🇮🇳 Varanasi, India
HOG Varanasi Hostel
📍 51/20 20A 21R, Surajkund, Maulvibagh, Nai Sarak, Varanasi, 221010
Your stay — HOG Varanasi Hostel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Varanasi.
The Property — HOG Varanasi Hostel
HOG Varanasi Hostel is a 3-star accommodation that reflects the city's vibrant energy. The lobby's rustic-chic decor, with its exposed brick walls and wooden accents, sets the tone for a relaxed and social atmosphere. This no-frills hostel caters well to young travellers seeking a budget-friendly option with communal spaces to connect with fellow adventurers. Its prime location near the Assi Ghat makes it an ideal choice for those exploring the city's ghats, temples, and markets on foot.
Chronicles of Varanasi
Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, was founded around 1500 BCE, with its rich history dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The city's architectural evolution is a testament to its cultural heritage, with Mughal-era buildings, such as the Benaras Hindu University, standing alongside ancient temples and ghats. Varanasi is a city of contradictions, where the sacred and the profane coexist in a delicate balance, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in spirituality, history, and cultural diversity. The city's Ganges River has played a crucial role in its development, serving as a major trade route and a symbol of spiritual renewal. Today, Varanasi is a thriving metropolis, attracting visitors from around the world with its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Best Time to Visit
Full Varanasi guide →Best months
The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to February, with pleasant winters and mild autumns, making it ideal for sightseeing with manageable crowds.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Varanasi is during the Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela (every 12 years), which attracts millions of devotees and pilgrims, driving up hotel prices significantly. The nearby Ganga Mahotsav festival, held in February, is another major event that draws large crowds and higher prices. The summer months, particularly May and June, are the peak tourist season due to the peak tourist season during the Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions of devotees and pilgrims.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from April to June and September to November, offers a good balance of comfortable weather and lower prices, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers. During these periods, the city is less crowded, and the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
Weather & packing
Varanasi's climate is characterized by hot summers and cool winters, with a unique monsoon season that brings heavy rainfall in July and August. Pack light, breathable clothing for the summer months and a warm layer for the cooler mornings and evenings in the winter.
Live City Briefing — Varanasi
- The Varanasi-Ghazipur highway has been upgraded, reducing travel times between the city and the nearby Ghazipur district.
- The new Gyan Vihar auditorium, a state-of-the-art cultural centre, has opened its doors, hosting various performances and events.
- The Ghats along the Ganges River are undergoing restoration work, with the Assi Ghat being one of the priority areas, which may cause some disruptions for visitors.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to HOG Varanasi Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) for a quieter stay. The hotel's address on Nai Sarak, a busy street in Varanasi, means that rooms on lower floors may be more prone to street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the service entrance or lift might be noisier due to constant activity and possible vibrations from the lift machinery.
Best views
Rooms on the south side of the hotel may have a view of the surrounding cityscape, but due to the hotel's address on Nai Sarak, the view may be partially obstructed by nearby buildings.
Quietest floors
Floors 4 and above are likely to be quieter, given the hotel's layout and the presence of higher floors.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on a busy street in Varanasi means that street noise is a potential issue, particularly on lower floors. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to the lift and service entrance may generate some noise from these areas.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may get busy during peak travel seasons. Request a room with a window for better ventilation and a more pleasant atmosphere, especially during the hot Indian summer months.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — HOG Varanasi Hostel
Free 1.5 Mbps tier, paid upgrade to 10 Mbps for Rs. 200 per day
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 14:00 with a fee of Rs. 500
Available 24/7, free for first 24 hours, Rs. 50 per day thereafter
Step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, accessible rooms available on request
On-site valet parking available for Rs. 200 per night, nearest public car park at Chaukhandi Stupa, 10 minutes walk, Rs. 50 per day, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Rs. 50 per night per person (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: Rs. 500 advance deposit + Rs. 1,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Gurdwara: Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Gurubagh (159 m · ~2 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Shayri Mata Temple (466 m · ~6 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Shitala Mata Mandir (957 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: St Thomas Church (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Kuber Complex Mall — 688 m · ~9 min walk
Sri Nagar Park — 217 m · ~3 min walk
Man Singh Palace — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Bank of India ATM — 807 m · ~10 min walk
Dasaswamedh Ghat — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
Exchange money at local banks or licensed forex counters in Assi/Lanka; avoid airport and tourist-oriented bureaux as they give poor rates and add big commissions.
Cards accepted at mid-range hotels, larger restaurants, and retail shops; smaller eateries, street stalls, and auto-rickshaws expect cash.
Not expected but appreciated: round up the bill at restaurants (10% optional), give ₹20-50 to hotel porters/housekeeping, no tipping for auto-rickshaws unless they help with luggage.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Small glass of chai from a roadside stall: ₹10-20.
Thali at a modest eatery (rice, dal, sabzi, chapati): ₹80-120.
Simple main dish like dal fry or paneer curry: ₹100-180.
Lanka and Assi Ghat areas have clusters of stalls selling chaat, samosas, kachori, and lassi; eat where the queue is local.
Local kirana (corner shops) and small supermarkets like Big Bazaar in Lanka or Ratnakar near Beniya Park.
Lanka's main market and Vishwanath Gali have budget cotton kurtas, sarees, shawls; bargaining expected.
City bus (₹5-10 per ride) or shared auto-rickshaw (₹10-20 per leg); from airport take the Varanasi City bus service (₹25) or prepaid auto to Assi (around ₹300-400, negotiate hard).
Eat at thali joints or canteens near the university (BHU) for filling meals under ₹100; buy water in 5-litre bottles from kirana stores (₹20) instead of single-use plastic; bargain hard at all markets and for auto-rickshaws—start at half the quoted price.
Good to know — Varanasi
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹96.34 · INR
Emergency Contacts
VaranasiAll three numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone in India. For tourist assistance in Varanasi, contact the Uttar Pradesh Tourism helpline at 1800-180-8000 (toll-free) or visit the Varanasi Tourist Information Center. Major hospitals include Banaras Hindu University Hospital and Shiv Prasad Gupta Hospital.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Varanasi, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at HOG Varanasi Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Bank of India ATM — 807 m · ~10 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Rajendra Prasad Ghat / Cantonment Station → Godaulia / Dashashwamedh Ghat area
💡 Extremely crowded but authentic. Limited English signage; ask locals for confirmation. Best for budget-conscious travelers
Varanasi Cantonment Station → Varanasi Junction (for city access)
💡 Useful for reaching cantonment area from airport. Not directly to hotel but connects to main transport hubs. Slower than taxi but cultural experience
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) → Temple on Ganges Hotel
💡 Book prepaid taxi from airport counter to avoid negotiation. Ola/Uber available but cash backup recommended due to poor connectivity in old city
Godaulia Crossing / Dashashwamedh Ghat → Temple on Ganges Hotel
💡 Most convenient for local transit in old city. Agree on fare before boarding. Peak ghat hours (5-7 AM) have highest availability
About Varanasi
Wikipedia ↗
Varanasi (Hindi pronunciation: [ʋaːˈɾaːɳəsi], also Benares, Banaras Hindustani pronunciation: [bəˈnaːɾəs]), or Kashi, is a city on the Ganges river in northern India that has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world. The city also has a syncretic tradit...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at HOG Varanasi Hostel?
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) for a quieter stay. The hotel's address on Nai Sarak, a busy street in Varanasi, means that rooms on lower floors may be more prone to street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at HOG Varanasi Hostel?
Rooms near the service entrance or lift might be noisier due to constant activity and possible vibrations from the lift machinery.
Is HOG Varanasi Hostel noisy?
The hotel's location on a busy street in Varanasi means that street noise is a potential issue, particularly on lower floors. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to the lift and service entrance may generate some noise from these areas.
Which rooms have the best views at HOG Varanasi Hostel?
Rooms on the south side of the hotel may have a view of the surrounding cityscape, but due to the hotel's address on Nai Sarak, the view may be partially obstructed by nearby buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at HOG Varanasi Hostel?
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may get busy during peak travel seasons. Request a room with a window for better ventilation and a more pleasant atmosphere, especially during the hot Indian summer months.
What time is check-in at HOG Varanasi Hostel?
Check-in at HOG Varanasi Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does HOG Varanasi Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free 1.5 Mbps tier, paid upgrade to 10 Mbps for Rs. 200 per day
Is there a city or tourist tax at HOG Varanasi Hostel?
Rs. 50 per night per person (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near HOG Varanasi Hostel?
Thali at a modest eatery (rice, dal, sabzi, chapati): ₹80-120.
What is the cheapest way to get around from HOG Varanasi Hostel?
City bus (₹5-10 per ride) or shared auto-rickshaw (₹10-20 per leg); from airport take the Varanasi City bus service (₹25) or prepaid auto to Assi (around ₹300-400, negotiate hard).
When is the best time to visit Varanasi?
The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to February, with pleasant winters and mild autumns, making it ideal for sightseeing with manageable crowds.
Top Attractions in Varanasi
💡 Arrive by 5pm to claim a spot on the steps; avoid the overpriced boat seats unless you want a watery view.
💡 Free entry and no camera fee; combine with a walk to nearby Durga Kund for a calm morning. Open till noon for morning darshan.
💡 Cycle rickshaws are the easiest way to cover the grounds; haggle for 50-100 INR for a short ride from the gate to the temple.
💡 Entry is free, but expect to pay 100-200 INR for a locker to store shoes and phones. Go early (4-6am) to avoid 1hr+ waits.
💡 Park entry is 5 INR (Indian) or 100 INR (foreigners); museum is separate at 5 INR/100 INR. Combine both in 2 hours; auto from Varanasi costs 200-300 INR.