Talk:Varanasi

Haifa & Bread of Life

I reverted the changes made to Haifa Cafe and Bread of Life Bakery... if they're true, someone speak up and we can add the info back in in a less harsh way. But it seems a little weird to me that 2 of the most popular places in the city with tourists have taken such a simultaneous nose-dive. Forgive me if I'm wrong about this. – cacahuate ^talk 01:26, 20 June 2007 (EDT)

Do NOT Bathe

surely this recommendation should be removed, if the water's not drinkable, you surely should not swim in it. " Try not to think too much about the dozens of sewage pipes and sunken corpses " again, just thinking about it doesn't make it in any way advisable. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 24.91.119.177 (talk • contribs)

Millions come here every year specifically to bathe, so.... – cacahuate ^talk 23:17, 25 February 2009 (EST)

JUST READ THE GANGA ARTICLE: ...As it flows through highly populous areas the Ganges collects large amounts of human pollutants, e.g., Schistosoma mansoni and faecal coliforms, and drinking and bathing in its waters therefore carries a high risk of infection. While proposals have been made for remediating this condition, little progress has been achieved. Along the 4 miles (6.4 kilometres) stretch of terraced bathing ghats in the holy city of Varanasi, the water of the Ganges is a "brown soup of excrement and industrial effluents."[5] The water there contains 60,000 faecal coliform bacteria per 100 ml, 120 times the official limit of 500 faecal coliforms/100ml that is considered safe for bathing...ANY QUESTIONS ??? so,when your not born and raised in varanasi...and even your mother drank that brew while pregnant...do not even think to bathe...it definitely gives you the shits...minimum...HARRY

I wouldn't do it, but many do.... I know several westerners that have, with no problems. But yes, what you say is true :) – cacahuate ^talk 22:14, 10 June 2009 (EDT)

You need to differntiate between "swimming" and "bathing". I would not SWIM in Varanasi but I would definitely BATHE there. And by "bathe" I mean stand in ankle-deep water and pour a little water over myself being careful to keep my eyes and mouth closed! One acceptable definition of "bathe" is to simply apply a little Ganges water to your head, arms, chest and feet. Remember that Hindus consider just being there to be a huge blessing and if you have the faith to bathe there, you are blessed that much more. BTW, you can also bathe in the Ganges at Rishikesh or Haridwar which are very clean but the significance of the Ganges at Varanasi is, among other things, that it auspiciously flows north here instead of southeast like the rest of the river.

I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS ADVICE

Rickshaw/taxi scams are a norm in Varanasi, and the driver will inevitably tell you that the hotel that you wish to go to has burned down, is flooded, or closed. Don't believe him. Drivers receive commission from hotels for bringing in new guests, and this is one way to trick newcomers to going to these places. Don't get annoyed, but see the exchange as playful banter and part of the Varanasi experience. However, if the driver continuously refuses to follow your instructions, threaten to get out of the rickshaw. If after all this you still end up to a different place, just refuse to pay until you arrive at your hotel. The same procedure will need to be followed when sight seeing, as drivers will inevitably try to take you to handicraft stores, from which they receive commission. If calling for a pickup from a more resepctable hostel, be wary that other taxi drivers may listen in to your phone conversation then tell another taxi driver who will pick you up pretending to be your hostel, then take you to a commision charging hostel.

I think the best way to deal with these people is a zero tolerance policy. If a driver does anything other than take you to your hotel, immediately get out and do not pay the driver. I have kicked the shit out of a bicycle rickshaw, to good effect. These people are the scum of the earth. They ruin people's vacations. They must be dealt with decisively and harshly.

"One of the most impressive sights in the world"

I think very few non-Hindus would consider people bathing in the Ganges to be "one of the most impressive sights in the world." Indeed, Google searches reveal that many people who visit Varanasi are not enthralled. I personally thought Varanasi was a sewer, and would not recommend that others visit it. Unless someone can give me a good reason to maintain the language in the current article that seems like a travel agent touting Varanasi, I believe the article should include my edits, which Ikan deleted. I will revert back to them tomorrow.