Galis of Varanasi
Varanasi Alleys, India
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Galis are the narrow alleys of Varanasi. They form a labyrinthine maze. Although I prided myself in having a good sense of direction, I even got lost in the galis once, and spent over an hour to find my bearings again. I would say that anybody visiting Varanasi should explore its alleyways. The famous ones include Vishwanath Gali, Kachauri Gali, Thatheri Bazar Gali and Khoa Gali, among others.
Sidewalk stall in one of the narrow alleyways of Varanasi.
There is so much to see and discover here. Stalls line the gali, even the narrowest ones, selling food and drinks, spices, worship paraphernalia, and other stuff. Cows intermingle with humans - I do not know whether the cows are owned by anybody. Turn a corner, and you cope upon a small shrine. Some times figures of Hindu deities are sculptured on the walls themselves.
In mid day, some gali are desolate while right next to it, another is choked full of people. The air within the alley smell of rotten fruits and urine, and yes, you need a strong constitution to tolerate it all, or else this is not a place to be. But at the same time, the gali are cool and sheltered, and keeps you away from the dust and blazing sun of the main roads.
I hope that the photographs on this page will give you a glimpse of what is so charming about the gali in Varanasi.
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Varanasi Gali Photo Album
Some gali are very quiet and cool.
Cows share pride of space with humans in Varanasi's gali.
Walls are adorned with layers of advertisement signs.
Devotees following the passage of a deity being carried through a narrow alley.
The colour and mood in these galis provided for great photo opportunities.
For all the interesting information about Varanasi, return to Varanasi Travel Guide
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