Walking Tour of Varanasi: A Personalized Local Experience

On the way to the Dashashwamedh Ghat (Main Ghat), we will pass from Godowlia Crossing, its the most busy/crowded crossing..

Dashashwamedh Ghat, is divided into two parts in between the two parts is Prayaga Ghat- which is replicates the holy city of Prayagraj (Allahabad). This ghat is presumed to be the first historically recorded site associated with the horse sacrifice performed by the Shiva Nagas king around the 3rd century. Walking around here you can get an idea of religious activities and the associated shops selling ritual items.

Man Mandir Ghat, on which stands a palace built by the king of Amber (Rajasthan), Savai Man Singh in 1585-1605. It is known primarily for the magnificent building with exquisite, ornately carved windows carving, and on the roof the Hindu Observatory built by Savai Jai Singh in 1710. The giant’s stone instruments were once used to study the movement of the sun, the moon, the stars, and other heavenly bodies.

Meer Ghat, named in 1735 after the Muslim commander Mir Rustam Ali, provides access to the Vishalakshi temple, and Dharma Kupa. At the top of the Ghat a conservative Brahmin (Swami Karapatri-ji) built New Vishwanath temple in 1956.

Nepali Ghat, close to the bank is a pretty little shrine of the goddess Ganga River, and from the bank a staircase lead to the Nepalese temple (Replica of Pashupati Nath Temple), a very picturesque building, built chief of wood and brick, and known for its erotic sculptures in wood. All four gateways and the doors of the temple are fully decorated with symbolic and archetypal architecture. You we can have short stop here..

Manikarnika Ghat- famous for cremation ground (photography of the cremation area is prohibited), where one can watch the cremation and related rituals.

Alamgir Mosque, which was built on the location of a 11th century Vishnu temple. After its first destruction in the 15th century, it was re-made by the king of Amber (Rajasthan), but finally demolished and transformed in mosque in 1673 by the bigoted Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The original image of black-marble Lord Vishnu is kept in the nearby house of Lakshmanabala, now known as Vindu Madhav Temple, and attracts thousands of devotees and pilgrims. To the left of the entrance gate is an image of Lord Vishnu’s vehicle Garudda, a divine bird, and to the right is Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devotees. These are pieces of the original temple and are excellent example of miniature and column architecture. Inside the temple, straight ahead one can see the image of Vishnu Madhava. While enjoying the flight of stone steps, on the left you pass through the monastery of Ramananda, a 14th century saint who was the guru of the great Saint Kabir (1398-1518).

From here we continue our walks, as we enter the lanes of the northern part of the old city, we will get to peep through the galiya (Alley ways), and lives of people who have never left the street for years. Seeing the life style of Varanasi is distinct in nature, and referred to as Banarasipan. It is an art of living, both passionate and carefree, what the Varanasi dwellers call Masti (“Joie de vivre”), Mauj (“Delight, festivity”), and Phakarapan (“Care freeness”). Some point, we all enjoy a very famous local snacks and drinks – the taste of Varanasi.

We can stop here for one who likes to drink a very famous lassi (on own expenses) ..

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its also known as Golden temple..

Passing by Local Markets, shops, and one more famous temple, we will end our tour here..