VARANASI / KASHI / BANARAS Travel Guide

The fascinating thing about this mystical city is that its rituals are revealed openly to along the many riverside Ghats, which are used for everything from bathing to burning the bodies of the dead. Yoga, blessings, massages, shaves, and games of cricket are among the other activities you'll find performed by the river's edge.

Getting Around

Streets are very narrow in the old part of the city along the Ghats, so walking is the only option in many places. It's possible to hire a bicycle at Assi Ghat. If you take a walking tour, you'll be able to explore the bazaars and unusual attractions, such as the flower market and Ayurvedic herb market. You can also visit artisans, a community of boatmen, and Juna Akhara where an unusual sect of naked sadhus lives.

Further out, auto rickshaws are convenient ways of getting around. Taxis and auto rickshaws can't reach the Dashashwamedh Ghat area between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. because of the crowds. You'll be dropped at Godaulia Crossing, where auto rickshaws line up.

As Varanasi is a holy city, alcohol isn't permitted around the ghats and temples. Many rooftop restaurants do discreetly serve beer to tourists though. You'll only find bars in mid-range and luxury hotels away from the ghats.

Dress code for Kashi Vishwanath Temple

There is no particular attire specified for a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, but there is a general dress code that is enforced. Visitors to the temple must cover their arms and legs. Indian traditional dresses are not compulsory and western clothes are allowed.

Security procedures

There are police checkpoints at a number of places as you enter the temple and security procedures are enforced strictly with frequent frisking.

Visitors are not allowed to carry cell phones, cameras, belts with metal buckles, shoes, cigarettes and lighters into the temple premises. Lockers can be hired at a nominal charge.

Dress code for Kashi Visit

Choose light and airy clothing, breathable footwear, and head cover for your Varanasi trip. The temperature is quite dehydrating. Thus, make sure to wear clothing that covers most of the body to combat dehydrating. The more skin is exposed to the sun, faster will be the dehydration.

Common Things should avoid during City Visit….

• While walking through the Ghats you will commonly look for the cremations, watch it there and capture in your mind. Because capturing it in a camera is not allowed.
• Be careful when you are trying ‘bhaang’. Also, drugs are not legal in any part of India. Thus be safe and avoid such activities.
• Avoid exploring the city late at night.