Walking Tours In Varanasi
The ancient city fronting the holy Ganga River has been a source of cultural and anthropological intrigue since the times of Alexander the Great. It is still, for many, the “consummate Indian city”, whose bewildering landscape of ghats, temples and Hindu rituals represents an alternative modernity, as much anachronistic to some as contemporary to others. This is the Varanasi that continues to fascinate pilgrims, tourists, scholars and artists alike. This is the phenomenon of Varanasi we all see from outside.
If you really want to get a sense of real Varanasi the only possible way is to explore the river side and the area behind the ghats which is setup in form of narrow and puzzled alleys. Real Varanasi lives inside the alleys which looks different than any other place found on our planet. Narrow and puzzled alleys, beautiful temples and shrines, monasteries, old buildings, cultural and religious diversity, all the major old markets, real Varanasi-food, people, cows and bulls…all is found inside the alleys which are not possible to visit by any vehicle. Varanasi people do all of their business inside the alleys on foot. Groovy Tours gives you an opportunity to experience the real Varanasi, talk with the locals, visit hidden and old alleys and temples, ponds, ashrams, and the old business district… just by walking with us.
Our Walks
Walk 1- Learning and Burning Walk
ShradhVaranasi is called the city of Learning and Burning because of its intellectuals who have made great contribution in the civilization of Indian culture and the on going cremation 24 hours a day. Have you ever heard of a city where people intentionally move to die? No, right? But Varanasi is the only place which has always attracted thousands of people to die here because of their belief that only dying in this city can get them moksha. Lets explore the idea of life and death in Varanasi by visiting the Ashrams where Sadhus (The holy men) live, cremation grounds, a sacred pond which is believed to have power of treating infertility and one of the most important Hindu temples.
Time spent on the tour : 3 hours . Wear sport shoes and be comfortable when walking!
Price of the tour : Rs.
Walk 2- Magical ponds, ashrams and temples of Southern Varanasi
templeThe southern part of Varanasi is known as the Gauri Kedareshwar Khand in the Shiva Mahapurana : the most important sacred text about Lord Shiva, and is considered as the most sacred part of Varanasi. A walk through the magical ponds : as old as 2200 years, ashrams and temples like the Monkey Temple, Tusli Manas Temple and the site where great poet Tulsi Das wrote Ramcharit Manasa situated around Assi Ghat will take you to the magical world of sacred Varanasi.
Time spent on the tour : 3 hours . Wear sport shoes and be comfortable when walking!
Price of the tour : Rs.
Walk 3- Cultural diversity of Varanasi
BuddhaBanaras (Varanasi/Kashi) is the mosaic of Indian culture with respect to representing the diversity and the distinctiveness of the regional cultures of India through superimposition in the passage of time. People from all parts of India, speaking different languages and dialects and carrying their own traits, taboos and traditions have settled in this city. In Varanasi alone, there are over 3600 Hindu shrines and temples, 1388 Muslim shrines and mosques, 42 Sikh temples, 12 churches, 3 Jain temples, 9 Buddhist temples and several other sacred site and places. Lets explore this most culturally diverse city of India by walking with us!
Time spent on the tour : 3 hours . Wear sport shoes and be comfortable when walking!
Price of the tour : Rs.
Walk 4- The Golden Temple walk
Baba Walking around the Golden Temple area is always a unique experience as it has always been the most important cultural and financial area of Varanasi. A visit to the most beautiful piece of temple art in the whole city at Gautameshwar Mahadev, the Golden Temple: the most important Shiva temple in whole India, historical mosques, old and hidden alleys, bazaars, ancient Varanasi building architecture along with the biggest crematorium on the planet situated at Manikarnika ghat will give you an unforgettable and unique walking experience.
Time spent on the tour : 3 hours . Wear sport shoes and be comfortable when walking!
Price of the tour :
Walk 5- Kashi, older than the oldest
Kashi Walk in a five feet wide alley which used to be widest road of Varanasi in the ancient time is our walk 5. Walking in the oldest markets, narrow and puzzled alleys of Varanasi will take you to an entirely different world. Seeing a 400-year-old saree market, the spice and grains market, a magnificent mosque built by the Mughals along the river and the temple of Lord Kaal Bhairao, known as the Kotwal or the Police Chief of Varanasi will give you a real sense of the old city “Kashi”.
Time spent on the tour : 3 hours . Wear sport shoes and be comfortable when walking!
Price of the tour : Rs.
6. Puzzled Alley Walk
The ancient city of Varanasi has been a source of tradition, culture, spirituality, yoga, Hindi and Ayurveda.
Narrow and puzzled alleys, beautiful temples and shrines, monasteries, old buildings, cultural and religious diversity, all the major old markets, real Varanasi-food, people all is found inside the alleys which are not possible to visit by any vehicle. Varanasi people do all of their business inside the alleys on foot. We gives you an opportunity to experience the real Varanasi, talk with the locals, visit hidden and old alleys and temples, palace and the old business district… just by walking with us.
Explore old lanes, hidden temples, traditional shops, stories of Shiva’s city.
7. Ghat Walk (by walk or by boat )
A ghat tour in Varanasi typically involves a boat ride on the Ganges River to see the city's many ghats, with popular stops including Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat panchganga Ghat and Namo Ghat You can experience sunrise or sunset boat trips, witness spiritual ceremonies, and learn about the history and mythology of the ghats, such as the cremation rituals at Manikarnika and the daily Aarti ceremony at Ghat.
8. Food Walk
A food tour in Varanasi can explore its rich street food scene, from spicy chaat and savory kachori to sweet malaiyyo and refreshing lassi. You can find famous dishes like deep-fried kachori with a vegetable topping, enjoy unique chaat at stalls , and finish with a Banarasi paan. Food tours can be self-guided, focusing on specific items like the famous breakfast kachori, or organized with a local guide.
Boating
1. Sunrise Boat Ride
A morning boat ride in Varanasi is one of the most unforgettable experiences for every traveler visiting Kashi. As the sun rises over the Ganga River, the ghats light up with golden hues, offering a serene and spiritual start to the day. This Sunrise Boat Ride in Varanasi lets visitors witness sacred rituals, chanting priests, and the calm energy of the ancient city. The journey covers famous ghats like Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and more.
At Heritage Yaatra, we offer safe, authentic, and guided Ganga boat rides, designed especially for travellers looking to explore the heritage of Varanasi, experience the morning Ganga Aarti, and enjoy the historic charm of the Kashi Ghats. Our experienced boatmen and storytellers ensure a peaceful and meaningful Ganga river cruise that showcases the real spiritual essence of Varanasi.
2. Evening Ganga Aarti with Boat
Experience the magical Evening Boat Ride with Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, one of the most searched and loved spiritual experiences in India. As the boat glides gently over the Ganga River, you witness the stunning views of Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, ancient temples, and the glowing city lights of Kashi.
The highlight of the ride is the world-famous Ganga Aarti Ceremony, where priests perform synchronized rituals with lamps, incense, and sacred chants. This divine spectacle is a must-do for anyone visiting Varanasi. Our Heritage Yaatra guided boat ride ensures a safe, comfortable, and authentic experience for travelers, pilgrims, and photographers seeking the best Ganga Aarti view from the boat.
Book your Evening Boat Ride + Ganga Aarti experience in Varanasi with Heritage Yaatra to capture the real essence of spiritual Varanasi, its vibrant ghats, and the serene beauty of the Ganges at sunset..
1.For Indian Guests
Day 1 – Kashi Heritage Itinerary (Indian Guests)
Morning Shift 1 – Temples & Spiritual Trail
Kashi Vishwanath Temple & corridor
Annapurna Temple
Vishalakshi Temple
Nepali Temple
Ganesh Ji Darshan
Kaal Bhairav Temple
Shift 2 – Heritage & River Experience
Virtual Museum (Kashi Heritage display)
BHU
Bharat Mata Temple
Sankatmochan Temple
Boat Ride on the Ganga
Ganga Aarti ( On Ghat or Boat it’s depend on guests)
Day 2 – Kashi Heritage Itinerary
Subah -e- Banaras and Morning Boat ride
Ramnagar Fort & Durga Mandir
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Home
Sarnath: Dhamek Stupa, Museum & Buddha Temples
Bharat Mata Mandir
Day 3 – Kashi Spiritual & Heritage Trail
Panch Koshi Yatra – sacred circumambulation around Kashi
Lolark Kund – historic sacred water tank
Durga Mandir – revered temple of Goddess Durga
Kina Ram Tapsthali – spiritual site of Aghori saint Kina Ram
Astavinayak – temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha
2. For International Guests
Day 01 -A complete spiritual & cultural journey through Varanasi, covering sunrise rituals, heritage spots, markets, temples, and the iconic Ganga Aarti.
Morning Shift 1: Explore Southern Varanasi
Subah-e-Banaras aarti at Assi Ghat
Sunrise boat ride across major ghats
View Manikarnika, Panchganga, Kedar & Hanuman Ghats
Visit Tulsi Akhada
Birth Place of Rani Lakshmi Bai
Breakfast
Morning Shift 2: Heritage & Spiritual Trail
Visit BHU & New Vishwanath Temple
Mumukshu Bhawan: learn about four types of “ashram “ of Hindu Dharma.
Kinaram Temple & Krim-Kund (Aghori tradition)
3rd Shift: Northern Varanasi & Ganga Aarti
Explore Godaulia, Flower Market
Walk through Thatheri Bazaar
Alamgir Mosque
Evening Ganga Aarti
Heritage Yaatra of Kashi (02 Days package)
Day 02 - Sarnath -Ramnagar & Artisan & craft market
Morning – Sarnath & Temples
Sarnath: Dhamek Stupa, Museum, Buddha temples
Bharat Mata Temple
Midday – Ramnagar Fort
Ramnagar Fort and Museum
Riverside views
Afternoon – Artisan & Craft Markets
Kashmiri ganj Weaving Market (Banarasi handloom)
Wooden Craft Market
Stone Work Market
3. Incredible Varanasi Package for (Both - Indians & Internationals )
Explore - Virtual Museum ,Aghor Temple,Swayambhu Shiv lingam ,Women’s College (where girls learn literature and Self Defence Both ) ,Swara Ved Temple, and Many more historical cultural things.
4.Other Packages of Kashi -
Panch koshi Yaatra (01 Day)
Ashta Bhairav Darshan(01 Day)
Nav Durga Darshan (01 Day )
Dawadash Jyotirling Darshan of Kashi (01 Day)
Dwadash Aaditya Darshan (01 Day )
16 Madhav Darshan (01 Day)
Jain temples (01 Day)