Shopping in Varanasi

Varanasi is known for its shopping attractions, in addition to Holy Ganga. The holy water of Ganga itself promotes shopping in Varanasi as thousands of pilgrims shop for brass/copper vessels to carry it. Varanasi tourism guide mainly covers various items for the pilgrims who visit Varanasi throughout the year. The ‘Vishwanath Gali’ is the best shopping place in Varanasi. The Gali is famous mainly for the traditional Banarasi Sarees (got its own GI mark) and statutes of deities especially Lord Shiva and Ganesh. Special dresses including the ones used for festivals like ‘Janmashtami’, ‘Navratri’ etc. are also sold at low prices, making the market an attractive shopping destination.

The Thatheri Bazaar is another shopping market place in Varanasi. The market is famously known for the idols of deities, particularly crystal & stone-built Shiv Lingam. The Bazaar is also famous for ‘Gulabi Minakari’, popularly known as the ‘the hidden craft of Varanasi’ which is an ethnic art culture followed from the Mughal era in India. Minakari is a special type of Jewellery designed on Muslim patterns and the bazaar witness huge crowd to buy the same, making the market one of the most famous shopping places in Varanasi.

Markets surrounding Mirzapur has found its own place in the Varanasi guide of shopping for hand-crafted carpets which are bright and colorful and available in all shapes and structures. The carpets, woven in Bhadohi, are unique to Varanasi and thus make carpet shopping in Varanasi worthwhile. Khojwa is another shopping place in Varanasi which is popular for its uniqueness in creating the idols of the famous Hindu gods and goddess in the form of Russian dolls. Shopping of wooden in Varanasi is the Wood crafters in the market who make wooden lacquer with wonderful designs and other wooden works. This marks the market as an important one in the Varanasi guide.

Varanasi shopping is incomplete without visiting Chowk Market, famous for beautiful handmade beads. Varanasi is the largest manufacturer of glass beads and the tourists flood the market to buy the same. In the chowk (bazaar), one will stroll among innumerable stalls selling almost everything. Note the cheap little toys in wooden pieces painted in bright colors depicting gods and goddesses. Lovers of necklaces, bracelets, malas (rosaries) of fine stones at unbeatable prices will be satisfied. Or, you will buy for a ridiculous price glass beads to create necklaces yourself. Thus, the experience of shopping in Varanasi is unique in its own way and an integral part of the Varanasi Tourism.

Varanasi is one of the Indian cities specialized in the weaving and trade of silk. Even if one is not tempted by the beautiful fabrics, one will enjoy visiting one of the shops that offer an incredible choice. Buying a sari is no easy task. It should be noted that the quality of the pieces of fabric presented is extremely variable and that a sari can be worth 100 euros (or less) to 1000 euros or more.

A large shop, Cottage Industries, is located opposite the Taj Hotel. It is in luxurious setting, offering beautiful choice and price accordingly. However, one can go there, if only to admire the high-end carpets and silks. Here, explanation of the manufacturing steps, from the silkworm to the loom, is showcased. Two craft stores specializing in bronze statues can be recommended; many choices, often of very good quality: Toy Museum, in the main Chowk (Vishwanath Galli) for classical bronzes and Benares Art Sculpture, on the avenue which leads from the center towards the Assi Ghat for remarkable tribal bronzes of Chattishgargh.

Varanasi (or Benares) is located on the bank of the Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. True soul of India, Varanasi is considered the most important of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism and certainly as the most fascinating. Whether strolling through its narrow lanes or along its colorful ghats lined with ancient palaces, weathered by the Ganges, Varanasi is an open-air theater that offers the permanent spectacle of the many pilgrims who indulge in ritual ablutions. Every year, millions of Hindus go to Varanasi to wash their sins or simply ... to make their last breath. For a Hindu, dying in Varanasi offers a unique opportunity to free oneself from the cycle of rebirths. In this mystical city of eternal fire, where a particular smell floats, the fire of cremations never stops.

Varanasi Tour Packages

Golden Triangle with Mathura Varanasi Haridwar Rishikesh Tour

Golden Triangle with Mathura Varanasi Haridwar Rishikesh Tour

10 Nights / 11 Days
Destination : Delhi- Jaipur-Abhaneri- Fatehpur Sikri- Agra- Varanasi-Haridwar-Rishikesh

Incredible India with Diwali Tour

Incredible India with Diwali Tour

15 Nights / 16 Days
Destination : Delhi-Udaipur-Jaipur-Abhaneri-Fatehpur-Sikri-Agra-Orchha-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Mumbai-Goa

North India Heritage Tour

North India Heritage Tour

9 Nights / 10 Days
Destination : Delhi – Jaipur – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri- Agra- Gwalior- Orchha-Khajuraho - Varanasi

Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour

Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour

7 Nights / 8 Days
Destination : Delhi - Jaipur - Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Varanasi - Sarnath - Delhi

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