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

1. Sunday July 16: Manali
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Manali

   Start your day with a visit to Hadimba Temple, a beautiful wooden structure surrounded by cedar forests. In the afternoon, explore the Solang Valley and indulge in adventure activities like paragliding. Wrap up your evening at Mall Road, a bustling street filled with shops and local delicacies.

   • Hadimba Temple: ₹100, 1-2 hours
   • Solang Valley: ₹500 (paragliding), 3-4 hours
   • Mall Road: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
2. Monday July 17: Varanasi
   8 hours (350 miles) from Manali

   Immerse yourself in the spiritual charm of Varanasi. Begin your day with a boat ride on the Ganges River during sunrise, witnessing the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and explore the narrow lanes of the old city, known for their vibrant markets.

   • Ganges River Boat Ride: ₹200, 2-3 hours
   • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Exploring Old City: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
3. Tuesday July 18: Varanasi (Day Trip to Sarnath)
   30 minutes (8 miles) from Varanasi

   Embark on a day trip to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and explore the ruins of ancient monasteries. Witness the evening Aarti at Dhamek Stupa before returning to Varanasi.

   • Dhamek Stupa: ₹25, 1-2 hours
   • Exploring Ancient Monasteries: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Evening Aarti at Dhamek Stupa: Free, 1 hour
4. Wednesday July 19: Varanasi to Puri
   12 hours (550 miles) from Varanasi

   Travel from Varanasi to Puri, a coastal town famous for its beaches and temples. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Jagannath Temple and take a leisurely stroll along the golden sands of Puri Beach. Enjoy a beautiful sunset view from the Light House.

   • Jagannath Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Puri Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
   • Light House: ₹20, 1 hour
5. Thursday July 20: Puri
   Explore Puri

   Start your day with a visit to the famous Konark Sun Temple, known for its architectural brilliance. Discover the history and art at the Puri Museum. In the evening, witness the Sand Art Exhibition at Chandrabhaga Beach and enjoy local street food.

   • Konark Sun Temple: ₹30, 2-3 hours
   • Puri Museum: ₹10, 1-2 hours
   • Sand Art Exhibition at Chandrabhaga Beach: Free, 1 hour
6. Friday July 21: Puri (Day Trip to Chilika Lake)
   1 hour (35 miles) from Puri

   Take a day trip to Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon. Enjoy a boat ride to explore the lake's biodiversity and spot migratory birds. Visit the Kalijai Temple located on an island in the lake. Indulge in fresh seafood delicacies at one of the local lakeside restaurants.

   • Chilika Lake Boat Ride: ₹500, 3-4 hours
   • Kalijai Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Local Lakeside Restaurants: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
7. Saturday July 22: Puri
   Explore Puri

   Spend your last day in Puri by relaxing on the beaches and indulging in water activities. Visit the Raghurajpur Artist Village to witness exquisite Pattachitra paintings and Odissi dance performances. In the evening, enjoy a serene walk at the beach and savor local delicacies.

   • Beach Relaxation & Water Activities: Cost varies, 4-5 hours
   • Raghurajpur Artist Village: Free, 1-2 hours
   • Evening Beach Walk & Local Delicacies: Cost varies, 2-3 hours

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider exploring the ancient ruins of Nalanda in Bihar or visiting the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling. For day trips, you can visit the holy city of Allahabad from Varanasi or the famous Sun Temple in Konark from Puri. To make the most of your shoestring budget, try local street food, use public transportation, and explore free attractions such as local markets and parks.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.