Description
Varanasi Experiences – The Eternal Soul of India
Welcome to Varanasi — the City of Light and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. On the sacred banks of the River Ganges, time stands still as life, death, faith, and celebration coexist in mesmerizing harmony. This series of immersive, guided experiences curated by AAIFLY takes you into the city’s spiritual heart — from ghats where rituals never cease to lanes filled with stories, music, and food that have defined Indian culture for centuries.
Ideal for spiritual seekers, photographers, historians, and cultural explorers, each experience unveils a different layer of Varanasi — its sacred philosophies, culinary heritage, and ancient living traditions. Come, witness the eternal rhythm of India’s soul.
Tour Overview
| Duration | Flexible (Each Experience Runs 2–4 Hours) |
|---|---|
| Theme | Spirituality • Culinary Heritage • Cultural Immersion |
| Ideal For | Culture Seekers, History Lovers, Photographers, Spiritual Travelers |
| Location | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (India) |
| Highlights & Experiences |
Day 1 – Death & Rebirth Night Walk: Witness the cycle of life and liberation at the cremation ghats, visit Aghor Ashram, and gain rare insight from an Aghori sadhu. Daytime Option: Participate in a Puja at Sankata Devi Temple. Day 2 – Varanasi Street Food Trail: Indulge in Banarasi chaats, samosas, lassi, mithais, and seasonal delights like malaiyyo. End with a traditional Baati Chokha meal or Banarasi biryani. Day 3 – Bespoke Heritage Walks: • Bengali Tola Riverside Walk – Explore Kali shrines, old Bengali houses & witness the grand evening aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. • Northern Bazaars & Hidden Alleys – Discover Kabir’s legacy, ancient temples & traditional markets. |
| Inclusions |
Guided Tours with Local Experts, Food Tastings During Street Food Experience, Puja Participation (for Daytime Death & Rebirth Tour), Entry Fees Where Applicable |
| Exclusions |
GST (5%), Accommodation & Meals Not Mentioned, Transportation to/from Tour Start Points, Personal Expenses, Tips & Travel Insurance |
| Payment Policy |
100% Payment at Booking for Individual Tours, For Group Bookings (6+ Participants): 50% Advance & Balance 7 Days Before Tour Date |
| Cancellation Policy |
15+ Days Before Tour: 25% Cancellation Fee 7–14 Days: 50% Cancellation Fee Less Than 7 Days: 100% Cancellation Fee No Refund for No-Shows or Late Arrivals |
| Support | Expert Local Guides, On-Ground AAIFLY Assistance & 24x7 Support |
Day wise travel itinerary
As dusk falls, Varanasi transforms into Mahashamstana — Shiva’s Great Cremation Ground. This profound walk traces a symbolic journey from the bustling land of the living to the stillness of the homes of the dying. Witness cremation rituals on the ghats, visit the enigmatic Aghor Ashram, and, if fortunate, meet an Aghori sadhu for rare insights into the philosophy of impermanence and liberation.
Daytime option: Begin with a small puja at Sankata Devi Temple, honoring the goddess who alleviates sorrows.
Daytime option: Begin with a small puja at Sankata Devi Temple, honoring the goddess who alleviates sorrows.
Taste your way through the flavors of Banaras on this indulgent food walk. Savor spicy chaats, golden Banarasi samosas, and nostalgic British Raj-era tea and toast. Depending on the season, sip frothy malaiyyo in winter or cool yogurt lassi in summer. Discover mithais in every hue, and end with your choice of a vegetarian Banarasi Baati Chokha feast or a non-vegetarian platter of Banarasi biryani and smoky kebabs.
Bengali Tola Riverside Walk – Stroll through lanes echoing with Bengali culture, past hidden Kali shrines and century-old houses, ending at Dashashwamedh Ghat — the grand stage of Varanasi’s evening aarti.
Northern Bazaars & Hidden Alleys – Wander into the city’s lesser-known quarters, where poet-saint Kabir once lived. Visit the 8th-century Krishna temple, lose yourself in vibrant markets, and discover pockets of life untouched by time.
Northern Bazaars & Hidden Alleys – Wander into the city’s lesser-known quarters, where poet-saint Kabir once lived. Visit the 8th-century Krishna temple, lose yourself in vibrant markets, and discover pockets of life untouched by time.
Inclusions
✓
All food tastings during Street Food Tour
✓
Guided tours with local experts
✓
Puja participation (for daytime Death & Rebirth tour)
✓
Entry fees where applicable
Exclusions
✗
Insurance – Travel insurance coverage
✗
Personal expenses, tips, and donations
✗
GST (5%)
✗
Accommodation and meals not mentioned in inclusions
✗
Transportation to and from tour starting points
Important Notes
Payment Policy
- 100% payment required at the time of booking for individual tours.
- For group bookings (6 or more participants), 50% advance payment is required with the remaining balance due 7 days before the tour date.
Cancellation Policy
- 15+ days before tour date: 25% cancellation fee.
- 7–14 days before tour date: 50% cancellation fee.
- Less than 7 days: 100% cancellation fee.
- No refund for no-shows or late arrivals.