Explore the Highlights of Varanasi

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Explore Varanasi and experience the highlights of the Holy City by guided walking tour. Tour summary (included heritage sites and activities) - Dashashwamedh Ghat - Viswanath Gali - Flower market - Nepali temple - Lord Viswanath temple - Marnikarnika Ghat (cremation grounds) - Old part of the city with narrow streets and alleys This walking tour towards the old part of the city to discover the essentials of one of the oldest inhabited city of the world. Through this tour you will experience local's delight, admiring cultural treasures, incredible natural beauty and rich heritages with history also savouring some local delicacies like Indian Masala Chai (Spice Tea), some local snacks and tasty Lassi (a fermented Indian yoghurt drink). The ideal and most interesting way to explore Varanasi is by walk thus we will walk through heart of the old city and watch popular pilgrims trails for Hindus, we will be visiting temples, ashrams and watch traditional lifestyle in winding side streets, alleys, markets and bazaars and stroll along the ghats, labyrinth lanes and discover hidden beautiful spots. During the walk you mingle and interact with natives of the city . We will figure out what makes this city so special and important that every Hindu wish to visit Varanasi at least once. Also we discover why most of Hindu wish to die here and we will experience the circle of life, death and reincarnation as we will observe traditional way of last cremation rites at the cremation grounds, performed which as per Hindu' s faith is way to attain Moksha Salvation. The tour is always led by licensed and professional guide, adjusted to your pace and with plenty of time for questions and well explaining Looking forward to meet you in holy Varanasi.

   2 h

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganga River. It is located close to Vishwanath Temple and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu legends are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. According to another legend, Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna performed here.

   30 min

3. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva Temples.

   30 min

4. It is one of the famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. this temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Constructed in the 19th century A.D by the King of Nepal, the temple is made of terracotta, stone and wood and is replica of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

   20 minAdmission included

5. The most sacred and holiest river in India flows south to north in Varanasi !

   30 min

6. One of the city's oldest ghats, this iconic site is a storied spot for traditional Hindu cremations. It is a place at riverside where dead bodies are cremated day and night thus it is known as funeral ground in Varanasi.

   40 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 108 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Varanasi with Ravi

  The rain in Varanasi changed our plans, but it ended up creating one of the most special experiences of the trip. Because the boats for the morning Ganga Aarti were stopped due to rising water levels, we did a walking tour instead. By 2 p.m., we had already seen everything Ravi had originally planned to show us that afternoon, so we decided to pivot. I told him I’d love to visit a local jewelry shop, and despite the massive crowds and traffic that day for an annual celebration in Varanasi, Ravi made it happen. He took me to meet an artist and jewelry maker who has helped modernize the centuries-old art of Gulabi Meenakari. I was able to spend time with the artist himself and learn directly from him about how this beautiful and intricate art form is created. It was such a personal, unexpected, and truly unique experience - one I know I’ll think about every time I wear a piece of their jewelry. Ravi mentioned that he had previously worked at one of the top hotels in Varanasi, and his hospitality and understanding of guests and visitors truly shined. He knew when to adjust the plan, how to navigate an environment that was constantly changing and challenging, and how to turn an unexpected change of plans into something memorable. I highly recommend Ravi - he is knowledgeable, thoughtful, seamlessly adaptable, and genuinely cares about the experience he creates for his tours. What started as a rainy day that disrupted our plans turned into one of my favorite and most memorable experiences in Varanasi.

  Sightsee65002045987September 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Full tour ….

  I’m so happy to have met Ravi. One of the main reasons I chose Ravi over other guides was his honesty. The price he quoted was the price he charged. On some booking platforms, tours are advertised as “from” a certain amount, but once you go to book, the actual cost is much higher. Ravi was upfront and transparent from the very beginning. I would especially recommend him to solo travellers. He is flexible, adaptable, and extremely thoughtful. He takes the time to understand what you are interested in and makes sure you see the things that matter most to you, all in a relaxed and gentle way. Ravi also offers plenty of useful suggestions free of charge. Once he gets to know you, he is happy to share ideas for places to visit independently and how to make the most of your time in Varanasi. Attentive, knowledgeable, honest and kind, Ravi made my experience much richer. I would happily recommend him to other travellers and will certainly keep his number to pass on to friends visiting Varanasi.

  jpandareccoJune 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Full tour …

  I’m so happy to have met Ravi. One of the main reasons I chose Ravi over other guides was his honesty. The price he quoted was the price he charged. On some booking platforms, tours are advertised as “from” a certain amount, but once you go to book, the actual cost is much higher. Ravi was upfront and transparent from the very beginning. I would especially recommend him to solo travellers. He is flexible, adaptable, and extremely thoughtful. He takes the time to understand what you are interested in and makes sure you see the things that matter most to you, all in a relaxed and gentle way. Ravi also offers plenty of useful suggestions free of charge. Once he gets to know you, he is happy to share ideas for places to visit independently and how to make the most of your time in Varanasi. Attentive, knowledgeable, honest and kind, Ravi made my experience much richer. I would happily recommend him to other travellers and will certainly keep his number to pass on to friends visiting Varanasi.

  jo_NJune 2026via Viator

• 5Safe & Authentic Varanasi Experience like a local – Perfect for Solo Female Travelers and couples and family

  I was planning a trip to Varanasi and although I had visited as a child, this time I wanted to truly experience it , stay for a few days and explore the lanes like a local. It was also my first solo trip as a female, and my main goal was to cover as many temples as possible. I spoke to a few guides, but Ravi ji stood out as the most humble, understanding, and reasonable person for my 2-day private tour. Since I was working from home during the trip, I only had early mornings and post-office hours free, and he was incredibly flexible in adjusting to my schedule. Over these two days, we walked through so many narrow lanes of Banaras, and he shared the deep history and stories behind the temples, which made the entire experience so much more meaningful. He planned my entire itinerary thoughtfully and even checked if I wanted to customize anything. Beyond temples, he introduced me to some amazing hidden food spots , delicious chaat and sweets that I would have never found on my own. What truly made a difference was how safe and cared for I felt throughout the trip. As a solo female traveler, safety is a big concern, and Ravi ji went above and beyond , he even checked on my accommodation beforehand and stayed in touch regularly to make sure I was comfortable. Even on days when we didn’t have a tour planned, he would check in and suggest places I could explore on my own. From stays to travel to tickets, he will go above and beyond to help out of you need . But more than just a knowledgeable guide, he is a genuinely kind and compassionate person who ensures you don’t just visit Banaras , you truly fall in love with it. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a safe, well-planned, and authentic Banaras experience specially got female solo travelers .

  Seaside42144594104March 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Excellent guide

  Ravi was very professional and had great knowledge of Varanasi. He was a nice guy who was very attentive. He made sure I had a great time.

  michael aMarch 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Incredible experience with Ravi in Varanasi! Highly recommended!

  I had an incredible experience with Ravi Sahni Heritage Tours in Varanasi! Ravi is a licensed tour guide, and his deep knowledge of the city’s history, culture, and spirituality made the entire tour truly special. He took us through the hidden alleys, ancient temples, and vibrant ghats with fascinating stories that brought the city to life. What impressed me most was his professionalism and warm personality—he tailored the tour perfectly to our interests and ensured we had an authentic, memorable experience. Whether you’re visiting Varanasi for the first time or returning to explore it more deeply, I highly recommend booking a tour with Ravi Sahni. You’ll see the city from a local’s perspective and fall in love with its timeless charm! Thank you Ravi, it was pleasure to meet you.

  mikolajm499March 2026via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in Varanasi

• Its from-price is 52% below the median of the 494 experiences we list in Varanasi.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 18 of 494.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Varanasi

Varanasi, on the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the oldest living cities in the world, a sacred place of river steps, temples and silk looms.

Varanasi, also called Benares or Kashi, has been a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years, and Hindus come to bathe in the Ganges, to pray, and to die. Along the west bank, about eighty ghats, broad stone stairways, descend to the water, among them Dashashwamedh Ghat, where lamps and chanting mark the evening aarti ceremony. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Shiva, stands in the old city's maze of narrow lanes.

Top-ranked sights in Varanasi: Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Ganges River (Ganga).

See all 494 experiences in Varanasi