Banaras Wala Tours

4.9
(314 reviews)

3 to 4 hours (approximately)
Offered in: Japanese and 2 more

My name is Vinay Singh. I was born and raised in Varanasi and have spent over a decade guiding visitors — from solo travelers to YouTubers and documentary crews — through its sacred streets. Living here all my life has given me deep knowledge of Varanasi’s hidden corners, traditions, and spiritual rituals.

Each tour is tailored to your interests: taste safe street food, see a sunrise at the ghats, wander old alleys, visit hidden temples, and experience how spirituality shapes daily life.

Tours last three to four hours and cover major historical and religious sites, ghats, cremation grounds, narrow lanes, markets, and secret spots that reveal the real Varanasi. Along the way, I share not only history but also stories about daily life, local customs, and my own experiences growing up here. My goal is for you to leave with memories and insights you won’t find in any guidebook.

What's Included

Bottled water
Coffee and/or Tea

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
Dashashwamedh Ghat

Itinerary

Duration: 3 to 4 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    At 5 AM, gather at Assi Ghat to witness the morning cremation rites and the first prayers of the day. The ghat comes alive with chanting priests, the glow of ritual fires, and the steady rhythm of sacred offerings to the river. Against the backdrop of dawn over the Ganges, this ceremony embodies the city’s deep cycle of worship, life, and liberation.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    After Assi Ghat, we walk by Tulsi Ghat to briefly watch the traditional wrestling.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    We now begin on the sunrise boat portion of the tour. The journey passes more than 25 ghats, where you’ll see locals bathing in the river and morning rituals unfolding. Along the way, the boat pauses at Manikarnika Ghat to witness the cremation ceremonies, a powerful and sacred part of Varanasi’s life on the Ganges. The tour ends at Dasaswamedh Ghat, home of the city’s most vibrant activity.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 4

    As we wander through the old city, we will stop and visit the Vishalakshi Temple, dedicated to the goddess and regarded as one of the sacred Shakti Peethas.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Next on the old city portion of the tour is the Pashupatinath Temple near Lalita Ghat, built in the Nepali style by the King of Nepal. This shrine reflects Varanasi’s enduring role as a center of Shiva worship and its cultural ties across South Asia.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    We then conclude at Manikarnika Ghat, the most sacred cremation ground in Varanasi. Here, funeral pyres burn day and night, symbolizing the Hindu belief in liberation from the cycle of rebirth. It is a profound place where the spiritual heart of the city is most visible.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Vinay Singh

Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Walking Tours
Trolley Tours
Tuk Tuk Tours
Religious Tours
Cable Car Tours
Car Tours
Excellent Quality
DSA non-compliant
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 314 314 reviews
5 stars
287
4 stars
18
3 stars
6
2 stars
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1 star
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