🛡️ Kashi Fair-Price Guide

💡Agree the price and headcount before boarding. Shared boats are the cheapest way to see the Aarti from the water.

💡Fix the rate first. Dawn rides are calm and inexpensive when shared.

💡Negotiate — rates rise near sunset, and motor boats cost more than rowing boats.

💡Meters are rare — fix a fair fare upfront, or share an auto to split it.

💡A round trip with waiting time costs more — agree the full plan before starting.

💡Shared e-rickshaws are the cheapest way around the old-city lanes.

💡Dakshina is a respectful offering, not a fixed fee — give what feels right. Agree any puja package and its cost beforehand.

💡Watching the Aarti from the ghat steps is FREE. Be wary of anyone charging for a "seat".

💡Fix the price with the barber before it begins.

💡Buy a little away from the temple gate for a fairer price.

💡Small packets are inexpensive; a "premium" thali is optional.

💡A single leaf-diya is only a few rupees.

💡The thick Banarasi lassi — a large kulhad sits at the top of this range.

💡A classic Banaras breakfast at any galli stall.

💡Sada / meetha paan is cheap; "special" paans cost more.