Baba Blacksheep

Top choice in Varanasi

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If the deluge of traveller enthusiasm is anything to go by, this is one of the most trustworthy, nonpushy shops in India. Indeed it is one of the best places you'll find for silks (scarves/saris from ₹500/4000) and pashmina (shawls from ₹1700).

Prices are fixed (though unmarked) and the friendly owner refuses to play the commission game, so autorickshaws and taxis don't like to come here (ignore anyone who says you cannot drive here, and make sure you're in the right place, not an imposter venue). It's located at Bhelpura crossing under the mosque. It's not the cheapest, but it's a pleasant experience.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Boats on River Ganges

    Manikarnika Ghat

    1.1 MILES

    Manikarnika Ghat, the main burning ghat, is the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. Dead bodies are handled by outcasts known as doms, and…

  • 500px Photo ID: 130892773 - Photographed at Assi Ghat, Varanasi

    Assi Ghat

    0.84 MILES

    The furthest south of the main ghats and one of the biggest, Assi Ghat is particularly important as the River Assi meets the Ganges near here and pilgrims…

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat

    Dashashwamedh Ghat

    0.67 MILES

    Varanasi’s liveliest and most colourful ghat. The name indicates that Brahma sacrificed (medh) 10 (das) horses (aswa) here. In spite of the persistent…

  • Harishchandra Ghat

    Harishchandra Ghat

    0.4 MILES

    Harishchandra Ghat is a cremation ghat – smaller and secondary in importance to Manikarnika, but one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi.

  • The Golden Temple of Vishwanath, holiest temple in Varanasi (formerly Benares), entry forbidden to non-Hindus, Uttar Pradesh, India, Asia

    Vishwanath Temple

    0.9 MILES

    There are temples at almost every turn in Varanasi, but this is the most famous of the lot. It is dedicated to Vishveswara – Shiva as lord of the universe…

  • Vishwanath Temple

    Banares Hindu University

    2.38 MILES

    Long regarded as a centre of learning, Varanasi’s tradition of top-quality education continues today at Banares Hindu University, established in 1916. The…

  • Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins

    Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins

    5.7 MILES

    Set in a peaceful park containing monastery ruins is this impressive 34m stupa, marking the spot where the Buddha preached his first sermon. The floral…

  • Archaeological Museum

    Archaeological Museum

    5.6 MILES

    This fully modernised, 100-year-old sandstone museum houses wonderfully displayed ancient treasures, such as the very well-preserved, 3rd-century-BC lion…

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Nearby Varanasi attractions

1. Kedar Ghat

0.39 MILES

A colourful ghat with many steps and a small pool, where a fire aarti is held every evening at 6.30pm.

2. Harishchandra Ghat

0.4 MILES

Harishchandra Ghat is a cremation ghat – smaller and secondary in importance to Manikarnika, but one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi.

3. Hanuman Ghat

0.43 MILES

Popular with Rama devotees (Hanuman was Rama's stalwart ally in his quest to rescue Sita from the demon Ravana).

4. Dandi Ghat

0.47 MILES

The Dandi Ghat is used by austere ascetics known as Dandi Panths.

5. Pandhey Ghat

0.48 MILES

Lots of laundry is spread to dry at this ghat along the Ganges.

6. Shivala Ghat

0.53 MILES

A small Shiva temple and a 19th-century mansion built by Nepali royalty sit back from Shivala Ghat, built by the local maharaja of Benares.

7. Munshi Ghat

0.62 MILES

Munshi Ghat – also known as Darbhanga Ghat – is one of the more photogenic ghats along the old town stretch of the Ganges in Varanasi.