Varanasi, India 🇮🇳
#108
25.335649, 83.007629
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world, located along the banks of the Ganges River. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 15-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 INR ≈ 0.012 USD. Major banks include ICICI, HDFC, and SBI. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone are popular mobile providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at many places; ATMs available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to luxury hotels, with Airbnb being popular among expats. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate; digital payments accepted, but cash is still very common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Zostel Varanasi offers dorm beds starting at ₹400/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Space for Change - a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Brown Bread Bakery - great Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized by local expat groups, often shared on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Varanasi Facebook Group - a hub for community events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Ola are commonly used for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent scooters from local shops; prices start around ₹300/day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches nearby; the Ganges riverfront is popular for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | IndiGo and Air India operate from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways offer connections to Varanasi. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Highway 19 provides access to nearby cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Varanasi Junction (BSB) is major railway station serving long-distance trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Varanasi does not have a formal transit pass system; autos and buses come at low fares. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses available for travel to nearby cities like Sarnath and Bodh Gaya. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Heritage Hospital - known for its healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Varanasi offers various yoga classes and retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym located in the city center provides good facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; many guesthouses offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and Swiggy deliver a variety of local and international cuisine. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Chaat - a famous street snack, try it from the stalls near Dashashwamedh Ghat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kashi Chat Bhandar offers wide vegetarian selections. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bengali Sweet House specializes in local sweets like Rasgulla. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Vishwanath Gali are good for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon India and Flipkart for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | BigBasket and Swiggy Genie for grocery deliveries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | There are limited nightlife options; local bars in hotels cater to a small crowd. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery culture is developing, but options are limited. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; most locals prefer traditional drinks. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Stalls along the Ganges offer a plethora of street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Indian fusion cuisine available at places like The Brown Bread Bakery. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Ganges River Ghat. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum offers insights into Indian art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Sarnath - the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Burning Ghat - a unique place for observing Hindu cremation rituals. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Dev Deepawali celebrated with thousands of lamps along the Ganges. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Nawabi area is known for its historical significance and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural shows often held at the Ganga Mahasabha. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Assi Ghat's market offers handicrafts and religious items. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local folk music performances can be found along the Ganges. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; traditional art forms like block printing available. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered privately, focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Contemporary Indian art showcased at galleries like Art of India. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Ancient temples and forts throughout the region. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is a significant pilgrimage site with deep historical roots. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ramnagar Fort offers scenic views along the River Ganges. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Dudhwa National Park is about 4 hours away, known for its diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Ganges are popular for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Dashashwamedh Ghat for stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Varanasi's wetlands are home to numerous migratory bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Ganga River banks allow small gatherings, especially during festivals. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | India Post and couriers like DTDC handle delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local tech shops in the city offer general repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutes offer Hindi classes; personal tutors available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Banaras Hindu University library is open for public reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers offer community activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are limited, but some cafes offer gaming consoles. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casino in town; the focus is on traditional games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹40,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹1,600,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹1,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹35,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹2,100,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹28,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹1,680,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹32,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹2,560,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹25,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹2,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residential income tax; foreign income is also taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, foreign subsidiaries are subject to tax. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on state government rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% stamp duty on property purchases. |