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About Us | Varanasi Guru - Connecting Ancient Kashi to the World
Unlock the Secrets of Kashi

About Varanasi Guru

Connecting ancient Varanasi to the modern world through immersive boat rides, heritage walks, and cultural tours - one story at a time.

๐Ÿ“ Born in Banaras, Built for Kashi
๐Ÿค Local Team, Local Stories
๐Ÿ… 5.0 Google Rating
๐ŸŒฑ Sustainable Tourism
๐Ÿ“ฐ Featured in National Press
๐Ÿ“ Born in Banaras, Built for Kashi
๐Ÿค Local Team, Local Stories
๐Ÿ… 5.0 Google Rating
๐ŸŒฑ Sustainable Tourism
๐Ÿ“ฐ Featured in National Press
Who Are We

Connecting Ancient Varanasi to the Modern World

Our journey started in January 2018 with an Instagram account created to share short snippets from the daily life of Varanasi. As we continued sharing stories, more and more people joined us in no time.

After considering the problems that modern explorers, city dwellers, and travellers face when it comes to finding reliable information about Varanasi, the Varanasi Guru website was launched. Since then, we haven't looked back - and a lot of people like you have joined us as contributors and explorers.

In addition to providing practical information and services, Varanasi Guru is committed to sharing the historical and religious importance of the city with our audience. We strive to educate and inspire both young and old about the rich history and spiritual significance of Varanasi.

Varanasi Ghats Heritage
What We Stand For

Our Mission

๐ŸŒฑ
Sustainable Tourism

We believe tourism can be a powerful force for positive change. We strive to promote responsible and sustainable practices - supporting local businesses, eco-friendly activities, and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the city.

๐Ÿค
Local Economy First

By supporting local businesses and promoting sustainable tourism, we aim to contribute to the economic development and well-being of the people of Varanasi. We invite you to join us on this journey.

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Stories Worth Preserving

Our team includes experts on the history, culture, and traditions of Varanasi. We use our knowledge and experience to provide informative, engaging content - and offer guided tours and workshops to help visitors and locals learn more.

Featured On

As Seen In

The Times of India Hindustan Times Amar Ujala SpiceJet
Working With

In Collaboration With

We've partnered with the Ministry of Tourism (Government of India), Uttar Pradesh Tourism, and the Varanasi Development Authority to design and launch heritage walks that take travellers beyond the familiar ghats - into the unseen lanes, courtyards, and stories of Kashi that rarely make it into a guidebook. After exploring and documenting more than 160 points of interest across the city, these walks were designed to let travellers feel Kashi, not just see it.

Beyond the walks themselves, we've also taken part in a storytelling workshop facilitated by the Ministry of Tourism and Uttar Pradesh Tourism - an initiative to empower young storytellers, guides, and local businesses across Kashi, helping the city's cultural and spiritual knowledge live on for generations to come.

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Uttar Pradesh Tourism
Varanasi Development Authority
Moments From the Field

Launches & Workshops

Heritage walks launch with Ministry of Tourism and UP Tourism

New heritage walks launched with Ministry of Tourism & UP Tourism

Storytelling workshop facilitated by Ministry of Tourism and UP Tourism

Storytelling workshop empowering young guides & local businesses

Watch: heritage walks launch reel
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Watch: 160+ points of interest, new heritage walks

Watch: storytelling workshop reel
โ–ถ

Watch: storytelling workshop with Ministry of Tourism

Beyond Tourism

Research, Media & Conservation

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Research & Publications

Our team members actively write research papers on the history, culture, and living traditions of Varanasi, with our work cited by multiple universities in their academic publications.

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Media & Production Support

We've helped international organisations, including the BBC, plan and scout shoots in Varanasi, drawing on our local knowledge to navigate the city's ghats, lanes, and communities.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ
Heritage Conservation

We've worked with government agencies to identify heritage sites across Varanasi in need of restoration, helping direct attention and resources toward preserving the city's built heritage.

We the People of Banaras

Our Team

We're a dedicated group of young locals deeply committed to safeguarding our rich ancient heritage and culture. Our fervor stems from a profound desire to ensure the longevity and appreciation of our treasured traditions for generations to come.

Saurabh Rastogi
Saurabh Rastogi
Founder

A growth hacker with a background in literature and filmmaking, deeply connected to Bharat's rich culture. Born in Varanasi and raised in Delhi, he embraces slow travel to preserve heritage. Trained under Stanford's SEED program, he blends business with cultural preservation.

Sourabh Bhattacharya
Sourabh Bhattacharya
Co-Founder

A chronicler, history analyst, and mathematics teacher from Kashi, immersed in stories passed down through generations. He collects oral tales and lost stories, sharing them through storytelling sessions and heritage walks across the city.

Saurabh Chakravarty
Saurabh Chakravarty
Experience Designer, Storyteller

A celebrated anchor, storyteller, producer, and curator specialising in experiential retreats, arts and music festivals, and leadership events for YPO and EO. A certified food historian whose career blends communication, education, and heritage.

Nishant Mishra
Nishant Mishra
Vedic Scholar, Storyteller

An anesthesiologist and self-taught artist from Kashi, balancing a career as both doctor and artist. His paintings focus on mythology and the rich heritage of Varanasi - writing and painting about Kashi are his forms of worship.

Our Esteemed Contributors

Documenting Kashi, Together

Fuelled by their passion and a deep appreciation for Varanasi, these dedicated individuals have generously contributed their time, skills, and expertise to thoughtfully document and preserve the city's rich heritage.

Unnati Sharma
Unnati Sharma
Photographer & Researcher
Priyanshu Singh
Priyanshu Singh
Photographer & Researcher
Hrisha Rashmi
Hrisha Rashmi
Writer & Researcher
SS
Shivani Singh
Writer & Researcher
NK
Nihal Kumar
Writer & Researcher
VG
Vrutika Gohil
Writer & Researcher
PS
Piyush Singh
Writer & Researcher
A
Ansh
Writer & Researcher
NS
Nikhil Singh
Writer & Researcher

Come Discover Kashi With Us

Join thousands of travellers who've experienced Varanasi through our boat rides, heritage walks, and cultural tours.