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keyboard_arrow_rightVaranasi
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airplanemode_activeVôos para Varanasi (VNS)
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filter_dramaGet inVaranasi is well connected by plane, train, and bus. The trains and buses are dirty and overcrowded.
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By plane
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is located 25km northwest of the city center. A taxi to/from the airport takes an hour and costs ₹750, while a tuk-tuk/auto-rickshaw can take twice as long and costs ₹500. Allow extra time due to traffic. Air India [url=http://www.airindia.com/],]JetKonnect [url=http://www.jetkonnect.com/[/url],]SpiceJet [url=http://www.spicejet.com/[/url],]and IndiGo [url=http://www.goindigo.in/[/url]]all operate regular flights to [[Delhi[/url]], [wiki=8ebaad59980c95ade797c903761fa815]Mumbai[/wiki], [wiki=44bef2ee415c62f0ce01fbe6c5566250]Kolkata[/wiki], [wiki=9db26dbb37250fb9305307dfd7d8c6f3]Bengaluru[/wiki], [wiki=02a342794409deaf5f29216201d9da30]Hyderabad[/wiki], [wiki=fbace184aff8a3abcbcd8f782093cb89]Khajuraho[/wiki], and [wiki=957fa1fd3823b410773cb64094b0e83b]Visakhapatnam[/wiki]. There are flights to [wiki=7bcd79e863547e9833b79aace39471b8]Colombo[/wiki] on Mihin Lanka Airlines, and flights to [wiki=3d147c6ba113929f5a004a5e9dcc832e]Bangkok[/wiki] on Thai Airways.
Its easy to get a state-run bus to city center (opposite Varanasi Junction/Cantt station), which costs less than half a dollar. Bus stand is 10 minutes walking distance from airport.
If taking state run(or private operator) bus from Varanasi to airport, take bus going to Jaunpur and get down at Babatpur airport stop. After walking 10 min, you can easily get to airport. -
By train
There are multiple daily services to cities including [wiki=9baaebe1759ba1a6365a2b0539081516]Delhi[/wiki] (13 hours), [wiki=8d1fdd7dcc6f2309cd15746f7e7b16d6]Agra[/wiki] (13 hours), [wiki=a8c337e0d23e4937edd0bc47acd6ab21]Lucknow[/wiki] (7 hours), [wiki=8ebaad59980c95ade797c903761fa815]Mumbai[/wiki], and [wiki=44bef2ee415c62f0ce01fbe6c5566250]Kolkata[/wiki].
Varanasi is served by three major railway stations:
* Varanasi Junction (IR station code : BSB) - the trip between the train station and the Ganges-area costs ₹100 in a tuk-tuk.
* Manduadih Railway Station - the trip between the train station and the Ganges-area costs ₹100 in a tuk-tuk.
* Mughal Sarai Junction (IR station code : MGS), about 20km east of the city - the trip between the train station and the Ganges-area costs ₹500 in a taxi.
Here is a list of useful trains to reach Varanasi:
[wiki_table=30739928]
Also see [wiki=36ffaf78d22e801250c1a4f831fa7099]Rail travel in India[/wiki] -
By bus
The bus station in Varanasi is located just east of the Varanasi Junction train station. A tuk-tuk from the bus station to the Ganges area costs ₹100.
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filter_dramaGet aroundNote that many streets are too narrow to be reached by cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, and car and therefore, you may have to walk a bit to reach your destination.
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By foot
By foot is the only way to see the waterfront and the ghats - but be ready to be hot, sweaty, and lost - locals are usually happy to point you in the right direction. The names of ghats and signs pointing to restaurants and hotels are often painted on the walls in Roman letters. For better orientation, walk into any book store and pick up a small guide/map book that will have the list of all the ghats and their historical background.
Walking Tours are operated by many companies, with the cheapest being the [url=http://www.stopshostels.com/#!facilities/cni1]daily tours operated by Stops Hostel[/url] (₹100 plus transportation, 3 hours). Walking tours are a great way to see some of the harder-to-find sights such as the Flower Market and Ayurvedic Herb Market. -
By cycle-rickshaw and auto-rickshaw
The chaotic streets of Varanasi are sometimes too much to handle by foot. Therefore, it will often be convenient to travel by cycle rickshaw or auto-rickshaw. A short journey of a few kilometers should cost under ₹50, while a longer journey within the city, such as between the ghats and the train station, will cost ₹100. Further journeys, such as to [wiki=feaf1da23881b39a05617ac0a5a03dab]Sarnath[/wiki] (10km), cost ₹200 each way by auto-rickshaw.
There is a pre-paid auto-rickshaw stand at the Varanasi Junction (Cantt) train station. -
By car or taxi
While taxis and cars-for-hire do exist, traffic makes them impractical.
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By bicycle
Bicycle rental is available from many vendors. Inquire at your hotel.
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filter_dramaSeeVaranasi is not a city with distinct tourist destinations; the experience is in watching the spectacle of life and death on the river and meandering through the alleys of the old city.
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Ghats and the River Ganges
The River Ganga is a sacred river for the Hindus and you will see traditional rituals and bathing occurring at all times of the day. On the Eastern banks, the River Ganga is flanked by a 300m wide sand belt, beyond which lies a green belt, a protected area reserved for turtle breeding. The western crescent-shaped bank of the River Ganga is flanked by a continuous stretch of 84 ghats, or series of steps leading down to the river, stretching for 6.8km. These ghats were built by Hindu kings who wanted to die along the Ganges, and they built lofty palaces along the river, most of which are now hotels, to spend their final days. You can walk along the river and see all of the ghats, but the best option for viewing the ghats is to charter a boat and see them from the river.
Hindus consider it auspicious to die in Varanasi, so some ghats are known as burning ghats, where over 200+ corpses per day are cremated in full view before their ashes are eased into the Ganga.
Some of the most popular ghats, from north to south:
* Panchganga Ghat - the meeting of the five rivers
* Manikarnika Ghat - the main cremation ghat; a must-see, but remain quiet and never take photographs (note: scams are plentiful here; see the "Staying Safe" section)
* Dasaswamedh Ghat - known as the 'main' ghat, this is the site of the large evening aarti ceremony
* Rana Ghat
* Kedar Ghat - brightly painted in stripes and busy with bathers, very photogenic
* Narad Ghat - the ghat on which bathing with spouse is not advised because the legend of contention
* Harishchandra Ghat - the cremation place where Raja Harishchandra did the last rituals of his son.
* Hanuman Ghat
* Shivala Ghat
* Tulsi Ghat - site of the large water purification plant
* Assi Ghat - a popular place to stay, with many hotels, restaurants, and internet cafes -
Religious buildings
a great place for a bird's eye view of the area.
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* The devi at this temple is supposed to be the sister of the lord Kashi Vishwanath. Its a tradition to visit here just before you leave Kashi. You buy sea shells at this place and offer them to God saying that the virtues of donating the shells goes to her while you keep the virtues of having visited the holy shrines in Kashi and bathing in the ganga. The trip to Kashi is expected to yield results only after completing this custom.
* Dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, a dreaded form of the Lord in Shiva avatar symbolizing death. Its a tradition to buy a black thread (Rs. 15), sanctify it in the shrine, then wear it on the arm, wrist or around the neck as protection against evil.
* A small golden temple, built in Nepali architecture
* Security is tight making entrance difficult and sometimes completely off limits to foreigners. No bags, cellphones or pens are allowed. They can be deposited in the shops by the temple entrance. The temple was destroyed multiple times by Mughal invaders and was re-constructed by Hindu kings who followed them.
* The famous Hanuman temple, home to thousands of monkeys. Securiy is tight, mobile phones, keys etc. are not allowed inside the temple as a result of moslem terrorist bomb blasts; and as you enter you will be greeted by the sight of hundreds of monkeys on the premises. Beware- they may snatch from you if they see you carrying boxes or packets of food. Inside the temple you will find stacks of hanuman chalisa text for the use of devotees.
* [wiki=feaf1da23881b39a05617ac0a5a03dab]Sarnath[/wiki] (10km from Varanasi) - It is believed that in Sarnath Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples after getting enlightenment. There is also a Museum in Sarnath. The location is also known as Deer Park. Sarnath is 13 Km from Varanasi and is very peaceful. Several Asian countries have built Buddhist temples there following their own ancient architectural traditions.
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Other sights
A very green and peaceful campus. Few actually know that this University was built during the Indian freedom struggle and is known as Oxford of the East. This is the largest residential university of Asia, with 124 departments. You can also visit Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum of Art and Archeology inside the university. There is also a huge white marbled temple called Vishwanath Temple which was bulit by Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the university.
* A 2,000+ year old fort.
* A place to interact with contemporary art in the city of Varanasi.
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* The fort of the King of Kashi. Built in 1750 in the Mughal style.
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filter_dramaDoWatch Indians bathing in the Ganges - Over 60,000 people come to the ghats every day to take a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga, most notably at sunrise. This is a fantastic sight to see. However, due to the sewage pipes that discharge feces into the river, along with sunken corpses, there is a risk of infection from numerous diseases such as hepatitis and bacteria such as e-coli. Reports have shown that the Ganges water has a fecal coliform MPN of 88,000 per 100ml, compared to a desirable fecal coliform MPN of 500 per 100ml.
* Boat rides - Very popular, especially at sunrise and sunset. Boats can either be rowboats or motorboats. The most popular sunset ride is to start at Dasaswamedh Ghat or one of the many ghats along the river and head up to Manikarnika Ghat to see the cremations, then down to Dasaswamedh just after sunset to watch the evening aarti ceremony from the boat. Sunrise is another magical time for a ride, when the ghats are filled with Hindus bathing and starting their day - one of the most famous sights in India. You can bargain the price of the boat ride to around ₹50/person per hour. During the boat ride, other boats, usually manned by children, will float up to your boat to sell bowls with flowers and a candle to be offered to the river (₹10) or masala chai (₹10), or various trinkets that are overpriced. It is recommended to avoid polluting the river further by 'offering' non-biodegradable objects to the river. At Nishadraj Ghat, a few minutes walk from Assi Ghat, you can find a boat driver named Bhomi, a local singer renowned for his incredible voice and charming, beautiful songs; during the boat ride he sings anything from local folk songs to modern film songs and old devotional ones, and often improvises lyrics over his own songs to communicate with you and the various people gathered on the ghats.
* Explore the alleyways - The sounds, sight and smells are just unbelievable! Walk along the ghats and up to the sights.-
Festivals
Chhath Pooja (October/November) - The four day festival for the sun god, Dala aka Surya. Rituals include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prashad (prayer offerings) and aragh (alcohol) to the setting and rising sun.
* Deepavali, or Diwali (October/November, always at new moon) - The five day festival of lights. The special decorations, ceremonies at the temples, and aarti ceremony at the ghats are spectacular.
* Maha Shivaratri (February) - A Hindu festival celebrating Lord Shiva, who lived in Varanasi according to Hindu mythology. On this day, the streets of Varanasi are filled with pilgrims and parades dedicated to Shiva occur all day. Entrance to temples will require long queue and the temples will be extremely crowded. The day of Shivaratri is also the last day of the Dhrupad Mela, a festival of "Hindustani" (a form of Indian classical music) that goes on night and day for about 72 hours. -
Volunteer opportunities
A sexual health, drug, and HIV education NGO. There is always demand for foreigners to visit because there is always work related to public health education to be done. A great volunteer opportunity.
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filter_dramaLearn
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Yoga classes
Yoga classes are very popular among visitors to Varanasi.
* Run by Sunil Jhingan Kumar.
* Small-group yoga classes with a view of the Ganges. Taught by Siddharth. -
Ayurveda treatment classes
Ayurveda treatment is common in Varanasi and you can take classes to learn the techniques:
* Classes and treatments in Ayurvedic food habits, daily routine, massage, Shirodhara, steam bath, leech therapy, Panchkarma, etc.... -
Language classes
Classes in Hindi.
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Other classes
offers a wide range of classes taught in English on topics related to classical Indian studies.
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filter_dramaBuyVaranasi is famous for its fine silk - it's on offer everywhere, but shop around and [wiki=5723c92270b3a6333fe517fc0a34c906]haggle[/wiki]!
*Varanasi First Government Approved Silk and Saree Shop,Shop to buy Traditional Banarasi Saree, Banarasi Silk Saree, Embroidary And Handwork Silk Saree.Best Collection & Resonable Price Silk Saree
* Silk carpets, hand-made, hand-knotted oriental Persian carpets, silk products, silk pashmina, hand embroidered and hand stitched cashmere wool, papier mache and lots of handicrafts.
* Government Approved. Has set, reasonable prices and a good selection of handwoven pure silk Sarees, dress materials, bedcovers and other silk materials, the older salesman can be extremely persistent and will employ many tricks to lure your wallet.
* A small shop by the corner, showcasing Hand Block printed cotton kurties, suits and accessories. This store does not offer commissions to guides.
* Very nice selection of perfumes and natural oils, some of them are made by the family of the owner Shankar Roy. Homemade incenses are great.
* A shop for all kind of gifts(like all kinds of silk materials and scarfs). Much more to see.
* A large collection of handicrafts from all over the country, good herbal teas, incense and plenty more. Prices are moderate and fixed. -
filter_dramaEatBanarasi Khana, or local delicacies, are known for their flavors. Many dishes here are flavored with asafoetida, ginger, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and/or dried fenugreek leaves.
Benares Dum Aloo is different from the dum aloo cooked elsewhere in India because the potatoes are stuffed with and cooked in a gravy that includes jaggery, fennel, and chili paste.
Varanasi is also known for its street food and chaat vendors. Aloo chaat is very common.
Varanasi Paan is famous all over India and the world. Paan is an assortment of flavors wrapped in a betel leaf. There are two versions: One that includes tobacco, and one that includes only sweet flavors. The exact ingredients depend on how much you offer, which can be as little as ₹10 or as much as ₹300. To eat the sweet version, shove the entire leaf in your mouth at once and chew until you swallow!
Rabri Malai Balai is a popular dessert in Varanasi that includes milk, sugar, almonds, and pistachio nuts. You can find it served in hole-in-the-wall or sweet shops.
There are plenty of food outlets with a very dynamic range in quality. The restaurants closer to the ghats cater more to foreign tourists, with variable success.-
Benarasi Delicacies
Keshav Tambool Bhandaar: (near B.H.U.,Ravidas Gate) Paan with natural ingredients.
*Shiv Lassi Bhandar: (near the main gate of RamNagar Fort) Lassi with layers of Malai and Rabri. Superb Stuff.
*Kashi Chat Center: (near Godowlia Crossing) Good assortment of exotic chats. Try out the Aloo Tikia Chat.
*Madhur Jalpan:The best place for laddoos and other famous sweet delicacies is 'Madhur Jalpan', a shop that has been frequented by more than two prime ministers of India! Madhur Jalpan is on Baradev - next to the Kainiya Chitra Mandir(now Spice KCM). Again, on a small alleyway, but the sweets are to die for.
* A very nice place to relax and get safe and tasty food.With a nice view over the river and the ghats.
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* Ask for the Chai experience, in wich Vishnu (the owner) will teach you how to make the perfect Chai, plus some tea tasting -
Budget
Extremely neat & clean place serving pure veg burgers, pizza, pasta, chowmein, hot dog etc. A wide range of thick shakes and exclusive cold drinks alongwith full range of Ice Creams.
* A C Shahi Restaurant & Kesari Restaurant near Dasashwmedh ghat in Godaulia and Shahi Restaurant near Rathyatra crossing serve very good vegetarian north / south indian dishes.
* Buffalo's Restaurant(near Kedar Ghat Post Office)Newly opened restaurant. Every Sunday they have a chess tournament and jamming sessions on Thursday. Great Thali.
* Diamond Hotel and Jaika Restaurant near Vijaya Talkies Crossing in Bhelupur serve very good north Indian dishes.
* Ganga View on the roof of sita guest house d 22/16 chaustti ghat, varanasi,up india,Indian Continental and Western Food Fresh Food and Purified Water (Non-veg not available)
* Mona Lisa Cafe, (just south and opposite Shiva Cafe). Another good and popular cheapie, with a good range of things on offer, notably a thali for Rs 20, and some Japanese and Korean dishes thrown in for good measure.
* The most amazing Chocolate brownies and Apple pies! Plus good homemade brown bread. Wonderful chocolate chip cookies; pack of three for 60 Rupees, or one for 25.
* Great food cooked only by mum and family. Home kitchen. Clean. Friendly and helpful owner. Very reasonable prices, except on festival days when hot chocolate is poured over everyone for a fixed price of 1000 rupees per person. Check out the garlic / cheese nan and the pancakes!
* Pure Vegetatian Indian, North Indian, Chinese, South Indian
* Shiva Cafe and German Bakery, D 26/4 Narad Ghat, (near Himalaya Lodge). In the main little alleyway that runs parallel to the river between Dasaswamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat, this place is deservedly popular. The food takes time, but that's because it's prepared fresh, and you'll be happy you waited when the food arrives. Staffed by enterprising Nepalis this has authentic pastas, sandwiches etc.Healthy food. Favourite amongst long stay residents. -
Mid-range
Aum Cafe / Ayurvedic Cafe : near Assi Ghat, owned and run by Shivani Ayurvedic food/ Organic Teas and Coffees, Healthy Vegan/ Vegetarian friendly atmosphere with free Wi Fi. Hearty nutritious dishes. Some Indian and western choices. Located behind the temple on Assi Ghat.
* Bread of Life Bakery, Shivala Road, (a few hundred metres north of Assi Ghat), +91 542 227 5012. Good baked goods, but also a full restaurant with okay breakfasts including "American" pancakes and canned-OJ (freshly-squeezed no longer). Used to be very popular but the quality is now questionable.
*Brown Bread Bakery, near Meer ghat, 09838888823. Is a good bakery run by a German baker in Varanasi, be wary of the Indian run bakery on the opposite side of the road who claims charity but is just fake. Breads and pastries made from organically grown ingredients. Also a nice range of cheeses. The restaurant has a large menu including Continental, Italian, German and Indian classics, has a great rooftop and offers a breakfast buffet from 7 to 12. Quality is mostly pretty good and a part of the proceeds supports the Learn For Life society which operates a free school for disadvantaged children in Aurangabad, Varanasi. www.brownbreadbakery.com; www.learn-for-life.net
* Filocafe' ( +91-9839066788), A space to study, read, network, converse, experiment, think… Filocafé provides a perfect heaven for this and much more. Come here to showcase or appreciate up-and-coming talents - musical, intellectual, artistic - or use this free space any other activity that relates to the city or makes us grow as people Equipped free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets available to all, Filocafé offers a variety of over 45 types of teas, real espresso coffee (yes those which come out from those Italian machines :D) and its creative varieties, fresh juices and a few munchies.. Open from 12pm to 8:30pm. A movie is shown every Sunday at 6pm followed by a special dinner.
* Flavours Cafe, Lanka, ('above axis bank). Great coffee and desserts. Strong filter coffee and lighly accented lattes with a quiet ambiance make for a needed break from the city. Free wireless is also a plus.
* 'Madhur Milan Cafe, Dashashwamedh Road, is a nice place for Indian snacks and meals at cheap prices. The price range for a persons full meal varies between Rs. 40 - 150. Cafe is primarily famous for its fried hot samosas, dosa and kachori sabji. Website : [http://www.madhurmilancafe.in].
* Megu Cafe, Kalika Gali (near Meer Ghat), has excellent vegetarian Japanese food made by a Japanese woman who settled in Varanasi a number of years ago. All dishes are Rs. 85 or less. Closed on Sundays. [December 2011] Menu prices of all items have increased and expect to pay around Rs. 100-130 for a vegetarian and around Rs. 180-200 for non vegetarian main meal.
* Moti Mahal Delux restaurant - in Sigra, 3rd Floor, IP Mall, in the heart of the city. +91-542-2220555. One of the best Indian and mughlai restaurant in the city with a unique fine dining experience. Also provides free delivery of your meal at any location in the city. Also serves authentic chinese and continental.
* Open Hand Shop & Cafe, Assi Ghat, (around the corner from Hotel Haifa), +91 542 2369 751, [http://www.openhandindia.com]. The bakery has daily fresh bread, cakes, pies & various pastries. The food selection includes set breakfast, salads, breadrolls and fruit salad. The espresso-based coffees and fresh fruit smoothies are the main attractions. The shop is selling fixed-price merchandise on fair-trade principles. Free Internet
* Radiant Restaurant - at 28A, Sampoornanand Nagar, Sigra, Varanasi 221010, Phones:0542-2223831,2224951,6457808 may be the only 24 hours vegetarian restaurant which serves Indian Homely food apart from Continental Vegetarian dishes and Chinese vegetarian dishes. A place to get healthy and law calorie food.Also provides free delivery of your meal at any location in the city.
* Zaika restaurant - in Shivala, opposite Hotel Broadway. Good Indian / Chinese dishes; try the sweet-corn-pakoras. -
Splurge
Varuna and Chowk, Taj Ganges Hotel, Nadesar Palace Grounds. Tel+91 542 250-300 - Two restaurants respectively offering Indian and Western cuisine.
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filter_dramaDrinkAlcohol is not common in Varanasi, but it is available at a few restaurants and hotels, such as the Radisson and Taj. There are several wine shops in the old city but they don't offer any sitting arrangement. You can buy whatever you want and bring it to your hotel room.
* Bhang is a potent, powdered form of marijuana often mixed into "special" lassis, simply called bhang lassi. The drink is especially popular on holidays as Varanasi is a major center of Shiva worship as it is offered to the lord in form of Prashad. It can be quite intoxicating.
* Thandai is cool milk based drink made with pistachios, almonds and kesar and topped off with a large dollop of malai (cream). Bhang is often added to thicken the concoction, though it can be made without. Many Tandai stores are located near the main Godowlia, and most also serve lassi. -
filter_dramaSleepThe most interesting area to stay is around the ghats, which are the main attractions for foreigners and are close to the religious attractions. However, this area is extremely noisy and many accommodation choices here are subpar, so do some research before you book. An alternative to staying in Varanasi is to stay near the main train station (Varanasi Junction). This area has some very nice new places popping-up in the recent years and is only about 10 minutes on a tuk-tuk. Another alternative is the much quieter [wiki=feaf1da23881b39a05617ac0a5a03dab]Sarnath[/wiki], 10+ km from Varanasi, but it takes 75+ minutes each way to reach Varanasi by tuk-tuk (₹200).
Some budget accommodations advertise free morning and evening boat rides along the river. However, the boat will take you up the river and then let the passengers know that for the return trip, there is a fee of ₹60 per person. Those who do not want to pay can get out of the boat and walk back.
Beware that Varanasi, particularly during summer, is prone to many hours of power outages a day. It is best to double check that your fan or A/C is run from a backup generator, or you may not have it for much of the day.-
Mid-range
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* A budget 3-star hotel. Not walkable to the ghats. -
Splurge
A five-star hotel owned by the Taj Group.
* A five-star hotel owned by the Taj Group. The building of the hotel used to be the residence of Mr. Davis, the Magistrate of Benares, in January of 1799. The same palace was later occupied by Maharaja Prabhu Narain Singh during his rule between 1889-1931.
* Great views and location.
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filter_dramaStay safe
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Violent crime
Violent crime is rare, but still do be careful in the lanes after dark.
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Power outages
Carry a light or phone; power outages are extremely common, and the alleys are hard enough to navigate in daylight, let alone in pitch dark, because of their broken paving stones and cows common.
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Groping of women
It is common to have the odd local young man try to quickly grope foreign women and run away. Respond aggressively and loudly to try to discourage this behavior as much as possible. Try to dress similar to locals (i.e. no short shorts) as not to attract attention.
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Rickshaw / taxi scams
Rickshaw / taxi scams are common in Varanasi, and the driver will inevitably tell you that the hotel that you wish to go to has burned down, is flooded, or closed. Don't believe him. Drivers receive commission from hotels for bringing in new guests, and this is one way to trick newcomers to going to these places. Don't get annoyed, but see the exchange as playful banter and part of the Varanasi experience. However, if the driver continuously refuses to follow your instructions, threaten to get out of the rickshaw. If after all this you still end up to a different place, just refuse to pay until you arrive at your hotel. The same procedure will need to be followed when sight seeing, as drivers will inevitably try to take you to handicraft stores, from which they receive commission. If calling for a pickup from a more resepctable hostel, be wary that other taxi drivers may listen in to your phone conversation then tell another taxi driver who will pick you up pretending to be your hostel, then take you to a commision charging hostel.
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Cremation ghat scams
As you approach Manikarnika Ghat, you will be approached by touts posing as cremators or volunteers in a local hospice. These people will explain the cremation process and even lead you to a good viewpoint. They will then take advantage of your emotions by asking you to pay for some wood to burn the body of someone who can't afford it. They will usually insist on receiving ₹500 - if you offer less, it will be initially be declined. This is a complete scam. Either tell him you have no money or that you don't feel comfortable donating.
Photography is strictly prohibited.
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filter_dramaRespect
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Cremation ghats
There is, rather understandably, some resentment at tourists tresspasing up to the cremation ghats for raucous sightseeing at the funeral ceremonies of loved ones. Behave respectfully and do not take photographs of cremations, even from the river. You can take photographs if it is from a distance; most do not mind. There are touts who for a fee will "stop minding". Note that if it is the family that objects then you have to respect it but not if local touts object in the interest of extracting money. Offer the money and if they seem ready to accept, withdraw it and photograph! Call the police if necessary.
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Temples
Since this city is full of temples you will have to take off your shoes/sandals at every point. so wear a flip flop which is easy to take off.
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filter_dramaContactBSNL, Reliance,Idea, and Airtel are the most popular cell phone services in the region. If you bring your GSM cellphone from home, you can buy a SIM card and call within India and abroad. You will need your passport and a passport photo to buy a SIM card.
Wi-Fi is available at just about every hotel or restaurant that caters to foreign tourists. Internet Cafes are common, especially in the lanes between Dasaswamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat. Usually, the shopkeepers will record your passport information before giving you access to the Wi-Fi.
Calling abroad is cheap from [url=http://www.iwayindia.com/]Iway[/url] branches. -
filter_dramaGet out[wiki=8d1fdd7dcc6f2309cd15746f7e7b16d6]Agra[/wiki] - the next point on the tourist "Golden Triangle". Buses and trains, including overnight trains, leave several times a day.
* [wiki=8fe2427b2466603e80c55439e05c4e44]Allahabad[/wiki] - Another spiritual city along the Ganges, Allahabad can be reached via a 3-hour bus ride.
* [wiki=9baaebe1759ba1a6365a2b0539081516]Delhi[/wiki] - The capital city of India can be reached via a 13-hour train ride.
* [wiki=f3a0f39153286095a84acff70df9e3b2]Gaya[/wiki] - One of the most sacred places to do Pind Dan (funeral offerings for the benefit of the soul of the deceased). A 4+ hour drive from Varanasi.
* [wiki=e01e8bac4f4c763b8eabf896b1086de0]Jaunpur[/wiki] - The district just northwest of Varanasi, it is primarily a rural area.
* [wiki=fbace184aff8a3abcbcd8f782093cb89]Khajuraho[/wiki] - South of Varanasi, it is a bit out of the way, but is famous for its many 1,000+ year-old Hindu and Jain temples.
* [wiki=a8c337e0d23e4937edd0bc47acd6ab21]Lucknow[/wiki] - known for its good food, it is a good place to stop for a day on the way to Delhi.
* [wiki=7fef6b003c726890ea5ca3708fe8ff56]Nepal[/wiki] - buses travel to the Nepali border where you can transfer to [wiki=233f617d842ce6b68ebb5290f7c383ab]Kathmandu[/wiki] and [wiki=c39956d003542faf572e5bba060f279f]Chitwan[/wiki] buses. Most buses go via [wiki=50c8f95669c6f3e7e72e60736a1b43d7]Gorakhpur[/wiki] and can take 8-12 hours, or there are daily flights. There are a number of travel agents in Varanasi which will sell you tourist/AC buses to [wiki=233f617d842ce6b68ebb5290f7c383ab]Kathmandu[/wiki] or [wiki=b9ad5f615eee8367997b50b1de62bd68]Pokhara[/wiki]. Avoid these services (especially the operator Paul Travels) because they are not actually tourist buses. Instead, they are actually the local, public buses and once you get across the Nepal border, they will try to get more money from you.
* [wiki=feaf1da23881b39a05617ac0a5a03dab]Sarnath[/wiki] - One of the most sacred places for Buddhists, known as the place where Lord Buddha gave his first speech after his enlightenment. 10+ km from Varanasi, 1 hour+ by tuk-tuk (₹200 each way). Other option is take one share tuk tuk to Varanasi Jn. (₹10 to ₹25) and then another share tuk tuk to Sarnath (₹100 for four persons) - Marcha 2015
[wiki=6d5315eb6bbdeab78c22716ad6542fe9]de:Varanasi[/wiki]
[wiki=52fa2dbf503eb9b3107591bd52d3dff4]fr:Varanasi[/wiki]
[wiki=ba030ce4cfce377d561b5b476126c7ed]hi:वाराणसी[/wiki]
[wiki=625fb752fdd79fdc134950a312959cc7]ja:ワーラーナシー[/wiki]
[wiki=031f788771c87bb0278f39fb1384f44e]nl:Varanasi[/wiki]
[wiki=297bba60b6cf233b60188961753e03a0]pl:Waranasi[/wiki]
[wiki=4ea240f58bd5e5d71062f10cedd157c1]it:Varanasi[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:Varanasi]]
[wiki=30a87a0b7991f19c271cae73651ba33a]Dmoz:Asia/India/Uttar_Pradesh/Localities/Varanasi/[/wiki]