When all of the city's locals descend upon one destination to shop for traditional Indian wear during festivals, marriages or auspicious occasions, you know this place is something to reckon with. Kala Niketan commands a huge presence in Varanasi's list of shopping options for saris, lehenga cholis and embroidered garments which make up the wedding trousseau. The rates are slightly on the higher side but you can be assured of quality and peace of mind. This is a great shop to head to if you want to take back home a slice of Varanasi's proverbial Benarasi Silk Sari.
The H.K. Flower Shop is one of the many that line the entrance to Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Located just a few feet away from entrance number two, locker facilities are available for those who want to deposit their valuables, mobile phones, cameras and shoes before entering the holy premises. Though the locker service is free, they do expect you to buy some flowers or other offerings to cover costs. It's also possible to grab a chai or a chilled Coke and relax for a bit in the shaded interiors.
In a city where non vegetarian food is scarcely available, Mellow Bakers is hugely popular with its large collection of imported canned meat. Located inside the classical Kuber Market, this bakery has a regular customer base. Delightful pastries and fresh bread is another appealing prospect at this store which also stocks a lot of grocery. Raymond shop and Tanishq Diamond Store are also located inside the same complex.
Banaras Art Culture allows you to soak in Varanasi's art and culture right from the time you cross the street and peek into their glass windows that are adorned with sculptures of Ganesha and other Gods in the Hindu pantheon. The interiors are lined with a stunning range of marble sculptures, wooden carvings, paintings, terracotta crafts and other art work. Yes, the prices are quite high but there are enough takers which explains the continued presence of this shop which is housed inside a beautiful antiquated house.
With a visiting card that reads 'Save your Time & Money', Raghulal Sri Saree Factory surely stands out from the heaps of garment shops that line Dasashwamedh Road. This shop does not welcome slimy touts or guides who are paid commissions for roping in unsuspecting tourists. The result : authentic sarees at factory rates! An interesting range of colors, styles and fabrics await you here, but while in Banaras, picking up the much talked-about Banarasi Silk Saree is definitely in order!
Visitors to India are fascinated by the endless pantheon of Gods in all forms, colors and sizes. Rajasthan Moorthi Kala Kendra caters to this fascination by letting you take home these deities in the form of marble and stone idols. Exquisite carvings are a signature with this shop, whose owners are from Jaipur - Capital city of Rajasthan (another must-visit Indian State). It's also possible to get names engraved onto the gift items. A visit to this quaint shop tucked away along Dasashwamedh Road is a must! Bargaining is possible.