staying near Manikarnika

discoross

Hi all,
I'm looking into accommodations for myself in varanasi in April. I'd like to be as close to the ghats as possible, perhaps with a ganges view, but for budget prices, most of the ho(s)tels seem to be by Manikarnika ghat. Depending on what reviews you read, the pyres make it either "disgusting" or an "experience." I wouldn't mind smelling like a campfire, so I'm tempted to book one of these places because of the location, but is it really bad? Or, just an "experience?"

Darmabum

The answer to your question is that it is both, an experience and/or disgusting; it depends on you. Manikarnika aside, it is the nature of Varanasi itself to elicit responses both ways; there is very little "gray area", I've found, when it comes to Varanasi.

I happen to love it, have spent almost half of my nearly three years traveling in India in Varanasi. Then there are those who take one step off the train, and the next step back on it again.

There are options, budget options, that don't necessarily sit right on top of Manikarnika, and can provide the Ganges view you're looking for. What is your budget? I myself stay in the Asi area, at the south end of the city. On my last trip I didn't have a Ganges view from my room, but the river was only a two minute walk.

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SitaParityaga

Asi ghat is very nice area to stay in. I was back in Varanasi last fall, and wished I had chosen this area over the more central area by the main bathing ghat. I stayed at the Sita Hotel, which I would not recommend, as there are better deals to be found elsewhere. Got a room with a view, paid the extra to have that view, only later to wish I'd just stayed somewhere less expensive. Turned out that view wasn't necessary for my enjoyment of Varanasi.