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Why Varanasi is Perfect for Budget Travelers?
Varanasi, alternatively Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest cities that are continuously inhabited. It stops on the row of sacred river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, India, and throbs with an extraordinary spiritual vibe, chaotic charm, and eternal rituals. But above anything, Varanasi is just so cheap to keep.
This makes it one of the backpacker’s preferred destinations.Unral cities like these have low prices for staying in a heritage guesthouse, and street things cost less than one hundred rupees to savor, not to mention a calm boat ride on the Ganges at the price of a couple of tickets for a movie. Here is an extensive budget guide on how to make the most in Varanasi while keeping the experience alive and thriving.
1. Best Time to Visit Varanasi on a Budget
Generally, from October to the end of March, is the most wonderful time for visiting Varanasi. One can hike and sightsee in comfortable temperatures. Major festivals Dev Deepawali and Makar Sankranti are free to enjoy and remain a memorable experience.
Budget-type travelers: Last week of December to New Year’s ends, and extended weekends in-between; airfare and hotel prices rise up in high times. Choose less-crowded accommodation at low prices.
2. Getting to Varanasi Scant on Time
By Train:
For the Indian travels, Indian Railways ought to be cheap and the one truly trustworthy means of travel. Famous trains are being operated under the denominations of Shiv Gala Express, Kashi Vishwanath Express, and Poorva Express to Varanasi, starting from the north and east, i.e., Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Sharing and sleeper class fares may start from ₹350 to ₹600, depending upon the origin.
And all bookings should be made in advance through IRCTC.
By Bus:
Buses from state and private operators run from nearby towns to Allahabad, Lucknow, and Patna. A ticket generally goes from ₹200 to ₹500 for non-AC seats and from ₹600 to ₹1000 for AC. Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport connects Varanasi with main cities in India. Cheap tickets can be booked starting at ₹1500, if you book months ahead (a bargain, given by budget airlines such as SpiceJet, GoFirst, and Indigo).
Budget tip: From the airport, you can take a shared auto for ₹50–₹100 or a city bus for ₹20 instead of going by taxi.
3. Budget Stays In Varanasi
There are quite a few budget lodging options available in this city, ranging from guesthouses and hostels to ashrams.
Best Budget Stays (₹300-₹1000 a Night):
- Zostel Varanasi- Vibrant backpacker hostel next to Assi Ghat. Dorm bed starts at ₹499.
- Shiva Guest House- Clean and cheap rooms starting at ₹600 near Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Wander Station- Cool hostel for solo travelers with wifi and common areas.
- Kautilya Society Residence- Quiet budget accommodation in a scholarly setting near Tulsi Ghat.
- Ashrams like International Vishnu Temple Trust provide simple accommodation and vegetarian meals for about ₹300–₹500.
- Saving tip: Go direct to the property or use budget sites like Hostelworld or Agoda rather than flashy channel aggregators.
4. Getting Around Varanasi Cheaply
Getting around the narrow lanes and ghats can become quite overwhelming but will ensure you’ll be running under your budget.
- It is the best and free way to cover the inner town on foot.
- Bicycle Rickshaws with fares for short distances between ₹30 and ₹100. Never forget to barging.
- Auto Rickshaws: Longer distances, e.g., Assi Ghat to Kashi Vishwanath Temple cost somehere between ₹100 and ₹150.
- Shared Autos (Vikrams) Termed as such because they run on a fixed route and cost between ₹10 and ₹30.
- E-Rickshaws: They are neater and quieter than autos and also subject to bargaining.
5. Free and Cheap Things to Do in Varanasi

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
A huge spiritual ceremony held every evening and absolutely free! Do go there latest by 6:30 pm to secure a decent spot.
Budget tip: Sit on the steps rather than hire a boat for a close view.
Walk Along the Ghats
There are more than 80 ghats lining the Ganges. From Assi to Dashashwamedh, it is a visual treat to see pilgrims, sadhus, and everyday life.
Sunrise Boat Ride (₹100–₹200 per person if shared)
An early morning cruise from 5 to 6 am is a sight to behold: being there to witness rituals, cremations, and the city awakening.
Budget Tip: Share your boat pry; never take a private one (₹800+).
Explore Old City Alleys
Walk the labyrinthine lanes for free, passing colorful doorways, cows, chai stalls, and old temples.
Visit Temples (Entry Free):
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, but long queues.
- Durga Kund Mandir: Peaceful and photogenic.
- Tulsi Manas Mandir: Clean, spacious, and good for calm reflection.
6. Cheap Yet Delicious Street Food in Varanasi
Varanasi is not one to ask for high-end dining.
Street Eats You Just Cannot Miss (Under ₹100):
- Kachori Sabzi from Ram Bhandar (₹30–₹40) – A breakfast treat, crunchy and spicy.
- Baati Chokha from Puran Das Roadside Dhaba (₹60–₹80) – Pure UP-Bihar taste.
- Hot-and-Spicy Banarasi Tamatar Chaat at Dashashwamedh Gali (₹40–₹60).
- Choora Matar – Flattened rice with peas and masala is available early mornings near Godowlia (₹20–₹30).
- Malaiyo (Seasonal) – Winter-only frothy milk dessert (₹30–₹50), subtle and lingering in memory.
- Banrasi Paan – An after-meal must! (₹10–₹30)
Places for a Budget Meal:
- Blue Lassi Shop – Famous lassis with fruit toppings starting ₹50–₹100.
- Bowl of Compassion Café – Rooftop café under the aegis of a local NGO; meals starting at ₹100.
- Shree Café & Bakery – Western and Indian food on a budget; under ₹150, near Dashashwamedh.
7. Budget Sightseeing
Sarnath (₹30 Entry)
Located 10 km off from Varanasi, this is where Buddha scattered the very first sermon. Visit the stupas, museums (₹20 for Indians), and ruins.
Take a shared auto at Godowlia for ₹20–₹30.
Manikarnika Ghat
Witnessing cremation rituals may not be for the faint-hearted but offers a deep cultural insight. Be respectful, don’t take photos.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Walk around this green campus, visit Bharat Kala Bhavan (₹10 ticket) and New Vishwanath Temple inside.
8. Cheap Shopping
Varanasi is famous for Banarasi silk sarees, wooden toys, and spiritual souvenirs.
If On A Small Budget, Shop At:
- Godowlia Market: Souvenirs, beads, incense, and the trinkets one can bargain for.
- Thatheri Bazaar: Brass utensils, diyas, and other home stuff.
- Note: Lahurabir & Madanpura: Wholesale prices for silk fabrics.
- Always Remember To Bargain: There are many instances when the tourists are asked for an inflated price.
9. Internet, SIM Cards, and Staying Connected
Most hostels and guesthouses provide free Wi-Fi. For reliable data:
- SIM card: Jio and Airtel are offering tourist SIMs for less than ₹250 with unlimited data for 28 days
- You will be required to present a copy of your passport and visa.
10. Safety & Etiquette Tips for Budget Travelers
- Stay aware of touts promising boat rides, silk stores, or “donation-driven” temple entries. Politely say no.
- Respect local customs especially around cremation ghats and temples.
- Dress modestly – Long pants and covered shoulders are recommended.
- Solo women travelers should stick to well-lit areas at night and avoid secluded lanes.
- Keep a digital and paper copy of ID handy for hotel and train bookings.
11. Suggested Budget Itinerary for 3 Days in Varanasi
Day 1:
- Morning: Sunrise boat ride
- Breakfast: Kachori Sabzi
- Visit: Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Lunch: Bowl of Compassion
- Evening: Ganga Aarti
Day 2:
- Early start to Sarnath
- Return and lunch at Shree Café
- Explore BHU and Tulsi Manas Temple
- Sunset at Assi Ghat
Day 3:
- Explore the alleys and old bazaars
- Visit Durga Kund and Manikarnika Ghat
- Shop at Godowlia Market
- End with Lassi at Blue Lassi Shop
Also Read: Most Famous Temples in Vrindavan
Final Thoughts: Embrace Chaos and Find a Moment of Calmer Existence

Varanasi is not just a city—it is an experience. It offers an overload of all senses: riverside chants, blazing pyres for cremation, inquisitive cows, and ancient edifices. What is yet more delightful? It does not take a big purse to get to know the soul.
₹1000 a day is more than enough to eat, sleep, roam, and get spiritually enriched beyond any bliss promised by a luxury vacation. Culture buff, solo backpacker, or shutterbug, Varanasi is ready to embrace you with arms wide open-budget included.
Pack light, travel slow, and watch Ganga work its magic of simple living.