A Trip to Banaras

Meenakari work being done on a Banarsi saree

Just back from a short trip to Banaras. We (the Cinnamon team of +shilpi singh  +Manish Sinha  and our designer friend +Shalini Baisiwala 

While much of the time was spent in running around trying to get 'Granny's Inn' started we did have our fair share of fun.

Gorged on 'Dina Chaat Bhandar' near PDR mall (Gowdolia Chowk). It's a must visit place. Recommended are - palak pakoda chaat, tamater chaat, dahi gol gappa... actually try everything. It's spicy and great taste that's difficult. to get outside of Banaras.

Bablu's meetha paan while we were hunting for utensils was a good find. Not so great on taste but definitely on presentation. Anyone with authentic paan recos, please ping!

We also found time to visit a couple of Banarsi Sari small factories. It was joyful  and magical to see the saree and the different patterns get made on the power loom. 

Sadly, the ghats were dirty and we have decided to do something about it. Getting in touch with waste warriors is high on the agenda. 

Pracheen Ram Kund - There is a small temple
in the middle( can't be seen from this angle)

Our own cook cum caretaker - Kashi
(aptly named) was excellent with ghee soaked parathas and sabzi. The local rasoo-gullahs were anyday better than Haldiram, Bikanerwala and the likes ..

Looks like this winter all Cinnamons are gaining a couple of kilos:-)

On the business front, in case you plan to visit Banaras, anytime after Dec 25, Granny's Inn is a good choice (even if we say so :-) Located in the lane opposite PDR Mall near Gowdolia chowk - it's just 10 min brisk walk to the Vishwanath temple and Dashaswamedha Ghat. 

Assi Ghat, BHU all are relatively close by.

Granny's Inn would be right at the epicentre of this boisterous yet holy city. If you are looking to dive deep into Banaras, come stay with us. Banaras cannot and should not be savoured from the quiet and distant rooms of a 5 star hotel. You have to stay where the Gods are; where the street food delights get hawked. Amidst the madness of the great Indian bazaar and the numerous babas. 

For enquiries and bookings mail us at cinnamonstays(at)gmail(dot)com We don't have room pictures to share at the moment. But we are working hard to make them look good. We won't let you down. 

Next update soon

Cheers

Team Cinnamon