Practical Information: Varanasi

Communication

Securing mobile connectivity simplifies navigation and local contact. Internet access is widely present across accommodations and public spaces.

Mobile & Internet Access

Local SIM Cards: Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea offer coverage. Requires passport, visa copy, photo at official stores.
Wi-Fi Availability: Most hotels and guesthouses feature free Wi-Fi; many cafes also provide access.
Postal Services: India Post offices available city-wide; FedEx/DHL for faster international shipping.

Language & Translation

Hindi serves as the main language in Varanasi, with Bhojpuri a common local dialect. English reaches many in tourist zones.

Translation Tools & Phrases

English: Understood in tourist areas, hotels, by guides.
Google Translate app: Download Hindi for offline use, including conversation mode.
Basic Hindi phrasebook: For common phrases.

Important Hindi Phrases

A few phrases demonstrate respect and can improve interactions with locals.

Common Courtesies

Hello / Greetings: Namaste (Nah-mah-stay)
Thank you: Dhanyawaad (Dhun-ya-vaad)
Yes: Haan (Haa-n)

Useful Phrases for Travel

Practical phrases can facilitate transactions and understanding during your travels.

Navigating Daily Interactions

No: Nahi (Nah-hee)
How much?: Kitna (Kit-nah)?
Water: Pani (Paa-nee)

Advanced Phrases & Resources

More Phrases

Too expensive: Bahut mehenga hai (Bah-hoot meh-hen-gah hai)
Please: Kripya (Krip-yah)
Excuse me / Sorry: Kshama Kijiye (Ksha-mah Kee-jee-yay)
Consider language learning platforms like Rosetta Stone for deeper engagement.

Connectivity Options

eSIMs from Airalo offer convenient digital connectivity.
Portable Wi-Fi devices from Solis Wi-Fi provide consistent internet access.
Airport lounge access via Priority Pass for a comfortable travel experience.
Claim flight compensation with Compensair for disruptions.

Communication Guidance

Purchasing a local SIM upon arrival at a larger international airport like Delhi or Mumbai often simplifies the process for foreign visitors. A local SIM card supplies affordable mobile data for navigation, ride-hailing apps, and local calls.

Business Hours & Services

Shops

Generally open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Smaller street stalls and some local shops may open earlier and close later.

Restaurants

Lunch typically 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, dinner 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Street food vendors operate throughout the day and into the night.

Temples

Timings vary greatly. Many open very early (4:00 AM-5:00 AM) and close late (10:00 PM-11:00 PM). Some temples may feature a midday closing break (12:00 PM-3:00 PM). Check specific timings.

Museums & Attractions

Plan your visits to cultural sites around standard operating hours, being mindful of typical closure days.

Operating Hours

Typically open from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM.
Closing times usually 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
Many museums typically close on Mondays.

Banking & ATMs

Access financial services during standard banking hours. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.

Financial Access

Banks: Most banks operate from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.
Some banks also feature half-day services on Saturdays.
ATMs: Widely present in commercial areas and generally operate 24/7.

Holidays & Seasonal Impacts

Religious & Public Holidays

Major Hindu Festivals (Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Maha Shivaratri) mean increased crowds around religious sites.
National Holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti) result in bank/government office closures.
Transportation services may see slight impacts during national holidays.

Seasonal Closures

Monsoon Season (July-September): Boat operators on the Ganges may suspend services.
Suspensions occur if river water levels are too high or currents too strong.
Such conditions can affect sunrise/sunset boat rides.

Timing Your Activities

Always verify specific timings for individual temples or attractions you plan to visit, as they can differ from general business hours. Holiday periods, especially major festivals, often mean increased activity rather than widespread closures in tourist areas.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Varanasi, a city of profound spiritual and cultural meaning, necessitates awareness of local customs. Embracing these practices promotes respectful interactions.

Greeting Customs

The traditional greeting signifies respect and acknowledges the divine in each person.

Local Greetings

"Namaste" or "Namaskar": Palms pressed, slight bow.
Handshakes: Acceptable with men in professional or tourist settings, typically not with women.
A gesture of respect, widely accepted.

Appropriate Attire

Modest dress signals respect for local traditions, notably at religious sites.

Dress Code Details

Modesty: Shoulders and knees covered in public and at religious sites. Loose-fitting clothing is preferred.
Footwear: Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and homes. Consider Socks for hot or dusty ground.
Adherence to these guidelines for all religious visits.

Dining & Tipping Practices

Observe local customs for eating and financial gratuities.

Eating & Sharing

Right Hand: Utilize your right hand for eating, passing food, and handling money.
Sharing Food: Family or friends commonly share food from common platters.
Tipping: Refer to local guidelines (e.g., Section 2.3 for detailed information).

Photography Rules

Be mindful and respectful when capturing images, specifically of individuals and sacred sites.

Permissions & Restrictions

People: Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially women or those engaging in religious rituals.
Restricted Areas: Photography remains strictly prohibited at cremation ghats (Manikarnika, Harishchandra) and inside most temples. Respect "No Photography" signs.
Disrespectful Action: Taking photos at cremation sites may cause offense.

Cultural Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Behaviors to Avoid

Public Displays of Affection: Avoid, as Indian society generally remains conservative.
Pointing: Do not point with your index finger; use an open hand or your chin to indicate direction.
Touching Heads: Do not touch people's heads, especially children's, as the head holds sacred value.

Interactions & Donations

Bargaining: Common in markets; conduct it politely.
Discussions: Be cautious when discussing politics or religion, specifically with sharply differing opinions.
Begging: Do not offer money directly to beggars, especially children; this can encourage begging.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Considerations

Indian society generally remains conservative.
Women should dress modestly and stay aware of their surroundings.
Avoiding isolated areas at night or when alone is a good rule.

LGBTQ+ Information

Homosexuality has been decriminalized in India.
Public displays of affection among same-sex couples do not see wide acceptance.
Discretion is advisable to avoid unwanted attention, notably in a traditional city.

Respectful Conduct

Engaging with respect for local customs and traditions enriches your travel experience and fosters positive interactions. Always carry small change for tips and local purchases; this simplifies transactions and avoids overpaying.

Accessibility Information

Varanasi's infrastructure presents considerable challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Challenges

The city's ancient structure limits accessibility for those with mobility challenges.

Infrastructure Issues

Varanasi's infrastructure largely does not present as wheelchair-friendly.
Ghats: Feature numerous, often steep steps down to the river, making wheelchair access difficult or impossible.
Old City: Characterized by narrow, uneven, and often crowded alleyways. Navigation with mobility aids is challenging.

Accessible Transport & Sites

While general accessibility poses difficulties, some solutions and locations offer better navigability.

Potential Solutions

Hotels: Some modern, higher-end hotels may possess accessible rooms and elevators.
Hired Private Cars: Present the most comfortable way to move across broader city areas.
Sarnath: The archaeological park has relatively flat paths, rendering it somewhat more navigable.

Sensory Impairments

Specific services adapted for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Support & Companionship

Limited Infrastructure: Very few specific services or infrastructure exist for visual impairments.
Limited Infrastructure: Similar limitations hold for hearing impairments.
Companion Travel: For individuals with such needs, travel with a companion is strongly advisable.

Public Transportation

General public transport options in Varanasi may not meet accessibility standards.

Transport Limitations

City buses are not adapted for accessibility.
Trains feature high steps and crowded interiors, presenting access issues.
Access to the core old city and riverside areas still necessitates manual assistance or transfers.

Additional Accessibility Information

Seek specialized resources for comprehensive accessibility planning.

Specialized Agencies

Travelers with specific mobility needs should seek out specialized accessibility travel agencies.

Online Forums

Consult online forums dedicated to accessible travel in India for tailored advice and recent information.

Meticulous Planning

Inquire directly with hotels regarding their accessible amenities.

Planning for Accessibility

Given the infrastructure, careful planning regarding accommodations, transportation, and site visits becomes highly relevant for travelers with mobility challenges. Direct communication with service providers is advisable.

Practical Information