Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, is a spiritual, cultural, and historical marvel on its own. But beyond its bustling ghats, serene temples, and ancient streets lies an equally fascinating ring of destinations just a short drive away. From Buddhist heritage sites and royal forts to nature sanctuaries and spiritual retreats, there’s much more to explore Near Varanasi than most travelers realize.
In this blog, we bring you a detailed, section-wise guide to the best day trips from Varanasi—whether you’re interested in history, religion, nature, or local culture.
1: Sarnath – A Spiritual Retreat
Distance from Varanasi: 10 km
Travel Time: 30 minutes
Ideal For: Buddhism enthusiasts, history lovers, spiritual seekers
Why Visit Sarnath?
Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, making it one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. The quiet, meditative atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the vibrant chaos of Varanasi.
Key Attractions in Sarnath
- Dhamek Stupa: A massive cylindrical structure built in 500 CE, marking the exact spot where Buddha preached his first sermon.
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: A modern temple with beautiful frescoes depicting Buddha’s life.
- Sarnath Museum: Houses the famous Ashoka Pillar Lion Capital, which is now India’s national emblem.
- Chaukhandi Stupa: Believed to be the place where Buddha met his first disciples.
- Japanese and Thai Temples: Reflect Buddhist architecture from various countries.
Travel Tip:
Go early in the morning for a peaceful experience and bring socks (many places require shoes off, and floors can get hot).
2: Chunar Fort – A Historical Marvel
Distance from Varanasi: 40 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Ideal For: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, photographers
Why Visit Chunar Fort?
Perched on a hill overlooking the Ganges, Chunar Fort is a stone-built fort with over 2,000 years of history, once occupied by the Mauryas, Mughals, and even the British. It’s filled with legends—from Queen Rani Durgavati’s heroic stand to British prison tales.
Key Attractions at Chunar Fort
- Sonwa Mandap: An ancient stone structure with intricately carved pillars.
- Bharthari Samadhi: A mystical site associated with the medieval saint-poet Bharthari.
- Viewpoints: Stunning panoramic views of the Ganga River and Vindhya hills.
- British-era Jail Cells: Remnants of the colonial occupation.
Travel Tip:
Carry snacks and water. There’s minimal commercial activity near the fort, and local guides can enhance your visit.
3: Vindhyachal – The Sacred Shaktipeeth
Distance from Varanasi: 65 km
Travel Time: 2 hours
Ideal For: Devotees, temple explorers, spiritual travelers
Why Visit Vindhyachal?
Located on the banks of the Ganga, Vindhyachal is a prominent Shaktipeeth, where Goddess Durga is worshipped as Vindhyavasini Devi. It’s particularly important during Navratri, attracting thousands of pilgrims.
Main Attractions
- Vindhyavasini Devi Temple: The main shrine where the goddess is said to have settled after defeating Mahishasura.
- Ashtabhuja Temple: Situated atop a hill, this temple honors the goddess with eight arms.
- Kali Khoh: A sacred cave temple dedicated to Kali Mata.
Things to Do
- Take a ritual dip in the Ganga
- Attend the aarti ceremonies
- Explore the local bazaar selling religious items and sweets
Travel Tip:
Temple timings may vary on festivals. If traveling during Navratri, expect heavy crowds.
4: Jaunpur – A Forgotten Sultanate City
Distance from Varanasi: 60 km
Travel Time: 2 hours
Ideal For: Offbeat explorers, Islamic architecture fans, heritage travelers
Why Visit Jaunpur?
Once the capital of the Sharqi dynasty, Jaunpur is rich in 14th and 15th-century Indo-Islamic architecture, yet remains off the typical tourist trail.
Top Attractions
- Atala Masjid: A magnificent example of Indo-Afghan architecture with intricate jali work.
- Jama Masjid: Another grand mosque, built in 1470, showcasing Sharqi style.
- Shahi Bridge: Built by Akbar’s governor in the 16th century, still in use today.
- Jaunpur Fort (Shahi Qila): Offers views of the Gomti River and surrounding countryside.
Local Flavors
Try Jaunpuri imarti, kachoris, and other traditional sweets that the city is known for.
Travel Tip:
Ideal for a peaceful walk through heritage sites without the crowd you’d find in major cities.
5: Ramnagar Fort – A Royal Ganga-side Residence
Distance from Varanasi: 14 km
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Ideal For: Royal heritage lovers, sunset watchers, museum visitors
Why Visit Ramnagar Fort?
Located on the eastern bank of the Ganges, Ramnagar Fort is a majestic 18th-century sandstone fortress still inhabited by the royal family of Banaras. It faces the Tulsi Ghat and offers some of the best riverside views, especially during sunset.
What to See
- Darbar Hall and Royal Museum: Showcases vintage cars, palanquins, costumes, weapons, and antique clocks.
- Ved Vyasa Temple: Dedicated to the author of the Mahabharata, believed to have lived here.
- Durga Temple and Residential Quarters: Closed to the public but viewable from outside.
- Ganga Aarti Viewpoint: A lesser-known but peaceful place to witness evening rituals.
Special Event:
Visit during Ramlila of Ramnagar, a month-long dramatic re-enactment of the Ramayana, held in open-air settings.
6: Devdari Waterfall & Chandauli Forest Area
Distance from Varanasi: 65–70 km
Travel Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Ideal For: Nature lovers, weekend picnickers, birdwatchers
Why Visit Devdari Waterfall?
Located in the Chandauli district near the Lakhaniya Hills, Devdari Waterfall is a hidden gem. The waterfall, flowing from a height of around 58 meters, forms a natural pool surrounded by forested cliffs.
Nearby Attractions
- Rajdari Waterfall: Another scenic spot a short drive away
- Chandauli Forest Reserve: Great for spotting peacocks, monkeys, and local bird species
- Kaimur Hills: A scenic trekking zone
Things to Remember
- Carry water and packed food
- Swimming is allowed in designated safe zones only
- No entry fee, but guided trips are available locally
7: Sitamarhi – Mythological Marvel Tied to Sita’s Story
Distance from Varanasi: 50 km
Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours
Ideal For: Mythology enthusiasts, Ramayana followers, pilgrims
Why Visit Sitamarhi?
Not to be confused with Sitamarhi in Bihar, this lesser-known Sitamarhi near Varanasi is said to be the place where Sita Mata entered the Earth, marking the final chapter of the Ramayana. The serene temple complex is surrounded by greenery and spiritual calm.
What to See
- Sita Samadhi Temple: A quiet, sacred spot with mythological importance
- Shiv Temple Complex
- Holy Pond and Garden Areas
Travel Tip:
A peaceful, crowd-free alternative to better-known religious sites. Ideal for a quick spiritual escape.
8: Allahabad (Prayagraj) – Confluence of Rivers
Distance from Varanasi: 120 km
Travel Time: 3–3.5 hours (feasible as a long day trip or overnight stay)
Ideal For: Pilgrims, photographers, cultural explorers
Why Visit Allahabad?
Known today as Prayagraj, it is one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, located at the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. It hosts the Kumbh Mela, the largest spiritual gathering in the world.
Key Attractions
- Triveni Sangam: Take a boat ride and perform rituals at the river confluence
- Allahabad Fort: Built by Akbar, home to the sacred Akshay Vat tree (access limited)
- Anand Bhawan: Residence of Nehru-Gandhi family, now a museum
- Khusro Bagh: Mughal-era tomb garden
Travel Tip:
Ideal for those wanting to combine history, politics, and pilgrimage. Try to leave early from Varanasi to cover all key sites.
9: Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary – Nature & Wildlife Close to Varanasi
Distance from Varanasi: 65 km (Chandauli District)
Travel Time: 2 hours
Ideal For: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers
Why Visit Chandraprabha Sanctuary?
A hidden gem for eco-tourism in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary offers a rich mix of deciduous forests, waterfalls, and hill landscapes, and is home to over 150 bird species, leopards, hyenas, and blackbucks.
What to Explore
- Devdari and Rajdari Waterfalls within the sanctuary
- Nature trails and forest trekking paths
- Birdwatching in winter months (October to February)
Entry Fee
- ₹50 per person (Indian nationals)
- Separate fees for vehicles and cameras
Travel Tip:
Hire a local forest guide for deeper insights and better wildlife spotting opportunities. Avoid peak monsoon for slippery trails.
10: Ghazipur – The City of Opium & Roses
Distance from Varanasi: 75 km
Travel Time: 2–2.5 hours
Ideal For: History buffs, cultural travelers, botanical enthusiasts
Why Visit Ghazipur?
Situated on the banks of the Ganga, Ghazipur is famous for its Government Opium and Alkaloid Works, the largest legal opium factory in Asia. The town also has Mughal-era tombs and colonial gardens.
Things to See
- Tomb of Lord Cornwallis: British commander remembered for the Cornwallis Code
- Rose Nurseries: Ghazipur is a leading rose-growing region; best seen in winter and spring
- Opium Factory (External View Only): Restricted access, but the colonial setup is historically significant
Cultural Tip:
Ghazipur’s weekly markets offer local sweets and brassware, great for souvenir hunters.
11: Lakhania Dari – Hidden Waterfalls and Hiking Destination
Distance from Varanasi: 60–70 km
Travel Time: 2–2.5 hours
Ideal For: Adventure lovers, trekkers, offbeat explorers
Why Visit Lakhania Dari?
A relatively undiscovered spot near Chandauli, Lakhania Dari is a natural gorge with rock formations, hiking trails, and waterfalls. It is ideal for those looking to add some adventure to their spiritual trip.
What to Expect
- A moderate 1.5–2 km trek through rocky terrain
- Cascading waterfalls during monsoon and post-monsoon months
- Ideal for photography, picnics, and nature walks
Travel Advisory: No formal tourism infrastructure; carry your own water and wear hiking shoes. Avoid during heavy rain for safety.
12: Bhadohi – The Carpet Capital of India
Distance from Varanasi: 45 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Ideal For: Cultural immersion, shopping, crafts lovers
Why Visit Bhadohi?
Known globally for its hand-knotted carpets and rugs, Bhadohi offers a window into the rich weaving traditions of India. The region exports carpets to more than 70 countries and is a Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged craft hub.
What to Do
- Visit weaving units to see artisans at work
- Shop for high-quality handmade rugs at factory rates
- Interact with local cooperative societies and NGOs supporting artisans
Cultural Insight:
Bhadohi carpets are part of India’s export identity—each rug can take weeks to months to create by hand.
13: Kaimur Hills & Mukha Waterfalls (Bhabua)
Distance from Varanasi: 95 km (towards Bihar)
Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours
Ideal For: Nature trekkers, cave lovers, waterfall seekers
Why Visit Kaimur Hills?
The Kaimur Range in neighboring Bihar is dotted with waterfalls, ancient caves, and tribal villages. Mukha Waterfalls, in particular, offers a scenic day escape in the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
Activities
- Trekking and hiking along forest trails
- Visiting ancient rock paintings and cave temples
- Learning about local tribal culture and traditions
Best Time to Visit:
September to February for pleasant weather and flowing waterfalls.
14: Lakhisarai (Barabar Caves, Bihar)
Distance from Varanasi: 115–130 km
Travel Time: 3–3.5 hours (best as a long day trip or overnight)
Ideal For: Archaeology fans, ancient history buffs, offbeat explorers
Why Visit Barabar Caves?
Located in Bihar but doable as a long day trip, the Barabar Caves are India’s oldest surviving rock-cut caves, dating back to the Maurya Empire (3rd century BCE). They are connected to Emperor Ashoka and are mentioned in E.M. Forster’s novel “A Passage to India.”
Highlights
- Lomas Rishi Cave: With its grand entrance and perfectly polished interiors
- Ashokan Edicts: Rock inscriptions from the time of Ashoka
- Echo chambers: The cave acoustics are surprisingly modern for their age
Travel Tip: Hire a knowledgeable guide or archaeologist to better appreciate the historical significance.
15: Sample Day Trip Itinerary Suggestions from Varanasi
Depending on your interests, here are sample one-day itineraries you can plan from Varanasi:
1st Option: Spiritual Circuit
- Morning: Depart for Sarnath
- Afternoon: Visit Sitamarhi or Vindhyachal
- Evening: Return to Varanasi for Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
2nd Option: History & Forts
- Morning: Head to Chunar Fort
- Afternoon: Explore Ramnagar Fort
- Optional: Sunset boat ride near Assi Ghat
3rd Option: Nature & Waterfalls
- Early Morning: Travel to Devdari Waterfall
- Afternoon: Explore Chandraprabha Sanctuary
- Evening: Return to city or stop at a local dhaba
4th Option: Offbeat Cultural Tour
- Morning: Head to Bhadohi Carpet Workshops
- Lunch at a local artisan canteen
- Afternoon: Visit Ghazipur tombs and nurseries
Final Thoughts
While Varanasi remains a magnet for spiritual seekers and cultural travelers, its surroundings are a treasure trove of heritage, natural beauty, and local life. Whether it’s walking through ancient forts, trekking to waterfalls, or sipping chai in a weaving village, these day trips offer a richer, more diverse experience of the heartland of India.
These destinations are all accessible via private car, taxi, or local operators, and most require just half a day to a full day of your travel time. Each site adds a unique layer to your Varanasi journey—taking you from the sacred to the scenic, from myth to memory.
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