Varanasi is a huge city with so many places to explore. There is just so much to do that a trip of a few days is never enough for this city. You can always go and witness the Ganga Aarti or spend time at the ghat but there is nothing compared to Heritage walk in Varanasi. Every lane in this city has its own secrets to be explored. So many old wooden doors, such beautiful architects in the lanes of the city.
A Varanasi heritage walk is so much more than just sightseeing. These walks make you understand the city of Varanasi. You understand its history, culture and its tradition. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities ever so understanding it, what it has been through is a complex topic in itself.
What is a Heritage walk in Varanasi?
A Heritage walk in Varanasi is a tour where you get to explore the city’s lanes, history, culture, tradition, temples, ghats and markets. Heritage walks are different from your ordinary trip as they focus on exploring the culture, understanding the history, and architecture of the city. You get to explore the narrow lanes, meet local shopkeepers, discover temples and learn stories, folklore of the place.
Many people also call it a Banaras heritage walk. For anyone who enjoys walking and exploring but in a more relaxing manner, you can definitely do a Walking tour Varanasi.
What is the Popular Varanasi heritage walk route?
One of the most popular routes of heritage walk is the Assi Ghat one. This walk starts by exploring the Assi Ghat and then you go towards the old city of Varanasi. This Varanasi heritage walk route will make you go through the crowded yet colorful streets with restaurants, temples and markets.
Another Heritage walk covering Vishwanath Gali is also quite famous. This walk consists of sweet shops, flower sellers, shops selling clothes and more. It’s a beautiful walk filled with so many things to explore and eat so many delicacies.
There is another one called Heritage walk through the lanes of Banaras. We all know that The streets of Varanasi have so much history to tell, there is so much you can explore just by watching the people doing their daily tasks, performing their age old traditions.
What is Included in a Varanasi Heritage Walk?
Now every organisation that offers Varanasi Heritage Walk is slightly different. They try to give people a different experience, a slightly unique offer so that they choose their services. The common themes that are offered are walks that include visits to ancient temples, old neighbourhoods, famous ghats and markets. Some tours also offer underrated places to explore.
I got to explore Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Vishwanath Gali, old lanes with incredible architecture and beautiful markets through this walk.
Which one to choose: Guided heritage walk Varanasi or Self-guided heritage walk Varanasi?
Choosing between a Guided heritage walk Varanasi and a Self-guided heritage walk Varanasi is definitely an interesting task. This depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. If you want a solo experience you can go for a solo guided tour but the guided heritage walks give you a different view and you get to learn a lot because of it which you cannot learn through solo experience.
A self-guided walk allows a lot of freedom. You can spend extra time at a favourite ghat. Stop for a cup of chai. So it truly depends on what kind of experience you are looking for, I personally went for the guided heritage walk.
Heritage walk in Varanasi itinerary
The heritage walk in Varanasi itinerary mostly starts at Assi Ghat during the early morning. You can start by looking at the beautiful sunrise over the Ganga. From Assi Ghat, you’ll move forward and witness various old temples, old houses with beautiful architects, and markets before you reach Dashashwamedh Ghat. You will walk towards Vishwanath Gali, and end the walk around the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
How long is the Varanasi heritage walk?
Many people like me wonder , How long is the Varanasi heritage walk? The answer really depends on the route you are going to talk and how many stops you will make during the heritage walk. The walks can take around 2 hours but at times it can take 5 hours depending on what kind of route you have opt for.
What is the Cost of a Heritage Walk?
The price of a heritage walk will cost you between ₹500 and ₹2,000 per person. The cost of the heritage walk also depends on the organisation as well. Although private experiences with a local or historian will definitely cost you more.
Conclusion
Heritage walks are perfect for people who really want to explore the city, understand the history, culture and its tradition. It also helps the local people as you pay them as your guide, visit their shops and eat their food, helping them earn money and all the while exploring the city. These walks really give you a glimpse into the city, the people, history and the folklore.
What is a Heritage walk?
Heritage Walk is basically a walk which includes a route throughout the city which takes you to different places, helps you explore the city.
How much does a heritage walk cost?
The Heritage walks costs around 500 Rs to 2000 Rs depending on which organisation have you hired for the walk.
What is the best time to start the heritage walk?
The best time to start the Heritage walk is to start in the early morning, you can always start it from the ghats by watching the sunrise and then go forward with your walk.
