Varanasi Prices

« I wanted to share my experience about a cremation service in the area. The photo I decided not to upload only shows the entrance adorned with wooden decorations, where they actually burn the deceased. Everything happens right on the waterfront. Across the river is a hospice where people go to pass away. Let me tell you, there’s nothing special there — just walls and some poles.. it’s a bit unsettling to look at. Before the cremation, they carry the body to the river, and only after that do they conduct the "sacred" ritual for the deceased. This process costs about $650. The crematorium on the waterfront operates 24 hours a day and handles around 200-300 people each day. That's how it goes.. Therefore, there are not just one, but two such crematoriums. The second one is a little farther down the waterfront, and I understood that it was new. Not overly remarkable, you just walk along the waterfront and end up at the site of cremation.. it's eerie.. but on the other hand, it’s interesting to explore up the river. In the area, they do transactions, manage needs, and even clean up with the river water which is quite a unique experience. You definitely come away with unforgettable impressions.. 😂 There’s a photo featuring the wooden decorations along the waterfront, very interesting, especially out in the open where in the second harbor and one of the narrow streets in Vararasi.. »

« There’s a boat station along the waterfront. You can paddle along the river and head to the beach on the other side, where there’s a lovely spot to relax. For $200, you can lounge around like royalty, enjoying the view with friends. Suddenly, you might realize this waterfront isn’t fully touristy but rather has its own charm. You can see sturgeon being bred and smoked in the distance. A bit further down, there's a spot buzzing with beach BBQ vibes. Why not enjoy it? It's a great way to spend the day! 😊🌊 »

« In India, around every temple, you'll find these lovely men and women selling flower garlands as offerings to the gods. These garlands are also used to decorate the entrance of homes during festivals and wedding venues. Speaking of weddings, a large truck full of flowers is usually needed! Jasmine flower garlands are woven into the hair instead of hairpins and adornments for brides, and they’re quite popular in everyday life too, especially in the south. One garland costs about $0.30. 🌸✨ »

« This is a sari shop. We bought a Banarasi sari for a relative. It's called Banarasi because it is made exclusively in Banaras (formerly Varanasi), using a technique developed there. The work is done entirely on handlooms and can take anywhere from several weeks to months. It's made from pure silk, and it turns out there are many varieties of silk. This one feels very dense and lustrous, looking luxurious, especially with the gold embroidery, as seen in the photo. This type of sari is one of the most expensive, starting at around $200 and potentially reaching up to $100,000! The price depends on the complexity of the design and the quality of the gold thread. Interestingly, any Indian can immediately tell from a sari which region a woman is from and her social status. Such saris are worn only for weddings or significant events, and they can't be worn twice in the same region. So, throughout one's life, it may be worn no more than 10 times—much like evening dresses for celebrities. 🌟 »

« The cheapest mode of transportation is the cycle rickshaws. A journey lasting 20-30 minutes will cost you around $0.50. The labor can only be described as grueling. Yet, in Varanasi, hundreds of people work as cycle rickshaw drivers. The locals really manage to monetize everything – guiding the way, taking photographs, and so on, all for a price. »

« Varanasi - the city of kites! Each tree is surrounded by dozens of plastic and fabric wings. And on January 12th, there’s a whole festival dedicated to them! By the way, a kite in Varanasi costs around $0.04. 😊 »