From spiritual seekers to budget travellers, Varanasi welcomes everyone. This timeless city offers enriching experiences that won’t empty your wallet. Whether it's a sunrise boat ride or savoring chaats at Godowlia, we at SavePlus India help you explore smartly—backed by exclusive promo codes, wallet offers, and cashback hacks designed for Indian shoppers.

Witness Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most iconic and spiritually enriching experiences in Varanasi. As the sun sets and the lamps are lit, the ghats come alive with synchronized chants and fire rituals. This daily ceremony, rooted in centuries-old Hindu tradition, is performed with grandeur and devotion. Despite its magnificence, the event remains free for everyone to witness, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers. Tourists and pilgrims alike gather to take in the mesmerizing sight of priests offering fire to the holy river Ganga. The experience encapsulates the essence of Varanasi—divine, timeless, and inclusive.

• Arrive early by 5:30 PM to secure a good spot near the ghat steps without paying for seating arrangements. This ensures an unobstructed view of the complete ritual, which becomes crowded closer to sunset.
  
  
• Avoid high-cost boat seating often marketed by tour agents to foreign visitors and instead view from land with locals. This helps you enjoy the spiritual performance while saving up to ₹500 in unnecessary charges.
  
  
• If you choose to donate or make offerings to temple trusts, use digital payment options like Paytm or PhonePe. Many donation boxes now display QR codes, promoting cashless, convenient, and traceable contributions.

Pro Tip: Use SavePlus India's IRCTC SBI credit card offers while booking train tickets to Varanasi to receive cashback up to ₹250 and reduce your overall travel costs.

Take a Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

Watching the sunrise over the Ganges while gently floating past the ancient ghats is an experience. Morning boat rides in Varanasi offer serenity and a majestic view of spiritual life awakening by the river. As chants echo and diyas flicker, the city reveals its most peaceful self before the daily hustle. This activity is both visually stunning and affordable for solo or group travelers. Many local boatmen offer shared rides at modest rates, especially during non-peak seasons. Booking online through verified apps can further reduce costs when paired with wallet cashback offers.

• Opt for group bookings at the Assi or Dashashwamedh Ghat early in the morning to get the lowest possible fare. Shared boat rides typically cost between ₹50 ₹100 and are easy to find between 5 and 7 AM.
  
  
• Avoid middle agents near the ghats who often quote inflated tourist prices for short rides. Instead, deal directly with rowers or use digital platforms that offer verified, fixed-rate services.
  
  
• Use Amazon Pay or PhonePe to book through travel apps that support wallet payments and UPI offers. This allows you to avail up to ₹100 cashback while ensuring secure transactions for your experience.

Pro Tip: Schedule your trip during the off-season and use SavePlus India’s Flipkart Travel Offers to bundle flights, trains, and local tours for additional discounts.

Explore Old Varanasi’s Lanes and Local Bazaars

Old Varanasi is a vibrant maze of narrow alleys packed with heritage, handmade goods, and hidden temples. These lanes offer a glimpse into daily life, where residents easily move past shrines, cows, and cycle rickshaws. Everything from handcrafted brassware to traditional Ayurvedic items is sold in compact street stalls. Budget travelers can enjoy shopping without worrying about high-end store markups. Many small vendors accept UPI and digital payments, allowing shoppers to use cashback offers. The real charm lies in the authentic interactions and local discoveries that don’t cost a fortune.

• Shop for Banarasi sarees and brocade fabrics directly from weavers in Lahurabir or Thatheri Bazaar to avoid middleman commissions. You can negotiate directly, support local artisans, and buy premium fabric at fair prices.
  
  
• Skip the air-conditioned showrooms and opt for handloom cooperatives or government emporiums to find genuine products. These outlets often offer fixed, reasonable pricing, ensuring value for money on authentic purchases.
  
  
• Pay using UPI apps like Google Pay or PhonePe to unlock scratch cards and wallet rewards. This adds an extra layer of savings while promoting India’s digital economy in smaller markets.

Pro Tip: Use SavePlus’s Ajio discount coupons for ethnic wear shopping online, especially during sales like Diwali Dhamaka, to find Banarasi-inspired styles at 60% off.

Indulge in Street Food at Godowlia Chowk

Godowlia Chowk is the gastronomic heart of Varanasi, where street vendors whip up authentic Banarasi flavours for just a few rupees. The area is bustling with stalls selling spicy chaats, creamy malaiyyo, and syrup-drenched jalebis. Every dish is bursting with local spices and centuries-old recipes that make Varanasi cuisine unique. Budget-conscious foodies will appreciate how much they can indulge here for under ₹100. The lively vibe, combined with wallet-friendly prices, creates an unforgettable street food journey. Digital payments are widely accepted, adding a layer of convenience and cashback opportunities.

• Sample tamatar chaat, kachori-sabzi, and kulhad chai from popular vendors at ₹20–₹30 per item. These signature dishes represent Varanasi’s culinary culture and are easy on both the palate and the pocket.
  
  
• Visit stalls that accept UPI apps like Paytm or PhonePe to make secure, contactless payments. Many vendors also provide discounts or free toppings for digital transactions as an added incentive.
  
  
• Use Swiggy or Zomato offers from SavePlus for home delivery or dine-in deals at nearby local restaurants. Cashback codes or free delivery options help maximize your food budget without compromising taste.

Pro Tip: Check SavePlus India for the latest Zomato ₹100 off coupons applicable on food orders above ₹299, especially during festive weeks like Holi or Independence Day.

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands as one of India's most revered shrines, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its spiritual significance and architectural grandeur draw lakhs of pilgrims each year. While darshan is free, the temple offers various express entry packages for those who prefer a shorter wait. Online bookings and digital payments have made the process seamless and efficient for all. Visitors can enhance their experience without overspending by choosing the right time and mode of darshan. The temple’s integration with the Ganga corridor project has also improved infrastructure for travelers.

• Regular darshan is free for all visitors and usually takes place early in the morning when queues are shorter. Arrive by 4 AM to avoid the rush and enjoy an uninterrupted devotional experience.
  
  
• Special darshan passes can be booked online via the temple’s official site using HDFC or Axis bank offers. These passes reduce waiting time and may include added services such as guided tours.
  
  
• Avoid third-party touts near the temple premises by sticking to verified digital booking channels. This ensures transparency and also enables you to use promo codes or wallet cashback during checkout.

Pro Tip: Use SavePlus India to access Cleartrip and MakeMyTrip temple package deals for discounted darshan + stay combos, especially during religious festivals.

Attend a Cultural Performance or Sitar Recital

Varanasi is not just a spiritual hub; it's also a centre of Indian classical arts. From sitar and tabla to Kathak and dhrupad, the city breathes music and culture. Many ashrams and cultural organisations host free or affordable events for locals and tourists alike. These performances often occur in intimate settings like Tulsi Ghat or music schools, providing an immersive cultural experience. Budget-conscious attendees can enjoy these events with minimal spend and rich rewards. Such events also foster a deeper connection to India’s traditional arts scene.

• Visit Sankat Mochan or Tulsi Ghat in the evening to enjoy free public performances by trained artists. These concerts are part of daily rituals or community festivals and are open to all.
  
  
• Search on BookMyShow for low-cost musical events, workshops, or dance performances in local auditoriums. You can often book a ticket under ₹150 with verified SavePlus promo codes.
  
  
• Students with valid ID cards can gain discounted or even free access to cultural centres like Bharat Kala Bhavan. These venues promote inclusivity while preserving India’s classical heritage.

Pro Tip: Redeem SavePlus’s BookMyShow wallet offers to get ₹75 cashback on event tickets when you pay using Paytm or Mobikwik.

Discover Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Banaras Hindu University is a sprawling, serene campus and an intellectual pillar of India. The university is home to cultural landmarks like Bharat Kala Bhavan, the New Vishwanath Temple, and lush botanical gardens. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the grounds, interact with students, or attend open lectures and exhibitions. It offers a perfect balance of culture, spirituality, and affordability in one location. Entry is either free or extremely minimal, making BHU a must-visit for anyone on a tight budget. The university also embodies the city’s timeless academic and spiritual fusion.

• Walk through the peaceful lanes and visit the New Vishwanath Temple, which replicates the original temple in design. This spot is often less crowded and is free to enter, making it ideal for quiet reflection.
  
  
• Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to explore artifacts, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts at an entry fee of just ₹20. It’s an enriching cultural stop that’s incredibly affordable for students and families.
  
  
• Use public transport or shared rickshaws to reach the campus for ₹10–₹15 from major parts of Varanasi. It’s the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to travel.

Pro Tip: Top-up your metro or prepaid cards with Mobikwik wallet cashback offers on SavePlus to save on local commute expenses.

Take a Day Trip to Sarnath

Just a short ride from Varanasi, Sarnath is a revered site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Rich in history and calm in the atmosphere, it’s perfect for a spiritual and educational retreat. The archaeological site, museum, and nearby stupas offer a serene escape from the city’s hustle. Entry fees are nominal, and getting there is simple via bus, shared auto, or rental bike. Sarnath also houses beautiful gardens and prayer halls managed by Buddhist communities from around the world. It’s a must-visit destination for history buffs and seekers of peace.

• Board a local bus from Varanasi junction for ₹15–₹20 or take a shared rickshaw from Godowlia for around ₹30. Both options are budget-friendly and easily available throughout the day.
  
  
• Entry to the Sarnath Museum is ₹25 for Indian citizens and includes access to rare Buddhist artifacts. Students with ID often receive additional discounts or free entry on special dates.
  
  
• Pack your lunch or buy from local vendors offering South Indian and Jain meals for ₹80–₹120. This avoids overpriced tourist food stalls and supports local businesses.

Pro Tip: Explore Flipkart Travel and Yatra package offers listed on SavePlus India for Sarnath tours bundled with transport and meals at reduced rates.

Join a Morning Yoga Session by the Ghats

Varanasi offers a spiritual and physical awakening through its morning yoga sessions by the river. Conducted by local trainers, ashrams, or wellness centers, these sessions promote balance and inner peace. Many of these are free or run on a donation basis, making them perfect for travelers watching their budgets. Ghats like Assi and Dashashwamedh are popular locations for yoga meetups at sunrise. Participation requires no special gear—just a mat and an open mind. It’s a great way to start your day while embracing the holistic energy of the city.

• Attend free public yoga classes held every morning at Assi Ghat between 5–7 AM by local volunteers. These sessions focus on pranayama and basic postures, attracting both locals and tourists.
  
  
• Paid group sessions range from ₹150–₹300 per hour and are offered by certified instructors. Use SavePlus discount codes for Cure. fit or UrbanClap for extra value on bookings.
  
  
• Carry your yoga mat or buy one at local markets for around ₹200 to avoid rental charges. Lightweight mats are easy to pack and can be reused during your entire trip.

Pro Tip: Use SavePlus India to find Mobikwik wallet promo codes for fitness-related services and receive 10–15% cashback on your booking amount.

Conclusion

Varanasi offers a wealth of experiences without straining your wallet. From sunrise boat rides to spiritual darshans and soulful street food, every moment here is both enriching and affordable. With expert shopping hacks and promo codes from SavePlus India, you can explore this sacred city smarter—spending less while discovering more. Budget travel in India begins here.

For the best promo codes, cashback offers, and shopping hacks tailored for Indian consumers, trust SavePlus.in—your ultimate savings partner.

FAQ

What’s the best way to travel within Varanasi on a budget?
Shared autos, local buses, and walking are the most affordable modes of transport. UPI payments are widely accepted.

Are there any safety concerns for solo travelers exploring Varanasi?
Varanasi is generally safe, especially near the ghats and temples. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid isolated spots after dark.

Can I find vegetarian meals easily in Varanasi?
Absolutely. Most food stalls and restaurants serve vegetarian meals, often for under ₹100, making it ideal for budget-conscious visitors.

Do I need to pre-book the Ganga Aarti experience?
No. It’s a free public event. However, paid boat seating or VIP arrangements can be pre-booked during peak seasons or festivals.

Are SavePlus promo codes applicable to local bookings?
Yes. SavePlus India partners with platforms like IRCTC, Zomato, MakeMyTrip, and others, enabling you to use promo codes on local tours and services.