Varanasi: Old City Walking Tour & Ganga Aarti with Boat Ride

Summary

Walk Varanasi’s secret lanes, riverside rituals and living legends

You’ll wander Varanasi’s oldest alleyways at dawn, glide on a quiet morning boat ride past ghats where life and death meet, taste lassi after exploring hidden temples, then end your day watching Ganga Aarti from special seats by the river. It’s not always comfortable—but it’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t really know what to expect from a walking tour in Varanasi. The city always sounded like a myth to me, but when we met our guide near Dashashwamedh Ghat just before sunrise, I felt that weird mix of curiosity and nerves. The air smelled faintly of woodsmoke and flowers. Our group was small — just me, two travelers from Germany, and Li from Shanghai, who kept trying to pronounce “Manikarnika” (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it). We set off into the maze of alleyways, dodging sleepy cows and chai sellers already at work.

The morning boat ride was quieter than I expected. The river looked silver under the early light, and our guide pointed out the five rivers that meet here (I’d never realized that before). At Manikarnika Ghat, everything slowed down. There was a silence you could feel — even with the crackle of burning wood and distant chanting. Our guide explained how people come here from all over India for their last rites; he spoke softly, almost like he didn’t want to disturb anything. It wasn’t sad exactly — more like being let in on something private. I still think about that view across the water.

We wandered through flower markets bursting with color and past ancient houses built by kings from different regions (I remember running my hand along a carved doorway — cool stone, worn smooth). Breakfast was simple but perfect: fresh lassi at a spot our guide swore was “the best in Varanasi.” He told stories about temples and mosques tucked into corners I’d have missed completely on my own. By late afternoon we were back at the river for the Ganga Aarti. VIP seats meant we could actually see — flames swirling, bells ringing, everyone pressed together in this strange mix of chaos and calm. Hard to explain unless you’re there.

I left feeling both lighter and heavier somehow. Varanasi isn’t easy or tidy or even always comfortable — but walking those alleys with someone who knows every shortcut makes it less intimidating. If you’re looking for something neat or predictable…well, this isn’t that kind of day trip in Varanasi. And honestly? That’s why it sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Varanasi's historic sites and ghats

• Walk through Varanasi alleyways
• Visit Kashi Vishalakshi Temple
• See Nepali Temple
• Explore Manikarnika Ghat (burning ghat)
• Visit Satua Shaba Ashram
• Discover Underground Shiva Temple
• See Alangir Mosque
• Visit Local Flower Market
• View Ancient Houses heritage area
• Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Visit temple of Maa Saari
• See confluence of five rivers

Top questions

What time does the Varanasi walking tour start?

The tour begins with a morning boat ride at 5 AM.

Is breakfast included on this day trip in Varanasi?

Yes, breakfast is included as part of the experience.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

The tour includes pickup options; check details when booking.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Does this Varanasi walking tour visit Manikarnika Ghat?

Yes, you’ll visit Manikarnika Ghat during the walk.

Will I see the Ganga Aarti ceremony?

You’ll have VIP seats for either an evening or morning Ganga Aarti walk.

How long does this day trip in Varanasi last?

The itinerary covers early morning through evening activities.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes an early morning boat ride along the Ganges starting at 5 AM, guided walks through Varanasi’s oldest neighborhoods including Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika Ghats, breakfast plus tea or coffee breaks along the way, VIP seating for the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony if you choose that option—and all routes are wheelchair accessible too.