Baba Blacksheep

Top choice in Varanasi


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

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.