The best places to visit near Varanasi are: Sarnath (10 km -Buddha’s first sermon; Dhamek Stupa), Ramnagar Fort (10 km -18th-century fort; vintage museum), Chunar Fort (40 km -cliffside Mughal fort), Lakhaniya Dari Waterfall (48 km), Vindhyachal (62 km -Shaktipeeth), Rajdari & Devdari Waterfalls (60-70 km), and Prayagraj (120 km -Triveni Sangam). Experience My India Varanasi tour packages from ₹3,999 per person. Call +91-7302265809. See our Ayodhya Varanasi Tour Package or message WhatsApp +91 7302265809.
Why Varanasi Is the Ideal Base for Exploring Eastern UP
Varanasi sits at the geographical and spiritual centre of eastern Uttar Pradesh -making it one of the best bases in India for day trips that cover Buddhist heritage, Mughal-era forts, sacred Shakti temples, dramatic waterfalls, and the most significant river confluence on the Indian subcontinent. Within a 120 km radius, the variety of destinations is exceptional.
Most visitors to Varanasi spend 2-3 days in the city itself -attending the Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti, visiting Kashi Vishwanath, and exploring the ghats. But the places near Varanasi deserve at least one or two additional days. Sarnath alone is a 3-4 hour extension that completely transforms the historical context of the city. Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam) is a full-day addition that adds one of Hinduism’s most sacred sites to any Varanasi trip.
I am Gurudutt, founder of Experience My India, born and raised in Braj Bhoomi and guiding pilgrims since 2018. I have guided more than 50,000 pilgrims through the complete Varanasi and eastern UP circuit. This is the complete 2026 guide to all places to visit near Varanasi -with exact distances, what to see, and how to plan your day trips. If you are also planning the Ayodhya to Varanasi distance and route, see our dedicated guide. Call +91-7302265809.
All Places Near Varanasi at a Glance
| # | Place | Distance | Type | Best For |
| 1 | Sarnath | 10 km | Buddhist heritage | Dhamek Stupa, Buddha’s first sermon |
| 2 | Ramnagar Fort | 10 km | Heritage fort | Vintage museum, Yamuna views |
| 3 | Chunar Fort | 40 km | Historical fort | Mughal history, Ganges view |
| 4 | Lakhaniya Dari Waterfall | 48 km | Nature | Trekking, swimming, photography |
| 5 | Vindhyachal | 62 km | Shakti temple | Vindhyavasini Devi -Shaktipeeth |
| 6 | Rajdari & Devdari Falls | 60-70 km | Nature | Chandauli wildlife sanctuary |
| 7 | Prayagraj | 120 km | Sacred city | Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Fort |
For the complete circuit of Varanasi plus Ayodhya plus Prayagraj, Experience My India’s Ayodhya-Varanasi tour package covers all three cities -from ₹8,999 per person. Call +91-7302265809.
Sarnath -10 km from Varanasi
Sarnath is the single most important day trip from Varanasi -and one of the four most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. This is where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya, setting the “Wheel of Dharma” in motion.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance from Varanasi | 10 km -30-45 minutes by cab or auto |
| Primary attraction | Dhamek Stupa -43 metres tall; 5th century CE |
| Other sites | Chaukhandi Stupa; Ashoka Pillar (Lion Capital -India’s national emblem); Sarnath Archaeological Museum |
| Museum entry | ₹40-₹65; closed Fridays |
| Best time | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; avoid peak afternoon heat |
| Time required | 3-4 hours for a complete Sarnath visit |
Sarnath is a remarkably peaceful retreat from Varanasi’s intensity. The manicured park around the Dhamek Stupa, the deer park (where Buddha first taught), and the Sarnath Museum (which houses the original Lion Capital of Ashoka -adopted as India’s national emblem) make this one of the most historically significant 3-hour excursions possible from any Indian city.
Experience My India includes Sarnath as a standard Day 2 addition on all Ayodhya-Varanasi tour packages. Call +91-7302265809.
Ramnagar Fort -10 km from Varanasi
Ramnagar Fort (also: Ramnagar Qila) sits on the eastern bank of the Ganges, 10 km from Varanasi -accessible by road or by boat across the river. This 18th-century sandstone fort is the ancestral residence of the Maharaja of Benares (Kashi Naresh) and remains an active royal home.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance | 10 km from Varanasi by road; 30 minutes by cab |
| Built | 18th century (Mughal-style sandstone) |
| Museum highlights | Vintage cars; royal palanquins; antique weapons; old astronomical clock |
| Entry fee | ₹20-₹200 depending on section |
| Time required | 2 hours |
| Best combined with | Sarnath -both are 10 km from the city; cover on the same day |
The vintage car collection at Ramnagar Fort includes some of the most well-preserved early 20th-century automobiles in India. For travellers interested in the intersection of Mughal architecture, royal history, and the Kashi Maharaja tradition, Ramnagar Fort is essential.
The Ganga Aarti timing in Varanasi evening programme pairs naturally with a Ramnagar Fort morning visit -combine both on the same day for a complete Varanasi-and-surroundings experience.
Chunar Fort -40 km from Varanasi
Chunar Fort (also: Chunargarh) sits dramatically on a rocky promontory above a sharp bend in the Ganges, 40 km from Varanasi in the Mirzapur district. The fort’s history spans multiple eras -from King Vikramaditya to Sher Shah Suri to the Mughals to the British.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance | 40 km; approximately 1 hour by cab |
| Location | Mirzapur district; on a rock above the Ganges |
| History | Connections to Vikramaditya, Sher Shah Suri, Mughals, British |
| Views | Panoramic Ganges views from the fort ramparts |
| Entry | Nominal fee; government managed |
| Time required | 2-3 hours |
Chunar Fort is significantly less visited than Sarnath and Ramnagar -which means it can be explored without crowds. For travellers interested in the multi-layered military and political history of the Ganges valley, it is one of the most atmospheric heritage sites in eastern UP. Experience My India -call +91-7302265809.
Lakhaniya Dari Waterfall -48 km
Lakhaniya Dari in Latifpur (approximately 48 km from Varanasi) is the closest waterfall to the city -a popular day trip that involves a trek through dense greenery ending at cascading pools. The waterfall flows down a rocky, forested hillside in the Vindhya range.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance | 48 km from Varanasi |
| Location | Latifpur, Mirzapur district |
| Type | Waterfall; seasonal trek |
| Best season | Post-monsoon (September-November) for full water flow |
| Ideal for | Photography; swimming; nature walk |
| Time required | Half day (4-5 hours including travel) |
Lakhaniya Dari is at its most spectacular in September and October when the monsoon runoff keeps the falls at full flow. By December, the flow reduces significantly. Experience My India plans Varanasi-Lakhaniya Dari day trips for groups interested in nature alongside the spiritual circuit. Call +91-7302265809.
Vindhyachal -62 km from Varanasi
Vindhyachal (also: Vindhyavasini) is a major Hindu pilgrimage town 62 km west of Varanasi, dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini -one of the 51 Shaktipeeths (sacred seats of Shakti) in India. The town draws millions of pilgrims annually, with the largest crowds during Navratri (twice yearly).
| Detail | Information |
| Distance | 62 km; approximately 1.5 hours by cab |
| Primary temple | Vindhyavasini Devi Temple -Shaktipeeth |
| Significance | One of the 51 Shaktipeeths; revered by Shakta devotees |
| Best time | Non-Navratri periods for manageable crowds; Navratri for the full festival experience |
| Time required | Half day (3-4 hours) |
Vindhyachal is a natural companion to a Varanasi pilgrimage for Shakta devotees -combining Kashi Vishwanath (Shiva) and the Vindhyavasini Shaktipeeth in the same trip creates a complete Shiva-Shakti pilgrimage. The Ayodhya Varanasi tour package from Experience My India can include a Vindhyachal extension on request. Call +91-7302265809.
Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls -60-70 km
Rajdari and Devdari are twin waterfalls in the Chandauli district -approximately 60-70 km from Varanasi -set inside the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary. Rajdari is a beautifully stepped waterfall with well-maintained park spaces; Devdari is a taller, more dramatic fall nearby.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance | 60-70 km from Varanasi; 1.5-2 hours |
| Location | Chandauli district; Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Best season | September-November (post-monsoon; full flow) |
| Wildlife sanctuary | Entry fee applies |
| Time required | Full day (6-7 hours including travel) |
Unlike Lakhaniya Dari (which is more accessible), the Rajdari-Devdari visit involves going into the wildlife sanctuary -making it a more immersive nature day. Experience My India plans this as a full-day addition for groups extending their Varanasi stay. Call +91-7302265809.
Prayagraj -120 km from Varanasi
Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) is the most significant extended day trip from Varanasi -120 km west via NH19, approximately 2.5 hours by cab. It is the site of the Triveni Sangam: the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers -considered one of the most auspicious spots in all of Hinduism.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance | 120 km from Varanasi; 2.5 hours via NH19 |
| Primary attraction | Triveni Sangam -confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati |
| Other sites | Allahabad Fort (Mughal era; Akbar); Anand Bhavan (Nehru family); Hanuman Temple (underground) |
| Sangam boat ride | ₹300-₹800 per boat depending on size |
| Best time | October-February (cool; post-monsoon confluence active) |
| Time required | Full day |
| Kumbh Mela | Prayagraj hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela every 12 years |
Prayagraj is naturally combined with the Varanasi-Ayodhya circuit -lying between the two cities on a route that connects the three most significant sacred cities of Uttar Pradesh. The Ayodhya-Prayagraj-Varanasi 5-day tour from Experience My India covers all three in sequence -from ₹11,999 per person. Call +91-7302265809.
One Day Trip Itineraries from Varanasi
Option 1 -Buddhist Heritage (Half Day)
9:00 AM -Depart Varanasi for Sarnath (10 km; 30-45 minutes) 9:30 AM -Dhamek Stupa + Chaukhandi Stupa (1.5 hours) 11:00 AM -Sarnath Archaeological Museum (Lion Capital; 1 hour) 12:00 PM -Return to Varanasi; lunch Afternoon -Free for Varanasi ghats 6:30 PM –Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Option 2 -Fort Circuit (Full Day)
9:00 AM -Ramnagar Fort (10 km; vintage museum; 2 hours) 11:30 AM -Return to Varanasi; lunch 1:00 PM -Drive to Chunar Fort (40 km; 1 hour) 2:30 PM -Chunar Fort (2 hours) 5:00 PM -Return to Varanasi 6:30 PM -Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti
Option 3 -Prayagraj Full Day
6:30 AM -Depart Varanasi for Prayagraj (120 km; 2.5 hours) 9:00 AM -Triveni Sangam boat ride 11:00 AM -Allahabad Fort + Anand Bhavan 1:00 PM -Lunch in Prayagraj 3:30 PM -Depart for Varanasi (2.5 hours) 6:30 PM -Arrive Varanasi for evening Aarti
View Ayodhya Varanasi tour package -Experience My India covers all circuits. Call +91-7302265809.
Best Time to Visit Places Near Varanasi
| Season | Months | Conditions | Best Destinations |
| Best overall | October – February | 10°C-25°C; all outdoor sites comfortable | All -Sarnath, Prayagraj, Forts |
| Waterfall season | September – November | Post-monsoon; full water flow | Lakhaniya Dari, Rajdari, Devdari |
| Spring | March – April | 25°C-38°C; warming | Morning-only outdoor visits |
| Summer | May – July | 38°C-45°C | Temple interiors only; avoid outdoor sites |
| Monsoon | August – September | Rain; waterfalls peak | Waterfalls excellent; forts slippery |
What Nobody Tells You About Day Trips from Varanasi
After guiding pilgrims through Varanasi and its surroundings for 8 years, here is what I -Gurudutt, founder of Experience My India -share privately:
Sarnath is the most underused addition to a Varanasi trip. Most pilgrims who visit Varanasi for Kashi Vishwanath and the Ganga Aarti don’t know that 10 km away is one of the four holiest Buddhist sites in the world. Adding a 3-hour Sarnath morning changes the entire historical picture of the city. Experience My India includes Sarnath on all extended Varanasi stays.
Prayagraj is 2.5 hours from Varanasi -not a “quick day trip.” Budget a full day for Prayagraj if you are going for the Triveni Sangam. The 2.5-hour drive each way plus 2-3 hours at the Sangam and fort means you need to leave Varanasi by 6:30-7:00 AM and will return by 7:00-8:00 PM. Experience My India plans Prayagraj as a standalone day or as part of the Ayodhya-Prayagraj tour.
The waterfalls near Varanasi are only worth visiting September-November. Lakhaniya Dari and Rajdari-Devdari have minimal water outside the post-monsoon window. Visiting in December-February means seeing rocky hillsides, not waterfalls. Experience My India only includes these on the itinerary during the correct season.
Ayodhya is 200 km from Varanasi -and is the most spiritually significant extended trip. Most Varanasi-based itineraries don’t include Ayodhya because it requires an overnight stay. But for pilgrims who want the complete Ram-Kashi circuit, combining Varanasi with Ayodhya is one of the most meaningful pilgrimage combinations in India. See our Ayodhya to Varanasi distance and route guide for the full planning detail. Experience My India’s Ayodhya-Varanasi 4-day tour -₹8,999 per person -call +91-7302265809.
Know Before You Go
- Sarnath: 10 km from Varanasi; Museum closed Fridays; entry ₹40-₹65
- Ramnagar Fort: 10 km; entry ₹20-₹200; 2 hours sufficient
- Chunar Fort: 40 km; 1 hour by cab; panoramic Ganges views; government managed
- Lakhaniya Dari: 48 km; best September-November only; half-day trip
- Vindhyachal: 62 km; 1.5 hours; Shaktipeeth; busiest during Navratri
- Rajdari-Devdari: 60-70 km; Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary; entry fee; full day
- Prayagraj: 120 km; 2.5 hours via NH19; full day minimum; Triveni Sangam boat ₹300-₹800
- Ayodhya: 200 km; 3.5-4 hours; overnight stay required
- Best season: October-February for all destinations
- Varanasi to Delhi distance and routes -see our complete guide
- Experience My India plans all day trips. Call +91-7302265809.
FAQ -Places to Visit Near Varanasi
2-day Varanasi itinerary: Day 1 -Morning boat ride on the Ganga at dawn; Kashi Vishwanath Temple (e-pass required at srikashivishwanath.in); Kal Bhairav Temple; afternoon rest; Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti (6:30-6:45 PM). Day 2 -Sarnath morning visit (10 km; Dhamek Stupa + Sarnath Museum; 3-4 hours); afternoon free for Manikarnika Ghat and Assi Ghat walk; evening ghats. Experience My India plans both days efficiently -call +91-7302265809.
Best 2-day trips from Varanasi: Day 1 -Sarnath (10 km; 3-4 hours; Dhamek Stupa) + Ramnagar Fort (10 km; 2 hours; vintage museum); back for Ganga Aarti. Day 2 -Prayagraj (120 km; 2.5 hours; Triveni Sangam + Allahabad Fort; full day). Alternatively: Day 2 -Vindhyachal (62 km; Shaktipeeth) + Chunar Fort (40 km). Experience My India plans custom multi-day Varanasi circuits -call +91-7302265809.
There is no true hill station near Varanasi -the city is on the Gangetic Plain at a low elevation. The nearest elevated terrain is the Vindhya Range to the southwest, where Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls (60-70 km) and Lakhaniya Dari Waterfall (48 km) are located -all in the Mirzapur-Chandauli area. These are not hill stations but offer nature and seasonal waterfalls in a hilly forest landscape. For hill stations, Nainital (approximately 450 km) or Mussoorie are the closest true options. Experience My India -call +91-7302265809.
Tourist places near Varanasi within 100 km: Sarnath (10 km -Buddhist heritage; Dhamek Stupa); Ramnagar Fort (10 km -18th-century royal fort; vintage museum; entry ₹20-₹200); Chunar Fort (40 km -Mughal-era cliffside fort over the Ganges); Lakhaniya Dari Waterfall (48 km -Mirzapur; best September-November); Vindhyachal (62 km -Shaktipeeth; Vindhyavasini Devi Temple); Rajdari & Devdari Waterfalls (60-70 km -Chandauli; Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary). Experience My India covers all -call +91-7302265809.
Prayagraj (Allahabad) is approximately 120 km from Varanasi by road -approximately 2.5 hours via NH19. The route is on the National Highway and is straightforward. Key attractions: Triveni Sangam (sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati; boat ride ₹300-₹800), Allahabad Fort (Mughal era; built by Akbar), and Anand Bhavan (ancestral home of the Nehru family). Experience My India’s Ayodhya-Prayagraj-Varanasi 5-day tour covers Prayagraj -₹11,999 per person. Call +91-7302265809.
Sarnath is one of the four holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world -the spot where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) after attaining enlightenment, setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion. The 43-metre Dhamek Stupa (5th century CE) marks the exact site. The Sarnath Archaeological Museum houses the original Lion Capital of Ashoka -adopted as India’s national emblem. Entry ₹40-₹65; museum closed Fridays. Experience My India includes Sarnath on all extended Varanasi tours -call +91-7302265809.
Yes -Ayodhya (200 km from Varanasi; 3.5-4 hours by road) is the most spiritually significant extended trip from Varanasi. Combining Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath; Ganga Aarti) with Ayodhya (Ram Janmabhoomi; Hanuman Garhi; Saryu Aarti) covers both major Vaishnava-Shaiva sacred cities of Uttar Pradesh in one circuit. An overnight stay in Ayodhya is needed. Experience My India’s Ayodhya-Varanasi 4-day tour -₹8,999 per person -call +91-7302265809.
Yes. Experience My India arranges all day trips from Varanasi -Sarnath (10 km; half day), Ramnagar Fort (10 km; half day), Chunar Fort (40 km; half-full day), Vindhyachal (62 km; half day), Prayagraj (120 km; full day). Multi-day extensions to Ayodhya (200 km) and the complete places to visit near Varanasi and Ayodhya circuit are also available. WhatsApp +91-7302265809 -day trip itinerary in 30 minutes.
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