Use this guide if you are planning a devotional trip to Varanasi. Here, you will learn how to explore the spiritual side of Varanasi on a budget.
Travel to Varanasi if you love to experience the spiritual and cultural heritage of India. The city combines ancient traditions with amazing ghats and historical landmarks. Varanasi is one of the popular tourist destinations in India. It is known for its sacred rivers, stunning temples, and vibrant local markets. From staying in heritage hotels to trying the local street food and watching the spiritual ceremonies, there is something in Varanasi for all types of travelers.
Varanasi or Kasi, the city of lights in India, is situated on the western bank of the Ganges River in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the world’s oldest cities, with a history dating back more than 4,000 years. The city has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryans, Guptas, and Mughals. All of these dynasties have contributed to the city’s culture and architecture. In India, Varanasi is an important centre for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. If you wish to spend your vacation in a sacred destination, then go to Varanasi and experience its spiritual magic.
Must-Visit Spiritual Places in Varanasi
Varanasi has several spiritual sites, like temples and ghats, to explore on a budget. Some of the must-visit temples in Varanasi are
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: This famous temple in India is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered very holy. It is known for its golden towers and spiritual significance. To avoid crowds, visit this temple early in the morning.
Tulsi Manas Temple: It is a beautiful white marble temple dedicated to Lord Rama. This temple has Ramayana verses engraved on its walls. You must visit this temple to connect with Lord Rama’s story.
Dashashwamedh Ghat: This historic ghat is famous for its daily Ganga Aarti ceremony. You must visit this ghat to get a lively spiritual experience.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is a calm and quiet spot where people in Varanasi gather for cultural events and spiritual talks.
Assi Ghat: It is a spiritual and cultural center that is famous for its beautiful sunrises and yoga sessions. Assi Ghat is one of the best spots in Varanasi for meditation and river dips.
Other Popular Tourist Attractions in Varanasi
Not only temples and ghats, but Varanasi also stands as evidence of history and culture. In Varanasi, from forts to museums, you have several historical places to explore. These are a few other notable tourist spots in Varanasi you can visit without overspending
- Ramnagar Fort
- Sarnath
- Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
- Bharat Mata Mandir
- Durga Temple
- Chinese Temple
- Tibetan Temple
- Manikarnika Ghat
- St.Mary’s Church
- Chunar Fort
Budget-friendly Things to Do in Varanasi
Explore Varanasi to experience its spiritual and cultural value. Apart from watching the divine Ganga Aarti and visiting ancient temples, you can take a sunrise or sunset boat ride on the Ganges River, walk through Varanasi’s ghats, or hire a bike to ride along scenic routes. If you are a food enthusiast, then you should not miss local snacks like kachori, chole samosa, and baati chokha. Also, visit Godowlia Market for traditional Banarasi silk apparel and handicrafts. If you are seeking relaxation, then practice yoga, meditation, or even undergo a massage at local centers. Whatever activities you choose, Varanasi’s unique charm will stay with you forever.
Where to Stay in Varanasi
From budget-friendly options like Mad Squad Hostel to mid-range hotels like Hotel Varuna and Hari Vilas, there are plenty of accommodation options in Varanasi that suit various budgets and tastes. If you prefer luxury with top-notch amenities and services, then book hotels like Costa Riviera or Taj Nadesar Palace. In case you are on a budget, consider hostels like Live Free Hostel or Wander Station. You also have an option to stay close to well-known ghats such as Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat. This will keep you close to numerous spiritual sights and activities in Varanasi.
Where to Eat in Varanasi
When you are in Varanasi, never forget to taste the flavors of the city. Varanasi has diverse dining options to suit your taste and budget. For fine dining, go to Behind Yellow Doors Diner or the Palate at Ramada Plaza. They offer a range of Indian and International cuisine. If you don’t want to spend too much, then go to Bowl of Compassion or Niyati Cafe. Also, you can try street food at Kashi Chat Bhandar and taste local dishes like chaat items and lassi.
How to Book a Hotel, Taxi, and Flight in Varanasi
With a few clicks, you can easily plan your trip to Varanasi and book your reservations. To book hotels in Varanasi, you can either use the official websites of hotels or online hotel booking sites. For taxi services, you can use apps like Ola or Uber. For flight bookings, you can use airline websites or platforms like Plane Pockets.
Varanasi – 2 Nights / 3 Days Itinerary
✅ Overview
Duration: 2 Nights / 3 Days
Trip Type: Spiritual, Cultural, Heritage & Food Trail
Start/End Point: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport / Varanasi Junction
🗓️ Day 1: Arrival & Ganga Aarti Experience
🔹 Activities
- Arrival at Varanasi Airport / Railway Station
- Check-in to your hotel and relax after the journey
- Visit the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas)
- Explore Vishwanath Gali for street shopping (souvenirs, bangles, rudraksha beads)
- Optional: Try traditional lassi at Blue Lassi Shop or Benares chai
🔹 Evening Highlights
- Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – a magical spiritual ceremony by the river
- Take a short boat ride on the Ganges during twilight (great for photos)
- Dinner at Baati Chokha (authentic UP-Bihari cuisine) or Banarasiya Bhojanalaya
🍴 Meals: Dinner
🛏 Stay: Heritage Hotel or Ganga-View Stay
🗓️ Day 2: Sunrise Boat Ride & Sarnath Visit
🔹 Morning Activities
- Early morning sunrise boat ride on the Ganges – see life unfold at the ghats (Assi, Manikarnika, Harishchandra)
- Breakfast at your hotel or try kachori-jalebi from a local eatery
🔹 Mid-Morning to Afternoon
- Visit Sarnath (10 km from Varanasi) – where Buddha gave his first sermon
- Attractions: Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath Museum, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
- Lunch at a nearby café (try Garden of Spirituality or Singh’s Café)
🔹 Evening
- Explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus and the New Vishwanath Temple
- Visit Tulsi Manas Temple and Durga Kund Mandir
- Optional: Attend a classical music or dance performance (if available)
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🛏 Stay: Hotel in Varanasi
🗓️ Day 3: Local Flavors & Departure
🔹 Morning Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Visit Ramnagar Fort (across the Ganges) – a royal museum with vintage cars, arms, manuscripts
- Try a walking food tour or visit Godowlia Market for Banarasi silk sarees, wooden toys, perfumes
🔹 Afternoon
- Lunch at Deena Chat Bhandar or Kashi Chat Bhandar (try Tamatar Chaat & Malaiyyo – seasonal)
- Pack up and check-out from hotel
- Transfer to Airport / Railway Station for onward journey
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
🎒 Optional Add-ons
- Attend a Rudrabhishek or special temple ritual
- Try a Banarasi paan-making workshop
- Take a heritage walk through Old Varanasi alleys
✅ Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Dress conservatively for temples and ghats
- Don’t miss the Ganga Aarti and early morning boat ride – unforgettable experiences
- Respect local customs and photography rules at religious sites
Visit Varanasi between October and March to experience traditional festivals, spiritual activities, and sightseeing. You can reach Varanasi by flying into Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, or taking a train or bus from major Indian cities. To create personalized itineraries, you may contact our travel experts. Alternatively, you can book Varanasi pilgrimage tour packages and get unforgettable spiritual experiences at affordable prices.
