Free Walking Tour of Varanasi
Varanasi is the holiest of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. Discover its secrets on this walking tour of the spiritual capital of India.
Itinerary
After meeting in the heart of Varanasi, you'll begin your free walking tour of one of the world's oldest cities, which has over 4000 years of history according to archaeological discoveries. Are you ready to delve deep into India?
Your two hour tour will take you to Varanasi's most symbolic places. You'll see the Nepali Mandir, a wooden temple built by a 19th century Nepalese King and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered one of the oldest and most famous temples in the city.
You'll stroll down to the banks of the sacred Ganges river, where you'll reach Varanasi's most famous ghat, Manikarnika. Many of the city's ghats, or stepped embankments leading down to the water, are used by pilgrims for bathing as part of the puja ceremony, but a few are used exclusively as Hindu cremation sites. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the latter, and visiting it is a truly arresting experience. Hindus believe that being cremated at this holiest of places ensures direct entry to heaven: many elderly people make a journey here in their final days to spend their last few days absorbing the atmosphere here. Incredibly, a funeral pyre burns here 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
From here, you'll wander over to the city's ancient markets, where you can sample some local delicacies. You'll finish your free walking tour of Varanasi at the old stepwell pond of Lolark Kund, whose waters are considered sacred.
Important information
- It is not possible to reserve this tour for groups larger than 6 people.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Schools and groups of students are not permitted on this free walking tour.
- This tour does not enter inside any monument.
Price
Free tours do not have a fixed price, rather each person offers the guide the amount they consider appropriate, depending on their level of satisfaction.
More Information
Duration
2 hours.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
English speaking guide.
Small souvenir.
When to book?
You can book up until the previous day (11:59 pm) if there are still places available. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code. Specifically, this activity applies the following practices: Show more
No printing of documentation required.
Promotes local employment.
Has a gender equality policy.
Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you have any other questions please contact us .
Free cancellation
If you are not able to attend the tour, please cancel your reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Hotel Ganges Grand.