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VaranasiWalks Day Tours, Varanasi

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VaranasiWalks Day Tours

1/229 Assi Ghat | Assi, Varanasi 221001, India
91 7379711888
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VaranasiWalks! Alleyways of the Old City
18 visitor photos
Ranked #2 of 8 activities in Varanasi
5.0 of 5 stars 14 Reviews
Type: Tours
Owner description: VaranasiWalks is an experience oriented and eco-friendly walking tour and boat journey company. We give an intimate look at the holy city of Varanasi... more » Owner description: VaranasiWalks is an experience oriented and eco-friendly walking tour and boat journey company. We give an intimate look at the holy city of Varanasi by providing both licensed guides and cultural explorers who are able to show you places in the city that the average tourist could never find. Come explore Varanasi with us!Historical Walk 1 - Southern Temples, Ponds & PoetsA walk through the mystical landscape of poets, sacred temples, holy ponds near Assi ghat, the southernmost embankment of the holy Ganga river. Walk in the footsteps of 16th century Banaras poet and mystic Pandit Tulsidas who was the author of the Ram Charit Manas, the sacred Ramanyana in Hindi. You will hear about the history and special culture of Varanasi while visiting the Southern temple established by him and the location of his traditional home! The walk ends with a special darshan, meaning 'taking sight' of a hidden sun temple behind his home. Maybe you too will get the urge to write some sacred verse on the riverside after the walk! Rs. 1500/- per person (1-3) Rs. 1200/- per person (4-6) Rs. 1000/- per person (7-8) Historical Walk 2 - The Bengali Tola Riverside WalkWinding through the streets and popping out onto the riverside will give you an insiders look at the symbiotic life of the riverside people of Varanasi. Eventually you will end up on Bengali Tola, the street of the Bengalis, visiting hidden Mother Goddess Kali shrines and the vistas of life along the riverside. The tour ends at the historic ritual bathing site called Dasashwamedh, the ten-horse sacrifice ghat. Bengali's have emigrated to Varanasi for hundreds of years and eventually a settlement of riverside priests and shopkeepers sprung up. They are immortalised in the Academy Award winning filmaker Satyajit Ray's Apu Sansar (The World of Apu). With few changes in these historic lanes over the years you too may slip into the world of Apu! Rs. 1500/- per person (1-3) Rs. 1200/- per person (4-6) Rs. 1000/- per person (7-8)Historical Walk 3 - Kashi the City of LightBeginning at the cosmic centre of the city, Kashi, the city of light, you will get familiar with rite and ritual by exploring ancient pathways to the temples and mosques of Hindus & Muslims as well as observe the age old cremation rituals of Manikarnika, the burning ghat. The highlight is Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Mandir which is said to hold the first of the jyotirlingas, the sacred shafts of light, that self emanated from the earth, but how many know that this temple has been rebuilt not just once but four times in three different locations, two of which have mosques perched on top! Come seek the original foundations of the city of light as we wind our through the place Shiva hold court! (bring your passport to enter the main temple) Rs. 1500/- per person (1-3) Rs. 1200/- per person (4-6) Rs. 1000/- per person (7-8)Historical Walk 4 - Northern Bazaars & Hidden AlleysFew tourists ever wind there way through the bazaars in the Northern gullis of the old city where you will find hidden alleys leading directly through the sacred zone of Banaras to the oldest buildings of the city. As you enter the lanes of the Northern part of the city you will get to peep inside the shops, temples and lives of people who have never left their street for years. Eventually we find ourselves in the least traversed part of the city and riverside where the great Kabir himself wrote poetry, the 8th centuray Krishna temple was demolished and a mosque perched on the top. This bazaar has so many twists and turns we even get confused, but that is what makes it so great, come get lost with us! Rs. 1500/- per person (1-3) Rs. 1200/- per person (4-6) Rs. 1000/- per person (7-8)Boat Journey 1 - Subah-e-BanarasGet up at the crack of dawn with us on an early sunrise morning boat ride up the river which is called Subah-e-Banaras in local lingo. As the sun rises see the early risers who flock to the riverside for morning worship and hear about the interesting history of the ghats and their patronage by the Maharaja's who built them. Along the way you will be filled with insider stories, participate in a simple ritual by placing a bio-degradable lamp on the river and end with a short walking tour around Tulsi ghat's hidden sun temple. YOu will come away refreshed and ready for the rest of the day. Rs. 1500/- per person (1-3) Rs. 1200/- per person (4-6) Rs. 1000/- per person (7-8)Boat Journey 2 - Ganga's Aarti Catch an early evening boat ride with us experiencing the mystical worship of the river called Ganga Aarti and hear about the rituals that have been used for centuries inside temples and in shrines along the river. The magical quality of the evening is showcased with a trip to the eerie cremation grounds of Manikarnika, which burn 24 hours a day, to be seen from both the boat and the shore. You will see the 5000 year old flame which Shiva himself is supposed to have lit upon entering the city and even catch a glimpse of black cloaked holymen who sit near the funeral pyres. All this coupled with a historical walk around the local area will remain with you forever.Rs. 1500/- per person (1-3) Rs. 1200/- per person (4-6) Rs. 1000/- per person (7-8)Boat Journey 3 - Ram's LilaRam's Lila will introduce you to a part of the city that is across the river from Varanasi. For centuries the Maharaja's of Varanasi, claled the Kashi Naresh, have lived outside of the city proper while ruling Varanasi from afar. You will see the most beautiful temple in the Varanasi region and check out the slightly musty collection of the Kashi Naresh, including historic motor cars. The area surrounding the Fort Palace is teeming with interesting people and stories, so we will trek around the exterior and have a look at the king's special bathing ghat, the fishermen and locals doing their thing. Our boat will be waiting for us and you can enjoy the return ride as you soak in the things that you have experienced. Rs. 1700/- per person (1-3) Rs. 1500/- per person (4-6) Rs. 1200/- per person (7-8) Museum Fees extra (Rs. 150/- per person) as desired. Feeling like you want door to door service? We will meet you personally at your City Hotel for Rs. 250/- per person per way. This will include cycle rickshaw to the walking location meeting point and return to your hotel. For Riverside hotels the cost is Rs. 250/- flat group fee for a stroll (plus local cycle rickshaw fees as needed) to the walking departure point. If you are utilising your own transport from any hotel we will only charge Rs. 250/- flat group fee. « less
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14 reviews from our community

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Mumbai, India
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
“Dont miss, if in Varanasi”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

My wife found Jai on Tripadvisor. Thankfully. The walk was awesome. We did the CIty of Lights walk and Jai was very accommodating in terms of choosing sights & stories given our interests. Jai was happy to let us set the pace but ensured we did not miss out on the quirky & interesting stories nearby. Having spent a long... More

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See 2 more reviews by Chandanmohanty for Varanasi
VaranasiWalks, Owner at VaranasiWalks Day Tours, responded to this review
14 June 2013

One of the coolest couples I have had an opportunity to walk around Kashi with. Chandan was so inquisitive about everything I couldn't finish telling one story before stumbling into another! He is the only guest to have joined 'namaz' in the hidden Razia Sahiba Masjid as well!!! Props for that yaar! Yeah, yeah... Vishwanath. What to say... after visiting... More

Melbourne, Australia
1 review
“Bad organization, little substance”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

I booked a tour through Jai in mid April. I waited at the predetermined meeting place for my guide, Nomi Tripathi, for 20 minutes before finding out he wasn't coming. I was given a couple of explanations -- he'd got the days mixed, and that he had to return to his village for an emergency. Not really sure either was... More

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VaranasiWalks, Owner at VaranasiWalks Day Tours, responded to this review
10 May 2013

Jason, if i were in your shoes I would have written the same review. I wish I could say that VaranasiWalks always does everything perfectly but sometimes things go awry. Nomi is one of our best staff and has a bunch of great reviews. His mix-up with sending his brother and not informing me, as well as giving a shady... More

Milan, Italy
1 review
“Extraordinary!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Jai from Varanasi Walks is an extraordinary guy and makes a wonderful job, going to hidden places around the city and giving detailed information about the place, culture and its people. My experience in Varanasi (a city that is pretty hard to digest by itself) changed completely by his knowledge, understanding and caring.

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VaranasiWalks, Owner at VaranasiWalks Day Tours, responded to this review
10 May 2013

Even though they say the tour was extraordinary it is actually this couple who was amazing! Their positive attitude and excitement to be in India was infectious. They asked great questions, were engaging, friendly and a blast to be with! It was so fun to share our city with you. I am so glad you both had a great time... More

Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
“Going the extra mile”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2013

Jai (Jeremy) really went to great effort to try to accommodate us and customize our itinerary for the best possible experience. Initially, we were a little worried that the advertised Walks were not quite what we would most like, but Jai was very flexible and adjusted the walking tour to meet our interests, and he adjusted the price in a... More

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VaranasiWalks, Owner at VaranasiWalks Day Tours, responded to this review
10 May 2013

Thanks for the good review! I believe Nandan was your guide, and aside from him being a licensed guide of Gov't of India, he is highly flexible, knowledgeable about the history, culture and pulse of the city politically and socially. Anyone who goes with him has only good remarks and I will convey yours to him as well! Next time... More

Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“This is a must”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2013

Would be a great way to start your trip in Varanasi if you only have a few days. The insights are invaluable and your experience will be immeasurably richer because of it.

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VaranasiWalks, Owner at VaranasiWalks Day Tours, responded to this review
19 April 2013

Amar you were a perfect guest and walking companion! Thanks for walking with us for a few hours to see the city! Jai More

Los Angeles, California
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Highlight of my India Trip”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013 via mobile

My travel companion and I were skeptical of the high price of these tours before we went, but the price is well worth it! We ended up taking two tours with Nandan. We started with the Southern temples, ponds, and poets walk and then did a boat tour that night. The first tour was fine - I don't know if... More

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VaranasiWalks, Owner at VaranasiWalks Day Tours, responded to this review
11 April 2013

I concur that Nandan is one of our best staff! I love wandering around with him as well and learn tons drinking chai with him as I have been known to do... about every other week for the last few years! I will convey your kind words. Jai More

Brisbane, Australia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“The best part of our travels in India”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 March 2013

Most of the time I am turned off by tourist tours, but this was definitely the highlight of my trip to India. Jai (our tour guide) conveniently met us at our hotel and took my group of 4 friends on the hidden bizar tour. He took us into places we would have never found, told us about the city in... More

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VaranasiWalks, Owner at VaranasiWalks Day Tours, responded to this review
11 April 2013

you all were super! lets go again! So glad it made a part of your trip memorable. jai More

San Francisco, CA
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Varanasi Walking Tour - a must”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 January 2013

I can't say enough about our experience in Varanasi which would NOT have been the same without the insight and knowledge of our guide from "Varanasi Walks." I'm sure that all of the guides are fabulous but we had the good fortune to have Nandan as our guide. We did the night boat trip with Nandan as well as two... More

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VaranasiWalks, Owner at VaranasiWalks Day Tours, responded to this review
7 February 2013

Thanks for the great comments about Nandan. He is one of our most experienced staff and you said it all. Hope Banaras remains in your heart for a long time... or at least till the next life... then walk with us again! More

Washington, DC
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Definitely book them!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 January 2013

We booked Varanasi Walks for both days that we were in Varanasi, and I'm so happy that we did. Nomi, our guide, took us on a morning boatride and then we explored parts of the city and several temples. The next day, he took us into the Kashi Vishvanathe Temple (amazing experience) and then we took an evening boatride for... More

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See 4 more reviews by pinkpower128 for Varanasi
VaranasiWalks, Manager at VaranasiWalks Day Tours, responded to this review
14 January 2013

I will be sure and let Nomi know about your excellent comments. Also, I am so glad that he made the experience special for you. Banaras is a strange and wonderful city filled with peril and delight. Most visitors never get into Kashi Vishwanath due to red tape or confusion... so glad you made it to the centre of the... More

Milan
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“This will change your experience of Varanasi”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 December 2012

We came across "Varanasi Walks" by chance (on tripadvisor) and it literally made our holiday. Varanasi can be quite overwhelming and Jai took us off the beaten track to see the most amazing sights and eat the most delicious street food. Jai speaks Hindu which makes the walks more interesting and less contrived. We went on a walk every day... More

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VaranasiWalks, Owner at VaranasiWalks Day Tours, responded to this review
29 December 2012

Yes! It was great fun wasnt it! So glad you came and enjoyed the experiences!!! More

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