A three hour spiritual walk in Varanasi - the city that illumines truth

Agra , India

A three hour spiritual walk in Varanasi - the city that illumines truth

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About this experience

Discover Varanasi - the colours, the moods and the culture. Visit temples, silk mills and witness the Ganga aarti in this three-hour tour. The Ghats, holy chants & an endless line of pilgrims - experience Varanasi! Human life everywhere, fascinatingly costumed & bringing out the city's spirit. Sacred temples, churches, local markets & the enchanting Ganga aarti ceremony. This tour in Varanasi covers all that there is to see in the spiritual capital of India.

Available options

Standard Experience

What's included

Local guide

Bottled water

All taxes, fees and handling charges

All activities

What you'll see

Banaras( also known as Varanasi) is a fascinating land, where every corner has a shrine, and every narrow road leads to a temple. Where chants invoking God's and Goddesses reverberates throughout, rhythmic prayer fills the air with energies. They say, when you are blessed, the force of the holy pulls you somehow to this land. This three-hour tour in Varanasi covers all that there is to see in the spiritual capital of India.

First, you would be taken to St. Thomas Church, that is painted in hues of yellow. In a land said to be built by Lord Shiva, a church might seem a bit out of place, but it goes on to show how communities dwell in harmony despite such vast cultural diversity. Move on next to the colourful and bustling markets of Banaras, followed by a visit to a silk manufacturing company. Banaras silk is known all over, and on this trail, you get to witness the process of its making first-hand!

You move on next to the Kedareshwar temple, a Shiva temple on the banks of the holy Ganges. The temple is supremely sacred; it is believed that the Shiv lingam appeared naturally at this spot and a visit here is as holy as a visit to the famous Kedareshwar temple in the Himalayas.

Continuing your spiritual tour, visit Kedar Ghat on the holy banks of River Ganges where the life and heart of Varanasi lies. The story of life, death and afterlife is what you witness here in action - aesthetic sadhus, devotees taking the holy dip, prayers at sunrise and sunsets, the last customs before the Hindu way of cremations. Indeed a place, where life and death mingle freely.

And then you would visit the Parvati Kund, a sacred well located close to the Ghats. The well is believed to have medicinal properties and a dip there is said to heal many diseases. Walking past the streets, you would get a glimpse of many other holy places like Sri Sringeri Shankar Math, Chimneshwar temple and Shitla Ghat. Midway, you would stop for some refreshments and snacks at a local eatery, and then, continue with your trail, towards the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Later in the evening, you would be joined by a multi-lingual guide at the Ghats once again, where you would witness the spectacular Ganga aarti ceremony.

"Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together!" - Mark Twain

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Recommended gratuities

Food and drinks

Any additional services provided

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Not recommended for participants with back problems
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for pregnant women

About Agra

Agra, a historic city on the banks of the Yamuna River, is famous for the iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Mughal-era city is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination in India.

Top Attractions

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Architecture 2-3 hours INR 1300 (foreign tourists), INR 50 (Indian tourists)

Agra Fort

Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major Mughal-era military structure. It houses several palaces, mosques, and other buildings.

Historical 2-3 hours INR 600 (foreign tourists), INR 50 (Indian tourists)

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a ghost city built by Emperor Akbar. It features a mix of Mughal and Hindu architecture.

Historical 4-5 hours INR 610 (foreign tourists), INR 550 (Indian tourists)

Itimad-ud-Daulah

Known as the 'Baby Taj', this mausoleum is a precursor to the Taj Mahal and features beautiful marble inlay work.

Architecture 1-2 hours INR 400 (foreign tourists), INR 40 (Indian tourists)

Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is a beautiful garden complex with views of the Taj Mahal. It is a great spot for photography and relaxation.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Petha

A sweet candy made from ash gourd, a specialty of Agra.

Snack Vegetarian, Vegan

Mughlai Cuisine

Rich and flavorful dishes like biryani, kebabs, and curries.

Dinner Contains meat, vegetarian options available

Bedai

A deep-fried bread stuffed with spiced lentils, served with potato curry.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Dalmoth

A savory snack made from lentils, spices, and nuts.

Snack Vegetarian, Vegan

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon ride over the Taj Mahal Cycling tours around Agra Yoga and meditation sessions Spa and wellness treatments Visiting historical monuments and museums Attending local festivals and events Boat ride on the Yamuna River Visiting during the winter festival

Best Time to Visit

October to March

The best time to visit Agra is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is the peak tourist season with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hindi
Widely spoken: English, Urdu
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution

Agra is generally safe for tourists, but petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Agra Cantt, Agra Fort

By bus

Idgah Bus Stand, Taj Express Highway Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable mode of transport. Routes cover most parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Tajganj Kinchwal Bagh Ramlila Ground

Day trips

Fatehpur Sikri

40 km from Agra • Half day to full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a ghost city built by Emperor Akbar. It features a mix of Mughal and Hindu architecture.

Mathura and Vrindavan

55 km from Agra • Full day

Mathura and Vrindavan are important religious sites for Hindus, associated with the birth and childhood of Lord Krishna.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

55 km from Agra • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for birdwatchers, featuring a variety of bird species and wildlife.

Festivals

Taj Mahotsav • February Ram Navami • March or April (varies by lunar calendar) Diwali • October or November (varies by lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise to avoid crowds and experience the magical lighting.
Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of Agra's history and culture.
Try local street food like petha, bedai, and chaat for an authentic culinary experience.
Carry a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle, especially during the hot summer months.
Learn a few basic Hindi phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture.