13 Best Dharamshala in Varanasi [Complete List]

While ostentatious hotels have cropped up catering to tourists, the traditional Dharamshala scattered across the city core provide the perfect places for an authentic cultural immersion. Dharamshalas are religious resting places, meant to provide clean budget accommodation to pilgrims and visitors. Staying in one lets you soak in the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi, observe age-old rituals, feast on temple cuisine and witness Hindu philosophy come alive through daily discourses. For the quintessential backpacking experience through this holy city steeped in legend, here is a guide to Varanasi’s most popular Dharamshala for resting your weary soul.

Top Dharamshala in Varanasi To Stay

1. Shree Maheshwari Dharamshala

Centrally located near Dasaswamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganges, this Dharamshala stands out for its well-maintained rooms and excellent views of the holy river. Multi-bed non-AC and AC dormitories cost around Rs.150-500 per night. Private rooms with fans or ACs are also available from Rs.400 onwards. Their in-house Maheshwari Bhojanalaya serves fresh, hygienic vegetarian meals at just Rs.100 per thali.

2. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dharamshala

Run by the revered Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, rooms at this centrally located dharamshala are available near the Golden Temple for just Rs.100 onwards per night. Besides clean, economical accommodation, the safe environment and devotional atmosphere makes it popular with solo travelers and women tourists. The facility also houses the Ganga Sabha Hall where various cultural programs are conducted.

3. Shree Krishana Dharamshala Trust

One of the most renowned dharamshalas in Varanasi, the Shree Krishna Dharamshala Trust is located centrally on Labour Chauraha road in the heart of the city. Originally started in 1958 by the Shree Thakur Radharaman Charitable Trust, over the decades it has hosted thousands of pilgrims visiting Kashi from different parts of India and abroad.

4. Jain Dharamshala & Bhojanshala

This dharamshala facility located close to Assi Ghat stands out with its spacious AC and non AC accommodations ranging from dorm beds for Rs. 150 to private rooms costing Rs.800-1200. The atmosphere is peaceful, enhanced through regular concerts and community events organized for guests. Foodies especially love their attached restaurant famous for hot jalebis served with savory curries and chutneys.

5. Kushwaha Dharmshala

A humble Dharamshala started to serve visiting members of the rural Kushwaha community primarily, this place has an unpretentious charm. Located just minutes from Dasaswamedh Ghat

6. Shiv Durga Dharamshala

Perched next to Durga Kund with striking views of the Ganges, this dharamshala stands out for prioritizing female solo travelers’ safety and security besides clean, peaceful accommodations. The presence of security guards keeps touts away. Options range from non AC dorm beds costing Rs. 150 per night to Rs. 500 for AC rooms with WiFi.

7. Tulsi Ghat Guest House

Unique compared to other options, Tulsi Ghat Guest House focuses more on delivering hospitality from the heart over commercial interests. Spread over four floors facing the palatial Tulsi Ghat, seasoned travelers love soaking in the authentic earthy ambience here. Basic rooms with shared baths start from Rs.300 per night. Their cosy garden cafe brews excellent coffee.

8. M.N. Pandey Dharamshala

Holding the prestige of being one of the oldest dharamshalas in Varanasi, this budget accommodation has served thousands of pilgrims since 1937. Situated adjacent to the holy Assi river, a stay here lets you immerse in the spiritual ambience. Besides regular rooms, a dietary mess provides meals made with filtered Ganga jal water for Rs. 2000 per month.

9. Balaji Atithi Bhawan

Balaji Atithi Bhawan enjoys fame for its location beside revered Kabir Math temple in serene Lahurabir. Run by the spiritual organization Bharat Sevashram Sangh, accommodation is simple yet peaceful. Members emphasize delivering selfless service to guests as worship. Rates are moderate with rooms with common baths starting from Rs. 250 onwards.

10. Rudra Annapoorna Vasavi Trust

A clean well-kept option located slightly away from the crowded ghats, this Satram caters predominantly to pilgrims Visiting Kashi from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Besides dorms and rooms, they also have family suites complete with a kitchenette. The lovely garden and temple on-site provide an aura of spirituality and peace. Pricing is affordable between Rs.300-800 per night.

11. Sri Kasi Nattukottai Nagarathar Satram

Established exclusively for visiting Nagarathar pilgrims belonging to the Chettiar community from South India, this Satram is located in the quiet Shivala locality. Besides impeccably maintained accommodations, the in-house kitchen prepares authentic meals using water from the Ganges. Stays are available from Rs.500 per day including food.

12. Annapurna Telwala Dharamshala

Situated adjacent to the scenic Lalghat in southern Varanasi, this humble dharamshala has an old-worldly charm reminiscent of the city’s ancient heritage. Originally established to serve visiting Telis (oil pressers) from rural India, today travelers from all walks stay here owing to the welcoming staff and homely atmosphere. Delicious Gujarati and Marwari fare is served at just Rs. 150 per meal.

13. Marwari Seva Sangh

Located close to classical musician Pandit Ravi Shankar’s ancestral house in the Chowk neighborhood, this dharamshala has specifically served the Marwari merchant community since 1942. Well suited for large groups owing to room types including family suites and dorms housing 6-10 people, per night rates range Rs.150-500 including food. The in-house Shree Krishna temple provides a peaceful ambience for meditation.

Conclusion

Stepping into the humble abode of a traditional Dharamshala transports you into a different world – one where temple bells chime through the halls, pilgrims greet you with folded hands, and devotion permeates the milieu. Amidst the crowded chaos that is Varanasi, these resting places give you a taste of the city’s welcoming spirit, warmth and peace. Starting from just Rs.150 a night including meals, staying at one of Varanasi’s Dharamshala provides the ultimate Indian spiritual experience that no hotel can emulate. As guest cycles come and go, there pervades a sense of calm and contentment fuelled by the sincerity in the staff’s selfless service. To discover the soul of mystical Kashi, spend a night or two nestled inside one of its many Dharamshalas.

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FAQs Related to Dharamshala in Varanasi

What are the Dharamshala options in Varanasi?
Varanasi has over 50 budget Dharamshalas catering to pilgrims across faiths and geographies. Popular options are Shree Maheshwari Dharamshala, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dharamshala, Shree Krishna Dharamshala Trust among others dotted around the ghats and the old city area.

Which is the best Dharamshala in Varanasi for my budget?
Great budget options under Rs 500/night include Jain Dharamshala near Assi Ghat, Shiv Durga Dharamshala in Bhelpura and Kushwaha Dharmshala near Dasaswamedh Ghat. Mid-range between Rs 800-1500 are Shree Krishna Dharamshala Trust and Tulsi Ghat Guest House.

List some Dharamshalas in Kashi located near the Ghats.
Major Dharamshalas near ghats are Shree Maheshwari near Dasaswamedh Ghat, Jain Dharamshala at Assi Ghat, Shiv Durga Dharamshala and Annapurna Dharamshala near Tulsi Ghat among others.

Which are the best Dharamshalas in Banaras for solo travelers?
Top recommendations for solo travelers include Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dharamshala for safety, Mata Anandamai Dharamshala for peaceful environs and Jain Dharamshala for meeting fellow travelers.

Is early check-in possible at Varanasi Dharamshalas?
Most Dharamshalas have check-in time 12-1 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability of rooms cleaned/vacated. Confirm beforehand for early arrival/departures.

Which affordable Dharamshalas in Varanasi provide meals?
Budget Dharamshalas offering accommodation with meals included are Jain Dharamshala, Marwari Seva Sangh, Sri Kasi Nattukottai Chettiar Satram and Rudra Annapoorna Satram.

Which are the vegetarian-friendly Dharamshalas in Kashi?
Almost all Dharamshalas in Varanasi serve exclusively vegetarian meals given religious leanings. Non-veg not permitted in premises.

List some Dharamshalas near major attractions in Banaras.
Shree Krishna Dharamshala Trust is close to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Tulsi Ghat Guest House located beside the Ghat. Jain Dharamshala close to Banaras Hindu University.

What are the cancellation policies for Varanasi Dharamshalas?
Cancellation policies vary. Most require 48 hours notice period for full refund. Less than that, one night is charged. Check terms before booking.

Do Dharamshalas provide airport transfers or laundry services in Varanasi?
Few higher-end Dharamshalas arrange airport pick-ups on request. Laundry services available at additional charges in some. Best to check before booking.

Which are the family-friendly Dharamshalas in Kashi?
Best bets for families are Shree Krishna Dharamshala Trust, Tulsi Ghat Guest House and Rudra Annapoorna Vasavi Trust which have private rooms and family suites.

Author: Banaras Trip