Varanasi is famous for its silk weaving, and Banarasi silks are a part of every girl’s wedding trousseau. Banaras Brocades are prized the world over. Brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys and exquisite gold jewellery are some of the other craft the city is famous for. The hand - knotted carpets of Mirzapur and musical instruments are among the other shopping attractions. Banaras is also famous for its ‘ Langda Aam’, a variety of mangoes available in the summer. Betel leaf is also a specialty. The main shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri bazaar, Lahurabir, Godoulia , Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar.

With hustlers and rickshaw drivers keen to drag tourists into shops offering commission, shopping in Varanasi can be a nightmare but its worth seeking out the city's rich Silk weaving and brasswork. The best areas to browse are the Thatheri Bazaar (for brass), Jnana Vapi and the Vishwanatha Gall with its Temple Bazaar (for silk brocade and jewellery). State run emporia in Godaulia, lahurabir and the Chowk - the three Handlooms outlets at Lahurabir, Nadesar and Neechi Bag, and Mahatex in Godaulia - of fixed prices and assured quality. Housed in a former palace opposite the Taj Hotel, Cantt, the CIE has a large and impressive selection but, despite its official-sounding name, is outrageously expensive Kashmiri-run chain aimed exclusively at the fivestar market.

Sales pitches tend to become more aggressive when it comes to silk, and you need be wary of the hard-sell. Qazi Sadullahpura, near Chhavi Mahal Cinema, lies at the heart of a fascinating Muslim neighbourhood devoted to the production of silk. Upica, the government-run emporium has the advantage of fixed prices, with outlets at Godaulia opposite the Taj Hotel, Cantt. Handloom House, D64/132K Sigra, another government sponsored chain, is the best and safest place to buy silk with a modern showroom although the sales staff appear disorganized. For tailoring, try Paraslakshmi Exports, Chandrika Colony Sigra (ph: 361496), a silk business providing a good and prompt service; they'll deliver to your hotel, and also offer ready-made waistcoats and boxer shorts.

 Souvenir and Shops
 

1 M/s Bhagwan Leela Sports, 41-Sindhu Nagar Colony, Sigra, Varanasi..
2 M/s Mohan Silk Store, D-5/154, Vishvanath Gali, Varanasi.
3 M/s Bhagwan  Store, D-10/3, Vishvanath Gali, Varanasi.
4 M/s J. R. Ivory, Arts & Curios, D-20, Vishvanath Gali, Varanasi.
5 M/s Chaudhari Brothers, Thatheri Bazar, Varanasi
6 M/s Mahalaxmi Sari House, 10, Chandrika Colony, Sigra, Varanasi.
7 M/s Bhagwan Silks, S-10/86, Sarnath, Varanasi.
8 M/s Mehrotra SSilk Factory, S. C. - 21/72, Englishia Line, Varanasi.

Banks

  • State Bank of India, Cantt, Banaras Hindu University.

  • Indian Overseas Bank, Lahurabir.

  • Bank of Baroda, Godoulia.

  • Canara Bank, Nichibagh.

  • Andhra Bank, Godoulia.

  • Allahabad Bank, Nadesar and Chowk.

  • Central Bank of India, Chowk.

  • The Banaras State Bank, Luxa.

Post & Telegraph

  • Vishweshwar Ganj. Ph : (0542)2331398

  • Shiv Prasad Gupta Hospital, Kabir Chaura. Ph:(0542)333723

  • Sir Sundar Lal Hospital B.H.U. Ph :(0542)2312542-45

  • Rajkiya Hospital, Shivpur . Ph : (0542)2382226

  • Hindu Seva Sadan , Chowk . Ph : (0542)2352143

  • Mata Anand Mai Hospital, Bhadaini. Ph : (0542)2310592

  • Ram Krishna Mission Hospital, Luxa. Ph : (0542)2321727

  • Marwari Hospital , Godoulia. Ph : (0542)2321456

  • Cancer Institute, N.E. Railway Lahartara. Ph : (0542)2425338

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