How to Visit Varanasi on a Budget Under ₹15,000

TL;DR Summary

• Explore Varanasi under ₹15,000 for a 5-day trip.
• Save big with local transport and street food.
• Stay in budget hostels for under ₹500/night.
• Enjoy free Ganga Aarti and affordable ghats.
• Follow this guide for a cheap, memorable itinerary.
• Book affordable stays and hacks for savings.

Introduction to Budget Travel in Varanasi

I still remember my first trip to Varanasi over a decade ago, with just ₹5,000 in my pocket for a week. I slept in a tiny guesthouse near Assi Ghat for ₹200 a night, ate steaming kachoris for ₹10, and watched the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti for free. Varanasi, often overlooked by budget travellers chasing hill stations or beaches, is a goldmine for frugal explorers. Its spiritual aura, ancient alleys, and vibrant ghats offer an unparalleled experience without burning a hole in your wallet. From dirt-cheap street food to affordable stays, this city welcomes everyone. In this guide, you'll discover how to plan a 5-day trip under ₹15,000, including insider tips on cheap travel, stays, and must-see spots based on my 20+ years of backpacking across India.

Why Visit Varanasi on a Budget?

• Varanasi's street food, like lassi and chaat, costs under ₹50 per meal.
• Most iconic ghats and temples have no entry fees, saving hundreds.
• Budget accommodations near the Ganga start at just ₹300 per night.
• Local transport, including shared autos, costs as low as ₹10 per ride.
• Free cultural experiences like Ganga Aarti are daily and unforgettable.
• Bargaining with boatmen can cut river ride costs by 50%.
• Off-season travel slashes stay and travel costs significantly.

Top Budget Things to Do & See

1. Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the soul-stirring evening ritual with priests chanting and lamps glowing.

Budget Tip: Arrive early for a free front-row spot; no tickets needed.

2. Explore the Ghats of Varanasi

Walk along the 80+ ghats, each with its own history and vibe.

Budget Tip: Start at Assi Ghat and walk north for free exploration.

3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit one of India’s holiest Shiva temples amidst bustling narrow lanes.

Budget Tip: Entry is free; avoid paid guides and explore independently.

4. Boat Ride on the Ganga

Experience Varanasi’s essence with a serene sunrise boat ride.

Budget Tip: Bargain hard for shared rides, aiming for ₹50 per person.

5. Sarnath

Discover the Buddhist heritage site where Buddha gave his first sermon.

Budget Tip: Take a shared auto for ₹20-30 from Varanasi instead of taxis.

6. Manikarnika Ghat

Observe the eternal cremation site, a profound glimpse into life and death.

Budget Tip: Respectfully watch from a distance for free; no photography fees.

How to Reach Varanasi on a Budget

Varanasi is well-connected and accessible for budget travellers. The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), about 25 km from the city center. Flights from Delhi or Mumbai can cost ₹3,000-5,000 if booked 2-3 months in advance on budget airlines like IndiGo or SpiceJet. From the airport, take a shared auto or local bus for ₹50-100 instead of pricey cabs (₹500+).

By train, Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the main railway station, with excellent connectivity. Sleeper class tickets from Delhi (approx. 12-14 hours) cost ₹300-500 on trains like the Shiv Ganga Express. From Kolkata (14-16 hours), expect similar fares on the Howrah-Varanasi Express. Book early on IRCTC for the lowest rates, and opt for non-AC classes to save more.

For bus travellers, the Varanasi Cantt Bus Stand connects to nearby cities like Lucknow (6-7 hours, ₹300-400) and Patna (5-6 hours, ₹250-350). Overnight state-run buses are cheapest; avoid private luxury coaches. A hack from my travels: always carry a small lock for your luggage on trains or buses, as petty theft can happen. Arriving by train or bus, use shared autos (₹10-20) to reach your stay near the ghats instead of overpriced rickshaws.

Best Time to Visit for Budget Travellers

For budget travellers, the best time to visit Varanasi is during the off-season, from April to June or late monsoon in September. During these months, accommodation prices drop by 30-50%, with hostels and guesthouses offering rooms as low as ₹200-300 per night. The weather can be hot in summer (up to 40°C) or humid in monsoon, but carrying light clothes and staying hydrated keeps it manageable. Crowds are thinner, so you’ll avoid overpaying for boat rides or guides.

Peak season (October to March) sees pleasant weather (15-25°C) but higher prices for stays (₹800-1,500/night) and larger crowds, especially during festivals like Diwali or Dev Deepawali. If visiting during peak times, book stays and transport at least a month ahead to lock in lower rates. My tip: avoid major festival dates unless you’re okay with inflated costs and packed ghats.

Where to Stay – Cheap Homestays & Hostels

Varanasi offers plenty of budget stays under ₹1,500 per night, especially near the ghats for easy access to attractions. In Assi Ghat, a quieter area, guesthouses like Shiva Guest House charge ₹300-500 per night for basic rooms with shared bathrooms. Near Dashashwamedh Ghat, hostels like Stops Hostel offer dorm beds for ₹250-400 per night, often with free Wi-Fi and common areas—perfect for backpackers. For a more local vibe, check homestays in Godowlia, where families rent rooms for ₹400-600 with home-cooked meals as an add-on for ₹100-150.

A personal favorite is staying near Manikarnika Ghat for an authentic feel, though it’s noisier—rooms here start at ₹350. Always bargain for a better rate if staying longer than 3 days, and check for hidden charges like extra bedding fees. Browse budget-friendly stays on Unpaqd: Browse Unpaqd stays in Varanasi

Trip Cost Breakdown (5-Day Trip for 1 Person Under ₹15,000)

Category	Cost (₹)	Notes
Transport (Round Trip)	3,000	Train sleeper class from Delhi/Mumbai.
Accommodation	2,000	₹400/night for 5 nights in hostel.
Food & Drinks	2,500	₹500/day on street food & small cafes.
Local Transport	500	Shared autos & cycle rickshaws.
Activities & Entry	1,000	Boat rides, Sarnath, minimal fees.
Miscellaneous	1,000	Souvenirs, tips, small expenses.
Total	10,000	Well under ₹15,000 with room to spare.

Note: Costs are approximate and based on current prices as of 2023. Adjust based on your starting location and travel style.

Suggested Budget Itineraries

3-Day Quick Trip

• Day 1: Arrival & Evening Aarti
  Arrive by morning train (reach by 9 AM), check into a budget hostel near Assi Ghat (₹400/night). Spend the afternoon walking along the ghats for free. By 6 PM, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga Aarti (free). Dinner at a local stall—try malaiyo for ₹30.
• Day 2: Sunrise Boat Ride & Temples
  Wake up at 5 AM for a shared boat ride (₹50/person) to see the sunrise on the Ganga. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple (free entry) by 9 AM. Post-lunch, explore Manikarnika Ghat (free) and nearby alleys. Evening free to relax or shop for souvenirs (budget ₹200-300).
• Day 3: Sarnath & Departure
  Morning trip to Sarnath via shared auto (₹30, 30 mins). Explore the stupas and museum (entry ₹5). Return by noon, grab a quick meal (₹50), and catch your afternoon train/bus back.

5-Day Full Experience

• Day 1: Arrival & Settle In
  Arrive by morning (9 AM), check into a guesthouse near Godowlia (₹400/night). Relax and stroll along Assi Ghat (free). Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh (free). Dinner at a local dhaba for ₹60.
• Day 2: Sunrise Boat Ride & Ghats
  Early 5 AM shared boat ride (₹50). Walk through various ghats like Harischandra and Kedar (free). Evening spent in narrow lanes near Vishwanath Temple (free entry). Budget meal at ₹50.
• Day 3: Sarnath Exploration
  Head to Sarnath by shared auto (₹30) at 8 AM. Spend 3-4 hours at the Dhamek Stupa and museum (₹5 entry). Return by noon, rest, and enjoy street food like tamatar chaat (₹20).
• Day 4: Temples & Local Life
  Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (free) at 9 AM. Explore nearby Banaras Hindu University campus (free). Evening at Manikarnika Ghat for a quiet observation (free). Dinner for ₹60.
• Day 5: Leisure & Departure
  Morning free to shop for silk or souvenirs (budget ₹300). Grab a final lassi (₹30) near your stay. Depart by afternoon train/bus, ensuring checkout by 11 AM.

Ideal For

• Backpackers looking for cultural immersion on a shoestring.
• Solo travellers seeking spiritual and affordable experiences.
• Budget couples wanting a unique, low-cost getaway.
• History buffs eager to explore ancient sites cheaply.
• Students with limited funds but a thirst for travel.

Safety, Permits & Local Etiquette on Budget

Varanasi is generally safe for budget travellers, but stick to crowded areas at night, especially near ghats. Keep your belongings close in busy spots like Godowlia; a small sling bag works wonders—I learned this after a close call with pickpockets. No permits are needed for major attractions, but dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) when visiting temples. Avoid photographing cremations at Manikarnika Ghat—it’s disrespectful and can invite trouble.

For mobile connectivity, get a local SIM like Airtel or Jio for ₹200-300 with data; free Wi-Fi at hostels is often unreliable. Bargain politely with rickshaw drivers and boatmen, but don’t argue aggressively. Respect local customs—don’t litter near the Ganga, and always ask before photographing people. Carry cash in small denominations (₹10-50) as many vendors don’t accept digital payments.

Hidden Budget Tips from 20+ Years of Travel

• Walk between ghats instead of taking rickshaws; it’s free and scenic.
• Buy bottled water in bulk (₹15/liter) from local shops, not tourist stalls.
• Eat at small dhabas away from main ghats for meals under ₹40.
• Join group boat rides at sunrise to split costs—aim for ₹50/head.
• Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and hiked rates.
• Carry a reusable cloth bag for shopping; avoid plastic fines.
• Haggle for souvenirs in Vishwanath Gali—start at 50% of quoted price.
• Use public toilets near major ghats (₹5) instead of cafe restrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Varanasi affordable for budget travellers?

Absolutely, Varanasi is one of India’s most affordable destinations. You can manage a 5-day trip under ₹15,000, covering stay, food, and activities. Street food, free attractions like ghats, and cheap hostels make it ideal for frugal explorers. My trips here have always been wallet-friendly with proper planning.

Q: How much does a budget trip to Varanasi cost?

A 5-day budget trip to Varanasi typically costs around ₹10,000-12,000 per person. This includes transport (₹3,000 round trip), stay (₹2,000), food (₹2,500), and activities (₹1,000). Costs vary based on your starting point and travel style, but sticking to local options keeps it low. I’ve done it for even less by skipping paid guides.

Q: What's the best time for cheap travel to Varanasi?

The best time for cheap travel is off-season, from April to June or September. Prices for stays and transport drop significantly, and crowds are thinner. While summer is hot and monsoon humid, the savings are worth it. I’ve visited in May and scored rooms for half the peak-season rate.

Q: How to reach Varanasi cheaply?

Trains are the cheapest way to reach Varanasi, with sleeper class tickets from Delhi costing ₹300-500 (12-14 hours). Buses from nearby cities like Lucknow cost ₹300-400 (6-7 hours). Book early on IRCTC for trains, and use shared autos from stations (₹10-20). I always opt for overnight trains to save on a night’s stay.

Q: Are there safe budget stays in Varanasi?

Yes, Varanasi has many safe budget stays under ₹500/night near Assi and Dashashwamedh Ghats. Hostels like Stops Hostel and guesthouses in Godowlia are popular among backpackers and have good reviews. Stick to well-rated places and read recent feedback online. I’ve stayed in tiny guesthouses for years without issues by choosing central locations.

Q: Which is better for budget — Varanasi or Rishikesh?

Both Varanasi and Rishikesh are budget-friendly, but Varanasi edges out for lower costs. Stays and food in Varanasi start at ₹300 and ₹50, while Rishikesh can be pricier near touristy areas (₹500+ for stays). Varanasi offers more free cultural experiences like ghats and aarti. I’d pick Varanasi for a deeper cultural dive on a tight budget.