Hidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour)
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(451)
Akash is knowledgable around the varanasi and has given valuable fun facts about the reglion and city, highly recommended!
Akash is an excellent guide. Full immersion into the spiritual and cultural aspects of Varanasi. Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
I had the chance to discover Varanasi with Akash, and this experience will undoubtedly remain one of the highlights of my stay. Akash is much more than just a guide: he is a true enthusiast, deeply attached to his hometown. His intimate knowledge of Varanasi, its spiritual traditions and its more hidden aspects offered me an authentic perspective, far from the classical circuits. What particularly impressed me was his sense of hospitality. Attentive and attentive, he adapted the visit to my interests, making the experience unique and very personal. The value for money is excellent, especially in terms of the quality of the explanations, the organization and the authenticity of the experience on offer. If you want to discover Varanasi in an immersive, human and rewarding way, I highly recommend Akash. It transforms a simple visit into a real dive into the soul of the city. THANK YOU Akash 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🏽
An unforgettable experience with Akash on the Hidden Secrets Varanasi tour. He took us far beyond the usual sights, revealing the city’s deeper history, culture, and spiritual layers in a way that felt authentic and personal. His knowledge is incredible, and he has a real talent for storytelling that brings everything to life. We explored tucked-away alleys, lesser-known ghats, and moments you’d never find on your own. Friendly, insightful, and perfectly paced — highly recommended if you want to truly understand Varanasi.
This was the highlight of our visit to Varanasi. Akash was professional, knowledgeable and fun. He explained a lot of the intricacies of Hinduism, the crematiion process and traditions which gave us a deeper insight to this crazy city! He looked after us very well, would thoroughly recommenf.
This tour in Varanasi was really very interesting. The guide was super nice and helpful and the places visited (well 5) very charming. We also had access to a place usually closed to the public. Recommended! Duration about 3 hours.
Akash was an excellent tour guide. Gave great insight into the meaning behind Varanasi and genuinely just a nice person. Highly recommend him and the tour if you want to learn about the history of Varanasi.
Great experience! Info shared was very interesting and we visited some places that we wouldn’t otherwise. Akash is a great guy!
Akash gave us one of the most authentic and insightful experiences we could have hoped for in Varanasi. He took us far beyond the typical tourist route and showed us the hidden gems of the city. Our tour included the beautiful Nepali Temple, the powerful and humbling Manikarnika Ghat, the fascinating underground Manikarnikeshwar Mahadev Temple, the unique leaning Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, and the historic Manikarnika Kund. Akash was born and raised in these very streets, and it truly shows. His knowledge, stories, and deep connection to the city made everything come alive in a way we would have never experienced on our own. He is incredibly patient and thoughtfully curated the tour both in terms of timing and the places we visited. There is simply no way we would have seen Varanasi like this without him. It felt real, raw, and very different from the usual tourist experience. Highly recommend Akash if you want to truly understand the soul of Varanasi.
Akash gave us one of the most authentic and insightful experiences we could have hoped for in Varanasi. He took us far beyond the typical tourist route and showed us the hidden gems of the city. Our tour included the beautiful Nepali Temple, the powerful and humbling Manikarnika Ghat, the fascinating underground Manikarnikeshwar Mahadev Temple, the unique leaning Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, and the historic Manikarnika Kund. Akash was born and raised in these very streets, and it truly shows. His knowledge, stories, and deep connection to the city made everything come alive in a way we would have never experienced on our own. He is incredibly patient and thoughtfully curated the tour both in terms of timing and the places we visited. There is simply no way we would have seen Varanasi like this without him. It felt real, raw, and very different from the usual tourist experience. Highly recommend Akash if you want to truly understand the soul of Varanasi.
