7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Varanasi, Puri, Manali

1. Saturday July 15: Varanasi
   10 hours (400 miles) from Puri

   Morning: Explore the serene ghats and witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset.

   • Boat Ride on River Ganges: £5, 1.5 hours
   • Visit Sarnath: £2, 2 hours
   • Enjoy local street food: £5, 1 hour
2. Sunday July 16: Puri
   9 hours (350 miles) from Manali

   Morning: Explore the famous Jagannath Temple and relax on the pristine Puri Beach.

   • Visit Jagannath Temple: £3, 2 hours
   • Relax on Puri Beach: Free, 3 hours
   • Sample local seafood: £10, 1 hour
3. Monday July 17: Manali
   8 hours (300 miles) from Varanasi

   Morning: Explore the picturesque Rohtang Pass and indulge in adventure activities.

   • Visit Rohtang Pass: £5, 3 hours
   • Try paragliding: £20, 1 hour
   • Visit Hadimba Devi Temple: £2, 1 hour
4. Tuesday July 18: Varanasi
   9 hours (350 miles) from Puri

   Morning: Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges followed by a visit to the ancient Vishwanath Temple.

   • Sunrise boat ride on Ganges: £5, 1.5 hours
   • Visit Vishwanath Temple: £3, 2 hours
   • Discover local silk weaving: £2, 1 hour
5. Wednesday July 19: Puri
   10 hours (400 miles) from Manali

   Morning: Explore the Konark Sun Temple and witness the pristine beauty of Chilika Lake.

   • Visit Konark Sun Temple: £4, 2 hours
   • Boat ride on Chilika Lake: £10, 3 hours
   • Try local cuisine in Puri: £8, 1 hour
6. Thursday July 20: Manali
   8 hours (300 miles) from Varanasi

   Morning: Embark on a scenic trek to Jogni Waterfall and explore the vibrant Manali Market.

   • Trek to Jogni Waterfall: £3, 3 hours
   • Explore Manali Market: Free, 2 hours
   • Indulge in local apple products: £5, 1 hour
7. Friday July 21: Varanasi
   9 hours (350 miles) from Puri

   Morning: Take a heritage walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi's old city and experience the famous Aarti at Assi Ghat.

   • Heritage walk in old city: £2, 2 hours
   • Experience Aarti at Assi Ghat: Free, 1 hour
   • Enjoy local sweets: £3, 1 hour

Recommendations

Are there any other local attractions, events, or experiences I should also consider? How about day trips? Any good ideas on how to get the most for my money and have a lot of fun?

In Varanasi, don't miss the opportunity to take a sunrise boat ride to witness the city awakening. You can also consider a day trip to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. In Puri, explore the local markets for unique handicrafts and take a day trip to the beautiful Chilika Lake. In Manali, try river rafting in Beas River and don't forget to visit the picturesque Solang Valley. To make the most of your shoestring budget, try local street food, use public transportation, and book accommodations in advance.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.