Varanasi's Hidden Gem: Hotel Sri Balaji - Unforgettable Stay!
Varanasi's Hidden Gem: Hotel Sri Balaji - Unforgettable Stay! (Or, The Time I Faced My Fear of Cows and Found Paradise)
Okay, listen up, travelers! Forget the Taj Mahal for a second (just kidding, don't actually forget the Taj), and let's talk Varanasi. The City of Gods, the spiritual heart of India, and a place that’ll slap you in the face with culture (in the BEST way possible). And if you're smart, you'll be staying at Hotel Sri Balaji. Not just because it’s a hotel, but because it’s… well, let's just say it's an experience. This isn't your sterile, cookie-cutter chain hotel. This is real. And yeah, sometimes a little… chaotic (in a good way!), but always unforgettable.
Let’s dive in, shall we? Prepare yourselves, because this review isn’t going to be all roses and perfectly framed Instagram shots. I’m talking RAW, baby!
Accessibility & Getting There (My Cow Conundrum):
Right, first things first: getting to the hotel. Airport transfer is fantastic. Especially after a 14-hour flight! They whisked me away from the chaos of the airport (bless them), and it was a smooth ride. Now, the Varanasi streets… that’s another story. They were… lively. Think scooters, rickshaws, cows (yes, COWS!), and a constant symphony of horns. The hotel does have free car parking and valet parking, which is a lifesaver. Seriously, trying to park in Varanasi is a contact sport.
Accessibility? Hmm. While I didn't specifically need wheelchair access (thankfully!), I did notice Facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator was a godsend (especially after a temple tour!). But let's be real: Varanasi is not built for perfect accessibility. Be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride (literally and figuratively!). I can't personally vouch for whether everything is perfect, but they do try. And the staff? Always helpful.
Cleanliness & Safety - My OCD Almost Took Over (but didn't):
Okay, this is important. Before I went, I was a little anxious. You hear horror stories, right? But Hotel Sri Balaji actually impressed me. They're taking this seriously. I saw evidence of their Daily disinfection in common areas. There's Hand sanitizer everywhere. And, the big one for me: Rooms sanitized between stays. I even saw them using Anti-viral cleaning products. They have a doctor/nurse on call, and first aid kit – a good sign. The rooms themselves? Spotlessly clean. This made my germaphobe tendencies breathe a huge sigh of relief! I felt safe. They're really on top of this.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and My Nap That Restored My Soul):
My room? Oh, man. It was… serene. I was in dire need of serenity, and the Air conditioning was a godsend (that Varanasi heat!). They offer non-smoking rooms, which, again, appreciated. The Blackout curtains? Absolute magic for a good night's sleep, especially after a long day of exploring. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yep, worked like a charm. I also noticed Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, so you're covered.
The bed… oh, the bed. Extra long bed with crisp, clean linens. I crashed so hard after a day of temple hopping. And then… the bathrobes! The slippers! Pure, unadulterated comfort. They even had things like complimentary tea and free bottled water. Little touches that make a big difference. There was a desk, good lighting, and satellite tv, plus the mini-bar with some treats (though I might’ve snuck my own snacks in!). I also had a seating area, perfect for contemplating life after a particularly spicy meal. There where modern amenities such as, Coffee/tea maker and everything.
My Essential Nap Experience:
I have to tell you – I had THE BEST nap of my life in that room. I was exhausted from the heat, the crowds, the sheer intensity of Varanasi. I closed the blackout curtains, cranked the AC, and drifted off. I woke up feeling… transformed. Seriously, the power of a good nap in a clean, comfortable room is not to be underestimated. That nap saved me. It was essential.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Spicy Food Adventures:
The food at Hotel Sri Balaji? Okay, buckle up, because this is where things get delicious. They have restaurants offering everything from Asian cuisine to International cuisine. Western breakfast is available. I’m a spice fiend, so I devoured their Asian breakfast – the paratha was divine! You can get a la carte in restaurant or a buffet in restaurant, and the staff were really good at helping me navigate the spicy dishes and what they were. There is Room service [24-hour], which helped me after a late night wander. Don’t forget about the poolside bar… perfect for a chilled kingfisher at the end of the day. There's a Coffee shop, which is excellent.
My Personal Spicy Food Mishap and How They Fixed It:
One night, I got a little too adventurous with the spice level. Let's just say my taste buds were on fire. I was sweating, tearing up, and convinced I was going to breathe fire. I flagged down a waiter, and with a smile like an angel, they brought me a glass of cold lassi with a quickness. That lassi? Life-saving. It was the perfect antidote to my fiery culinary adventure. They understood. They cared. Honestly, the staff were consistently amazing. That's a huge plus in my book. Alternative meal arrangement also helps if like me you have some allergies or dislikes! They even had a Vegetarian restaurant.
Things To Do (and Ways to Relax) - My Spa Day That Almost Was a Disaster:
Okay, so the hotel itself is awesome, but Varanasi is the main event. This hotel is a great base to visit Shrine. The hotel offers taxis.
Now, let's talk about my near spa disaster. They have a Spa! And a sauna! And a steamroom! I signed up for a Body scrub and Massage. But… (and this is where my clumsiness comes in) … I accidentally booked the wrong time. (Blame the jet lag!) and got there way early. They could have easily said “tough luck, lady”, but instead, they squeezed me in, immediately. And the massage itself? Pure bliss. Totally worth the near-scheduling catastrophe!
They also have a swimming pool [outdoor], and a pool with view. I didn't get around to using the Fitness center - too busy eating delicious food and exploring! The foot bath was also a great surprise.
Services and Conveniences - My Unexpected Gift-Buying Epic:
The hotel is geared towards service. They have everything! There’s a concierge, luggage storage, and yes, a gift/souvenir shop. I needed to buy gifts for everyone back home (and maybe a little something for myself). And you know what? The shop was actually good! They had some really nice, unique items – not just the typical tourist tat. I ended up spending a surprising amount of time and rupees in there! They also had a daily housekeeping, and a laundry service which was helpful!
They also have business facilities. They have Indoor venue for special events and outdoor venue for special events. There is a meeting/banquet facilities, meeting stationery, and even projector/LED display!
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me!):
While I didn't have kids with me, I noticed they had kid's facilities and babysitting service. They are a family/child friendly hotel!
The Staff - The Real Stars of the Show:
Honestly? The staff at Hotel Sri Balaji are the stars of the show. From the front desk to the restaurant servers, they were attentive, friendly, and genuinely helpful. They spoke English (which was a huge relief!), and they went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable. They somehow managed to deal with my constant questions with a smile. They made me feel welcome, which, after dealing with the organized chaos of Varanasi, was priceless. They've clearly been well trained on safety protocol.
My Final Verdict - Book It! (But Be Prepared for the Unexpected):
Hotel Sri Balaji? Unforgettable Stay! It’s not
Unbelievable Treehouse in Colombia: Casa del Árbol, Finca La Floresta Verde!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, colour-coded travel itinerary. This is more like… my brain vomited onto a piece of paper, then I tried to edit it, and the results are… well, here we go. We’re talking Varanasi, Hotel Sri Balaji (which, by the way, sounded promising online) and my sanity. Godspeed.
PRE-TRIP MADNESS (and the Great Packing Debacle)
- Day 0 (aka the Day Before I Actually Leave): Alright, the day the real panic sets in. I’m usually a late-stage organizer, which means I’m packing literally hours before my flight. And, wouldn't you know it, the suitcase is a DISASTER ZONE. Somehow, I've got a mix of emergency rain gear (because, India), a sparkly dress (apparently, I’m going to a Bollywood gala?), and enough anti-diarrheal medication to tranquilize a small elephant. Am I going to wear any of this? Probably not. Will I be stressed about whether I have enough underwear? Absolutely.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL, A ROOM WITH A VIEW (KIND OF), AND THE FIRST CULINARY CONUNDRUM
Morning (Varanasi Arrival - Let's Go!): Touchdown! The air hits you like a wall of… well, everything. Smells, sounds, sights – it's a riot! The pre-booked car pick-up from the airport was… a bit late. Let's just say I learned a LOT about aggressive taxi touts within the first five minutes. Finally, the driver arrived. The drive itself? Think bumper-to-bumper chaos, cows casually strolling across the road, and a symphony of honking. I’m convinced this ride aged me five years.
Afternoon Hotel Sri Balaji (Check-In & Room Revelation): Found it! Hotel Sri Balaji. The lobby… well, it had a lobby. Let's just leave it at that. The room? Okay, here's the truth- the photos online lied. The "river view" I’d booked? More like a "slightly-less-obstructed-view-of-another-building" view. But hey, the air conditioning worked… sometimes. And the staff, bless their hearts, were trying.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening (The Food Fight Begins): Time to eat! I was cautiously optimistic, ready to embrace the deliciousness of Indian food. Instead, I dove headfirst into the early evening's offerings at the local restaurant. My first meal was… a letdown. It was bland. Very, very bland. My stomach rumbled with discontent. I felt like I should have ordered something else to keep me going.
Evening (The Ghats at Dusk – and the Persistent Beggar): Headed out to the ghats (river steps) for the evening aarti ceremony. The spiritual side of me was stirred by the chanting and the smoke and smell of the incense and burning ghats. It was gorgeous, truly. However, I was immediately swarmed by people, especially a very persistent little girl with imploring eyes. It's overwhelming. Do you give? Do you not? What do you feel?! The guilt is real, people. The guilt is very real. And the experience, though beautiful, was slightly marred.
DAY 2: BOAT RIDE, BUMPY ROADS, AND ANOTHER CULINARY ADVENTURE (OR DISASTER?)
Morning (Early Rise, Early Regret – Boat Ride on the Ganges): "Up early!" they say…. And they are right! My alarm goes off, bleary-eyed, before dawn. The boat ride promised to be magical. It was. Beautiful, tranquil, spiritual… and filled with the occasional piece of… let's call it "organic matter" floating by. Look. The Ganges is holy, I get it. But, it's also kinda… dirty. The boatman was lovely, though, and pointed out all the important temples and ghats. Beautiful sunrise, at least? Yes!
Mid-Morning (The Streets of Varanasi - A Rollercoaster): Okay, let's be honest. The streets of Varanasi are not for the faint of heart – or the weak of ankle. I wandered into a maze of narrow lanes, dodging everything from rogue scooters to cows, and the occasional stray dog. This is when I realized I should have brought sensible shoes. I'm talking actual boots. The cobblestones are brutal. The dust is everywhere. It's sensory overload, amazing and frightening.
Afternoon (The Food Fight: Round Two – and My Stomach): Lunch! After wandering endlessly through the city, I was HUNGRY. I decided to try this supposedly amazing local eatery. I ordered something at random, figuring "when in Varanasi…" Big mistake. Huge. I'm not going to go into detail, but let's just say my stomach and the bathroom are now in a tense relationship. I'm pretty sure I tasted a hint of the spice of hell. And I'm just worried about going outside…
Evening (Back to the Ghats & a Sense of Peace-ish): Despite the tummy troubles, I returned to the ghats at dusk. This time I just sat. And watched. And breathed. The constant stream of people, the chanting. Was it as moving as the previous evening? Not quite. But I found a strange sense of peace. Just, like, the chaos of the city and my stomach problems melted away.
DAY 3: SARNATH (MORE TEMPLES, MORE MEMORIES) & "FAREWELL" (ALMOST)
Morning (Sarnath – The Land of Enlightenment): A little outside Varanasi, I did a day trip to Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. It was… stunning. So peaceful. The ruins were beautiful, the Stupa was incredible. I felt a deep connection to this place. I just wanted to stay. I got to rest my body for a bit and feel the serenity. The whole thing made me want to take up meditation.
Afternoon (The Farewell… that Wasn't): Headed back to hotel. Check out. Goodbye. Or so I thought. Turns out, there was a problem with my train ticket. Apparently, the digital ticket was somehow not accepted. I spent an hour dealing with the reception at the hotel. They were helpful… eventually.
Evening (Final Varanasi Dinner & Reflecting): After the ticket fiasco, all I wanted was a simple, safe meal. The hotel restaurant again, unfortunately. I had to have a little faith. I ended up having some vegetable biryani. Not bad at all! Before going to bed though, I sat, gazing into the Ganges. I felt a bit different. I felt I'd experienced something pretty incredible. This city is overwhelming, beautiful, and exhausting all at once. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Night (Heading back to the airport): My driver came. We were on time. I was going home. And all I was thinking of was the next adventure.
Goodbye for Now!
Okay, so, like, what *is* this supposed to be about?
Honestly? I haven't a clue. The prompt said "FAQs," and "about life," but life’s a chaotic buffet, right? So, let's wing it! Expect tangents. Expect me to go off on a rant about the sheer audacity of squirrels. Expect... well, expect the unexpected. Think of it as an interactive therapy session, but with more typos and less qualified professionals. Consider it.
Alright, alright, but *seriously*, what's the deal with [ **Insert something specific here related to your vague prompt, say, "finding your purpose" or "making friends"** ] anyway? It’s exhausting!
Oh, the dreaded "purpose" question. Ugh. You wanna hear a confession? For years, I felt like one of those self-shuffling gift-shop gnomes, just...existential dread looming over me. I bought all the self-help books, read the inspirational quotes (vomit), and even tried, *shudders*, journaling. It all lasted about three days max – usually ending with me complaining about having to write in a journal.
Then, one Tuesday, I went to a pottery class just to get out of the house. And... I actually made something resembling a bowl. It was lopsided, misshapen, and the color of a particularly unappetizing shade of vomit-yellow, I’m not going to lie. The teacher, bless her heart, said, "It has character!" But, honestly, it made me feel *something*. Maybe my purpose is to make wonky bowls. Maybe it isn't. The point is, maybe the purpose isn't a grand, world-changing quest, but a collection of moments, some pottery, some silly, all a bit messy. Embrace the mess. Life is already a mess.
So, you’re saying just *chill*? Easier said than done, pal. How do you actually HANDLE the "adulting" thing?
Oh, adulting. Ah, the illusion of responsibility. Here's a secret: I don’t. Okay, okay, I do *sometimes*. But mostly, it’s a performance. Like, I managed to pay my rent last month! Victory! (Don't ask about the bills I *didn't* pay.) I can't even remember all the ones I *have* paid.
It's a constant juggling act: Work, relationships, the existential dread of knowing you should be doing laundry... And the constant battle with the fridge. The fridge is my enemy. One moment it holds the promise of delicious leftovers, the next it's a breeding ground for questionable science experiments. The key, I think, is tiny victories. Paid a bill? Celebrate with cookies. Actually went to the gym? Treat yourself to that ridiculous, expensive coffee you've been eyeing. Keep the fridge at bay by keeping it clean.
Okay, what about making friends? It's so darn hard!
Ugh, *friends*. It's like dating, but without the awkward flirting (mostly) and with a lot more shared Netflix binges. Seriously though, it *is* hard. As a kid, it was easy: "Want to build a fort? Cool, we're friends!" Now? It's more like, "Hey, do you also feel a crushing sense of loneliness? Maybe we can awkwardly bond over that?"
The truth is, I stink at maintaining it. But, I have found luck in shared activities. Like that pottery class. Or book clubs, or even the grocery store, I’ve held meaningful conversations with customers there. It's all about throwing yourself out there, which, by the way, is terrifying. And sometimes, it just doesn't click. And that's okay! Not everyone's going to be your best friend. And let's be honest, some people are just...a lot. Keep trying! And don't be afraid to embrace the friend-shaped hole in your life, get a cat, at the very least.
I hate my job. What now?
Oh, the job, the bane of our existence. Do you hate your job? Okay, I feel you. The endless meetings, the pointless emails, the feeling that you're slowly having your soul sucked out by a PowerPoint presentation... Yep, been there, done that, got the stress-induced gray hairs to prove it. This is a big one. If you hate every second of it, this is my opinion: start planning your escape.
Don't quit on a whim, though! That is my advice, as someone who did that and ended up eating ramen for six months. Think. Do research. Maybe a side hustle? Learn a new skill? Apply for jobs that you're only *slightly* less repulsed by? Start small. Every baby step is worth it. The ultimate goal is to find something, it doesn't matter how small or silly, that's bearable. And at least get some time off.
Ever feel like you're just... a mess? Like everything you do is a disaster?
Yes. Oh, *yes*. I am basically a walking, talking, hot-mess express. Last week, I tried to cook a fancy dinner for a date. It was supposed to be romantic, all candlelit and sophisticated. Instead, I set the smoke alarm off (twice!), burned the garlic to a crisp, and accidentally told a story about my ex that was way too long and involved a regrettable incident with a goldfish.
And, to top it off, I spilled red wine *everywhere*. On the table, on myself, on the carpet. The date, bless his heart, ended up helping me clean, and it was so awkward. We may not have had a happy ending, but, I learned a valuable lesson: laugh at the chaos. The less stressed you are, the sooner you will find out what sort of partner you're looking for. Embrace the mess, because, trust me, it's inevitable. And honestly? A little bit of a disaster is kind of fun.
Okay, let's talk about failing. How do you deal with it?
Oh, failure. That old friend. The one who constantly drops by uninvited, bringing all sorts of baggage and self-doubt with it. I fail *all* the time. I've failed at relationships, at jobs, at hobbies, at simple things like making toast. It's a sport, really, and I'm a champion failer.
My best advice? Don't dwellThe Stay Journey
