Quick Booking: +91-859525 6696

Banaras Gharana Music Workshop

Experience the soul of Varanasi through music. Join a traditional workshop at a local music school and explore the sounds, instruments, and rhythm of the Banaras Gharana with hands-on learning and live demonstrations.

BANARAS GHARANA
learn indian classical music in varanasi

Introduction to Banaras Gharana Music - Workshop

₹4,499

Per Person

Duration

2 hours

Mentor Fee

covered

Group Size

Private

Intruments

Included

About Tour

Immerse yourself in the musical soul of Varanasi with our Banaras Gharana Music Workshop, a welcoming and interactive experience for everyone – whether you’re a traveller, an art lover, or simply curious about Indian classical music.

Hosted inside a small traditional music school, this workshop brings you face-to-face with local musicians who’ve dedicated their lives to keeping the Banaras Gharana alive. You’ll listen, learn, and even play alongside them – surrounded by the soft hum of tanpuras, the resonance of tablas, and the fragrance of incense that fills every corner of this living classroom.

What You’ll Experience

  • Learn the basics of Indian classical music – understand raag, taal, rhythm, and melody.

  • Explore the Banaras Gharana, known for its expressive style and spiritual undertone.

  • Listen to live performances of traditional forms like Thumri, Dadra, and Kajri.

  • Hands-on experience with instruments like tabla, sitar, harmonium, and sarangi – try them yourself under expert guidance.

  • Cultural storytelling about how music and devotion blend in Banaras’ life.

Who Can Join?

Absolutely anyone! You don’t need to know how to sing or play an instrument – this is an experience for listeners, learners, and lovers of culture alike.
Perfect for:

  • Travellers seeking an authentic Banarasi art experience

  • Families, solo explorers, or small groups

  • Music enthusiasts and students

  • Anyone curious about the soulful side of Indian classical music

Workshop Details

Duration: 2 hours
Venue: Traditional Music School, Varanasi (shared after booking)
Language: English / Hindi
Availability: Daily sessions
Type: Private/Small Group Session

Itinerary

Arrive at a traditional Banarasi music school, where the air hums with tanpura strings and the scent of incense.

You’ll be warmly welcomed by local musicians and offered light refreshments.
The session begins with a short introduction to the Banaras Gharana - its origins, legacy, and its deep connection with Kashi’s spiritual life.

Tour Starts & Ends at

Gallery Of Our Tours

Share This :

Reservation Form

Varanasi Guru Tour & Heritage walk reviews
Hear It From Our Clients | Testimonials
Tripadvisor
Climber32527441775 profile picture
Climber32527441775
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Walking with a friend Sourabh was the absolute best storyteller. He made us feel like we were walking around with a friend. He has a huge enthusiasm for history, and loves to tell you about what you’re seeing but also his thoughts on why it matters. He wants you to enjoy and you can’t help but do that. You’ll be asking so many questions as you learn more and more. We went first thing, seeing the morning aarti and meandered through the ghats, unexpected places and stories popping up everywhere. A storyteller, not a guide, Sourabh is a breath of fresh air for tourists looking to learn and gain a deeper understanding of Varanasi - anything else you learn is a welcome bonus. Enjoy.
Tripadvisor
Gursimran Basra profile picture
Gursimran Basra
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Experience the core of Banaras with Varanasi Guru Saurabh from Varanasi Guru provided an exceptional walking tour experience, showcasing in-depth knowledge of the city. The tour encompassed food and culture exploration, delivering a superb overall experience. I was with Varanasi Guru for 4 days on the occasion of Dev Deepawali and couldn't have asked for more. Saurabh helped explore different ghats during different time's of the day to witness the life going around. I would highly suggest Varanasi Guru for your next visit to Banaras to experience the core.
Tripadvisor
Ekaterina Karabanova profile picture
Ekaterina Karabanova
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
I am so glad that I did it! Thanks a lot for showing me your beautiful city. Picture strolling down old streets before sunrise, sipping hot chai, and hearing amazing stories from a guide who felt like a local friend. From the sunlight on temple spires to the boatman on the Ganges, every moment was like feeling Varanasi's heartbeat. It wasn't just sightseeing; it was a chance to truly connect with the city, understand its stories, and even share some Bollywood gossip. Sourabh made me feel like a welcomed guest, not just a tourist, and when I left, I carried not just souvenirs but a piece of Varanasi etched in my heart. If you want an experience beyond the postcard version, trust me, Varanasi Guru is the way to go – it's like making a new friend and letting your soul soak in the ancient vibes of this incredible city. ?
Tripadvisor
Melissa profile picture
Melissa
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
We had best heritage walk experience in Varanasi. Thank you! We had a great experience with them. The guide, Sourabh was very knowledgeable and was also kind enough to customize the walk as per our interests. We wanted to focus more on the history of the city and understand the Hindu rituals at the Ghats. The best part of the entire tour was the storytelling session on the boat ride. He was very patient and answered all our questions. Overall it was a great experience and we are looking forward to coming back in November for the Dev Diwali tour with them.
Tripadvisor
Noah profile picture
Noah
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Thank you, Varanasi Guru, for showing us the magic that lies beyond the obvious. Had a great experience exploring the city Our guide, Saurabh, wasn't just a walking encyclopedia. He was a storyteller, weaving together history, myth, and personal anecdotes, bringing the stories of Varanasi's temples, palaces, and hidden gems to life. The walk wasn't a rigid itinerary. It ebbed and flowed like the Ganges itself, adapting to our curiosity and questions. We stumbled upon local rituals, tasted forgotten delicacies in bustling alleys, and even ventured into a hidden courtyard where generations of silk weavers continue their ancient craft. Every moment was a surprise, a window into the city's hidden soul. But beyond the sights and sounds, Varanasi Guru's walk offered something deeper. It was a meditation on life and mortality, played out on the stage of the ghats. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the river, we witnessed the daily ritual of life and death, a stark reminder of impermanence and the enduring beauty of human connection.
Tripadvisor
preeti7 profile picture
preeti7
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Getting to know Varanasi like never before! This was my third visit to Varanasi and the most memorable one. Accompanied by Sourabh Bhattacharya of Varanasi Guru, I was introduced to this incredible city like never before. Varanasi's rich treasure of history, mythology and culture was gently unravelled by Sourabh through his profound knowledge and understanding of the essence of the city. To anyone who wants to really know Varanasi, I'd recommend the walk by Varanasi Guru in a blink of an eye. Anyone can show you a city but it takes a team of special individuals who love Varanasi to help you know her well.
Tripadvisor
Brian Dean profile picture
Brian Dean
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
They make you feel the city Very well curated walk. The whole feeling of "Slowing down and living the moment" was the soul of it. Loved how the team was able to answer all our questions related to history and Indian mythology. If you're a traveler who likes to feel the places more than just visiting them just for the sake of pictures then do take a walk with them. They had a photographer and video guy so we didn't have to waste time on our stupid ass phone.
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Ganga Aarti Boat Ride FAQ

Yes, watching the Ganga Aarti from a boat in Varanasi is a mesmerizing experience, offering a unique vantage point of this spiritual ritual. However, due to high demand, especially during peak seasons and festivals, it’s advisable to book your boat ride in advance to avoid last-minute cancellations.

Our Boat Ride with Ganga Aarti package includes a scenic ride on the Ganges starting from Dashashwamedh Ghat, passing by other prominent ghats like Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, while witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi from the river.

The boat ride lasts approximately 3 hours. It includes the journey along the ghats as well as time for you to witness the Ganga Aarti, which usually takes about 50 minutes, depending on the time of year and the crowd.

We only offer private boat ride for the Ganga Aarti. The private boat ride allows a more intimate and safe experience.

Yes, you can book a Ganga Aarti boat ride in advance in Varanasi. This is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons and festivals to ensure availability and avoid last-minute hassles.

The boat ride is available during the Ganga Aarti timings, which are usually in the evening, around 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (timing may vary based on season). You can check the availability and exact timings while booking.

Yes, you are welcome to take photos and videos during the ride. The view from the boat is perfect for capturing the Aarti ceremony(carry a zoom lens), the ghats, and the spiritual rituals. However, please be respectful and mindful of others during this sacred event.

Booking is easy through our website. Simply select your preferred date and fill the form. We will contact you via email or WhatsApp to confirm your booking.

Don’t listen to us, listen to them

We love our travellers. Thankfully, the feeling’s mutual.

Varanasi Guru place picture
5.0
Satyam Sinha profile picture
Satyam Sinha
1 year ago
We reached out to Varanasi Guru and connected with Saurabh for help planning our short trip. His recommendations were spot-on, especially the early morning Subah-e-Banaras experience. The guided boat ride and temple visits were perfectly timed and smoothly executed. Truly a hassle-free way to explore this soulful city.
Rayna Kosta profile picture
Rayna Kosta
1 year ago
Had a great experience with Varanasi Guru for our Ganga boat ride. Everything was easy from the start - the booking was quick, they reached the pickup spot on time, and the boat was clean and comfortable. We got to see the aarti from the river, which looked beautiful. Overall, it felt organized without being too formal and we didn’t have to worry about anything.
Kaveesha Verma profile picture
Kaveesha Verma
1 year ago
One of the best experiences in Varanasi.
The walk felt personal, not touristy - full of hidden temples, stories, and real insights into the city’s culture.
Felt less like a tour and more like discovering Varanasi with a local friend.
Highly recommend if you want to truly feel the city.
prachi malik profile picture
prachi malik
1 year ago
Booked the boat ride for a quick girls’ trip and it was such a vibe. The staff was nice, didn't make us feel awkward or anything. They suggested a better timing too, which honestly helped with the crowd. Ride was smooth and the views were just beautiful. Would totally do it again without stressing.
Raj singh profile picture
Raj singh
1 year ago
Visited varanasi on 17,18 April 25 . Varanasi Guru ( Saurabh ) suggestions were very useful for us to watch the evening Ganga arati at Dasashvamegh ghat, Morning Ganga arati at Assi ghat subsequently boat ride thru 84 ghats and Vishwanath ji darshan. We planned our Varanasi visit thru Varanasi Guru and it was seamless experience.
kumara subramanian Ramalingam profile picture
kumara subramanian Ramalingam
1 year ago
We had contacted Mr. Saurabh from Varanasi Guru. He was very helpful , NOT ONLY in coordinating the boat ride but was also helpful in giving tips / notes about many activities in and around Varanasi . Strongly recommend this company for events related to Varanasi .
nandini arora profile picture
nandini arora
2 years ago
Banaras is the epitome of unwavering love
for one another in the midst of the chaotic world that often dupes people by forging them into submissiveness and treachery.
Every corner of this place calls for its re-awakening of one’s inner self. It’s un browsing history finding its way back into the shallowness of hearts by dismantling the fears and despairs of others.
Our morning tour at Assi Ghat which was organised by Varanasi guru was one such example of this etherealness, it had left an indelible mark in our hearts for Varanasi’s captivating beauty and its simplistic lifestyle followed by the perfect blend of storytelling at Ganga ghats.
It was truly a wonderful experience to surrender ourselves completely in the womb of the nature.
Saloni Malik profile picture
Saloni Malik
2 years ago
Awesome experience ❤️
Paromita Bardoloi profile picture
Paromita Bardoloi
2 years ago
Loved the whole experience. Saurav is s master storyteller and he takes you through centuries just by hos stories. Please book them. It's worth every minute you spend with them. Highly recommended.
Prakhar Dwivedi profile picture
Prakhar Dwivedi
2 years ago
It was a wonderful experience, my friends were going to kashi during the mahakumbha time and we were really anticipating a boat ride , we contacted varanasi guru and it was so good , they not only told us that what's the situation there, they made sure that we get the experience, not only that they were very gracious and also very easy to connect and book . Surely choosing varanasi guru everytime we are in kashi
See All Reviews