Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, overflows with a variety of stories from its ghats. The traditions, the festive dances, and the vibrancy of celebrations in this city are some things to yearn for. And if you have been looking to vacay in Varanasi but are still confused about accommodation, then you’ve come to the right place. Homestays are definitely a great way for you to experience the cultural riot that is this city; here are some of the best homestays in Varanasi for you to choose from.
If you are looking for a place that’s away from the bustle of Varanasi, then Aashray Homestay is the apt choice for you. The hosts are warm and welcoming, and they will go to great lengths to fulfill the needs of their customers. Well-read with information about the ins and outs of Varanasi, you can ask them practically anything and they will give an unhesitant answer. In addition, the hosts serve scrumptious North Indian breakfast dishes in the morning, and having a plateful of them will certainly get you prepped for the day.
Located at a short distance from Manikarnika Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Temple, customers praise Aashray Homestay for its clean rooms. They have a good range of rooms with double beds with interiors sporting a blend of traditional and modern shades. Also, these rooms are installed with the latest amenities and they are spacious enough for families or married couples to luxuriate in. Your stay in this property will be a fruitful and delightful one.
Food Availability: Only breakfast is served. But, there are many restaurants near this homestay if you are concerned about lunch and dinner.
Accessibility: If you are coming by air, the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is approximately 27 km away from this place. From there, you can either catch a cab or use Varanasi’s bus service to reach the homestay. If you are coming by train, the Varanasi Junction railway station is just 5 km away. There are many pre-paid taxis and rickshaw stands present near the station. Preferably, choose rickshaws for short distances as their fares are inexpensive.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in this homestay.
Rate: INR 5,544 per night.
Ideal For: Only married couples are allowed. Since the rooms are spacious, they are ideal for family vacations too.
Location: 10, Gangapuri, Mehmoorganj, 221010 Varanasi, India.
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Situated in the center of the beautiful city of Varanasi, Sai Homestay is a place that’s known for its budget accommodation and quiet location. It’s also a short distance from the Kashi Vishwanath temple so if you need some time to get connected with the divine, you know where to do so.
If you ever want to catch the first rays of the sun or indulge in some morning yoga, the property has a terrace. Plus, there’s a shared kitchen on the premises too if you ever want to fix a snack. Sai Homestay’s rooms are a bang for your buck because of the amenities that are installed in them. Their accommodations are spacious and clean and that’s why this homestay has received a lot of positive feedback from its customers. Mainly, you’ll find good double bed options over here, which are best for family vacations or honeymoon ventures.
Food Availability: Home-cooked food is provided and breakfast is priced at very reasonable rates.
Accessibility: Approximately 26 km from the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport and 4 km from the Varanasi Junction station. You can use taxis to get to the homestay either from the airport or railway station.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed on the premises, unfortunately.
Rate: Prices start at INR 1,619 per night.
Ideal For: Sai Homestay’s rooms are family-friendly and allow only married couples.
Location: Behind Hotel Padmini International & behind Sadhna General Store, Bank Colony, Sigra, Varanasi, 221010.
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Located at a short distance from the Ganges, Heritage Homestay is a quaint place that’s satiated with a homely vibe and welcoming atmosphere. Many popular sites are also pretty close to this place, perfect for those who are fond of sightseeing, and amenities such as shops and restaurants are just a stone’s throw away.
Also, this homestay is known for its excellent customer service. The caretaker, being a friendly person, will ensure that all your needs are met - even going the extra mile to execute them. This is what makes staying here favorable and that’s why it's among the best homestays in Varanasi.
This 3-story property has a terrace that has an antique swing hanging from the ceiling. From this place, you will get panoramic views of Varanasi and a serene area to read a book. If you feel like cooking a small meal for yourself, the shared kitchen that’s available will be useful. The bedrooms are nice and broad and the interiors have warm shades, making the ambiance homely and cozy. All of this is supported by the expansive range of amenities it provides, including a doctor-on-call and dry cleaning services.
Food Availability: Unfortunately, the homestay does not provide any food facilities. On the brighter side, there are numerous restaurants surrounding the area where you can just pop in and grab a bite. Plus, you can always order food from food ordering apps such as Swiggy or Zomato.
Accessibility: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is located at a distance of 26 km from the property. Buses and taxis are easily available from the airport. From the Varanasi Junction Station, the homestay is at a distance of just 5 km. You can easily catch a rickshaw from here.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are allowed at no extra charge! Finally, here’s a place you can bring your fluffy buddies to.
Rate: INR 3,000 per night.
Ideal For: Heritage Homestay’s rooms are pretty sizable to host a family of 3, so if you are in for a family vacation, you know which homestay to go to. Also, married and unmarried couples are allowed here too, making the place highly couple-friendly.
Location: K3/17, Gaighat, Machodari, Varanasi.
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Located in the interiors of Varanasi and just within a few meters of Bharat Mata Temple, you will find Travelling Troopers Homestay- a place known for being away from the bustle. The Assi Ghat is also a short drive from this property so you don’t have to travel far to witness the pujas taking place over there.
The homestay has 13 spacious rooms with the latest amenities installed in each. You can choose from among their standard king rooms, deluxe double rooms, and deluxe twin rooms. Where security is concerned, the area is surrounded by CCTVs and a watchman is kept at the entrance of the facility. If you choose to stay in Travelling Troopers Homestay, you are choosing serenity and tranquility!
Food Availability: The property has a kitchen with its own on-site chef. You can practically order whatever you want and they will deliver.
Accessibility: Travelling Troopers Homestay is located just 1 km from Varanasi Junction, but approximately 24 km from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. Taxis will take you directly to the homestay whereas buses will drop you off at the Varanasi bus stand also known as the Chaudhary Charan Singh Bus Stand. From the bus stand, it’s an 18-minute walk to the homestay so we suggest that you catch a taxi or a rickshaw from there.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are allowed on the premises but not in the rooms. So, keep that in mind; you’re probably better off not getting them along.
Rate: Prices start from INR 2,300 per night.
Ideal For: Families, married and unmarried couples.
Location: 20 Kamla Nagar, Behind Sigra Police Station, Varanasi, 221010.
Also Read: Varanasi Travel Guide
If you are looking for budget accommodation that’s just adjacent to the ghats, then Azure Family Paying Guest House might be suitable for you. From its terrace, you can view serene landscape views of the Ganges horizon and a bit of the bustling lanes of Varanasi.
The hospitable nature of the hosts will immediately make you feel at home. They are well-versed with the surroundings of the place and will provide apt information about the best things to do in Varanasi. When it comes to accommodation, the rooms are simple but clean and comfortable. Basic amenities are met in them and they all come within the inexpensive price of the stay.
Food Availability: The family prepares delicious North Indian dishes that are rich enough to fill your tummy. They even host cooking classes if you want to learn how not to burn a chapati, plus tons more.
Accessibility: From the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, the homestay is at an approximate distance of 30 km. Pick a cab or a bus from the airport to finish the journey to the guest house. The Varanasi Junction station is just 7 km away, from where you can catch a rickshaw to reach the place.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed in this guest house.
Rate: Prices start at INR 700 per night.
Ideal For: Single travelers and families.
Location: B 30/232 Assi Nagwa, Ravidas Ghat Crossing, near Assi Ghat, Varanasi, 221005.
This family-owned guest house is overlooking the Ganges and grants you panoramic views of the city. It’s also near some of Varanasi’s most prominent landmarks so you don’t have to look far for sightseeing opportunities. Tourists from far and near rest in the attractive rooms of Bhadra Kali since its Indian, traditional-styled interiors are warm and inviting. If you are fond of Indian classical music, the owner is an ardent tabla player and while he practices, the rhythmic sound produced will surely enchant you.
Bhadra Kali Guest House has two types of rooms. You can book a double deluxe room that has a private external bathroom. Or if you want to wake up with good views of the river, you can opt for their deluxe AC room that’s just facing it.
Food Availability: Delicious vegetarian dishes, which will easily suit your taste buds, are prepared. Additionally, they have good breakfast options too.
Accessibility: From the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, the place is at a distance of 26 km. You will find cabs and buses from the airport easily, so you don’t have to worry about reaching the guesthouse. If you are coming by train, the Varanasi Junction railway station is about 5 km and you can take a cab or a rickshaw to reach the guest house.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed, unfortunately.
Rate: Prices start at INR 850 per night.
Ideal For: Couples and families.
Location: D18/11, Ahilyabai Ghat, Dasha Aswamedh Road, Varanasi.
You get the hint of its location in the name itself! This colorful guest house brings a different kind of vibrancy to the busy ghats of Varanasi. And once you climb the terrace of this property, you will get breathtaking views of the Ganges. You can easily consume the spiritual air from there while you sip on a hot cup of chai.
Its double-bedroom rooms that are beautified by Indo-Western interiors have private balconies overlooking the river. They also have the latest amenities set up in them, along with additional services such as Reiki massages and yoga workshops. Staying in Shiva Ganges View Guest House will truly make your vacation memorable.
Food Availability: The property serves delicious Indian food made from fresh ingredients. You should try the thali here if you want a truly fulfilling meal!
Accessibility: The property is 25 km from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, and 5 km from the Varanasi Junction railway station. The most efficient way to reach the property is by taxi as they’ll directly drop you at the spot.
Pet Friendliness: No pets are allowed.
Rate: Prices start at INR 5,000 per night.
Ideal For: Families and couples.
Location: B - 14/24, Mansarovar Ghat, near Andhra Ashram, Varanasi.
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Summing Up
Now you know some of the best homestays in Varanasi. But, now it's up to you to select which one suits your taste so that you can plan accordingly. The spiritual capital of India has many offerings and your experience delving into each of them is like a journey by itself. We pray that your time in this city would be enriching, blessed, and fruitful.
What Are Some Of The Best Homestays In Varanasi?
Our top picks are Aashray Homestay, Sai Homestay, Heritage Homestay, Travelling Troopers Homestay, Bhadra Kali Guest House, Azure Family Paying Guest House, and Shiva Ganges View Guest House.
What Is The Famous Food Of Varanasi?
Varanasi has an extensive range of mouth-watering dishes. Some of the more famous ones are kachori sabzi, chena dahi vada, baati chokha or litti chokha, sankat mochan ke laddoo, parval mithai, and magdal.
Which Language Is Spoken In Varanasi?
Bhojpuri is the main language spoken in Varanasi. However, you can get by just fine by speaking Hindi as well.
How Can We Travel Around Varanasi?
Getting around Varanasi is pretty simple. The most convenient way is to travel by rickshaws and Ola cabs. Prepaid taxis are available at the Varanasi Junction railway station too.
Which Ghat Is Famous In Varanasi?
The Dashashwamedh Ghat, located at a short distance from the Vishwanath Temple, is regarded as the most famous ghat in Varanasi.
Is Alcohol Available In Varanasi?
You won't find any liquor stores anywhere near temples and holy sites. But if you still fancy a beer after a day's worth of sightseeing, you may have to go mid-range hotels that are away from the ghats.
How Far Is Varanasi Airport From City?
Varanasi Airport, also known as Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or Babatpur Airport, is located at a distance of 18 km from the city centre of Varanasi.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Varanasi?
Visit Varanasi during the winter months (November to February) as the climate is just right for you to explore the city during the day. However, carry a warm jacket along as the weather can get a bit chilly at night.
