Varanasi's BEST Kept Secret: Prakash Paying Guest House!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the chai on Varanasi's hidden gem: Prakash Paying Guest House! Forget the glitzy hotels – this place is where the real Varanasi experience happens. And let me tell you, it's a wild ride, a beautiful mess, and I wouldn't trade it for all the gold-plated holy cows in the city.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly a Delight… and a Cautionary Tale
Alright, let's be upfront: if you're strictly wheelchair-bound, the accessibility is… patchy. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, but I'm a bit skeptical. I didn't see ramps everywhere, and Varanasi's streets are a chaotic dance of rickshaws and stray cows anyway. So, call ahead, ask specific questions, and be prepared for a bit of an adventure. But for the generally mobile traveler, it's a breeze. Elevators are a godsend in this city, and they HAVE them here! Getting to Prakash will be a different story with the constant chaos, but this is Varanasi, you will be used to it.
Then there’s the Wi-Fi situation. FREE Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! Internet! Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, and Wi-Fi for special events… Yes, yes, and more yes. I needed to post immediately to all social media about the incredible sun rise. The Wi-Fi was generally okay, especially for uploading a few sunrise photos, but don’t expect to live-stream the Kumbh Mela. Remember, it's India. Patience is a virtue.
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Belly Rumble)
Okay, let’s talk food. This is where Prakash REALLY shines. Forget those sterile hotel buffets – Prakash has a soul!
Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- The Breakfast: The spread is phenomenal. Western and Asian - you name it, they have it. And the chai… Oh, the chai! (Asian breakfast)I swear, they brew it with pure magic. (And maybe a little bit of secret masala…)
- Restaurants and Bars (Restaurants): A cafe with various cuisines. A pool-side bar. Restaurant.
- Room service: You can order food 24/7.
My Anecdote: One morning, I woke up with a serious craving for puri bhaji. Not on the menu, BUT the chef, bless his heart, whipped it up for me anyway, and it was the best I've EVER had. Ever. (And yes, I immediately took another snap.) The staff cares. It's not just a job to them; it's a labor of love.
The Imperfection: Alright, I have to be honest. I got a little… adventurous with the street food one day, before I found Prakash. Let’s just say I spent a memorable afternoon getting to know the inside of the bathroom. Prakash’s food? Spotless. Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Even the cutlery looks like it's been through a spa. Hygiene is clearly a priority here.
Relax and Rejuvenation (Or, How I Almost Forgot I was in Varanasi)
Okay, let's be frank. Varanasi can be… intense. The constant noise, the throngs of people, the burning ghats… It can be overwhelming. Prakash is your oasis.
Ways to Relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
- The Pool with a VIEW!: This is the real deal. The infinity pool overlooks the Ganges, and the sunrises from there… chef's kiss. I could have literally spent my whole trip there. It's not just about the pool itself. The fact that it exists in this city is a miracle.
- Spa/Sauna: I indulged in an Ayurvedic massage. My tense shoulders wept with joy. I think the masseuse could practically see the stress melting away. The spa is impeccably clean, quiet, and a blissful escape.
- Fitness Center: I didn't get around to using it, but I think my daily walks around Varanasi were all the exercise I needed.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sanctuary in a Sea of Chaos
This is where Prakash REALLY earns its stars. While Varanasi itself has a… unique approach to cleanliness, Prakash is meticulous.
Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Room sanitization: Rooms are immaculately clean. They’ve got all the bells and whistles to make you feel safe.
- My Reaction: Okay, I was a bit paranoid about the, let's call it environmental hygiene in Varanasi. Prakash put my mind at ease. The staff is obsessed with cleanliness. Constant sanitization. The rooms smelled fresh and the linens were crisp – pure joy.
Safety/Security: This is a hotel that’s serious about security.
- Safety/security feature: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour].
Services and Conveniences: Your Home Away From Home (With a Little Extra Spices)
Prakash goes above and beyond. They understand that you're in Varanasi for an experience, not just a hotel stay.
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
- The Staff: The staff is INCREDIBLE. They're genuinely friendly, helpful, and always ready with a smile (and a recommendation for the best lassi in town). They arrange tours, transport, and will pretty much bend over backwards to make your stay perfect.
- The Terrace: The terrace! Oh, the terrace! Perfect for watching the sunset, sipping chai, and contemplating the universe (or, you know, just Instagramming your perfect travel snaps).
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- I didn't have any kids, but I did see a few families there and they all looked happy.
Available in All Rooms - The Real Comforts!
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Getting Around - Sortof.
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
- Varanasi’s traffic is brutal. I ended up walking most of the time, but they do offer airport transfers.
The Not-So-Perfect Stuff (Embrace the Imperfections!)
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Admiral House Cascais: Portugal's Most Luxurious Coastal Escape?
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly manicured travel brochure. This is real life, in Varanasi, India, at the esteemed Prakash Paying Guest House. Let's dive in, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival & Holy Cow, It's Varanasi!
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The heat hits you like a physical force. Honestly, it’s like stepping into a giant, humid hug. Find your way to Prakash Paying Guest House. (Pro tip: pre-book a driver. Trust me. The chaos at the airport arrivals is… an experience.)
- Afternoon: Check in, and promptly collapse on the bed. Okay, maybe not promptly, because there's a tiny gecko on the wall, staring me down. He’s judging my travel attire (sweaty and crumpled). Finally, settle in. Prakash PG is… well, it’s Prakash PG. Clean-ish. Basic. The promised "rooftop terrace with Ganges views" is… promising. The view is there, obscured somewhat by laundry, satellite dishes, and a persistent power line, but you can definitely see the river if you squint and believe.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Attempt a stroll to the ghats. This is when the sensory overload truly begins. The sights, the smells (incense, sewage, and something faintly floral – maybe jasmine?), the sounds (bells, horns, chanting that seems to pulse directly into your bones). It’s a beautiful, bewildering, chaotic symphony. I almost get run over by a scooter driven by a teenage boy with a serious lack of brakes. My first reaction? Jump! My second? Laugh. It's just…Varanasi, right? Decided to follow the crowd. Saw a cremation (quite a distance), felt a mix of respect and overwhelming emotion. The humanity is thick here, the awareness of death, life flowing together. Then stumbled upon a chai stall. Best chai I’ve ever tasted. The guy was missing a few teeth and smiled so wide i had to smile back. We communicated with hand gestures and giggles and a shared understanding of the moment. Back to the PG, and a solid, much needed nap.
- Night: Dinner at a recommendation from Prakash (the owner, a lovely, slightly flustered gentleman who always wears the same slightly stained t-shirt). The food was… spicy. Like, tear-jerkingly spicy. I managed. Barely. Went back to the rooftop, and watched the Ganga Aarti (the evening prayer ritual) from afar. Sigh. Still not sure where the joy is… but also, totally there.
Day 2: The Ganges, Goats, and Gut Feelings
- Morning: Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. This is the thing everyone raves about. The boatman, a weathered man named, (I swear it) Rajesh, who smelled of sun and diesel, takes us along the ghats. Seeing the city wake up, bathed in the soft morning light, is magical. It’s also… crowded. Seriously crowded. Every other boat seems to have a tourist taking selfies. Rajesh points out the various ghats, the burning ghats (which are a somber and powerful sight). Feeling a bit self-conscious, taking photos. There's a feeling of being an outsider looking in, and not knowing how to behave properly. I saw a goat. A goat on the ghats. Eating garbage. I was fascinated. And slightly sad.
- Mid-Morning: After the boat ride, I decide to wander through the narrow, labyrinthine alleyways behind the ghats. This is where the magic, and the mess, truly coexist. You navigate a human gauntlet of cows, street dogs, vendors, and the occasional (very persistent) beggar. The smells are strong and varied. The sights are equally intense (I saw a guy shaving another guy, a tailor sewing on a tiny patch, someone selling bright-colored paint). I get lost. Utterly, gloriously lost. Get help from a kid who wants to sell me a piece of jewelry. I say no, very politely, and he points me in the right direction.
- Afternoon: Food! I eat. And eat. I find a little place and eat. There are some good smells here. I ate a plate of delicious aloo tikki chat. The owner insisted I try a sweet treat that look like a doughnut. He was really proud of it. He smiled. More smiles. I felt good about the food.
- Late Afternoon: I decide to take a yoga class. This feels like a good idea. It's not. Not really. The teacher is lovely, but the studio is hot. The yoga is hard. I am not flexible. I struggle. I sweat. I probably look like I'm having a seizure. But, I finish. And I feel… a little better. Proud.
- Night: I'm having a really hard time. I feel homesick, overwhelmed, and a bit lonely. I think I'm going to skip dinner and just… sleep. I want to leave. But… what if something wonderful is right around the corner? I'll go to the rooftop. And look at the moon.
Day 3: Silk, Shanti, and a Shift?
- Morning: Prakash, in his same slightly stained t-shirt, knocks on my door with a cup of chai. "You look better today!" he beams. God bless Prakash. He recommended a silk weaving workshop. I went, was dazzled by the artistry (the colors! The intricate patterns!), and bought a scarf, even though I can barely afford it. It felt like a small act of optimism.
- Mid-Morning: Visit the Sarnath. This has to be done. So I did. It’s a peaceful Buddhist place. I feel… a calm. A bit of stillness. Maybe Varanasi is starting to work its magic. I sit beneath a Bodhi tree, close my eyes, and breathe.
- Afternoon: Lunch with the locals. I found a place. I ate. I laughed. I'm not sure why I was so afraid to be here.
- Late Afternoon: I want to buy some things for my family. I buy it. I'm getting better at the bargaining thing. Victory!
- Night: Back at the PG. I sit on the roof. The laundry is still there. The power lines still buzz. But the Ganga is still glowing in the dark. I can smell the incense. I can hear the distant chanting. I am here. And I think, I am starting to understand. I am not alone. I feel better, and I smile. I still miss my family, but I am having an amazing experience.
Day 4: Departing… With a Slightly Changed Perspective?
- Morning: One last walk along the ghats. I take it all in. The burning, the praying, the chaos. The beauty. I find Rajesh. He gives a smile. I give a smile back. I have chai with him. This is my favorite thing I did.
- Afternoon: Packing. The inevitable moment. Leaving is hard. Saying goodbye is harder. I hug Prakash. I get a ride to the airport. The drive this time feels more relaxed.
- Evening: Flight home. My thoughts are a mess. I'm exhausted. I'm overwhelmed. I'm also…changed. I'm not sure how, or why, but this trip has shaken me. I carry the smells of Varanasi with me, and a few stray gecko friends, and a smile.
This is just a rough sketch, a starting point. Your Varanasi will be different. It will be messy. It will be real. Embrace it. And don't forget the anti-diarrheal medication. You'll need it. ;)
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So, like, what *is* this whole "life" thing anyway? Seriously. I'm asking.
Ugh, don't even get me STARTED. It's... complicated. You know? Like, sometimes I feel like I'm winning at life, and then I trip over a curb, spill coffee down my shirt, *and* forget my wallet, all in the span of five minutes. Then you're left wondering if you're actually living in a cosmic joke. I *think* it's a series of choices, failures, triumphs, and an inexplicable fondness for cheese. That’s all I got, honestly.
How do you *deal* with awkward silences? Because they're, like, my nemesis.
Oh, awkward silences. The bane of my existence. I used to just blurt things out, which usually only *made* things worse. One time, at a work meeting, a silence descended, and I, in a moment of pure, unadulterated panic, blurted out, "Did anyone else think that pigeon looked judgmental?" Mortified. Now I try to have a few mental icebreakers ready. (The weather is always a safe bet, though, it can be a little *too* safe.) Failing that, just own it. A simple, "This is awkward, isn't it?" can sometimes work wonders. Honesty, people! It's the best… well, sometimes it's the best.
What's the best way to handle a really, *really* bad day? The kind where you just want to hide under a blanket?
Okay, first, acknowledge the feeling. *Let* yourself wallow, just a little. Acknowledge it! Don’t be all, "I'M FINE!" when you're internally screaming. Then, blanket time is absolutely permissible. I have a *specific* blanket – a fluffy, ridiculously soft one that I bought on sale, and it's basically a wearable hug. After blanket time, I'd suggest doing something small but satisfying. Making tea, listening to music, maybe even ordering takeout. And, crucially, *forgive* yourself. We all have those days. We're human! Sometimes the best you can do is survive.
What's your biggest regret? Go on, spill.
Oh, wow. Alright. Okay. Regrets... Hmmm. Can I have a minute? Okay, I’m going with... not calling my grandmother more before she passed. It's one of those things that gnaws at you. Because, wow, when someone is gone, you realize what you *should* have done, what you could have done. You remember the things you *didn't* say. The calls I could have made, the simple check-in. It's a harsh lesson in prioritizing, and one I'm still learning every single day. So, yeah, tell the people you love that you love them. Do it now. Seriously. Before it's too late. *Deep breath*. Okay, moving on... because that got heavy fast.
How do you handle rejection? (Asking for a friend... who is, like, me.)
Rejection? Ugh. It's a punch to the gut, isn't it? I used to just curl up in a ball and cry. Which, sometimes, is still my go-to. We’re human! But now I *try* to remember that it's usually *not* personal. Rejection is often about circumstances, timing, or just plain incompatibility. And, honestly, sometimes you dodge a bullet! Think of it as a chance to re-evaluate, refocus, and chase something *else*. Something *better*. Easy to say, harder to do, I know. Pop some ice cream, cry a little, scream into your pillow, and then, dust yourself off and *try again* (or don't, if you need a break. That's okay too!).
What's the silliest thing you've ever done?
Oh, man. Pick one! There was the time I tried to "moonwalk" at a wedding (I’m not even very good at *walking*). There was the ill-fated attempt to bake a cake that ended up looking like a volcanic eruption. But the *silliest*? I once spent a whole afternoon trying to teach my cat to high five. The cat looked at me like I was a complete idiot. He wasn’t wrong, and frankly, thinking about it again, it still makes me cackle. It also illustrates the fundamental truth: cats don’t care about your ambitions. They only care about whether you’re going to fill the food bowl.
How do you deal with *impostor syndrome*? Because it's an actual pain.
Oh, *hellooooo* Impostor Syndrome, my old friend. It's the little voice in your head whispering that you're a fraud, right? That you're going to be "found out" any minute now? Yeah, I *know* it. I think a lot of us do. It's brutal. What helps *me* is focusing on the *evidence*. What have I actually achieved? What *skills* do I actually possess? I write them down, physically. It's so simple, but it's a good mental reset. Also, surrounding yourself with people who believe in you is HUGE. People who remind you of your wins. But it's a battle, constantly. Sometimes, you just have to fake it 'til you make it, and hope the impostor voice shuts up long enough for you to actually *do* the thing. And be kind to yourself. Seriously.
What is the secret to finding happiness? (Spill the tea!)
Look, if I knew *that* secret, I'd be on a yacht. But... genuinely, I think happiness isn't some destination you "achieve." It's not a giant pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It’s the small things, the seemingly insignificant moments. It's the warmth of the sun on your face, the smell of rain, a good laugh, *really* good cheese, and, for me, the feeling of having gotten through another day without accidentally setting something on fire. It's also about accepting the bad days. Because, and this is important, life is messy. Embrace the mess.
