I am a licensed Pan-India tourist guide, certified by both the Ministry of Tourism & Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India, under the Government of India. To become a certified guide, one must pass a competitive entrance exam conducted by the Ministry of Tourism & Culture. Successful candidates undergo a 16-week training program. My training took place at the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) in Gwalior, an institution under the Ministry of Tourism & Culture. The curriculum comprised six weeks of classroom instruction covering various subjects, a one-week orientation tour of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and nine weeks of practical fieldwork.

My fieldwork focused on the cultural diversity of Varanasi. Initially, I was interested in exploring LGBT tourism in the city, but after consulting with several people, I decided against it. LGBT tourism is a relatively new concept in India, and there’s a lack of general awareness about the topic. Considering the possibility of facing an interview with someone holding anti-LGBT views, I realized the potential challenges and opted for a different subject.

I opted for cultural diversity as my fieldwork topic to avoid the well-trodden path of Varanasi’s historical narrative. The city’s rich cultural tapestry fascinates me, and I’ve always been captivated by its diversity. I finished my training in December 2009 and have been working independently with tourists and researchers since then. I emphasize “independently” because I’d been guiding visitors for four years prior to obtaining my official license. During that time, I had to conceal my identity from the authorities while working at historical sites.

I prefer to operate as a freelance tour guide as it affords me the flexibility to provide a truly authentic Varanasi experience to my guests. Predetermined itineraries offered by travel agencies often restrict the scope of exploration to a limited set of popular attractions such as the evening Ganga aarti, morning boat rides, Sarnath, and perhaps the Golden Temple. While these are undoubtedly significant, they represent only a fraction of what Varanasi has to offer. Unfortunately, many essential aspects of the city’s rich tapestry are overlooked in favor of commercial interests, such as directing visitors to high-end shops regardless of their preferences.

As a licensed tour guide with a deep-rooted passion for India’s rich tapestry of cultures and societies, I offer an unparalleled exploration of the country’s heartland. My tours transcend the conventional tourist experience, delving into the intricate fabric of local life and uncovering hidden gems that remain off the beaten path. With a keen interest in social and cultural anthropology, I am committed to providing an authentic and immersive journey. By focusing on community-based experiences, I offer guests the unique opportunity to connect with local people, understand their traditions, and gain invaluable insights into the true essence of India. Let me guide you through a world where history, culture, and human connection intertwine. My tours are not just visits to iconic landmarks but a transformative exploration of the soul of India.

Please visit www.groovytours.org for more information. Thanks.

In 2011, I was honored with the CNN-IBN Citizen Journalist Award for my role in exposing a significant ticket resale scam at Sarnath. This corrupt practice was depriving the government of substantial revenue. Through my collaboration with CNN-IBN, we brought this issue to light, leading to the suspension of corrupt officials. To prevent future malpractices, a new ticketing system incorporating barcodes and unique identifiers was implemented. This robust system, combined with improved ticket collection procedures, has eradicated corruption at Sarnath.

I receiving the Citizens Journalist Award 2011

My report that got me the Citizens Journalist Award-