About WelcomeTravelerIndia.com

India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.

Subscribe & Follow

Top Searches

Home Top Searches
How to Explore UP on Any Budget

How to Explore UP on Any Budget

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:

  • Agra: Chaat Gali for Petha & Bedai Kachori
  • Varanasi: Kashi Chaat Bhandar for Tamatar Chaat & Malaiyo
  • Lucknow: Tunday Kababi for Mughlai Kebabs
  • Mathura: Brijwasi for Peda & Kachoris

Luxury Dining (₹1500 – ₹5000 per meal)

 Best Fine Dining Restaurants:

  • Agra: Esphahan (Oberoi Amarvilas) – Authentic Mughlai cuisine
  • Varanasi: The Great Kabab Factory (Radisson) – North Indian delicacies
  • Lucknow: Oudhyana (Taj Mahal Lucknow) – Royal Awadhi Thali

 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

  • On a Budget? Stay in hostels & dharamshalas, eat street food, take buses & trains, and explore free temples & fairs.
  • Looking for Luxury? Stay in heritage palaces, dine in royal restaurants, book private city tours, and enjoy VIP festival access.