A Side of Sweet

Beautiful Food, Travel & Design

  • About
    • Contact
      • Collaborate
      • Photography for Your Business
    • In the Press
    • Subscribe
    • Pinky Promise (Disclosure & Privacy Policy)
  • Eat
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast/Brunch
    • Desserts
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Ice Cream
      • Pies & Tarts
    • Main Dishes
    • Snacks
      • Healthy Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Gluten Free Recipes
    • Dog Treats
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Party Recipe Ideas
    • Round Ups
    • Summer Treats
  • Make
    • Beauty DIYS
    • Gift Ideas
    • Home Decor
    • Paper Projects
    • Party Ideas
    • Photobooths
    • Things To Wear
    • Collections
  • Go
    • California
      • San Francisco
      • Bay Area
      • Los Angeles
    • USA
      • California
        • San Francisco
        • Bay Area
        • Los Angeles
      • Alaska
      • Oregon
        • Portland
      • Philadelphia
      • Washington
        • Seattle
      • Arizona
    • Africa
      • Egypt
      • Morocco
        • Asilah
        • Chefchaouen
        • Fez
        • Marrakech
      • South Africa
        • Cape Town
    • Asia + Middle East
      • Dubai
      • Egypt
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Japan
      • Qatar
      • Thailand
    • Central America
      • Honduras
      • Mexico
        • Cancun
        • Tulum
      • Guatemala
      • Belize
    • Europe
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • London/UK
        • Manchester
      • Portugal
      • Spain
  • Style
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Wed
  • Learn
    • Blogging
    • Photography
  • Shop
    • My Baking Essentials
    • My Photography Equipment
Travel » India » Couchsurfing in Varanasi, India {Travel}

Couchsurfing in Varanasi, India {Travel}

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Couchsurfing in Varanasi, India

I had a couchsurfing stay lined up in Varanasi, so my first stop when I arrived was to meet Rahul Rai and his family. They live near Hydrabad Gate, which is on the southern end of Banaras Hindu University, the largest University in Asia. As the rickshaw driver entered the university gates, the cool air hit me like a wave. The campus is beautiful, with wide expanses of greenery and flowers and beautiful old buildings. The contrast between the dust and honking of Varanasi and the campus is astonishing.

Rahul and his family welcomed me whole-heartedly. They have a beautiful home that sits underneath Raj Paying Guesthouse, which they run. Because of their location, they mainly provide rooms for people visiting the campus.

Couchsurfing in Varanasi, India

My couchsurfing hosts quickly became like a new Indian family to me. We talked about weddings – Rahul’s sister had recently gotten married and had over 2,000 guests! – and my wedding, with a more modest 30 planned attendees. I also helped with dinner. Mrs. Rai gave me a chance to help with the chapatis, which I promptly failed miserably at. She taught me that the trick with the rolling pin is to use one hand as a pivot and the other to roll the dough into a circle. Due to my clumsy attempts, I was soon fired from chapati duty and put back at the vegetable peeling station.

Couchsurfing in Varanasi, India

Couchsurfing in Varanasi, India

I had several lengthy conversations with Rahul and his family about everything from arranged marriages to Rahul’s career aspirations. Rahul is a certified Varanasi travel agent and is starting his own travel agency. He also owns land and is building homes on it and selling them, and is considering becoming an air host (flight attendant)!

Couchsurfing in Varanasi, India

In the morning, I had to say goodbye. I was much sadder than I expected to feel after only two days in Varanasi. To my surprise, Mrs. Rai presented me with a sari, in honor of my upcoming wedding. As I mention before, I was constantly overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the Varanasi people. It was truly a memorable experience and will definitely be one of the highlights of my trip to India. Couchsurfing in Varanasi, India

Couchsurfing in Varanasi, India

Need a place to stay while visiting Banaras Hindu University or Varanasi? I highly recommend Raj Paying Guesthouse and hiring Rahul for a tour guide. You can contact him at [email protected].

Seeing the Taj Mahal - Agra, India
Ganges Boat Ride in Varanasi, India

Related

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

May 14, 2013  â€¢  Filed Under: India, Travel 3 Comments

Comments

  1. fati's recipes says

    May 15, 2013 at 5:13 am

    Such a lovely post. I wish you’d share the sari with us, I can imagine it’ll be so very beautiful!

    Reply
  2. Vipin Gaur says

    May 13, 2019 at 8:56 am

    Hey Kelly,

    Those are some good memories to take with you from India. The family and your tuning seemed too lovely. I wish these type of experiences too in my travels.
    Although I’d Couchsurfed in India in Kasol but my experinece was just okayish.
    Anyway, I’m happy after reading this article.

    Reply
  3. Sudhindra Srinivas says

    February 20, 2020 at 3:40 am

    Delighted to see how this Indian family made you feel at home. It is a welcome change, considering how much of the news from the subcontinent is around how badly women tourists are treated.

    Reply

Share Your Thoughts Cancel reply

Welcome!

San Francisco Food, Fashion, Travel Blogger

Hi! I’m Kelly. I live in San Francisco with my husband, Pat, and our puppy, Maddie. Here you’ll find recipes, DIYs, style, travel & a glimpse into our adventures. To learn a little more about me, Click Here.

Let’s Connect!

  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

Search

Weekly Updates

Thanks a million!

Disclaimer: This blog uses affiliate links. When you make a purchase with one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission. I’m so grateful for your support (and the help with paying my grocery bill)!

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...