Beware of scammers on the ghats. Touts and self-styled “guides” or “priests” roam the Ganga ghats and temple lanes, offering VIP darshan, pujas, boat rides or “donations for cremation wood”. Never pay anyone in advance, and never pay for a service before you have actually received it. Book temple services only through the official trust.
Indicative prices from our team’s experience; they rise sharply around Dev Deepawali, New Year and Mahashivratri. Official temple fees are listed only on shrikashivishwanath.org.
Typical prices
| Item | Simple | Comfortable | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room per night (2 people) | ₹600–1,500 (dharamshala / mutt) | ₹2,500–5,000 (3-star / heritage guest house) | ₹8,000–25,000 (luxury / ghat-front heritage) |
| Meals per person per day | ₹300–500 | ₹700–1,200 | ₹1,500–3,000 |
| Shared boat ride (1 hour) | ₹100–300 per person | — | — |
| Private rowing boat (1–1.5 h) | — | ₹800–1,500 per boat | ₹1,500+ |
| Private motorboat (1 h) | — | ₹1,500–3,000 per boat | ₹3,000+ |
| E-rickshaw, short hop | ₹20–50 shared | ₹100–200 reserved | Private car |
| Car with driver, full day | — | ₹2,000–3,000 | ₹3,500+ (SUV) |
| Licensed guide, half day | — | ₹1,000–2,000 | ₹2,500+ |
| Airport transfer | ₹500–800 (app cab) | ₹800–1,200 | ₹1,500+ |
Things that are free
- General darshan at Kashi Vishwanath and almost all temples
- The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh and Assi (from the steps)
- Walking the ghats, and Subah-e-Banaras at dawn
- Annakshetra meals offered by the temple trust and many ashrams (please donate if you can)
Ways to save
- Travel October–November or February–March, avoiding festival peaks.
- Share a boat with other travellers at sunrise or sunset.
- Stay at a mutt or community dharamshala — simple, clean, and close to the river.
- Use shared e-rickshaws on main roads and walk inside the old city.
Request a booking
Get a price for your exact trip
Share your dates, group size and comfort level. We will send an itemised quote — no obligation.
- English-speaking coordinator
- International numbers welcome
- No payment to enquire