4-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Prayagraj and Varanasi

Day 1: Exploration of Prayagraj

Prayagraj, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chhappan Bhog

Start your day with Aloo Puri and Chai in this local eatery famed for its affordable breakfast.
Located about 10 minutes from the Sangam area.
INR100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sangam

Head to the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, a spot for serene morning walks.
Walking distance from Chhappan Bhog.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pandit Thakur Das

Enjoy a simple and affordable Thali meal, famous among locals for its taste.
Take an auto-rickshaw to the restaurant, approximately 15 minutes.
INR150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Allahabad Fort

A historic fort dating back to Akbar's rule with exquisite architecture and views of the rivers.
Auto-rickshaw from restaurant, 10 minutes ride.
INR30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Anand Bhawan

The ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family, a place filled with Indian history.
Located 15 minutes from Allahabad Fort by auto-rickshaw.
INR20, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nandani

Wind down your day with a budget-friendly vegetarian meal at Nandani offering local delights.
A 10-minute auto ride from Anand Bhawan.
INR200, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Prayagraj

Prayagraj, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tiwari Sweets

Sample delicious Chole Bhature here at this popular local spot to kickstart your day.
10-minute auto ride from your accommodation.
INR120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Khusro Bagh

Explore this beautiful Mughal garden complex consisting of tombs of Emperor Jahangir's son.
15 minutes by auto-rickshaw.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fateh Bahadur

Dig into a generous portion of Biriyani or Pulao at this affordable eatery popular amongst locals.
About 10 minutes away via auto-rickshaw.
INR150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Patalpuri Temple

A unique temple. It was said to be built on the stairs of the Kumbh Mela, rich in local folklore.
15-minute auto ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Minto Park

A lovely park to relax and enjoy some greenery amidst your explorations.
10-minute auto ride from Patalpuri Temple.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Al-Baik

Finish your day with a flavorful Shawarma or Kebab dinner that won’t break the bank.
5 minutes from Minto Park by auto-rickshaw.
INR150, 1 hour
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Day 3: Journey to Varanasi

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Joint

Enjoy some local delicacies, such as Samosa or Vada Pav, to fuel your travel to Varanasi.
Quick meal near your accommodation, about 5 minutes away.
INR100, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Varanasi

Take a train to Varanasi, enjoying the scenic route.
Walk to the Prayagraj Junction, approximately 20 minutes from your accommodation.
INR150, 2 hours

10:30AM

Check-in at Budget Accommodation

Drop your bags at a budget-friendly guesthouse located near the Ganges.
Locate a nearby guesthouse upon reaching Varanasi.
INR500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Taste authentic Bihari cuisine with mouth-watering Baati Chokha at this local favorite.
15 minutes walk from your accommodation.
INR150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit one of Hinduism's most revered temples, soak in the spirituality and architecture.
A short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll along the Ghats

Experience the ghats of Varanasi, watch the local life unfold along the riverbanks.
Continue walking from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Take a Boat Ride at Sunset

Enjoy a stunning sunset while on a boat ride on the Ganges; a truly peaceful experience.
Boat services are available at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR100, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Aum Cafe

Unwind with a budget-friendly meal, try their flavorful Indian and Italian combinations.
A slightly longer walk from the Ghat area.
INR200, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Spiritual Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bread of Life

Indulge in fresh baked goods and coffee at this quaint café popular among backpackers.
Short walk from your accommodation.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sarnath

Explore the site where Buddha gave his first teachings; it’s rich in history and tranquility.
Take a shared auto or bus to Sarnath, about 30 minutes away.
INR20, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sarnath Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian meal that includes various Indian specialties at this budget spot.
Near the museum entrance in Sarnath.
INR150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Sarnath Museum

Explore a collection of artifacts related to Buddhism with a nominal entry fee.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
INR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi to continue exploring the city's vibrant streets.
Take the same shared auto or bus back.
INR20, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Explore the Local Markets

Wander through the bustling markets, shop for souvenirs and experience local culture.
Walking distance to the main market area.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Enjoy local street food such as Pani Puri and Aloo Tikki, ending your Varanasi adventure on a high note.
Located near the market, a short walk away.
INR100, 1 hour
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