Skip to main content
Image
By

  

Things not to do in Varanasi

     By Meera Vohra


Things to do while in Varanasi are something that has been discussed at large by the itinerary planners and now the social media influencers. However, certain things are best to be avoided for a visit to the city with minimum hiccups.

Avoid a weekend if you plan to visit Varanasi

With the city bursting at the seams on the weekend, visiting Varanasi on the weekdays is preferable if you are looking for some peaceful moments. You can also skip the important festivals for the visit if tranquillity is also part of your plans, if not, then enjoy the vibrancy of the city which is always in a celebratory mode.





Avoid unofficial facilitators for darshan at the temples

Those keen on a less time-consuming temple darshan should take help of such provision, if any, from the temple's official website or walk-in ticket counters. They should avoid the unofficial facilitators hovering around the temples who could charge much more than the official amount and the amount paid will not go into the exchequer of the temple.



Wander, but don't get lost in the lanes

The old-world charm of the lanes of Varanasi transports you to a different world altogether. The architecture of some of the houses in this old part of the city is quite enchanting. These lanes also have some delectable eating places to gorge on sweets, so pamper your taste buds with sweets like malai puri, and palang tod among a long list of delicacies that are only served by shops in the lanes. But then a word of caution as well, be wary of the middlemen popularly known as lapkas who could lure you to the 'authentic' Banarasi saree or fabric stores, some of them situated in the lanes in the old part of the city. Instead, try shopping for products with the silk mark or a GI tag (Geographical Indication) in case you are keen on authentic stuff.



Stay away from the self-proclaimed guides

Those desirous to understand this spiritually layered place or the experience the worldly charm of the city with the help of a guide, steer clear away from the self-proclaimed ones. Instead, take the services of government-approved guides for a more safer and enriching experience.

 

Pics by Utsav Sharma

 

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Café That Feels Like Home in Varanasi

By
By Meera Vohra In an age when every moment is being designed as Instagram-worthy, Sparrow café in the Assi area of Varanasi is a refreshing change.  A traditional home with a verandah and wide wooden windows has been running as a café for a decade now.  The cosy setup reminds one of our grandparents' home rather than a regular café, with the guests often spending hours here with some delicious food, infused with local ingredients, for company.  The cafe derives its name from the sparrows that flock in the morning, as they do in most homes. The all-woman setup , perhaps the first in the city, came into existence around 2016. Sakshi Srivastava , who helms the café, says, “Initially, people were apprehensive of a woman managing along with a team of ladies. This feeling ran in the family as well, but I was sure that this was my calling.  From the very beginning, I wanted to give a home like feeling to the guests coming to our place. The reason no change has been made t...
Post a Comment
Read more
By
  KALPAVAS IN PRAYAGRAJ DURING MAGH: AN INNER JOURNEY OF PURIFICATION By Meera Vohra (pics by Shalini Maheshwari) Prayagraj, which has been conferred with the title of tirthraj, assumes a greater significance during the month of Magh.  The Puranas have enumerated the importance this pilgrimage destination enjoys in the month of Magh. According to the Matsya Purana, a mere visit to Prayajraj removes all sins, while the Kurma Purana mentions that those who reside here are not only able to attain salvation for themselves but also for their ancestors.   The sanctity of the place is the reason that even Gods and Goddesses feel blessed to reside in this land, which is also considered to be the utpatti sthal or genesis of the earth, according to the scriptures. It is believed that acts of benevolence done on this sacred land, taking the holy dip, removes one from the cycle of birth and death. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYAGRAJ DURING THE MONTH OF MAGH The importance of stayin...
2 comments
Read more
By
  The cafe that serves the essence of Varanasi: Camaraderie,  Conversations and Chai! Meera Vohra Like the rest of Varanasi , Kashi Café, situated at Assi Ghat , is in a transition phase. The place, known for frothy, delicious kullar coffee and chai, with cerebral conversations for company, is shifting premises. The current existence of a makeshift kiosk with few benches gels well with the no-frills character of the city. The menu has been curtailed, but the coffee and chai continue to brew and are served in the humble kullars. The café is currently being helmed by Lakhan Kashyap , whose father laid the foundation of this place more than four decades ago. Lakhan tells us, “The café that came into existence in the 1980s was earlier called Kashi Tea Stall , named after my father, who started this place. It was the most favoured spot for the foreigners who predominated in Assi and neighbouring areas.  Natives from France, Germany and other European countries used to visit t...
1 comment
Read more