Practical Tips & Hacks: Varanasi

Money-Saving Strategies

Varanasi offers many ways to enjoy the city without overspending.

Smart Shopping & Dining

Bargain Actively: Negotiate prices for auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and market items. Start low, stay polite.
Eat Street Food: Look for busy stalls with local customers for fresh, inexpensive meals.
Walk Everywhere: Explore the ghats and old city lanes on foot for intimate experiences.
Use Shared Transport: Opt for shared auto-rickshaws or group boat rides.

Budget-Friendly Choices

Refill Water Bottles: Carry a Reusable bottle and use filtered sources to save money and reduce waste.
Free Activities: Enjoy watching life on the ghats and observing Ganga Aarti from steps.
Happy Hours: Some mid-range restaurants in Cantonment have dining deals.
Temple Entry: Generally free, donations are optional.

Smart Travel Habits

Pre-plan Accommodation: Book ahead during peak season.
Book Transport: Train tickets sell out quickly, book in advance.
Use App Cabs: For transparent and fair auto-rickshaw/taxi fares.
Group Attractions: See nearby sites together to save travel time.

Strategic Sightseeing

Early Mornings: Visit popular ghats and temples before crowds.
Skip-the-Line: Some private tours offer preferred viewing spots for events.
Sarnath Combine: Combine Sarnath with Ramnagar Fort for a full day.
Ghats & Old City: Explore these as one continuous walking route.

Important Note on Bargaining

Bargaining is part of the local shopping culture. Approach it politely and with a smile, not as an insult.

Engaging with Vendors

Start by offering 30-50% below the initial asking price.
Do so politely and with a smile.
This applies to rickshaws and market items.
Excludes fixed-price shops or major retail chains.

Financial Guidance

Carry small denominations of cash.
Avoid displaying large amounts of currency.
Keep your wallet secure.
Always ask for a receipt if available.

Safety Measures

Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Be wary of anyone demanding money for rituals or ceremonies.
Use licensed guides or services you have sought out.
Decline unsolicited guides or shopkeepers politely.

Health & Hygiene

Never drink tap water; use sealed bottled or purified water.
Carry hand sanitizer and use it frequently.
Eat at places with visible food preparation and high turnover.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.

Local Insights

Local insights for a and safer Varanasi experience.

Common Tourist Mistakes

Falling for Touts and Scams: Decline unsolicited offers politely.
Not Negotiating: Bargaining is a norm; not doing so means overpaying.
Drinking Tap Water: Stick to sealed bottled or purified water.

Local Customs

Shoe Removal: Always remove your shoes before entering temples, homes, and some shops.
Dress Modestly: Especially for women, cover shoulders and knees.
Right Hand: Use your right hand for transactions, eating, and giving/receiving items.
Namaste: A universal and respectful greeting.

Unofficial Rules & Social Norms

Sensory Overload: Be ready for constant noise, crowds, and various smells.
Animals: Cows, dogs, and goats roam freely; give them space and walk carefully.
Bargaining is a Norm: It's a negotiation, not an insult.
Phrases that Impress: Using simple Hindi phrases (Dhanyawaad, Namaste, Kitna, Accha).

Solo, Family & Group Advice

Solo Traveler Safety: Stay aware of surroundings, inform someone of itinerary.
Family-Friendly Adaptations: Plan activities for cooler times, stick to established eateries.
Managing Group Logistics: Hire a private van/bus and experienced guides.
Accessibility Considerations: Varanasi poses challenges; plan private transport for mobility issues.

Health & Hydration

Staying healthy is for an enjoyable trip.

Water Consumption

Only drink sealed bottled water or purified water.
Avoid tap water entirely, even for brushing teeth.
Be cautious with ice in drinks, it might be from tap water.
Ensure children stay well-hydrated throughout the day.

Food Safety

Eat hot, freshly cooked food from reputable places.
Look for busy street food stalls with high local turnover.
Eat fruits that can be peeled.
Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.

Sun Protection

Wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck.
Use sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM - 4 PM).

General Wellness

Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Carry any personal medications in their original packaging.
A basic first aid kit is highly advisable.
Use insect repellent, especially in the evenings.

Traveler Insight

Be open to unexpected experiences. Varanasi often reveals its magic in unplanned moments.

Traveler Insights

Local insights for a and safer Varanasi experience.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Be wary of unsolicited offers; politely decline touts. Always negotiate prices.

Embrace Local Customs

Remove shoes for temples. Dress modestly, use your right hand for transactions.

Navigate Social Norms

The city presents a constant sensory experience. Give space to roaming animals.

Solo, Family & Group Travel Advice

Solo Traveler Tips

Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Inform someone of your itinerary.
Use reputable transport services (Ola/Uber, pre-paid taxis).

Family & Group Travel

Plan activities for cooler parts of the day.
Stick to well-established restaurants or hotel dining for children.
Boat rides on the Ganges are usually enjoyable for children.

Important Travel Information

Varanasi presents challenges for mobility. Private vehicle hire can lessen limitations in accessing some areas, especially the ghats and old city alleys.

Practical Tips & Hacks