Question 1

What is the Burning Ghat Donation Scam in Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

At Manikarnika Ghat (the main cremation ghat), you might be approached by individuals claiming to work for a hospice or charity. They often tell emotional stories about poor families unable to afford wood for cremation and pressure you into donating a large sum immediately. These individuals are often touts and the money does not reach the intended recipients. To avoid this: Politely decline any requests for money. If you wish to donate for cremation causes, visit the authorized office at the ghat or recognized ashrams, never give cash to random individuals.

Question 2

What is the Boat Price Inflation in Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

Boatmen or touts may quote exorbitant prices for boat rides, especially during sunrise, sunset, or the Ganga Aarti. A common trick is to agree on a price, say "500 rupees", and then claim it was "500 rupees per person" after the ride ends, or demand extra for "viewing points". To avoid this: Research standard rates (usually ₹300-500 for a small hand-rowed boat per hour). Agree on the TOTAL price for the entire group and duration clearly before stepping in.

Question 3

What is the The "Closed Shop" Trick in Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

Rickshaw or auto drivers may offer to take you to a "better" or "government" silk emporium, claiming your chosen shop is closed, burned down, or moved. This is a classic tactic to divert you to shops that pay them high commissions, which are then added to your bill. To avoid this: Insist on going to your specific destination. Use Google Maps to verify the route and open status. If the driver refuses, get another one.

Question 4

What is the Fake Guides & Touts in Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

Friendly locals or "students" may approach you offering a free tour to "practice English" or "share culture". While some are genuine, many will lead you into a maze of lanes ending at a specific shop where you face high-pressure tactics to buy silk or artifacts. To avoid this: Hire licensed guides from the Ministry of Tourism or reputable agencies. If someone offers a free service, clarify intentions early or politely decline.

Question 5

What is the Cab & Airport Drop Scams in Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

Drivers often offer a lower price for drops in exchange for adding more passengers on a "sharing basis". Never agree to this, even if traveling alone or as a couple; safety is paramount. Additionally, drivers may aggressively recommend hotels or shops where they earn commissions, often claiming your booked hotel is "bad" or "closed". This can happen with OLA, Uber, or Rapido too. To avoid this: Explicitly refuse sharing passengers before starting. Do your own verification for hotels and shops; politely ignore driver recommendations and stick to your plan.

Question 6

What is the VVIP Darshan Scam in Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

You may find scammers at the Vishwanath Temple Gate who offer "guaranteed Sugam Darshan." In reality, they will take you to a flower shop of their choice that charges heavily for offerings and locker services, and then they vanish. They have no official authority. To avoid this: Always buy "Sugam Darshan" tickets from the official website (shrikashivishwanath.org) or the Booking Counter near the temple. Avoid anyone approaching you outside the official counters.

Question 7

What is the Hotel Booking Scam in Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

You might verify a hotel listing and book with "Pay at the counter", but shortly before check-in, you receive a call demanding an immediate Gpay payment to secure the room. Upon arrival, you discover that no such hotel exists at the location. To avoid this: Never make payments to personal numbers if you booked with "Pay at Property". Verify the hotel's existence through multiple sources or official contact numbers.

Question 8

What is the Phone Locker Scam in Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

Many shops and stalls near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple claiming to be "official locker points" will charge you to keep your phone and shoes. These are private businesses and not affiliated with the temple. There have been reports of theft or exorbitant charges. To avoid this: Always prefer to use the official lockers located inside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex. They are safe, official, and completely free of charge.

Popular Scams in Varanasi

Burning Ghat Donation Scam

Boat Price Inflation

The "Closed Shop" Trick

Fake Guides & Touts

Cab & Airport Drop Scams

VVIP Darshan Scam

Hotel Booking Scam

Phone Locker Scam