Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
My name is Vinay Singh. I was born and raised in Varanasi and have spent over a decade guiding visitors — from solo travelers to YouTubers and documentary crews — through its sacred streets. Living here all my life has given me deep knowledge of Varanasi’s hidden corners, traditions, and spiritual rituals.
Each tour is tailored to your interests: taste safe street food, see a sunrise at the ghats, wander old alleys, visit hidden temples, and experience how spirituality shapes daily life.
Tours last three to four hours and cover major historical and religious sites, ghats, cremation grounds, narrow lanes, markets, and secret spots that reveal the real Varanasi. Along the way, I share not only history but also stories about daily life, local customs, and my own experiences growing up here. My goal is for you to leave with memories and insights you won’t find in any guidebook.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Assi Ghat
At 5 AM, gather at Assi Ghat to witness the morning cremation rites and the first prayers of the day. The ghat comes alive with chanting priests, the glow of ritual fires, and the steady rhythm of sacred offerings to the river. Against the backdrop of dawn over the Ganges, this ceremony embodies the city’s deep cycle of worship, life, and liberation.
Tulsi Ghat
After Assi Ghat, we walk by Tulsi Ghat to briefly watch the traditional wrestling.
Options
Sacred Sunset Tour
Sacred Sunrise Private Tour
See the sacred city
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Coffee and/or Tea
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
345 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Anybody who goes on this...
Gareth E,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Anybody who goes on this experience should be prepared for a lot of meaningful information and education to what is important to their religion. Vinay was an excellent tour guide and helped us so that he made the experience as immersive as possible. He was so kind and really nice to have a chat with. Would highly recommend to anyone wishing to experience the process in which they use the ghats and the meaning behind everything they do.
Wonderful……
Susanne W,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a 2 day private tour with Vinay. Met us at hotel both days. Tailored tour due to heat and ensuring we saw everything. Vinay has a wealth of knowledge which he shared with us over the 2 days. Highly recommend a private tour with Vinay. We would never have managed to see so much on our own. Thank you Vinay
Safe, courteous and satisfying guided experience
Trek08653188555,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I asked for a guide for two days. Maybe it's just a coincidence, but in my case, I was dealt with by a private guide. The way they responded to each one was very attentive, and I was impressed by how sincerely they answered any questions about nature or the meaning of religious ceremonies. Despite my poor English (almost word level), they were very gracious in their interactions using the translation app and GPT. I was also able to fully experience the morning prayers to Lord Shiva and Ganga Aarti at night, being guided to a place where I could see clearly. (Some seats are paid around Rs. 200) We also had an opportunity to walk near the actual place where the cremation was taking place and pray together at a Hindu temple, an experience that is hard for individuals to have. When I consulted about souvenirs, they showed me to the shop and I was relieved. I felt Varanasi was more of a place to experience than a place to stay. I am grateful to Vinay, my guide, for giving me a slow and in-depth experience with a schedule that is not too crammed, and for giving me the proper distance and attention. The boat operators were also very personable, and the driving was polite and safe. The experience in Varanasi was very satisfying.
Dawn boat trip
jefflM4050HW,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Vinay organised a lovely dawn boat trip followed by an interesting tour of the Nepali temple and cremation site. I would recommend this tour.
Two enjoyable tours of Varanasi
101ROD,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did two tours and enjoyed them both, especially the early morning one when Varanasi is at its best. Everything worked smoothly and Vinay was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. All communication was by What’s App and Vinay responded promptly whenever contacted.
Varanasi is the first of the couple in their 60s
Kyoko A,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It would have been nice to have a hat because it would have been quite hot even though it was 9am. Vinay, our guide, was very kind and walked slowly, sometimes looking back to confirm our presence. I am not fluent in Japanese as I am studying, but I understood it well enough to get an explanation. The visit to the crematorium is on course, but I was surprised because I didn't expect to see it so close. I will never forget the experience of being there in the last moments of the Indian life. It was nice to enjoy the view slowly with VIP support on the boat. Vinay recommends
It's a trip to touch the heart of Hinduism.
Yasuhiro K,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was an exciting and spiritual experience. It was only a three-hour tour, but it was still a trip that touched the heart of Hinduism: a pre-dawn prayer ritual, the rising sun on Ganga, people bathing in ghat and smoke rising from the crematorium.
A very spiritual tour...
Jamie D,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A very spiritual tour which we enjoyed. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we really liked the boat ride down the Ganges
Recommended - expecially if you are into photography
Auld-Arthur,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Banaras Wala Tours by Vinay Singh. I spent several days in Varanasi this year which meant I had plenty time to soak it all up but I also thought it would be a good idea to hone my photography skills. I contacted Vinay Singh through Trip Advisor (searching Photography tours should bring him up) and we arranged a couple of tours. On one day, we visited Manikarnika, the flower and vegetable markets. The ghats were busy due to the approaching Masan Holi, so we got to take a few photos of Sadhus too. On another day, we went out to visit Sari Mohana, a village not too far away from Namo ghat. On the way, we briefly stopped to photograph the confluence where the Varuna runs into the Ganges. I hadn't seen this before, so that was interesting - maybe not the amount of waste that unfortunately collected there. In the village, we walked around the houses and greeted anyone who came to us. We ventured into a few houses when allowed, and got to see weavers working and fishing nets being made. Vinay, a native of Varanasi clearly knows his stuff and has worked with many clients including professional photographers. I did 2 wonderful days with him and I look forward to doing something else with him next time I am in his beautiful city.
Good morning tour in Varanasi
19asamit,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Vinay was a good guide, he explained well about each Ghat. Worth trying the tour! 日本語の対応もしてくれました。安心して参加できるツアーです！
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