Be Prepared
Packing List & Travel Tips
Everything you need to pack, wear, and know before visiting Varanasi.
Packing Checklist
Essentials
Valid ID (Aadhaar/Passport)
Required for temple entry and hotel check-in
Cash (₹2,000-5,000)
Many places don't accept cards. Carry small bills.
UPI-enabled phone
Google Pay/PhonePe accepted at many shops
Power bank
Long days exploring — keep phone charged
Water bottle (reusable)
Refill at hotels. Don't drink tap water.
Hand sanitizer
Use after touching ghats and public surfaces
Clothing
Light cotton clothes
Summer: loose, breathable. Winter: layers.
Modest clothing for temples
Cover shoulders and knees. No shorts at temples.
Comfortable walking shoes
Ghats have uneven stone steps. No flip-flops for long walks.
Light jacket (Oct-Mar)
Winter mornings are cold (8-15°C)
Rain jacket (Jul-Sep)
Monsoon season — sudden showers
Scarf/shawl
Useful for sun protection and temple visits
Health & Safety
Basic medicines
Paracetamol, ORS, stomach medicine
Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Sun is harsh, even in winter
Mosquito repellent
Essential in monsoon, useful year-round
Personal first-aid kit
Band-aids, antiseptic, any prescription meds
Travel insurance
Recommended for international travelers
Tech & Gadgets
Phone + charger
India uses Type C/D/M plugs. Carry adapter if needed.
Camera (optional)
Phone camera is usually sufficient
Offline maps (Google Maps)
Download Varanasi map offline before trip
NaviX app
Book boats, find ghats, get tips
翻译 app
Google Translate for Hindi-English
Don't Bring
Expensive jewelry
Risk of theft in crowded areas
Too much cash
ATMs available. Keep cash in hotel locker.
Leather items to temples
Not allowed inside most temples
Alcohol to ghats
Disrespectful and not allowed
Large suitcases
Narrow lanes — backpack is better
Travel Tips
Arrive Early Morning
Reach ghats by 5:30-6 AM for sunrise. Fewer crowds, best light, peaceful atmosphere. Most hotels allow early check-in or luggage storage.
Negotiate Everything
Auto-rickshaws, boat rides, shopping — always negotiate. Start at 50% of quoted price. Walk away if not fair.
Carry Small Cash
Street food: ₹50-100. Auto: ₹30-200. Boat: ₹150-500. Temples: ₹10-100 donation. Keep ₹500-1000 in pocket, rest in locker.
Stay Hydrated
Drink only bottled water (₹20-30/litre). Carry reusable bottle. Avoid ice in drinks. ORS packets helpful in summer.
Respect Local Customs
Remove shoes at temples. Don't photograph cremation. Ask before photographing people. Dress modestly at religious sites.
Use NaviX App
Book boats at fixed prices. Avoid touts. Live ghat info. Kashi Gyani AI guide for instant answers.
Eat Street Food Safely
Eat at busy shops with high turnover. Avoid raw vegetables. Start mild if sensitive stomach. cooked food is safer.
Keep Emergency Numbers
Police: 100. Ambulance: 108. Tourist Helpline: 1363. Save in phone.
Cultural Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering temples
Wear shoes inside temples or ghats
Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees
Wear revealing clothes at religious sites
Ask before photographing people
Photograph cremation at Manikarnika
Accept prasad with right hand
Use left hand for religious offerings
Greet with "Namaste" hands together
Touch strangers or religious objects unnecessarily
Eat with right hand (traditional)
Point feet at deities or elders
Carry shoes in a bag at ghats
Leave shoes unattended — they may be taken
Respect queue at temples
Push or cut lines at darshan