India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler, Uttar Pradesh offers affordable and premium experiences. From hostels and street food to heritage hotels and fine dining, here’s a complete budget vs. luxury travel guide to UP.
1. Accommodation – Where to Stay in UP?
City |
Budget Stays (₹500 – ₹2000 per night) |
Luxury Stays (₹5000 – ₹25,000 per night) |
Agra |
Zostel, Moustache Hostel, Hotel Kamal |
The Oberoi Amarvilas (Taj Mahal View), ITC Mughal |
Varanasi |
Stops Hostel, Hotel Alka, Shiva Guest House |
Brijrama Palace, Taj Ganges, Amritara Suryauday |
Lucknow |
Gomti Inn, Hotel Arif Castles |
Taj Mahal Lucknow, Lebua Lucknow, Hyatt Regency |
Mathura & Vrindavan |
Hotel Basera, Hare Krishna Guest House |
Nidhivan Sarovar Portico, Brij Vasundhara |
Prayagraj (Allahabad) |
Kumbh Camp, Hotel Kanha Shyam |
Hotel Milan Palace, Polo Max |
Ayodhya |
Budget Dharamshalas, Shri Ram Hotel |
Clarks Inn Ayodhya, Ramayana Hotel |
Budget Tip: Stay in hostels, homestays, or Dharamshalas (pilgrim lodges) for the most affordable rates.
Luxury Tip: Book heritage hotels like Brijrama Palace (Varanasi) or ITC Mughal (Agra) for royal experiences.
2. Food & Dining – Where to Eat in UP?
Budget Food (₹100 – ₹300 per meal)
Best Street Food Spots:
Luxury Dining (₹1500 – ₹5000 per meal)
Best Fine Dining Restaurants:
Budget Tip: Eat at local dhabas, street stalls, and thali restaurants.
Luxury Tip: Try royal Nawabi feasts and rooftop fine dining with Taj Mahal views.
3. Transportation – How to Travel in UP?
Mode |
Budget Option |
Luxury Option |
Within Cities |
Auto-rickshaws (₹50-₹150), E-Rickshaws (₹20-₹80) |
Private Cabs (₹500 – ₹3000) |
Between Cities |
UPSRTC Buses (₹200-₹500), Sleeper Trains (₹500-₹1200) |
Vande Bharat Express (₹2000+), Domestic Flights (₹3000+) |
Airport Transfers |
Shared Cabs (₹300-₹600) |
Chauffeur-driven cars (₹1500-₹5000) |
Budget Tip: Take state buses & second-class train tickets for the cheapest travel.
Luxury Tip: Hire a chauffeur-driven car for a comfortable city-to-city experience.
4. Sightseeing & Experiences – What to Do in UP?
Budget Sightseeing (₹50 – ₹500 per activity)
✔ Taj Mahal (₹50 for Indians, ₹1100 for foreigners) – Visit during sunrise for cheaper tickets.
✔ Evening Aarti in Varanasi (₹0 – ₹200 for a boat ride) – Free to watch from the ghats.
✔ Lucknow Heritage Walk (₹100 – ₹200) – Explore old Lucknow on foot.
✔ Mathura-Vrindavan Temples (Free Entry) – Experience spirituality without any cost.
Luxury Experiences (₹2000 – ₹25,000 per activity)
✔ Hot Air Balloon Ride in Agra (₹15,000+) – Aerial view of the Taj Mahal.
✔ Royal Nawabi Dining in Lucknow (₹3000 – ₹5000) – Enjoy a private curated dining experience.
✔ Private Ganga Aarti Viewing (₹5000+) – Exclusive boat seating with VIP access.
✔ Elephant Safari in Dudhwa National Park (₹5000 per person) – Best for wildlife lovers.
Budget Tip: Visit during off-season (April – September) for lower entry fees.
Luxury Tip: Book VIP passes for events like Ganga Aarti & Taj Mahal night viewings.
5. Shopping – Budget vs Luxury Retail Therapy
Shopping Category |
Budget Option (₹100 – ₹1000) |
Luxury Option (₹3000 – ₹50,000) |
Handicrafts & Souvenirs |
Local bazaars, street stalls |
Heritage stores, art galleries |
Banarasi Silk Sarees |
Vishwanath Gali, Chowk Market |
High-end showrooms like JDS Varanasi |
Chikankari Embroidery (Lucknow) |
Aminabad, Nakhas Market |
SEWA, Ada Chikan |
Marble Handicrafts (Agra) |
Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar |
Govt. Emporiums & High-end stores |
Budget Tip: Bargain at local markets for the best deals.
Luxury Tip: Buy from certified government emporiums to ensure authenticity.
6. Festivals & Events – Budget vs Luxury Experiences
Festival/Event |
Budget Experience |
Luxury Experience |
Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj) |
Free Ghat Access & Tent Stay (₹500) |
VIP Tent Stays (₹30,000) |
Taj Mahotsav (Agra) |
General Entry (₹50) |
VIP Seating for Cultural Shows |
Deepotsav (Ayodhya) |
Free Ghat Visit |
Private Viewing from Riverfront Hotel |
Budget Tip: Attend open-air events & free-entry festivals.
Luxury Tip: Book premium passes & VIP seating for exclusive access.
Uttar Pradesh for Every Traveler