The essentials
Documents & money
- Government ID — passport for foreign nationals
- Printed temple bookings (no phones inside)
- Cash in small notes, ₹10–₹200
- A debit card that works in Indian ATMs
- Copies of tickets and hotel confirmations
Clothing
- Loose cotton clothes covering shoulders and knees
- One traditional outfit (kurta, saree, dhoti) for pujas
- A light shawl or stole
- Clothes you don’t mind getting wet at the ghats
- Modest swimwear alternative if you plan a dip
Footwear
- Slip-on sandals for temples
- Comfortable walking shoes for the ghats
- Socks for cold temple floors in winter
- No leather on temple days
Health & comfort
- Personal medicines (with prescriptions)
- ORS sachets and basic stomach medicine
- Hand sanitiser, tissues, wet wipes
- Mosquito repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- A small torch for early mornings
Season extras
Winter (Dec – Jan)
- Warm jacket and thermal inner wear
- Woollen cap and muffler for dawn boat rides
- Moisturiser and lip balm
Summer (Apr – Jun)
- Cap or wide-brimmed hat
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Electrolyte sachets
- Cotton scarf for sun and dust
Monsoon (Jul – Sep)
- Compact umbrella or poncho
- Quick-dry clothes
- Sandals with good grip for wet stone
- Zip pouches for documents
Travelling with family
- Snacks children and elders like
- Light folding stool for long queues (outside the temple)
- Copies of medical details for elders
- Name and hotel card in each child’s pocket
What not to bring to the temple
Kashi Vishwanath has strict security. Phones, smartwatches, cameras, power banks, earphones, bags, pens, lighters, cigarettes, belts and wallets made of leather are not allowed inside. Lockers are available near the gates, but queues for them can be long — the easiest plan is to leave everything at your hotel and carry only your ID, a printed booking and some cash.
Heads up. Smartwatches and car key fobs are also checked. Leave them behind.
Useful things to buy in Varanasi
- A cotton kurta or dhoti from the shops near Godowlia, inexpensive and perfect for pujas.
- A small cloth bag for flowers, prasad and sandals.
- A copper or brass lota if you want to carry Ganga jal home (sealed bottles are also sold).
- Banarasi silk — buy from established shops or the government emporia.