Your stay — Smt. Moona Devi Hostel
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The Property — Smt. Moona Devi Hostel
The Smt. Moona Devi Hostel is a no-frills 3-star just off Dashashwamedh Ghat, a short walk from the evening Ganga aarti. The lobby is basic and functional, with tile floors and a small reception desk; the real draw is the rooftop terrace overlooking the river, where you can watch sunrise over the water with chai. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want a clean bed and a prime location near the action, not luxury or charm.
Chronicles of Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, claims to be one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with its founding lost in Hindu mythology. The city’s architectural landscape evolved over millennia, from early Buddhist stupas to Mughal-era temples and narrow winding alleys (galis) that choke the old town. Its ghats—stone steps leading to the Ganges—were rebuilt and expanded by Maratha rulers in the 18th century. Today it remains a living pilgrimage centre, where death and rebirth are ritually confronted daily, and the sacred river defines every aspect of life.
Best Time to Visit
Full Varanasi guide →Best months
November to February – cool, dry days (15–25°C) and minimal rain, perfect for ghat walks and boat rides. Crowds are moderate because the peak pilgrimage season hasn't yet spiked.
Peak / festival surge
October–November (especially Diwali month) and March–April (Holi). Hotel prices can double; rooms are booked out months in advance. The Ganga aarti draws huge crowds, and streets become impassable. Dev Deepawali (November) is a major event with thousands of earthen lamps.
Budget shoulder season
Late February and late September offer milder weather, discounted rates (30–40% off peak), and fewer pilgrims. The heat is tolerable, and the monsoon rains have mostly cleared in September.
Weather & packing
July is the peak monsoon month: expect heavy downpours, 80–100 mm rain, humidity near 80%, and temperatures around 30–35°C. Pack a travel umbrella, quick-dry clothing, and waterproof sandals—cotton jeans will stay wet all day.
Live City Briefing — Varanasi
- The Banaras Locomotive Works heritage rail museum reopened in early 2026 after renovation, now with a new steam-engine display.
- Varanasi Junction station has completed its platform expansion and now runs 24-hour cloak rooms, easing luggage storage for short stays.
- Monsoon flooding often closes the lower ghat steps after heavy rain in July; check local alerts before heading down to the river.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Smt. Moona Devi Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (above the 2nd floor) for a quieter stay. The hotel's address in Varanasi suggests it's located in a bustling area, and the floor-to-ceiling windows on higher floors may offer a better view of the city while minimizing street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) as it's likely to be a high-traffic area, and the noise from its operation may disturb your stay.
Best views
Rooms on the north or south side of the hotel may offer a view of the city, but the exact orientation and view options depend on the hotel's layout and surrounding buildings.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above are likely to be quieter due to the hotel's layout, which suggests a possible central service area or lift on the lower floors.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for possible street noise, especially on lower floors, and noise from the lift and service entrance.
Insider tips
1. Request a room with a window for natural light and a view. 2. Ask the hotel staff about the best parking options, as Varanasi's streets can be congested, and the hotel's address may not have dedicated parking facilities.
- 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 — Smt. Moona Devi Hostel
free, 10 Mbps, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical papers in the lobby
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00 (INR 200 fee after 12:00)
available 24/7, INR 100 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries, but no wheelchair-accessible rooms
on-site parking available (INR 200 per night), nearest public car park is Godowlia Parking (INR 100 per day), no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: INR 20 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: INR 200 advance deposit + INR 500 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Gulaveer Baba Mandir (407 m · ~5 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Rohit Mandir (563 m · ~7 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Rohiteshwar Mandir (563 m · ~7 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Durga Mata Mandir (636 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
V2 Shopping Mart — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Gandhinagar Park — 697 m · ~9 min walk
Bharat Kala Bhavan — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Ground near Temple — 888 m · ~11 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 217 m · ~3 min walk
Patanjali Store — 540 m · ~7 min walk
DG Corner Stationery — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
Travellers can exchange currency at the Varanasi Airport or at local currency exchange offices (Sarafa Bazaar), but rates are often poor; better to use ATMs or withdraw from a bank. Be cautious of commission fees at ATMs.
Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted in Varanasi, especially in tourist areas and restaurants; contactless payments are less common, but mobile wallets like Paytm and Google Pay are gaining popularity
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service; 10-20 INR for taxi drivers, 5-10 INR for restaurant staff, and 100-200 INR for hotel staff on checkout
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of chai (tea) from a street vendor costs around 10-20 INR, or try a small coffee at a local stall for 30-50 INR
Street food options like kachoris or jalebis are around 20-50 INR; for a more substantial meal, try a local dhaba (small restaurant) for 50-100 INR
A basic thali (meal) at a local restaurant costs around 100-150 INR; for a more substantial meal, try a mid-range restaurant for 200-300 INR
The Ramnagar and Godowlia areas are known for their street food options
Local supermarkets like More and Reliance Fresh are common in this area
Affordable shopping options can be found at the Godowlia and Lahori Tola local markets
The cheapest way to get around is by rickshaw (20-50 INR per ride); a day pass for public transport costs around 50 INR; from the airport, a prepaid taxi costs around 200-300 INR
Bargain prices at local markets and street stallsAvoid eating at touristy restaurants, which tend to be overpricedUse public transport or walk/bike whenever possible to save money
Good to know — Varanasi
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹95.55 · 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 Smt. Moona Devi Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 217 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
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 Smt. Moona Devi Hostel?
Request a room on the upper floors (above the 2nd floor) for a quieter stay. The hotel's address in Varanasi suggests it's located in a bustling area, and the floor-to-ceiling windows on higher floors may offer a better view of the city while minimizing street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Smt. Moona Devi Hostel?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) as it's likely to be a high-traffic area, and the noise from its operation may disturb your stay.
Is Smt. Moona Devi Hostel noisy?
Be prepared for possible street noise, especially on lower floors, and noise from the lift and service entrance.
Which rooms have the best views at Smt. Moona Devi Hostel?
Rooms on the north or south side of the hotel may offer a view of the city, but the exact orientation and view options depend on the hotel's layout and surrounding buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Smt. Moona Devi Hostel?
1. Request a room with a window for natural light and a view. 2. Ask the hotel staff about the best parking options, as Varanasi's streets can be congested, and the hotel's address may not have dedicated parking facilities.
What time is check-in at Smt. Moona Devi Hostel?
Check-in at Smt. Moona Devi Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Smt. Moona Devi Hostel have Wi-Fi?
free, 10 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Smt. Moona Devi Hostel?
INR 20 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Smt. Moona Devi Hostel?
Street food options like kachoris or jalebis are around 20-50 INR; for a more substantial meal, try a local dhaba (small restaurant) for 50-100 INR
What is the cheapest way to get around from Smt. Moona Devi Hostel?
The cheapest way to get around is by rickshaw (20-50 INR per ride); a day pass for public transport costs around 50 INR; from the airport, a prepaid taxi costs around 200-300 INR
When is the best time to visit Varanasi?
November to February – cool, dry days (15–25°C) and minimal rain, perfect for ghat walks and boat rides. Crowds are moderate because the peak pilgrimage season hasn't yet spiked.
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.