I am now seated on the stone stairs of Assi Ghat at 5:15 a.m. The sun is now peeking through at Varanasi. The mist is rising from the water of the Ganga River at Varanasi. The sound of sitars being played can be heard. There are conch shells blowing at Varanasi. Varanasi is truly beautiful. I wish to share my experiences of Varanasi while traveling solo. I believe my story about Varanasi will interest you. Some people do not believe a solo traveler can get a good experience in Varanasi. Some others say that Varanasi is a good destination for solo travelers. To me, Varanasi is both. I would like to invite you to listen to my experiences about Varanasi. I hope that you will in return enjoy a similar experience in Varanasi.
Mindset: City of Solo Travelers
Traveling alone can be scary, but not here, in Varanasi,
Why to go to Varanasi as a Solo Traveler
Varanasi is a great city when traveling alone and the local residents would certainly help the visitors to enjoy their time in the city, from having their tea to boats ride on Ganges.
Is Varanasi safe for solo travel?
The answer has always been a question for many travelers, primarily women travelers, and the answer is yes, Varanasi is safe for solo travel. The local people are supportive and helpful people and safety is of utmost importance.
Making plans about coming to Varanasi and reaching the city:
Good planning will make your trip to Varanasi more enjoyable as you will be more assured while wandering around this city.
What is the best season to travel to Varanasi?
You should consider my suggestion. Winter mornings are wonderful for visiting Varanasi. The weather will be pleasant and cool during winter mornings. The fog makes the river Ganges look magical.
There are so many ways to get to Varanasi, you can take a flight, a train, or even a bus. The airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri, is about 26KM from the city center. To take a taxi to the city center from the airport you would probably have to pay around 800 to 1000 Indian Rupees. A railway station is a good option to come here. The city has two railway stations: Varanasi Junction and Banaras. At the railway station, you can take an e-rickshaw to the hotel, for approximately 30-50 INR.
Where to stay?
Varanasi suits everyone, including the backpackers. If you are a backpacker, Assi Ghat is the best place for you. You will meet various other backpackers and avail dormitory beds at a price of 500-800 INR for one night’s stay.
In case you want to stay in the town’s center, then you may stay near the Dashashwamedh Ghat or Meer Ghat areas. The price of a good budget hotel like Ganges View in this area is around 1500-2500 INR.
Getting around
Walking is the main mode of transport in Varanasi, however, e-rickshaws can provide you with a means of transport if you are short on time at a price of 20-50 INR.
The Core: Itinerary, Places to Explore Food
If you want to get the most from your trip on your own, it is important to combine some sightseeing with a certain amount of relaxation; there are various things to see and do in Varanasi.
Ideal Travel Plan for Solo Travelers in Varanasi
So you are going to Varanasi. The first thing you need to do is find a place to stay and get ready for your trip. Here is a simple plan for your trip to Varanasi.
Day 1:
– You can fly into Varanasi Airport or come by train and then go to your hotel to check in.
– Go to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to see it.
– Get a guide. Start your tour of Varanasi with the guide.
– Buy things you like at Vishwanath Gali. Eat lunch at a local place.
– In the evening, watch the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Day 2:
– Go to the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
– Spend the day at Sarnath.
Day 3:
– See the ghats of Varanasi.
After three days in Varanasi it is time to go to your place.
What can you see when you travel by yourself in Varanasi?
When you are in Varanasi by yourself you can go to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple where the image of Mother Kali’s. You should also go to the Kal Bhairav Temple especially if you are a woman because it is one of the temples in Varanasi. Another great place to visit from Varanasi by yourself is the Sarnath Deer Park. You can travel to these places in Varanasi by yourself. Varanasi is a place to travel to, by yourself.
Places to see the sunrise/sunset in Varanasi.
In case you want to see the sunrise in Varanasi, you can take a boat across the river for the price of 400-600 Indian Rupees. To see the sunset, you can go to the top of one of the restaurants at Dolphin.
Best Cafés for Solo Travelers in Varanasi
In Varanasi there are cafes where you can relax. For single travelers some of the cafes are located at Assi Ghat. You can unwind at the Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe and carry out some work at the Open Hand Shop & Cafe.
Solo Foodie Adventure in Varanasi
Food plays a major role on any individual visit to Varanasi, and you ought to sample the street food. At Ram Bhandar you can get Kachori Sabzi for 40 Rupees. From Kashi Chat Bhandar you can have Tamatar Chaat for 60 Rupees and at the Blue Lassi Shop you can buy yogurt with fruits for 90 Indian Rupees.
Deep Culture, Budget, Safety
A solo trip to Varanasi can provide a cultural experience for those travelers who wish to learn about the city, and you will come across some interesting things in Varanasi.
Best Heritage Walks & Routes in Varanasi
If you happen to visit Varanasi, ensure to take a walk through the roads existing between Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat because one of the important things for every solo tourist in Varanasi is to explore the silk weaving industry being carried out in Madanpura.
Ways to Explore the Local Culture of Varanasi.
Varanasi comprises cultural activities that are well-suited for a solo traveler. For instance, at the Assi Ghat, the traveler may enjoy the Subah e Banaras, listen to sitar performers and observe Akhara wrestlers.
Budget for Solo Travelers in Varanasi
When you are traveling on your own and on a budget you can anticipate spending between 1000 and 1500 Indian Rupees each day; if you are willing to spend a bit more then you can spend between 2500 and 3500 Indian Rupees a day. This amount will cover your accommodation and provide you with enough food. You must also save some money for trips by boat on the Ganges River.
Packing Essentials for Solo Travelers in Varanasi
When you go on your solo trip to Varanasi you ought to take walking shoes. You ought to take clothes which are appropriate for the weather and a power bank, a lock for your hostel locker and a reusable water bottle as well.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Varanasi
It is advised to solo travellers in Varanasi to say no to street vendors and boatmen. Nighttime wandering should be avoided… photographs of the cremation pyres should not be taken.
Things to Avoid While Solo Traveling in Varanasi
When travelling alone in Varanasi there are some things you should avoid such as trying to see a lot in one day. You must not give money to beggars and you must not take taxis without asking if the meter is working.
Is it simple to meet other travelers who are on their own in Varanasi?
Varanasi is a good place for meeting other single travellers. You have the option of staying in a backpacker hostel or of meeting travellers at the cafes located in Assi Ghat.
And what is it that a traveling woman alone should wear in Varanasi?
Women alone on their travels should be conservative in their attire and cover their shoulders and legs properly. Do not go for shorts and tops combination as it will surely make you one of a kind and out of place here. They may be further advised to cover their heads with a scarf or veil, should it be a common practice when going into places like places of worship or holy sites.
What is Varanasi’s maximum limit for an independent tourist for days to stay there?
Well, from my own experience a single traveler should take at least three to four days to explore Varanasi’s city and its rich culture.
Final Thoughts
Once more I am sitting on the steps by the river in Varanasi as the evening is drawing on. I can hear the water hitting the stone and I can hear the distant tolling of the temple bells resounding through the city. The fact that my visit to Varanasi as a single traveller will always remain a memory of mine is something I know for certain, and I am aware that I shall return to this city again.
