Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and is renowned for its spiritual significance. |
| 👥 Population | 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 15-25 Mbps, but can vary widely in crowded areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 INR ≈ 0.012 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Airtel and Jio are popular providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs widely available; credit cards accepted in urban areas. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, guesthouses, and hotels ranging from budget to luxury. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payment options like Paytm and Google Pay are commonly accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, offering a range of accommodation types. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Check out Zostel for hosteling options starting around ₹500 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Ghats area, especially near Dashashwamedh Ghat. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Assi Ghat area, known for its cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hub Varanasi offers good facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Varanasi near Assi Ghat has a relaxed setting and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups in local cafes, check Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Varanasi Facebook Group is a good resource for community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ola and Uber are commonly used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent a scooter through local vendors, around ₹300 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beach access, but the Bali Ghat riverfront offers scenic views. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | IndiGo offers flights from Varanasi to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways operate routes to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Varanasi is well-connected to major highways, including NH-19. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Varanasi Junction is the main railway station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and auto-rickshaws are the primary modes of transport; no formal transit passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and local buses connect to nearby cities like Sarnath and Allahabad. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | BHU Trauma Center offers 24-hour services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Lounge offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym has a good reputation in Varanasi. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, or use services from hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and Swiggy are popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kachori and Jalebi are must-try street foods. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bhelpuri Corner and Aum Cafe offer great vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Oven Fresh is known for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Vishwanath Gali offer inexpensive food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Flipkart and Amazon India operate in the region. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | BigBasket and local services provide grocery delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; check out Spice Coast for a lively atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; domestic beers like Kingfisher are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options, but some hotels offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Explore the stalls near the ghats, famous for local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bistro Resto serves a mix of Indian and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath Stupa are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum is worth exploring. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Ghats of Varanasi hold immense historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Golden Temple is an iconic religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Dev Deepawali is a grand festival celebrated with lights and enthusiasm. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the narrow lanes of the Old City for local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Ravindra Bhawan hosts cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visiting the local Ghats market for handicrafts is a must. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Listen to traditional music performances along the Ghats. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found in various parts of the city, particularly in local bazaars. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered by local chefs in the vicinity of the ghats. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Explore local galleries featuring works by local artisans. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Manikarnika Ghat has historical significance and is unique. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Varanasi is known for its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Ramnagar Fort offers scenic walks away from the crowds. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Chandoli National Park is around 120 km away, ideal for a day trip. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking along the ghats is a scenic experience. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The sunrise view from Dashashwamedh Ghat is spectacular. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Varuna River banks are good spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires are generally not permitted in public areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DTDC and India Post for shipping and delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops in the city center for repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes host table tennis matches. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Many language schools offer Hindi classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | BHU Library is accessible for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various cultural centers offer workshops and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; some cyber cafes offer gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available; Varanasi does not have casinos. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹200,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹140,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹6,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹360,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹270,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹5,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹440,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹320,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% in India. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% for resident shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for incomes above ₹10 lakh. |
| 🧾 VAT | GST varies from 5% to 28% depending on the goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, India has CFC rules for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on local property tax laws. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% transfer tax on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax benefits specifically for digital nomads. |