Hidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour)
5.0 / 5 · 476 traveler reviews
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.
Your experience
Stop 1
Dashaswamedh Ghat:- Dashashwamedh ghat is one of the oldest, most spectacular and important ghat, located at the bank of the river Gange near to the old Vishwanath Temple in the Kashi. The literal meaning of the Dashashwamedh is the Ghat (river front) of the ten sacrificed horses (dash means 10, ashwa means horse, medh means sacrifice). 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.
Stop 2
The Vishalakshi Temple, also known as Vishalakshi Gauri Temple, is one of the prominent temples of Varanasi that belongs to the Goddess Vishalakshi. The Goddess Vishalakshi is an aspect of the goddess Parvati or Gauri and is believed to have large eyes as the name also says ‘Vishalakshi = Vishal (big) + akshi (eyes).’ It is located at the Mir Ghat on the banks of the Ganga River. The temple is considered as a Shakti Pitha dedicated to the Hindu Divine Mother, Adi Shakti. The popular holy place in Varanasi is part of the famous triad of temples, Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi, and Kashi Visalakshi. It is considered that the earrings or kundal of the Goddess Sati had fallen here.
Stop 3
Nepali Temple:- Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir, also known as the Nepali Mandir, Kanthwala Mandir and Mini Khajuraho, is one of the oldest and most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. 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.
Stop 4
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.
Stop 5
According to Lord Vishnu, devotees who take bath in Manikarnika and worship Manikarnikeshwar will not see mother’s womb again (meaning – there will be no rebirth). The linga is located underground, devotees can go all the way down to have a darshan of Shri Manikarnikeshwar Mahadev.
What’s included
- Bottled water
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Food and drink, Transportation
Meeting and pickup
Our meeting point will at Rajendra Prasad Ghat, infront of Virtual experiential museum And the Guide will be standing infront of the Entrance of the Museum
Before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
Check dates and book on Viator →Confirm the meeting point, inclusions, cancellation policy and final price on Viator. We may earn a commission from your booking.