Think Varanasi is expensive? Think again. With smart planning, you can have an incredibly rich 3-day experience in the City of Light for under Rs 5,000. Here is a detailed day-by-day budget itinerary with actual costs.
Varanasi on a Budget — 3 Days, Rs 5,000
Varanasi is one of those rare destinations where the most powerful experiences cost nothing at all. The Ganga Aarti is free. The ghats are free. The temples are free. With a bit of planning, a careful budget traveller can comfortably spend 3 days here for Rs 1,500–1,700 per day.
Budget Breakdown
Accommodation (Per Night)
- Budget guesthouse with Ganga view: Rs 400–600
- Hostel dormitory bed: Rs 200–350
- Best areas: Near Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat for easy access to everything
Food (Per Day)
- Breakfast — Kachori Sabzi at a street stall: Rs 20–30
- Lunch — Thali at a local dhaba: Rs 80–120
- Evening snack — Chaat + Lassi: Rs 50–70
- Dinner — Dal rice or roti sabzi: Rs 80–100
- Total per day: Rs 250–350
Sightseeing
- Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh: Free
- Kashi Vishwanath Darshan: Free
- Morning boat ride (shared): Rs 100–150 per person
- Sarnath day trip: Rs 50 auto + Rs 40 entry fee
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Ghats, Temples & Aarti
Wake up at 5 AM for a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Walk the ghats as the city slowly wakes up. Breakfast at a ghat-side stall (kachori sabzi). Visit Kashi Vishwanath Corridor for darshan. Spend the afternoon exploring Vishwanath Gali. In the evening, secure a good spot at Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga Aarti — arrive by 6 PM.
Day 2 — Sarnath & the Old City
Morning trip to Sarnath (where the Buddha gave his first sermon) — visit Dhamek Stupa, the Sarnath Museum and Mulagandhakuti Vihara. Afternoon stroll through BHU (Banaras Hindu University) campus. Evening at Assi Ghat — yoga, chai, and the laid-back atmosphere.
Day 3 — Cremation Ghats, Shopping & Departure
Morning walk to Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats (observe respectfully from a distance). Browse Banaras silk sarees and handicrafts at Chowk market. Finish with a famous Meetha Paan before heading to the station.
Money-Saving Tips
- Use shared autos and cycle rickshaws instead of private taxis
- Always negotiate the boat fare before boarding
- Watch the Ganga Aarti from the ghat steps — you do not need a boat
- Eat at local dhabas rather than tourist-facing restaurants (up to 3x cheaper)
- Visit Sarnath and back by shared auto to keep costs low
