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Hidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour)
5.0
279 Ratings
Varanasi
Uncover the hidden secrets of Varanasi on a guided tour led by local experts. Explore historical sites, narrow streets, and bustling markets while learning about the city’s traditions and vibrant culture.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Dashashwamegh Ghat - Dashaswamedh Ghat: Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the oldest, most spectacular, and significant ghats, situated on the banks of the Ganges River near the ancient Vishwanath Temple in Kashi. The name Dashashwamedh translates to the Ghat (riverfront) of the ten sacrificed horses (dash means 10, ashwa means horse, medh means sacrifice). There are two legends associated with this ghat: one states that Lord Brahma created Dashashwamedh Ghat to welcome Lord Shiva, and the other suggests that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses in a yajna here. This ghat is renowned for the Agni Pooja, a daily evening ritual performed by a group of priests dedicated to Lord Shiva, the River Ganges, Surya, Agni, and the entire universe.
- Vishalakshi Temple - The Vishalakshi Temple, also known as Vishalakshi Gauri Temple, is one of the prominent temples in Varanasi dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi. Goddess Vishalakshi is an aspect of Goddess Parvati or Gauri and is believed to have large eyes, as the name suggests (‘Vishalakshi = Vishal (big) + akshi (eyes)’). It is located at Mir Ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. The temple is considered a Shakti Pitha dedicated to the Hindu Divine Mother, Adi Shakti. This revered site in Varanasi is part of the famous triad of temples, including Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi, and Kashi Vishalakshi. It is believed that the earrings (kundal) of Goddess Sati fell here.
- Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple) - Nepali Temple: Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir, also known as Nepali Mandir, Kanthwala Mandir, and Mini Khajuraho, is one of the oldest and most renowned temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple holds great religious significance in Hinduism and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The mandir is constructed from terracotta, stone, and wood, and took three decades to complete. The wood used is termite-proof. It is built in the Nepali architectural style and is surrounded by tamarind and ficus religiosa (peepal) trees.
- Manikarnika Ghat - 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) along the Ganges River. In Hinduism, death is seen as a gateway to another life, influenced by one’s karma. It is believed that a soul attains moksha and breaks the cycle of rebirth when cremated here. The well at the ghat, called Manikarnika Kund, was built by Lord Vishnu.
- Manikarnikeshwar Mahadev Temple - Kashi Khand - According to Lord Vishnu, devotees who bathe in Manikarnika and worship Manikarnikeshwar will not experience rebirth (meaning they will not be born again). The linga is located underground, and devotees can descend to have a darshan of Shri Manikarnikeshwar Mahadev.
What's Included
- Bottled water provided
- Tea and coffee available
What's Not Included
- Food and drink, Transportation
Additional Information
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.
Location
Virtual Experiential Museum
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(279 Ratings)
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Elenaen5298uv
Jul 31, 2024
The best guide in Varanasi - The tour with Badal was great! He is a very cheerful and attentive person. He speaks very good English and some Spanish. He took us to some temples, corners and streets of Varanassi that we would not have discovered without him. He knows a lot about Hinduism, its history and culture, so he knew how to answer our questions! We hope your visit to Spain goes great!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chrissg806nt
Jul 31, 2024
The real secrets of Varanasi - All I can say is thank you to Badal for taking us on a wonderful tour of Varanasi. He showed us all of the hidden and most amazing parts of Varanasi, places that tourists wouldn’t set foot in with a local guide. The street art, temples and ghats we showed us were mesmerising and a tour and tour guide I would highly highly recommend. Thankyou Badal for making our time in Varanasi so great!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zo_s348
Jul 31, 2024
Secrets of Varanasi tour - What a fantastic few hours exploring Varanasi with our tour guide Badal. He was so lovely, knowledgeable and took very good care of us. He made the whole tour easy to understand, very interesting and an honour. We could not recommend Badal anymore!
Thank you so much Badal for making our trip to Varanasi so special.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcos_v
Jul 26, 2024
Excellent !!! - If only I could 1000 stars for this review. The guide Akash is excellent, such a great guy, his knowledge about Varanasi and all culture is impressing. I highly doubt you could find anyone better in the city. The tour was so amazing, its impossible for a tourist to live this experience by itself alone.
Review provided by Viator
Mavianque
Jul 25, 2024
Perfect !!! Amazing !!! Excellent !!! - If only I could 1000 stars for this review. The guide Akash is excellent, such a great guy, his knowledge about Varanasi and all culture is impressing. I highly doubt you could find anyone better in the city. The tour was so amazing, its impossible for a tourist to live this experience by itself alone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joshuamichaelpayne
Jul 24, 2024
This is what a Tour SHOULD Be 💫 - A must-do if you’re visiting Varanasi! Akash was a great guide and I really felt like he gave me the chance to truly understand in detail exactly what was going on as we moved through the city.
We went to some incredible and exclusive spaces and it really made me appreciate the city and India so much more.
Best thing I’ve done in my month in India (and I visited the Taj Mahal!) highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Arteaga92
Jul 14, 2024
Varanasi's secrets through Badal - Through the sympathy and kindness of Badal we have been able to know many corners of this city. In addition, you are learning Spanish which makes the tour closer. It was definitely worth it. Recommended 100%!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Winkev14
Jul 5, 2024
Wonderful tour with a great guide! - Badal was an amazing and funny guide who told us everything we wanted and needed to know. He shared stories and loads of history about Hindoeïsm and Varanasi. We truly recommend as this was a wonderful tour! Thanks again Badal, we really enjoyed it 🙏🏻
Review provided by Tripadvisor
944candelaa
Jul 4, 2024
Best welcome to Varanasi - I did the tour with Badal just after arriving in Varanasi and the experience could not have been better. It gives very clear explanations (perfect English and some Spanish) and super interesting that make the city live otherwise. And you appreciate the passion he has for his job and his city. I highly recommend it!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trishapaet
Jun 28, 2024
Amazing experience! Recommend it 100%!! - This walking tour was the highlight of our trip to Varanasi! We had Badal as our guide and he taught us so much! He answered all of our questions and he is so kind and knowledgeable! Our experience in Varanasi wouldn't have been complete if we didn't book this tour. Highly recommended!! You will not regret it!!
Thank you Badal for teaching us so much! You are amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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