Private tour in Varanasi Kunal R

Experience Varanasi Tour: 2 Days Private Tour

5.0

(13) reviews

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Hours icon 2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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-
Hours icon 2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Kunal R.

5.0

Guide rating

30

Reviews

Tours delivered

18 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello everyone, Welcome to Varanasi!! I am Kunal. I am a private tour guide with insider knowledge, fun personality and a passion for Varanasi where I have lived my entire life. Born and raised in the old city of Varanasi, I grew up imbibing the essence of the local culture. After completing my MBA from the Institute of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University, I worked with the largest private sector bank at middle management level for 6 years and got various certifications in banking. However I found my true calling which is storytelling (I have learnt that it takes true commitment to tell a story) and show people the city I love. I'm a Varanasi foodie who is always up to date on the best places to eat in the city. I also have an in depth knowledge about Varanasi history. I always wanted to be of help to travelers and have undergone all guide training programs in India. I am also a member of the Government Approved Tourist Guide Association. I am a passionate tour guide who brings his love for food, history, and a good story to every tour. I try to find out what my Guests are actually looking for while on a tour, and customize it accordingly. It's a blend of information, recreation and entertainment. The focus is that my Guests acclimatize with the local culture and experience Varanasi in its true sense. I am completely flexible as far as times and itineraries are concerned. I operate on your schedule, at your pace, with your comfort, desires and wishes as my highest priorities. I offer a wide variety of standard tours in and around the City along with tailor made tours designed to meet your specific wants and needs. My tours are fact-based, comprehensive and are designed to teach you about the people, culture and history of this unique City. I offer several walking tours, food tour and photography tour in the old city of Varanasi which gives my Guest an opportunity to witness and experience the local culture and life of the people living in the old city for thousand of years. I also offer the morning and evening boat rides, Sarnath tour (the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon) and visit to the famous Banaras Hindu University along with few temples. Please browse my published tour options for a sample of how we can make the most of your time here in Varanasi. Should you have any special requests or if you prefer a customized tour itinerary, just let me know by clicking the 'Ask a Question' link and I will get back to your promptly. You will notice that all of my tours are limited to 4 guests. This limitation exists to ensure that each guest gets personal attention throughout the tour. I can also help you coordinating Family Groups, Business Groups, School Groups and more. I can organize your transportation in conjunction with my expert guiding services. I have worked as a tour leader in other parts of India. Besides, I also have an experience of working in Kumbh Mela, which is the biggest congregation of the Sadhus (Hindu Saints) and pilgrims which occurs after every 12 years at four places in India. I am looking forward to making your visit to Varanasi absolutely unforgettable. Thank You for your valuable time. Credentials: - Awarded by the Honourable Chief Minister Sri Yogi Adityanath Ji for promoting tourism in Uttar Pradesh and successfully conducting Heritage Walking Tours in Varanasi on World Tourism Day - 27 September, 2021. - Watch me on Amazon Prime with James May (UK Top Gear). Series- James May: Our Man In India (S3 E2 A Bit Like Glasgow). - Master of Business Administration from Institute of Management Studies - Banaras Hindu University. - Regional Level Guide Training Program by Ministry of Tourism, Central Government of India - 2013-2014 (6 months training). - State Level Guide Training Program by Uttar Pradesh Tourism department, State Government -2012 (1 month training). - Vocational Training Program for Tour Guides conducted by Central Government of India -2010 (3 months). - Ayodhya Regional Guide Training Program by Uttar Pradesh Tourism department -2020. - Lifetime Member of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). - Entitled to work inside Archaeological Survey of India monuments. I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver. Please Note: I wish to inform you that Satellite Phones, GPS devices, Drones etc. are not permitted in India. Drones may be permitted after obtaining license before arrival. Thanks.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Kunal R.

Overview of your Varanasi tour

The Experience Varanasi tour is an endeavor to connect the tourist with the city. It aims to acclimatize the Guest with the local culture of Varanasi. Discover the best of Varanasi in two days. Along with the morning and evening boat rides, you will be able to explore the different religious aspects of the city like Buddhism. Take an insider's look at various wholesale markets in the city, walk through the residential areas of the old town and indulge in some great street food.

Recent Reviews

Edward R.United States
March 2026

Kunal is an excellent guide. He is passionate about Varanasi and is a consummate professional. Communication with Kunal was timely and efficient. I was able to discuss every detail of our tour and customize it to our needs. Kunal was flexible, courteous and accommodating. Kunal was attentive to the small details, like the boat being uncovered for the sunrise tour and covered for the sunset tour. We enjoyed every minute of our two day tour and highly recommend Kunal. He was a standout guide during our two week trip in the region.

Barry L.United States
February 2026

Our guide was great. He was able to take us through a very complex city, both to big sites and places we never would have found on our own. Highly recommended for a visit to Varanasi.

David R.United States
February 2026

Kunal is a treasure of India! He is a native son of Varanasi and a wonderful ambassador for his home and his country! This tour was filled with wonderful, authentic experiences and Kunal executed the tour with professionalism, energy, and graciousness. He knows nearly half the people in the city and that makes traveling with him such a joy. His knowledge of history, culture and spirituality enriched every aspect of our trip. It was a pleasure to tour with Kunal and to male a dear friend. He is serious about his love for his city and its people and it shows! -David R Kentucky, USA

Steven W.Australia
November 2024

An excellent tour by Kunal showing us both the classic highlights and less visited aspects of the city. His deep knowledge of Varanasi both strengthened our understanding of the city and its culture as well as optimising the use of our time. Kunal was probably the most proactive of the many, many guides we have used across the world with Tours by Locals, going above and beyond the role of a guide. I strongly recommend him (and his driver Aqib).

Brian S.United States
November 2024

Kunal is a wonderful tour guide and created a magical experience for me in Varanasi. He is broadly and deeply knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun, which made this a trip I will always remember. He also went a step beyond to ensure I was safe (there was always so much grabbing my attention that I had a tendency to step in front of moving vehicles without realizing it) and that I was able to experience all the tastes of India with no negative consequences for my stomach. He seemed genuinely committed to my having the best possible experience. All in all, I cannot imagine a better trip than Kunal provided.

Steven S.United States
March 2024

Family of 4 from Boston (US) area could not have selected a better tour & guide to discover Varanasi. Kunal is a good communicator in preparation and during the tour. Extremely knowledgeable on Varanasi. Able to accommodate and adjust to reasonable wishes of the group. Highlights were the boat rides, Aarti, riverside walk and market tour. Great car & driver (pick up from hotel). Would recommend Kunal to everyone with the interest to have a great Varanasi experience.

Your Varanasi tour itinerary

Day1. 10:00 am-01:30 pm. Explore the hidden markets in the old city like Paan (betel leaf), spice, toys, flowers etc. It's a combination of walking tour and cycle rickshaw ride. 01:30 pm to 02:30 pm Lunch break . 02:30 pm - 04:30 pm. Visit the Banaras Hindu University, Durga Temple and the weaver's district & learn the dying art of Silk weaving. 05:00 pm - 07:30 pm. Evening boat ride: Watch the cremations and the famous Ganga Aarti from your private boat. Day ends. Day 2. 05:30 am - 08:00 am. Morning boat ride - Watch the beautiful sunrise and people taking dip and perform rituals. After the boat ride, watch the Kashi Vishwanath temple from outside. 08:30 - 10:30 am Breakfast and freshen-up. 10:30 am-01:00 pm- Sarnath: Buddha preached his First Sermon here. Visit the main temple and see the fresco work followed by excavated ruins & museum. 01:00 pm - 04:00 pm Lunch break and rest. 04:00 pm-07:00 pm Food tour. Indulge in some great street food items like- Chat, Mallaiyo, Lassi, Thandai, Banarsi Pan, etc.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

We will be using a 7 seater, comfortable and modern AC Toyota Innova Crysta/Toyota Innova Hycross (The best car in the segment) and a driver will be accompanying us throughout the tour. If your group is larger than 4, please contact me for a quote.

What's included
Other: - Cost of all food and beverages for the food tour. - Two private boat rides. - One bottle of mineral water per person per tour. - Entrance tickets to monuments at Sarnath.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Sarnath entrance tickets
What's not included
Other: Charges for Wheel chair puller. Personal expenses like gratuities. -Meals apart from the food tour.-Tour price DOES NOT INCLUDE Entrance fee to Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This is an optional visit.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Airport, Train Station, Hotel, etc.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Boat
Night
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Food And Drink
Art And Culture
City Highlights
Religious Sites
Day Trip
History
Museums
Tour reference number
362438
Languages
English
Bengali
Hindi
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Varanasi best suited for?

This private tour in Varanasi is perfect for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and explore the city's rich history and traditions. It's ideal for those interested in religious aspects, local markets, and traditional crafts. The tour is also suitable for families, including kids and seniors, as it is wheelchair accessible and has a light activity level.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Varanasi be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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