What You Need to Know Before Traveling Alone in Varanasi

Varanasi: A Solo Traveler’s Guide

Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in India. It is a place where Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism coexist in harmony, where life and death are celebrated with equal fervor, and where the Ganga river flows with grace and power. Varanasi is a city that will challenge your senses, touch your soul and leave you with unforgettable memories. If you are looking for a unique and spiritual experience, Varanasi is the perfect destination for solo travelers. In this blog, I will share with you some tips on how to plan your trip, where to stay, what to eat, what to see and what to do in Varanasi.

Traveling solo can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it also comes with some risks and challenges. You should always be careful and prepared when traveling alone, especially in unfamiliar places. Here are some tips on how to travel safely as a solo traveler:

Do thorough research: Before you go, learn as much as you can about your destination, such as the culture, the laws, the transportation, the weather, the scams, and the emergency numbers.
Choose reputable accommodations: Book your stay in advance and look for reviews and ratings from other travelers. Avoid staying in isolated or sketchy areas and make sure your room has a lock and a safe.
Be wary of sharing personal information: Don’t tell strangers where you are staying, where you are going, or what your plans are. Be careful with social media posts that may reveal your location or itinerary. If someone asks you why you are traveling alone, have a plausible answer ready.
Use a VPN for public Wi-Fi networks: Public Wi-Fi networks may not be secure and may expose your personal data to hackers or thieves. Use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your online activity and protect your privacy.
Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to what is happening around you and avoid distractions like earbuds or headphones. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, leave the situation or seek help. Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to say no.
Follow local customs: Respect the local culture and dress appropriately. Learn some basic phrases in the local language and avoid topics that may be sensitive or offensive. Try to blend in and avoid drawing attention to yourself.
Make sure someone knows your whereabouts: Share your itinerary and contact information with a trusted friend or family member. Check in with them regularly and let them know if anything changes. You can also use apps like Find My Friends or Google Maps to share your location.

Why visit Varanasi?

Varanasi is a famous Indian city that is known as the spiritual capital of India for Hindus. It has over 2000 Hindu temples and many devotees come to take a dip in the holy waters of Ganga. Varanasi is also famous for its production of silks and brocades with gold and silver thread work.

Best time to visit the Varanasi trip

The best time to visit Varanasi is winter (November – February) because the weather is cool and pleasant and many fairs are held during this time⁵. Summers are very hot and dry, making outdoor sightseeing difficult.

Here are the best places to stay in Varanasi?

There are many places to stay in Varanasi, depending on your budget and preferences. Some of the best places to stay in Varanasi are:

Taj Nadesar Palace – Taj Nadesar Palace, a luxurious 5-star hotel set amidst lush gardens and orchards, with a spa, fine dining and personal butler service.
BrijRama Palace – BrijRama Palace, a heritage hotel on the banks of Ganga, with elegant rooms and suites, a rooftop restaurant and a cultural centre.
Taj – Taj, a modern 5-star hotel with spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a multi-cuisine restaurant.

How to Dress in Varanasi

Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India and many people are conservative about dress. You should wear clothes that cover your shoulders and legs to respect the local culture and avoid unwanted attention.

Book a budget guest house

Varanasi has many budget guest houses that offer basic amenities and a friendly atmosphere. You should book one with good reviews and lock your door or window at night for security.

Enjoy the Best of Varanasi with our Customized Tour Package

Do you want to explore your spirituality and visit the sacred places of India? Then our Pilgrimage tour Package is perfect for you. You will travel to all the holy sites of Varanasi. We will take care of everything for you, from transportation, accommodation, food, to security. This pilgrimage will take about 10-12 days and it will transform your life. Don’t wait any longer and book your Varanasi Tour Packages now.

Varanasi has a variety of restaurants to suit different tastes and budgets. Some of the good restaurants in Varanasi are:

Maharaja Restaurant – Maharaja Restaurant, a popular place for fast food, rolls, chaat and thali.
Kashi Chaat Bhandar – Kashi Chaat Bhandar, a famous spot for street food, especially chaat, samosa and lassi.
Varanasi Restaurant and Café – Varanasi Restaurant and Café, a cozy café with a rooftop terrace, serving Indian, Chinese and continental dishes.

There are different ways to travel to and from Varanasi Airport and City, depending on your budget and preference. Some of the options are:

Airport shuttle: This is the cheapest way to travel, but it may not be available all the time. You can check the availability and prices of airport shuttle services here.
Taxi or cab: This is a convenient and comfortable way to travel, but it may be more expensive than other options. You can book a taxi or cab online or at the airport. Some of the taxi or cab services are here.
Bus or van: This is another option for traveling in a group or with luggage, but it may take longer than other options. You can book a bus or van online or at the airport. Some of the bus or van services are here.

Here are the best things you can do in Varanasi

Enjoy the Ganga Aarti

The Ganga Aarti is a nightly ritual of worshiping the river Ganga with fire and music. It is a spectacular sight that attracts thousands of people every evening. You can watch it from the ghats or from a boat.

Take a sunrise boat tour

A sunrise boat tour is a great way to see the ghats and the rituals from a different perspective. You can witness the morning prayers, the bathing, the cremations and the sunrise over the river.

Walk along the ghats

The ghats are the steps that lead to the river, where most of the life and death scenes take place in Varanasi. You can walk along them and observe the people, the animals, the temples and the ceremonies, but don’t take pictures of cremation ceremonies out of respect.

Explore ‘Benaras ki Galliyaan’

Benaras ki Galliyaan’ are the narrow alleys that connect the ghats and the main roads. They are full of shops, temples, cows and people. They are a good way to experience the culture and chaos of Varanasi.

Conclusion

Varanasi is a city that will challenge your senses, beliefs and emotions. It is also a city that will inspire you, teach you and connect you with yourself and others. Traveling alone in Varanasi is not for everyone, but if you are willing to embrace it, it can be one of the best places to visit in India.🙏