Very honest and responsible local guide - We really enjoyed Sonu's morning tour. First of all, Sonu made an impression of a guide who really cares about the experience of tourists. Even though there was a fog, and we couldn't fully enjoy the view of Varanasi from Ganga, the guide gave us a rich tour on the land, answered a lot of our questions and really fullfilled our desire to learn a bit about Varanasi from a local person before we start experiencing it on our own. Second, Sonu spent all his life in Varanasi and on the tour he told us a lot about his relationship with the city, how his childhood in Varanasi went, and how the city is changing. He was very honest and direct, giving us a glimpse in the real issues the city faces today. We really appreciated this style of tourguiding:) Other than that, we could easitly understand the English (sometimes we have a problem with that), the guide was punctual, the price was good. We stayed in Sonu's guesthouse (Marigold Guesthouse), and there was a discount for us.

If you do one thing in Varanasi, do this tour - If you do one thing in Varanasi, make it a tour with Sonu. This was one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of our entire trip to India. We didn’t see the sunrise because it was cloudy, but that didn’t matter at all because this tour isn’t really about the sun, it’s about understanding Varanasi and watching the ghats slowly come to life. It was extraordinary witnessing the morning ceremony performed by the Brahmin, pilgrims bathing in the Ganges, and learning about the cremation rituals and, most importantly, the reasons behind them. Sonu explained everything with clarity, sensitivity and depth, and suddenly the city made sense in a way it never could have without him. Sonu grew up and went to school just behind the buildings along the river, so his connection to Varanasi is deeply felt. His passion for his home city comes through in every aspect of the tour — the care, the love and the complete respect he shows for the city, its people and the environment. He uses a simple rowing boat rather than the large, noisy cruise boats used by more money-driven tours, which makes the experience calm, intimate and genuinely special. He even told us that sunset tours have become so overcrowded that he now recommends the sunrise tour instead — and after experiencing it, we completely understand why. We enjoyed Sonu’s company and knowledge so much, we booked him again for an evening walking tour, where we gained even more insight into the temples, history and rhythm of this magical city. Sonu doesn’t just guide you through Varanasi — he is Varanasi. We’re incredibly grateful he was our guide and couldn’t recommend his tours more highly.

Our tour operator guide... - Our tour operator guide Sonu was knowledgeable, local, we really enjoyed the tour, highly recommended..

An excellent introduction... - An excellent introduction to Ganga Aarti at sunrise. My guide's English skills were very good and he provided lucid and informative explanations. He was also willing to share his perspectives on some issues in contemporary Indian society in which I have a great interest. Thank you!

Amazing Varanasi - Sonu is such a gentleman and professional man. He and his team work partner Rohit make the experience full of wisdom, protection and calm. That way you deeply enjoy Varanasi feeling very comfortable and happy. This is my second time hiring his services and I will keep on doing it because I like the most visiting Varanasi with Marigold.

A moving, and informative boat trip - We had an early sunrise boat trip with Sonu. He explained carefully about the many rituals taking place on the Ghats before embarking on our boat ride , including the morning Arrti ceremony . It was a private trip so tailored to us . It is very busy on the river even at this time in the morning! Some boats are very noisy but Sonu kept our boat at a low speed and as least noise as possible, which was much appreciated. He prefers a rowing boat but the water was too high and fast flowing. He gave a running commentary as we went along and the passion he has for his home in Varanasi was evident. We very much enjoyed his trip and would definitely recommend him .

An amazing boat trip - The boat ride with Sonu was a beautiful experience. Besides the amazing ghats views, Sonu give me the right Key to understand Varanasi and Gange river. If you're in Varanasi, don't miss Sonu' boat trip.

Magical Boat Tour with Live Music - We took the early-morning boat tour with musicians and it was an incredible experience! The peaceful vibe on the river, with live music playing just for you, makes you forget you’re in busy Varanasi. The views of the ghats were beautiful, and we loved the route: especially the chance to step off at Manikarnika Ghat. Our guide, Sonju explained everything wonderfully, and the city tour with him afterward was just as great! We would never have found those temples and hidden spots on our own. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!

Varanasi at sunrise by boat - We took the boat ride with Sonu and it was a beautiful experience. Sonu explained so many things si Varanasi and told us various very interesting stories about Hinduism and Indian deities. The ghats seen from the boat early in the morning are wonderful. Highly recommended! I also recommend his Marigold guesthouse to stay in Varanasi!

Very happy - I went on a boat tour early in the morning. The guide told us lots of stories and explanations, and the tour was very interesting. I'd love to do it again.