In India, we love a good bargain—whether it’s during the Great Indian Festival, Big Billion Days, or using Paytm cashback on travel bookings. At SavePlus, our mission is to help you explore more while spending less. If you’re planning a trip to the spiritual capital of India, here’s your ultimate guide to the 13 best budget-friendly places in Varanasi. Discover divine serenity, rich culture, and hidden savings!
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most vibrant and popular ghat in Varanasi. Every evening, the spiritual Ganga Aarti lights up the atmosphere with chants, lamps, and crowds. It's a surreal experience, whether you're watching from the steps or a boat on the Ganges. This is a must-visit for first-time and returning travelers.
- Location: Near Godowlia, Varanasi
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Get down at Godowlia bus stop
- By Train: 5 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 25 km from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: Attend Ganga Aarti, enjoy boat rides
- Estimated Budget: ₹0–₹100
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Jalebi, Kachori Sabzi from nearby stalls
- Nearby Cities: Mirzapur, Jaunpur
Pro Tip: Use IRCTC offers or MakeMyTrip promo codes for discounted train tickets to Varanasi.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
This sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds deep religious importance. Devotees from all over India come here to seek blessings and soak in the temple’s vibrant spiritual energy. Though often crowded, the experience is humbling and memorable. Don’t miss shopping for Rudraksha and puja items nearby.
- Location: Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Auto to Godowlia, walk to temple
- By Train: 4.5 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 24 km from the airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: Spiritual darshan, shopping at Vishwanath Gali
- Estimated Budget: ₹0–₹300
- Trip Duration: 1 hour
- Must Try Foods: Rabri, Thandai
- Nearby Cities: Allahabad, Chandauli
Pro Tip: Grab UPI cashback offers using PhonePe or Google Pay at nearby shops.
Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is a tranquil escape from the busy parts of the city. Ideal for early risers, it offers yoga sessions, live music, and beautiful sunrise views over the Ganga. Local eateries serve delicious chai and snacks along the banks. It’s a hotspot for students and foreign tourists.
- Location: Southern end of Varanasi, near BHU
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Accessible via local buses to BHU
- By Train: 7 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 28 km from airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: Yoga, sunrise boat rides
- Estimated Budget: ₹0–₹150
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
- Must Try Foods: Chai, Poha
- Nearby Cities: Ghazipur, Azamgarh
Pro Tip: Book a shared boat ride using Yatra app coupons for extra savings.
Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred cremation grounds in India. It offers a stark and thought-provoking experience as you witness last rites being performed. While it may be emotionally intense, it reflects the deep spiritual beliefs in rebirth and moksha. Photography is discouraged out of respect.
- Location: North of Dashashwamedh Ghat
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Godowlia bus stop + short walk
- By Train: 5.5 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 26 km from airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: Observe rituals, understand cultural beliefs
- Estimated Budget: ₹0
- Trip Duration: 1 hour
- Must Try Foods: Masala chai from local vendors
- Nearby Cities: Bhadohi, Sarnath
Pro Tip: Stay in budget hostels nearby booked through Oyo promo codes on SavePlus.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
BHU’s vast campus is a peaceful oasis in Varanasi. Known for its lush greenery, historic buildings, and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, it’s a great spot for cultural and academic tourism. Students and tourists mingle here, especially near the famous Vishwanath Temple inside the campus. It’s ideal for reflective walks and cultural immersion.
- Location: Lanka, Varanasi
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Lanka bus stop
- By Train: 8 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 30 km from the airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: Explore campus, Bharat Kala Bhavan
- Estimated Budget: ₹0–₹20
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
- Must Try Foods: BHU Gate Lassi, Bread Omelette
- Nearby Cities: Mau, Ballia
Pro Tip: BHU students often sell homemade snacks near gates—tasty and cheap!
Sarnath
Sarnath, located just outside Varanasi, is a peaceful Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. It houses the majestic Dhamek Stupa, ancient ruins, and a well-curated museum. The serene vibe, clean surroundings, and historical richness make it a perfect half-day excursion for history and peace lovers.
- Location: Sarnath, Varanasi District
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Direct bus from Cantt or Lanka
- By Train: 12 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 35 km from the airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum
- Estimated Budget: ₹25–₹100
- Trip Duration: Half-day
- Must Try Foods: Tibetan momos, local sweets
- Nearby Cities: Ghazipur, Chunar
Pro Tip: Use RedBus offers or Mobikwik wallet deals for local travel.
Tulsi Manas Mandir
This temple is revered for its connection to the Ramcharitmanas, written by Tulsidas. The white marble architecture is beautiful, and the walls are engraved with verses from the epic. It’s close to other spiritual landmarks, making it easy to include in a cultural circuit of temples in Varanasi.
- Location: Near Durga Mandir, Varanasi
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Lanka or BHU local buses
- By Train: 7 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 29 km from the airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: Visit nearby temples, cultural programs
- Estimated Budget: ₹0
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Street Pani Puri, Lemon Soda
- Nearby Cities: Jaunpur, Buxar
Pro Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy local chai tapris nearby.
Ramnagar Fort
Ramnagar Fort stands gracefully on the eastern bank of the Ganges. Built in the 18th century, it now houses a museum showcasing royal artifacts, vintage cars, and astronomical clocks. A boat ride across the river makes the visit even more memorable, especially during sunset.
- Location: Ramnagar, across the Ganges
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Take a shared tempo to Ramnagar
- By Train: 11 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 32 km from the airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: Museum, river views
- Estimated Budget: ₹50–₹100
- Trip Duration: 2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Kulhad chai, Bhel
- Nearby Cities: Chunar, Sonbhadra
Pro Tip: Club your visit with a boat tour deal using Cleartrip discounts via SavePlus India.
Bharat Mata Mandir
Unlike traditional temples, Bharat Mata Mandir is dedicated to Mother India. Inside, you’ll find a unique marble map of undivided India rather than an idol. It promotes patriotism and offers a refreshing change from the religious tone of the city. A great stop for both adults and students.
- Location: Near Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Local rickshaws or shared autos
- By Train: 3.5 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 25 km from the airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: See India’s marble map
- Estimated Budget: ₹0
- Trip Duration: 1 hour
- Must Try Foods: Aloo Tikki, Bread Pakoda
- Nearby Cities: Azamgarh, Mirzapur
Pro Tip: Use SBI credit card offers at nearby eateries listed on SavePlus to save on meals.
Godowlia Market
Godowlia is Varanasi’s buzzing heart for street shopping and local eats. From Banarasi sarees to handicrafts and spices, you’ll find everything at bargain rates. It's also a paradise for street food lovers. Whether you’re buying or browsing, the market is a sensory overload worth exploring.
- Location: Godowlia Chowk, Varanasi
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Main city bus stand
- By Train: 4 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 25 km from the airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: Shop, taste street foods, roam alleys
- Estimated Budget: ₹200–₹500
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
- Must Try Foods: Tamatar Chaat, Lassi
- Nearby Cities: Chandauli, Jaunpur
Pro Tip: Shop smart with Flipkart coupon codes on SavePlus to compare prices before buying offline.
Gyan Vapi Well
Located inside the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex, this ancient well holds mythological and spiritual value. It’s believed to have been created by Lord Shiva himself. Though photography is restricted, the well is a solemn reminder of the temple’s divine origin. Most visit it as part of the main darshan route.
- Location: Temple premises, Varanasi
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Auto to Godowlia
- By Train: 5 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 26 km from the airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: Temple visit, spiritual immersion
- Estimated Budget: ₹0
- Trip Duration: 1 hour
- Must Try Foods: Local fruit salads, sweets
- Nearby Cities: Ballia, Bhadohi
Pro Tip: Book temple tours using cashback offers from Goibibo or Paytm.
Alamgir Mosque
Alamgir Mosque, built by Aurangzeb, is a perfect example of Indo-Mughal architecture. Its location right on the riverbank offers some of the best views of Varanasi. Despite its controversial history, it's now a peaceful spot to watch the Ganga flow. A hidden gem for offbeat explorers.
- Location: Panchganga Ghat, Varanasi
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Local autos to Panchganga
- By Train: 5.5 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 26 km from the airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: View sunset, enjoy quiet moments
- Estimated Budget: ₹0
- Trip Duration: 1 hour
- Must Try Foods: Lemon tea, Banana chips
- Nearby Cities: Ghazipur, Chunar
Pro Tip: Pair this with nearby ghat visits using a walking tour coupon from local travel apps.
St. Mary’s Church
Built in 1810, St. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest in Varanasi. The churchyard and architecture provide a calm contrast to the city's usual energy. It’s a great place to reflect, read, or take a break from the spiritual rush. Ideal for solo travelers seeking peace.
- Location: Cantonment, Varanasi
- How to Reach:
- By Bus: Direct to Cantt area
- By Train: 2 km from Varanasi Junction
- By Air: 24 km from the airport
- Things to Do / Places to Visit: Peaceful walks, historic architecture
- Estimated Budget: ₹0
- Trip Duration: 1 hour
- Must Try Foods: Bakery treats nearby
- Nearby Cities: Mau, Sonbhadra
Pro Tip: Look for nearby cafés offering Zomato discounts via SavePlus to rest and recharge.
Conclusion
Varanasi offers an unforgettable mix of spirituality, culture, and savings. With the right tips and smart planning, you can enjoy this sacred city on a modest budget. Whether you're a student, solo backpacker, or family traveler, SavePlus helps you unlock the best of Varanasi with deals, discounts, and travel hacks tailored for Indian explorers.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to travel to Varanasi?
The most budget-friendly way is by Indian Railways using IRCTC discount codes or sleeper class tickets booked during sales.
Are budget accommodations easily available in Varanasi?
Yes, there are many low-cost hostels, dharamshalas, and OYO rooms available starting from ₹300 per night, especially near Assi Ghat and Godowlia.
How many days are enough to explore Varanasi on a budget?
A 3-day itinerary is ideal to cover major ghats, temples, Sarnath, and markets, all while sticking to a ₹1,500–₹2,500 budget.
Can I find food options under ₹100 in Varanasi?
Absolutely! Varanasi is famous for its chaat, lassi, poori-sabzi, and street snacks, all easily available for under ₹100.
What is the best time to visit Varanasi for discounts?
Travel during the off-season (June–September) or post-Diwali to enjoy cheaper stays, fewer crowds, and better cashback offers via UPI and wallet apps.
