Fake Sadhus, Scams & More: The Top 9 Things NOT To Do When In Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as the city of Shiva, is probably one of the oldest cities in India. It’s known for its beautiful and interesting aspects, be it the number of ghats fringing the city or the mythological & religious sentiments attached to it! But we thought we should equally make you aware of things that you should avoid doing when here:

1. Drinking On The Ghats & Public Places - A Big NO NO!

The religious and spiritual aspect of Varanasi forbids public alcoholic drinking and drinking on the ghats is considered a huge disrespect to the holy river itself. Not only is doing such a thing frowned upon by the locals, it can also land you in prison! Although we’re pretty sure you won’t feel the need to drink while in Varanasi, you should definitely avoid getting into trouble for it. 

2. Stay Clear Of Fake Sadhus

Sadhus in orange clothes with long dreadlocks and beards are a frequent sight in Varanasi and it’s even more difficult to spot the fake ones. Not that we’re trying to scare you but they have made their fair share of headlines over the the course of time. The best way to avoid them is to never engage in a conversation if they approach you with unrealistic promises. Just walk away!

3. Avoid The Monkey Thieves

Monkeys are not only smart animals, they are also really smart thieves! In fact, there’s a whole documentary related to the topic just in case you chose not to believe us. The monkeys of Varanasi have a reputation of entering rooms where doors and windows have been left open and take away the things they like without your permission (duh!). They also tend to snatch food from your hand when you’re otherwise distracted so be wary of these wily creatures! 

4. Beware Of The Beggars & Rickshaw Scams

Begging scams are a common sight in India, but these are extremely prevalent in Varanasi due to the presence of various temples and also because it’s a famous tourist destination. You just cannot fall for the credulous but deceiving acts of women beggars with babies as it’s believed that these are systematic businesses run by agencies. Rickshaw scams are also common in Varanasi, where the drivers or pullers gain knowledge about your whereabouts which can lead to ghastly consequences. The best way to avoid them is by giving the name of the nearest alleys or ghats instead of your actual hotels. 

5. NEVER Disrespect The River Ganga

Besides being a sacred river to Hindus, the Ganga has various sentimental values attached to it. The people in India, and especially in Varanasi, refer to the Ganga as a mother and a daily aarti is dedicated to it everyday in this city. This aarti is a spectacle in itself and thousands of people from all over the world flock to Varanasi to experience it. What you can do on your part is to keep the river clean at all times and never disrespect the Ganga or its devotees.

6. Overpriced Alcohol - Especially For Foreigners

Picture Credits: indianwineacademy

It’s absurdly easy to get fooled while buying things, especially alcohol, when in a different city and it becomes even more difficult if you’re from a totally different part of the world. It’s pretty common for people to sell alcohol without a price tag to tourists at exorbitant rates. Foreigners are more prone to this scheme since they are unaware of the legit retail prices. We advise you to buy alcohol from well known shops and to get an idea of their prices before you visit Varanasi.

7. Don't Disrespect Cows & Bulls

Cows and bulls are sacred animals. According to Hindu mythology Nandi the bull was Lord Shiva’s ride, giving it significant importance in the city of Shiva. The people in Varanasi believe cows and bulls are a manifestation of the holy bull and hence cannot tolerate any disrespect towards them. Try to keep your patience if you do cross paths with these sacred animals and instead of expecting them to make way for you, always make way for them.

8. Never Travel Without Mosquito Repellants

Mosquitoes and Varanasi go hand-in-hand but this is not a deal breaker as this problem comes with various solutions. The easiest one being to carry a mosquito repellant and applying it regularly throughout the day. We also believe that the rainy season attracts more mosquitoes hence you should plan a trip to this beautiful city in other seasons!

9. Avoid Wandering Alone In The Dark Alleys

Varanasi is an old city, rather a very old one, and is full of narrow alleys which turn into hazardous sites in the dark. Besides the alleys being uneven, which can make anyone tumble and fall, you can also run into stray cows or worse, some REALLY shady people you’re better off not meeting at all. Our advice? Don’t head out alone and if you do, carry a source of light with you at all times.