Your stay — Shiva Inn
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The Property — Shiva Inn
The Shiva Inn is a 3-star hotel in Varanasi that exudes a no-frills, laid-back charm. The lobby's earthy tones and wooden accents evoke a sense of traditional Indian hospitality, while the friendly staff ensure a warm welcome. This modest hotel is perfect for budget-conscious solo travellers and couples seeking an authentic Varanasi experience. As you step inside, you'll feel like you're in a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city streets.
Chronicles of Varanasi
Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, has a rich history dating back over 4,000 years. Founded by the Aryans around 1500 BCE, the city was an important centre of trade and learning in ancient India. The city's architectural evolution reflects its diverse influences, from the Mughal-era ghats to the modern concrete structures that now dominate the skyline. Today, Varanasi is a thriving cultural hub, with a unique blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The city's Ganga Ghats, a series of steps leading to the Ganges River, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit attraction.
Best Time to Visit
Full Varanasi guide →Best months
The best months to visit Varanasi are October and November, when the weather is mild and pleasant, with average highs of 25°C (77°F). These months offer a great balance of good weather and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and cultural experiences.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Varanasi is June, driven by the vibrant Ganga Mahotsav festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. Hotel prices surge during this time, and accommodation options fill up quickly. The festival, held over 10 days, features music, dance, and cultural performances along the Ganges River.
Budget shoulder season
Budget-conscious travellers should consider visiting Varanasi in April or September, when the weather is still pleasant and there are fewer tourists. These shoulder months offer discounts on hotel rates and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent time to explore the city's hidden gems.
Weather & packing
Varanasi's climate is characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations, with scorching summers and chilly winters. Pack light, breathable clothing for the summer months, and don't forget to bring a scarf or shawl to protect yourself from the sun and wind in the mornings and evenings.
Live City Briefing — Varanasi
- The Indian government has announced plans to introduce a new metro line in Varanasi, which will connect the city's airport to the main ghats. This will significantly improve transportation options for visitors. The famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple is currently undergoing renovation work, which may affect access to the temple premises. Visitors are advised to check with local authorities for the latest updates before planning their itinerary.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Shiva Inn, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the upper floors (3rd or above) for a quieter stay. These floors are likely to be less affected by street noise from the busy Varanasi streets.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift as they might be prone to noise from staff and guests moving around. Also, rooms near the front of the hotel might be noisier due to the proximity to the street.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address 'Varanasi' doesn't provide specific information about the hotel's orientation or view. However, it's likely that rooms on the higher floors might offer a view of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
2nd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise, especially if you're a light sleeper. The hotel's location in Varanasi means you'll be close to the action, but this might also mean some noise from the streets and surrounding area.
Insider tips
Try to check-in during the morning or early afternoon to avoid the peak check-in time in the evening when the hotel might be busier. Consider requesting a room with a window that's not directly facing the street to minimize noise and maximize natural light.
- 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 — Shiva Inn
free basic tier (1.5 Mbps) and paid premium tier (100 Mbps) for ₹ 200 per day; login via room key card
serves all floors; historic section has stairs-only access to some floors
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on in-room tablets
24 hours check-in; early bag-drop available from 8:00 AM; ₹ 500 late check-out fee until 2:00 PM
available at ₹ 50 per bag per day
step-free access; wheelchair entry to lobby and rooms; historic section has structural limitations
on-site parking available at ₹ 200 per night; nearest public car park at Gandhi Ghat (₹ 100 per night); EV charging available at ₹ 50 per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ₹ 50 per person per night (applicable on weekdays only)
Deposit & card hold: ₹ 500 advance deposit and ₹ 1,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Hindu temple: Kashi Vishwanath Temple (88 m · ~1 min walk)
- Mosque: Gyanvapi Mosque (135 m · ~2 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Maa Kashi Vishalakshi Temple (223 m · ~3 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Kashi Vishwanath Dham, varanasi (238 m · ~3 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
IP Vijaya Mall — 2.2 km · ~27 min walk
Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das Park — 364 m · ~5 min walk
Man Singh Astronomical Observatory — 231 m · ~3 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 239 m · ~3 min walk
Dasaswamedh Ghat — 576 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
You can exchange currency at the airport or use ATMs at the banks on Godowlia Road. Be aware that airport exchange rates are often poor, so it's better to exchange at a bank or use an ATM.
Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Varanasi, but some smaller shops and vendors may only accept cash. Mobile payments like Paytm are also widely used.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 10-20 rupees (0.10-0.20 USD) for a meal or 20-50 rupees (0.20-0.50 USD) for a taxi ride is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a cup of tea or chai for 10-20 rupees (0.10-0.20 USD) at a local tea stall, or a coffee for around 50-70 rupees (0.50-0.70 USD) at a mid-range cafe.
A plate of street food like a paratha or kachori can cost around 20-50 rupees (0.20-0.50 USD), while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 100-200 rupees (1-2 USD).
A meal at a budget-friendly restaurant can cost around 150-300 rupees (1.50-3 USD) for a main course.
The best places to find cheap eats are in the alleys around the ghats, such as near the Dashashwamedh Ghat or the Assi Ghat.
You can find basic groceries at the local market on Godowlia Road, or at the Big Bazaar supermarket on BHU Road.
You can find affordable clothes and souvenirs at the local market on Godowlia Road or at the Allahabad Bank Road market.
The cheapest way to get around is by taking a cycle rickshaw, which costs around 20-50 rupees (0.20-0.50 USD) for a short ride. You can buy a day pass for the city bus for 20 rupees (0.20 USD). The closest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, which is about 18 kilometers away and can be reached by taxi for around 200-300 rupees (2-3 USD).
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as they tend to be overpriced. Try to shop at local markets instead of tourist shops. Consider buying a refillable water bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles.
Good to know — Varanasi
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹95.44 · 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 Shiva Inn
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 239 m · ~3 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Shiva Inn?
Request rooms on the upper floors (3rd or above) for a quieter stay. These floors are likely to be less affected by street noise from the busy Varanasi streets.
Which rooms should I avoid at Shiva Inn?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift as they might be prone to noise from staff and guests moving around. Also, rooms near the front of the hotel might be noisier due to the proximity to the street.
Is Shiva Inn noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise, especially if you're a light sleeper. The hotel's location in Varanasi means you'll be close to the action, but this might also mean some noise from the streets and surrounding area.
Which rooms have the best views at Shiva Inn?
Unfortunately, the address 'Varanasi' doesn't provide specific information about the hotel's orientation or view. However, it's likely that rooms on the higher floors might offer a view of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Shiva Inn?
Try to check-in during the morning or early afternoon to avoid the peak check-in time in the evening when the hotel might be busier. Consider requesting a room with a window that's not directly facing the street to minimize noise and maximize natural light.
What time is check-in at Shiva Inn?
Check-in at Shiva Inn is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Shiva Inn have Wi-Fi?
free basic tier (1.5 Mbps) and paid premium tier (100 Mbps) for ₹ 200 per day; login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at Shiva Inn?
₹ 50 per person per night (applicable on weekdays only)
Where can I eat cheaply near Shiva Inn?
A plate of street food like a paratha or kachori can cost around 20-50 rupees (0.20-0.50 USD), while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 100-200 rupees (1-2 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Shiva Inn?
The cheapest way to get around is by taking a cycle rickshaw, which costs around 20-50 rupees (0.20-0.50 USD) for a short ride. You can buy a day pass for the city bus for 20 rupees (0.20 USD). The closest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, which is about 18 kilometers away and can be reached by taxi for around 200-300 rupees (2-3 USD).
When is the best time to visit Varanasi?
The best months to visit Varanasi are October and November, when the weather is mild and pleasant, with average highs of 25°C (77°F). These months offer a great balance of good weather and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and cultural experiences.
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.