’s most famous ghat. Feel the spiritual pulse of the city as priests chant mantras and pilgrims take their first dip in the holy river.
🔸 The Narrow Alleys of the Old City – Step back in time as you navigate through tiny streets that open into unexpected wonders—hidden shrines, traditional sweet shops, and age-old silk weaving workshops.
🔸 Kashi Vishwanath Temple (From the Outside) – Glimpse one of the most revered temples in India, where the scent of flowers and devotion fills the air.
🔸 Manikarnika Ghat – Explore the mysteries of the burning ghat, where life and death intertwine in an eternal cycle, offering a deep perspective on Hindu beliefs.
🔸 Local Markets & Street Food Stops – From steaming kachoris to the legendary Banarasi paan, taste the flavors that define this timeless city.
🔸 Hidden Gems & Local Legends – Discover untold stories and meet the people who make Varanasi what it is—sadhus, street musicians, and artisans.
Rise early at 5am, when you’ll board a vehicle destined for Assi Ghat, the southernmost entry point to the holy River Ganges. Guide explains the significance of the Ganges River in the Hindu religion. Stop at Assi Ghat to watch pilgrims bathing in the allegedly holy waters before visiting a series of temples to receive Hindu blessings. Then, head to a stadium to watch pehalwans (wrestlers) fight one another in a mud pit, before boarding a boat to cruise along the River Ganges. Your cruise concludes at Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most sacred ghats in Varanasi. The bodies of devout Hindus are cremated here in order for their ashes to be carried away by the river.
Note - Boat ride charge is extra cost
750₹ per person ( Minimum 2 person)
Hello, welcome to the spiritual and cultural tour of Varanasi.
I'll take you on a journey within. This walking experience is completely different from any other tour. We'll explore and experience places and things that are outside, but on this tour we'll also take a journey within. You'll not only explore the city, you'll feel it too.
Itinerary:
- Start the tour at Hotel Ganges Grand.
- Walk through Bangali Tola Gali , a narrow lane known for its street art and paintings. Next stop for a snack at Dadaji da Daba , a popular local restaurant that serves delicious chaat and other snacks.
- Next, visit Khicadi Baba Temple , a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Explore the bustling vegetable market and learn about the different types of produce grown and sold in Varanasi.
- Next, visit Dashashwamedh Ghat , one of the most famous and lively ghats in Varanasi.
- Next, visit the Nepali Temple , a unique temple built by Nepali artisans.
- Continue through the Kashi Corridor , a narrow lane that connects several ghats.
- Finally, visit the Burning Ghat, where cremations take place around the clock. Learn about the customs and traditions surrounding death in Varanasi and gain a unique perspective on life and death in the city.
- The tour ends at Burning Ghat and the guide will be happy to help you arrange transportation back to your hotel or next destination.
I reply Forward
Hello,
I'm Pradeep and I would love to show you my hometown and help you unveil its secrets.
Varanasi has many hidden corners and it's always a pleasure to share them with our estimated walkers.
Come with me on an adventure!
Hello , travellers rituraj here your host
Varanasi capital of spirituality and also very populer for heres tasty and mouthwatering foods , so in this tour you get a chance to interact and test of this.
In this tour i will take you at all major and important palces where you can get this joy of food .
Will cover ...
Kashi chhat _ one of very famouse chaat wala . Starting from 40 rupees to 70 rupees
Bluse lassi - no need to tell about it , just Google it .one of the best lassi spot in city , world famouse shope for lassi ( starting from 80 rupees to 140 rupees (
Ram bhandar- one of the old and famouse sweet shop of the city, situate in narrow street wher you can reach by walk only .starting from 20 rupees to 100 rupees depending on sweets type
Laxmi chay ( tea) - here in this city people start there day with a cup of
Kadak ( strong ) chay and Laxmi chay is the best chay shope .also you may test here white butter toast .starting from 20 rupees
And absolutely the paan ( betal leaf )
Varanasi or Banaras is world famouse for paan . So , you will get opportunity to have it also
Starting from 50 rupees to 150 rupees.
And many more
Explore this north Indian holy city through its popular ghats areas and walks through narrow streets for views of local cultures, customs and traditions, especially the history of cremation that takes place here. Explore Varanasi main ghat areas at Banaras. Walk in city streets and see plenty of temples and old buildings here. You will also the famous river Ganga. During the walking tour, you will also see the places or spots where the cremation is done here in Varanasi.
Hello there, Varanasi has many secrets that only a local could reveal. Join me on an adventure exploring the most exciting spots and getting the best experience of this magical place as possible.
Hello, dear travelers I am Rituraj from Varanasi.
Here In the city of Varanasi there are a lot of things to see, and feel especially the food and several temples and cultural activities.
This tour will take 3 hrs time as well and in this tour, I will take you to show all the famous and important temples of Varanasi, especially the temples which are situated in narrow galleries, which you may reach by walking only.
All temples are quite old and Have much importance. some temples like:
1. Kashi Raj Kali
2. Saakta mata
3. Aarma visheswar Mahadev
4. Kashi vishwanath temple
5. Kal bhairav temple
6. Kishalakshi mata temple.
And many more