 Galis of Varanasi Go Back - HOME | Latest Varanasi > Uttar Pradesh > India > Asia > World | YouTube : Facebook | About Me : Contact Me Sidewalk stall in one of the narrow alleyways of Varanasi. (16 November, 2004) Galis are narrow alleys in Varanasi. They form a labyrinthine maze that one can easily get lost in - I know, I got lost in them once. Although I prided myself in having a good sense of direction, I spent over an hour finding my bearings again. Nevertheless I would recommend to anybody visiting Varanasi to explore its alleyways. Even if you got lost in them, they provide opportunities to discover how the people live their daily lives. The famous galis in Varanasi include Vishwanath Gali, Kachauri Gali, Thatheri Bazar Gali and Khoa Gali, among others. 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.  Some gali are very quiet and cool. (16 November 2004) Cows share pride of space with humans in Varanasi's gali. (16 November 2004) Walls are adorned with layers of advertisement signs. (16 November 2004) Devotees following the passage of a deity being carried through a narrow alley. (16 November 2004) The colour and mood in these galis provided for great photo opportunities. (16 November 2004)
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