Budget Traveler’s Guide to Varanasi: Affordable Guest Houses, Ashrams & Transit

Experiencing Kashi on a Modest Budget

Varanasi is one of the most generous and affordable travel destinations in India. Whether you are a solo backpacker, student, or modest pilgrim, you can experience the full spiritual wealth of Banaras comfortably on a modest daily budget.

Clean & Affordable Accommodation

Dozens of heritage guest houses and pilgrim ashrams offer clean rooms starting from ₹500 to ₹1,200 per night. Look around Assi Ghat, Shivala, and Pandey Ghat for peaceful stays with rooftop views of the Ganges.

Navigating the City Inexpensively

The best way to explore the riverfront is on foot—the entire 7-kilometer stretch of 84 ghats is fully walkable. For city transit, eco-friendly shared E-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws connect Lanka, Godowlia, Cantt Station, and Chowk for as little as ₹15 to ₹30 per ride.

Wholesome Budget Dining

Banaras offers world-class inexpensive food. A hearty breakfast of kachori-jalebi costs under ₹50, traditional vegetarian thalis range between ₹80 and ₹150, and thick creamy lassis in clay cups cost around ₹40 to ₹60.