Walk 1 – Southern Temples, Ponds & Poets
A walk through the mystical landscape of poets, sacred temples, holy ponds near Assi ghat, the southernmost embankment of the holy Ganga river.
Meeting Place
Harmony Bookshop is just off the main BHU road (Malviya Road) at the end of Asi Ghat Road. Follow Asi Ghat Road down toward the river. You can ask any passerby.
Walk 2 - Walking the Bengali Tola
Winding through the street of the Bengalis, visiting hidden shrines and the vistas of life along the riverside to the historic bathing site called Dasashwamedh, the ten-horse sacrifice ghat.
Meeting Place
Bread of Life Bakery is located in the Shivala Ghat area just north of Ratnakar Park. It is opposite of Aggarwal Radio, a wellknown shop in the Shivala area.
Walk 3 – The City of Light
Beginning at the cosmic centre of Kashi, the city of light, and exploring ancient pathways to the mandirs and masjids of Hindus & Muslims as well as the cremation grounds of Manikarnika, the burning ghat.
Meeting Place
Indica Books is located just south of Godolia round-a-bout, near the Dasaswmedh Ghat area.
Walk 4 - Northern Bazaars & Hidden Alleys
Few 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 ghats of the city.
Meeting Place
The meeting point for this walk is the Chowk police station. It is located next the entrance of Dal Mandi baazar, south of Krishna Ayurvedic.
Heritage Walk Schedule
All Walks are available mornings starting between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM & evenings starting between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Just contact us if you want to arrange a different departure time!
Boat Journey Schedule
Boat Journeys are available from early morning starting at sunrise (approx. 6:00 AM) for Boat Journey 1: Subah-e-Banaras or early evening starting at sunset (approx. 6:00 PM) for Boat Journey 2: Ganga’s Aarti. Boat Journey 3: Ram’s Lila can begin any morning between 7:00 - 9:00 AM.
How Do I Get There
Each exploration has a pop out map of the local area with a picture of the meeting point. Cycle rickshaw, motor rickshaw or a car can easily be arranged by your hotel to the general area (why not ask them to print out the pop out map). We can arrange for you to return the same way or you can continue to explore on your own!
If you would prefer to be picked up from your hotel, just let us know and we will personally meet you for a short adventure through the streets on a cycle rickshaw (additional charge of Rs. 250/- per person).
What Else Should I Know
Each exploration takes about 2.5 – 3 hours of relaxed walking and some negotiation of staircases/steps.
Hand pulled boat rides can be added to any of the Varanasi walks, as a return journey to the starting location, with prior notice (nominal additional charges apply).
Modified explorations both locally (Sarnath Circuit, British Historical Sites, Sacred Ponds or Kashi Temples) and further afield (Chunar Fort, Panch Kroshi, Ghazipur or Jaunpur) can be arranged with prior contact and discussion. Prices upon request.
Maximum 8 people per walk. Full payment will be taken at the end point of the walk, hopefully over some banarasi chai!
