Varanasi budget accommodation...Alka? Scindia?

CFPhotoGrafie · Aug 19th, 2009, 05:59

Varanasi is one of the major long term stops on my fist trip to India.
I've read a 3 yr outdated thread on these two properties and am trying to clarify
1) if both are still in business, and
2) what their current rates are

Any other recent info would be great (personal experience, recommendations).

I am on a pretty ltd budget & am used to living w/o "luxuries" (under $15 USD/night would be great), but also am a solo female traveler.

Thanks in advance.

bigjed · Aug 19th, 2009, 06:46

Alka was ok last October. Nothing special - we were in a 500rs room with no window or aircon. We really wanted aircon and were moved to a room almost identical for nearly 1500rs. We could afford it but it was no bargain! The tiome before that in 2006 we stayed near the Train Station in the Cantonment area at Hotel India for about the same price. Much nicer but not budget by any means.

CFPhotoGrafie · Aug 19th, 2009, 07:04

thanks bigjed

I also just found the hotels in varanasi section and am checking other options

Maruti?
I welcome all suggestions just looking for anything decent in the 750INR or less range

robbiej · Aug 19th, 2009, 07:37

I stayed at Scindhia last August and in terms of location it is great. There were some on and off problems with the aircon, but thats cos the river was flooded. I can't remember what we paid, but we were on a budget so it must have been affordable, and our room overlooked the ganges and the burning ghat.

SitaParityaga · Aug 19th, 2009, 07:52

When will you be there? I think its worthwhile to just pick a place for a few days while scouting out the territory, talking to the other travelers, then moving on.

I was there last fall. Love Varanasi. Its good to "pick your neighborhood". If you check in for a few days on one part of the river, you can check out the other neighborhoods. Some people really like Assi Ghat. A place you should seriously consider for any long stays. After you're there, you may want to stay close to, but not needing a river view. Cheaper, and might be better.

Next advice, look around yourself. You don't need "help" from touts or people posing as friends who are touts. Stop someone passing by (who isn't hopefully a tout!) and ask where the guesthouse is, then go in alone. You may find some real charm for your price.

SitaParityaga · Aug 19th, 2009, 08:01

Check out this link as well: the last posts have some referrals to some good budget places.

CFPhotoGrafie · Aug 19th, 2009, 09:11

thank you SitaParityaga I am going to your link now...

Darmabum · Aug 21st, 2009, 02:05

I'm going to second the idea of choosing a neighborhood. In my over-one-year in Varanasi (over two long trips and a short one) I was glad to chose and return to the Asi Ghat area. First time through I stayed at the Original Yogi Lodge, up Vishwanath Lane, near Dasashawamedh Ghat, and on that trip (about ten days in Varanasi) I liked being in the middle of it all.

But for longer stays I preferred the quieter (relatively quieter) Asi area. The place I stayed last time, Feb-July of 2006, is a little under what you want to spend, but I chose my place by friendliness, ambiance and the people staying there, not to mention the owners/management. For all of the above, it felt like home to me immediately. Raju and his wife Rama have two young boys, and Raju's grandparents live there too, all adding up to a cool family dimension. His place is called The Tiwari Lodge, it's right across the street from the Haifa Hotel (really good Middle Eastern Thali). For your money I'd look into the Hotel Temple on Ganges - they have a website.

Asi is maybe 15 minutes by rickshaw (though I've taken an hour to do that trip in big traffic) from the central part of Varanasi.

Special place, Varanasi. My favorite in India. Safe travels.

BeHappy · Aug 22nd, 2009, 01:28

Is Palace on Gangees a good place to stay on the Ghats? Does it have direct view of the Ganga? TIA.

chad · Aug 22nd, 2009, 02:24

You might also try JPM Paying Guesthouse (Assi area). I stayed there a month for 3000 rupees. Owner Ajay is really nice and helpful, but not pushy. I loved it there and will stay there again next time I spend a month (or more hopefully) in Varanasi.

CFPhotoGrafie · Aug 22nd, 2009, 02:30

these are all great tips and I am looking into everything!

Darmabum · Aug 22nd, 2009, 07:06

BeHappy . . . Palace on Ganges, located at Asi Ghat, is just 100 meters from the river, and located on the walkway to Asi Ghat. It is also a very luxuriou$ place. While some of their rooms may have river views, I would suggest you look into the Ganges View Hotel, just 30 meters down the road from the Palace on Ganges; I stayed there for a month in 2006. An old family home, lots of amabiance, they host (during the season) many types of cultural events - music, singing, painting exhibits, etc. Great staff and owners. Great second floor open patio.

BeHappy · Aug 23rd, 2009, 21:31

Darmabum: Many thanks - that is certainly a nice and very interesting place. This time though, our reservations are already made at the Palace. My 11-year old daughter is with me as well and I want to make sure she has a good experience. We are there only 2 days: arriving early morning from NJP via train. We have first day lined up with Sarnath and then the usual tourist tour - any suggestions for the second day (besides morning Ganga boat ride)? Thanks again.

Darmabum · Aug 24th, 2009, 02:26

Suggestions for the next day? . . . Varanasi has for me been more of a place to be rather than a place of sights. In all my days there I find that it is the river and the life along it that draws me. Though you and your daughter may find it somewhat daunting, my second favorite thing is to simply get lost in the narrow lanes of the old city (the area off either side of the lane leading to the main - Dasashawamedh - ghat. Another thing comes to mind, Varanasi is known for it's silk weaving and though there may be many parts of town where similar things can be found, just a ten minute or so rickshaw ride north of Asi Ghat there are - in narrow sides streets and lanes off the main road - many silk looms working. As a photographer I find the light amazing and the craft itself amazing to watch.

Just down the lane from your hotel is a nice little place called the Vaatika Cafe. They make pizza, spinach ravioli, but it is the seating, especially in late afternoon/early evening, that is special. The riverfront comes to life, people strolling, street vendors selling roasted nuts, etc. The stone ghat steps are usually full of many people watching the show and reveling (if you are there during a hot season) in the shade.

You may also look into the Ganges View (depending on the season) for any cultural events that may be going on there. Also during the season there are music concerts at a music shop nearby to your hotel - The Music Melody House. My (bansuri) flute teacher plays there often (his name is Sohan Lal), the price is minimal, the shop small with great listening and viewing.

As a single woman and child you may find this too a little daunting, but I find that arriving at the river well before sunrise (i.e. no light in the eastern sky) for your boatride is awesome. A ride from Asi Ghat up to the main ghat and back, at a slow pace, will afford what I think (again, as a photographer) is the best morning light.

I wish for you and your daughter, Safe Travels.

Aug 19th, 2009, 05:59	#1
CFPhotoGrafie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: nomadic Posts: 110	Varanasi budget accommodation...Alka? Scindia? Varanasi is one of the major long term stops on my fist trip to India. I've read a 3 yr outdated thread on these two properties and am trying to clarify 1) if both are still in business, and 2) what their current rates are Any other recent info would be great (personal experience, recommendations). I am on a pretty ltd budget & am used to living w/o "luxuries" (under $15 USD/night would be great), but also am a solo female traveler. Thanks in advance.

Aug 21st, 2009, 02:05	#8
Darmabum On the Road, wherever I am Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: in the mountains of Idaho . . . now the red-rock plateau of southern Utah Posts: 1,110	I'm going to second the idea of choosing a neighborhood. In my over-one-year in Varanasi (over two long trips and a short one) I was glad to chose and return to the Asi Ghat area. First time through I stayed at the Original Yogi Lodge, up Vishwanath Lane, near Dasashawamedh Ghat, and on that trip (about ten days in Varanasi) I liked being in the middle of it all. But for longer stays I preferred the quieter (relatively quieter) Asi area. The place I stayed last time, Feb-July of 2006, is a little under what you want to spend, but I chose my place by friendliness, ambiance and the people staying there, not to mention the owners/management. For all of the above, it felt like home to me immediately. Raju and his wife Rama have two young boys, and Raju's grandparents live there too, all adding up to a cool family dimension. His place is called The Tiwari Lodge, it's right across the street from the Haifa Hotel (really good Middle Eastern Thali). For your money I'd look into the Hotel Temple on Ganges - they have a website. Asi is maybe 15 minutes by rickshaw (though I've taken an hour to do that trip in big traffic) from the central part of Varanasi. Special place, Varanasi. My favorite in India. Safe travels. __________________ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure - Marianne Williamson

Aug 23rd, 2009, 21:31	#13
BeHappy Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New England Posts: 18	Palace on Ganges Darmabum: Many thanks - that is certainly a nice and very interesting place. This time though, our reservations are already made at the Palace. My 11-year old daughter is with me as well and I want to make sure she has a good experience. We are there only 2 days: arriving early morning from NJP via train. We have first day lined up with Sarnath and then the usual tourist tour - any suggestions for the second day (besides morning Ganga boat ride)? Thanks again.

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Aug 19th, 2009, 06:46	#2
bigjed Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Burkina Faso Posts: 134	Alka was ok last October. Nothing special - we were in a 500rs room with no window or aircon. We really wanted aircon and were moved to a room almost identical for nearly 1500rs. We could afford it but it was no bargain! The tiome before that in 2006 we stayed near the Train Station in the Cantonment area at Hotel India for about the same price. Much nicer but not budget by any means.

Aug 19th, 2009, 07:04	#3
CFPhotoGrafie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: nomadic Posts: 110	thanks bigjed I also just found the hotels in varanasi section and am checking other options Maruti? I welcome all suggestions just looking for anything decent in the 750INR or less range

Aug 19th, 2009, 07:37	#4
robbiej Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 67	I stayed at Scindhia last August and in terms of location it is great. There were some on and off problems with the aircon, but thats cos the river was flooded. I can't remember what we paid, but we were on a budget so it must have been affordable, and our room overlooked the ganges and the burning ghat.

Aug 19th, 2009, 07:52	#5
SitaParityaga member in the forest Join Date: May 2003 Location: California Posts: 1,146	When will you be there? I think its worthwhile to just pick a place for a few days while scouting out the territory, talking to the other travelers, then moving on. I was there last fall. Love Varanasi. Its good to "pick your neighborhood". If you check in for a few days on one part of the river, you can check out the other neighborhoods. Some people really like Assi Ghat. A place you should seriously consider for any long stays. After you're there, you may want to stay close to, but not needing a river view. Cheaper, and might be better. Next advice, look around yourself. You don't need "help" from touts or people posing as friends who are touts. Stop someone passing by (who isn't hopefully a tout!) and ask where the guesthouse is, then go in alone. You may find some real charm for your price.

Aug 19th, 2009, 08:01	#6
SitaParityaga member in the forest Join Date: May 2003 Location: California Posts: 1,146	Check out this link as well: the last posts have some referrals to some good budget places.

Aug 19th, 2009, 09:11	#7
CFPhotoGrafie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: nomadic Posts: 110	thank you SitaParityaga I am going to your link now...

Aug 22nd, 2009, 01:28	#9
BeHappy Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New England Posts: 18	Is Palace on Gangees a good place to stay on the Ghats? Does it have direct view of the Ganga? TIA.

Aug 22nd, 2009, 02:24	#10
chad Alive and Well Join Date: May 2007 Location: Houston, Texas, USA Posts: 79	You might also try JPM Paying Guesthouse (Assi area). I stayed there a month for 3000 rupees. Owner Ajay is really nice and helpful, but not pushy. I loved it there and will stay there again next time I spend a month (or more hopefully) in Varanasi.

Aug 22nd, 2009, 02:30	#11
CFPhotoGrafie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: nomadic Posts: 110	these are all great tips and I am looking into everything!

Aug 22nd, 2009, 07:06	#12
Darmabum On the Road, wherever I am Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: in the mountains of Idaho . . . now the red-rock plateau of southern Utah Posts: 1,110	BeHappy . . . Palace on Ganges, located at Asi Ghat, is just 100 meters from the river, and located on the walkway to Asi Ghat. It is also a very luxuriou$ place. While some of their rooms may have river views, I would suggest you look into the Ganges View Hotel, just 30 meters down the road from the Palace on Ganges; I stayed there for a month in 2006. An old family home, lots of amabiance, they host (during the season) many types of cultural events - music, singing, painting exhibits, etc. Great staff and owners. Great second floor open patio.

Aug 24th, 2009, 02:26	#14
Darmabum On the Road, wherever I am Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: in the mountains of Idaho . . . now the red-rock plateau of southern Utah Posts: 1,110	Suggestions for the next day? . . . Varanasi has for me been more of a place to be rather than a place of sights. In all my days there I find that it is the river and the life along it that draws me. Though you and your daughter may find it somewhat daunting, my second favorite thing is to simply get lost in the narrow lanes of the old city (the area off either side of the lane leading to the main - Dasashawamedh - ghat. Another thing comes to mind, Varanasi is known for it's silk weaving and though there may be many parts of town where similar things can be found, just a ten minute or so rickshaw ride north of Asi Ghat there are - in narrow sides streets and lanes off the main road - many silk looms working. As a photographer I find the light amazing and the craft itself amazing to watch. Just down the lane from your hotel is a nice little place called the Vaatika Cafe. They make pizza, spinach ravioli, but it is the seating, especially in late afternoon/early evening, that is special. The riverfront comes to life, people strolling, street vendors selling roasted nuts, etc. The stone ghat steps are usually full of many people watching the show and reveling (if you are there during a hot season) in the shade. You may also look into the Ganges View (depending on the season) for any cultural events that may be going on there. Also during the season there are music concerts at a music shop nearby to your hotel - The Music Melody House. My (bansuri) flute teacher plays there often (his name is Sohan Lal), the price is minimal, the shop small with great listening and viewing. As a single woman and child you may find this too a little daunting, but I find that arriving at the river well before sunrise (i.e. no light in the eastern sky) for your boatride is awesome. A ride from Asi Ghat up to the main ghat and back, at a slow pace, will afford what I think (again, as a photographer) is the best morning light. I wish for you and your daughter, Safe Travels.