Audio Guided Walking Tour of Banaras Ghats, Varanasi

Varanasi , India

Audio Guided Walking Tour of Banaras Ghats, Varanasi

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(1 reviews)

1h - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

It is believed that the Ganges changes its course to flow South to North to pass through the holy city of Banaras. Our walk , through the HopOn India App Audio guide, takes you from Assi Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat, along the Holy Ganges. A must-do walk for all travelling to Banaras.

The most special features of this experience are : 1. The App opens up new places and new stories for you in the same old cities 2. Each walk is crafted like a masterpiece to offer an immersive experience to the traveller with the correct mix of history, culture, myth, food , through professional narration, with background scores of music, qawalli or sound affects, here and there 3. There is no need for you to depend on a guide - the traveller can take the walk anytime as per will, at his/ her own pace 4. The content is developed by domain experts 5.You pay once for three months and need not pay the guide repeatedly.

Available options

Audio Guided Walking Tour of Banaras Ghats, Varanasi

What's included

The tour can be accessed multiple times up to a certain validity period

Audio Guided Walking Tour Through HopOn India App

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will be covering the below mentioned attractions on this tour:

1 Assi Ghat “Subhah-e- Benarasi”
2 Assi Ghat “Pizzeria”
3 GangaMahal Ghat
4 Reeva Ghat
5 Tulsi Ghat
6 Bhadaini Ghat
7 Janki Ghat
8 AnandMayi Ghat
9 Vachcharaj Ghat
10 Jain Ghat
11 Chetsingh Ghat
12 Shivala Ghat
13 Hanuman Ghat
14 Harishchandra Ghat
15 Lali Ghat
16 Vijyanagram Ghat
17 Kedar Ghat
18 Chauki Ghat
19 Kshemeshwar ghat
20 Mansarovar ghat
21 Narad Ghat
22 Raja Ghat
23 Pande Ghat
24 Digpatia Ghat
25 Chausatti Ghat
26 Ranamahal ghat
27 Darbhanga Ghat
28 Munshi Ghat
29 Ahilyabai Ghat
30 Shitla Ghat
31 Dashashwamedh Ghat
32 Rajendra Prasad Ghat

What's not included

Headphones/Earphones (We request please carry your Headphones/Earphones)

Entry ticket into monument

Hand Sanitizer (We suggest please carry Hand sanitizer)

Available languages

Audio guide

HI EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

You have to be in front of the stage on Assi Ghat? This is the stage
platform where the cultural program called Subah-e-Benaras; is
held every morning. If you may just come down the stairs, you
can’t but admire the beauty of the mighty Ganges that flows in
front of you. Our walk will take you to the left, that is, we walk
keeping the Ganges to our right.

Important notes

On purchase of the Tour, HopOn India will send you a Promo code. This needs to be entered on the HopOn India App to activate your purchase. Once activated, your purchase is valid for 3 months and can be used multiple times using the same device.

How to HopOn?

Step1: HopOn India App is a digital audio guide that needs to be downloaded from Appstore and Playstore by users. After download, users must register on the app. Post confirmation and login, the user can select "Varanasi" city on the home page and navigate to "Banaras Ghats – Steps to Eternity" (In your preferred language i.e English or Hindi).

Step 2: On selecting the tour, users will be prompted to buy. Just below the 'Buy Now" button, users will find a "Have a Promo code?" button. Users need to enter the Promo code here. Apply the Promo code and tap the price button to activate the tour. The tour will become active and will remain active for 3 months.

Step 3: Users can take the tour in the "Navigate" mode that requires the users to be at the starting point i.e. Subah-e-Banaras, Assi ghat, to enjoy the tour. In navigate mode, the app will detect the user's location through GPS and narrate the relevant stories - as users walk through our recommended path. Alternatively, users can listen to the tour in "Virtual" mode as well from anywhere. You can even download the tour so that it may work in a poor network or offline mode.

Please go through FAQs on the App in the help menu to know more about the HopOn India experiences.

About Varanasi

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, is a spiritual and cultural hub on the banks of the Ganges River. Known for its ancient temples, vibrant ghats (riverfront steps), and rich cultural heritage, it offers a profound experience of India's spiritual traditions and historical depth.

Top Attractions

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a major pilgrimage site. The temple's golden spire and intricate architecture are awe-inspiring.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Dasaswamedh Ghat

One of the most famous ghats in Varanasi, Dasaswamedh Ghat is a bustling hub of activity. It's known for its evening Ganga Aarti, a spectacular ritual of worshipping the Ganges River.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (boat rides cost INR 200-500)

Sarnath

A significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It's home to several ancient stupas, temples, and museums.

Historical Half day Free (entry fees for some sites)

Manikarnika Ghat

One of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, Manikarnika Ghat is primarily used for cremation ceremonies. It's a profound and moving experience to witness the rituals here.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is one of India's most prestigious universities. The campus is vast and beautiful, with museums, temples, and lush gardens.

Educational 2-3 hours Free (entry fees for some sites)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kachori

A deep-fried, spiced pastry filled with a mixture of lentils, onions, and spices. It's a popular street food item in Varanasi.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Peda

A sweet made from condensed milk and sugar, often flavored with cardamom. Banarasi peda is famous for its rich and creamy texture.

Dessert Vegetarian

Malaiyo

A traditional Banarasi sweet made from reduced milk, sugar, and saffron. It's often served during festivals and special occasions.

Dessert Vegetarian

Chaat

A savory snack made with a variety of ingredients like potatoes, onions, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind sauce. It's a popular street food item.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Boat rides on the Ganges River Exploring narrow alleys and hidden temples Meditation and yoga sessions Attending the Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat Visiting ancient temples and historical sites Swimming in the Ganges River (not recommended due to pollution) Attending winter festivals and fairs Visiting historical sites and museums

Best Time to Visit

October to March

This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and participating in various festivals. The city is lively with tourists and pilgrims.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hindi
Widely spoken: English, Bhojpuri
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Varanasi is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing, scams, and petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings, and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Use common sense and stay alert
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious of strangers and touts

Getting there

By air

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport • 24 km from city center

By train

Varanasi Junction, Manduar Diara

By bus

Varanasi Bus Stand, Sarnath Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Varanasi. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Varanasi Sarnath Cantt (Cantonment)

Day trips

Sarnath

10 km from Varanasi • Half day to full day

Sarnath is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, known for its ancient stupas, temples, and museums. It's a peaceful and historically rich area, offering a contrast to the bustling old city of Varanasi.

Chunar

55 km from Varanasi • Full day

Chunar is a historic town known for its ancient fort, located on the banks of the Ganges River. The fort offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Rajghat

20 km from Varanasi • Half day

Rajghat is an ancient site located on the banks of the Ganges River, known for its historic significance and scenic beauty. It's a peaceful and serene place to visit, offering a break from the bustling city of Varanasi.

Festivals

Diwali • October or November (dates vary by lunar calendar) Maha Shivaratri • February or March (dates vary by lunar calendar) Ganga Mahotsav • November (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

Hire a local guide to navigate the city's narrow alleys and hidden temples.
Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat for a spectacular and moving cultural experience.
Try local street food and sweets, but be cautious and choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.
Use common sense and stay alert to avoid scams, pickpocketing, and petty crime.