u/Elegant_Flight_6244

I'm from Kerala and I've been wanting to spend 2–3 weeks in Varanasi—not as a tourist, but as someone who wants to experience daily life in the city.

My goal is to live simply, make local friends, explore the ghats, drink chai, walk around the old city, and just experience the culture and rhythm of Varanasi. I'm on a very limited budget, so I'm looking for the cheapest safe options for accommodation and food.

I'd love to know:

1)Where can I find affordable rooms, hostels, or PGs for a couple of weeks?

2)Any tips for meeting people and making genuine local friends?

I'm respectful of local culture and just want to experience the city in an authentic way.