20 Best Places to Visit Near Varanasi and Ayodhya in 2026 | Hidden Gems, Temples & Weekend Trips

The 20 best places to visit near Varanasi and Ayodhya include: Sarnath (10 km from Varanasi), Ramnagar Fort (14 km), Vindhyachal Shakti Peeth (70 km), Prayagraj Triveni Sangam (120 km from Varanasi / 165 km from Ayodhya), Chitrakoot (230 km), Bodh Gaya (255 km), Kushinagar (168 km) and nature sites like Lakhaniya Dari (40 km). Experience My India plans day trips and multi-city tours. Varanasi 2-day from ₹3,999. Call +91-7302265809.

Why Varanasi and Ayodhya Are the Ideal Base for Eastern UP Sightseeing

Together, Varanasi and Ayodhya anchor the most spiritually and historically dense region in Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi (Kashi) – one of the world’s oldest cities – sits on the Ganga in the east. Ayodhya – the birthplace of Lord Ram – lies in the Saryu plains 200 km to the west. Between them and radiating outward, lie Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Shakti Peethas, Ramayana-associated forests, ancient forts, sacred confluences and natural waterfalls – all within 260 km.

For a pilgrim, history enthusiast or nature traveller based at either city, the region offers more distinct destinations within a 1-3 day radius than almost anywhere else in India. Sarnath (Buddha’s first sermon), Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam), Kushinagar (Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana), Bodh Gaya (Buddha’s enlightenment), Chitrakoot (Ram’s exile forest) and Vindhyachal (major Shakti Peeth) – each is a primary pilgrimage in its own right.

I am Gurudutt, founder of Experience My India, born and raised in Braj Bhoomi and guiding pilgrims since 2018. I have coordinated more than 50,000 pilgrimages through this region. This guide covers all 20 best places to visit near Varanasi and Ayodhya in 2026 – with exact distances from both cities, travel times, entry fees and the best touring sequence. Call +91-7302265809. Tours from ₹3,999 per person.

All 20 Places at a Glance

#	Place	Distance from Varanasi	Distance from Ayodhya	Category	Entry
1	Sarnath	10 km	215 km	Buddhist heritage	₹40-₹65
2	Ramnagar Fort	14 km	215 km	Heritage museum	₹20-₹30
3	Lakhaniya Dari	40 km	230 km	Nature / waterfall	Free
4	Rajdari & Devdari Waterfalls	60 km	250 km	Nature / waterfall	Free
5	Vindhyachal	70 km	265 km	Shakti Peeth temple	Free
6	Chunar Fort	40 km	235 km	Heritage fort	Free
7	Vindham Falls	48 km	240 km	Nature / waterfall	Free
8	Ghazipur	80 km	260 km	Heritage / Ganga	Free
9	Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam)	120 km	165 km	Sacred confluence	Free
10	Allahabad Fort	122 km	167 km	Heritage fort	₹20-₹30
11	Kushinagar	168 km	320 km	Buddhist pilgrimage	₹40-₹65
12	Ayodhya (from Varanasi)	200 km	–	Ram Janmabhoomi	Free
13	Varanasi (from Ayodhya)	–	200 km	Kashi Vishwanath + Ganga	Free
14	Faizabad / Nawab heritage	6 km from Ayodhya	206 km from Varanasi	Heritage	Free
15	Chitrakoot	230 km	185 km	Ramayana / forest	Free
16	Gorakhpur	230 km	140 km	Buddhist + gateway	Free
17	Bodh Gaya	255 km	430 km	Buddhist pilgrimage	₹40-₹65
18	Sonbhadra / Fossil Park	259 km	440 km	Geological / natural	Small fee
19	Lucknow	295 km	135 km	Cultural capital UP	Free
20	Dudhwa National Park	500 km	330 km	Wildlife / nature	₹200+

Experience My India plans all 20 destinations as day trips or multi-city circuits. 

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Spiritual and Religious Destinations Near Varanasi and Ayodhya

This region contains some of the most significant pilgrimage sites in all of South Asia – spanning four major world religions and multiple Hindu traditions.

Sarnath – 10 km from Varanasi

Sarnath is the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon after his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The Dhamek Stupa (5th century CE, 34 metres) marks the exact spot. The Sarnath Museum houses the original Ashoka Pillar Lion Capital – India’s national emblem.

Detail	Information
Distance from Varanasi	10 km (25-45 minutes by cab)
Distance from Ayodhya	215 km
Dhamek Stupa entry	₹40 Indian / ₹600 foreign
Museum entry	₹40-₹65
Museum closure	Closed Fridays
Best time	9:00 AM-3:00 PM

View Our 3 Days Ayodhya Varanasi Tour Package

Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam) – 120 km from Varanasi / 165 km from Ayodhya

The Triveni Sangam – the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers – is one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. A boat ride to the actual confluence point takes 10-15 minutes from the Sangam Ghat (₹100-₹500 per boat).

Detail	Information
Distance from Varanasi	120 km (2.5-3 hours by road; 2 hours by train)
Distance from Ayodhya	165 km (3-4 hours)
Sangam boat	₹100-₹500 per boat
Other sites	Allahabad Fort (₹20-₹30), Anand Bhawan, Hanuman Mandir (submerged)

Ayodhya – 200 km from Varanasi

Ram Janmabhoomi – the birthplace of Lord Ram – now houses the Shri Ram Mandir (consecrated January 2024). Hanuman Garhi (76-step fort-temple), Kanak Bhawan and the Saryu River Aarti are the primary attractions.

Detail	Information
Distance from Varanasi	200-210 km (4-5.5 hours)
Ram Janmabhoomi	Free – Sugam Darshan pass required
Hanuman Garhi	Free – 76 steps to the summit
Saryu Aarti	Daily – seasonal timing
Combined tour	Experience My India Ayodhya-Varanasi 4-day from ₹8,999

Vindhyachal – 70 km from Varanasi

Vindhyachal is a major Shakti Peeth on the Ganga bank – the Vindhyavasini Devi Temple draws pilgrims from across eastern India. The complete Vindhyachal circuit covers 3 temples within 5 km: Vindhyavasini Devi, Ashtabhuja Devi and Kali Khoh. All free. Best visited Tuesday-Thursday 6:00-9:00 AM to avoid peak queues.

Kushinagar – 168 km from Varanasi

Kushinagar is the site of Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana (final passing) – one of the four holiest Buddhist sites in the world. The Mahaparinirvana Temple houses a massive reclining Buddha figure (6.1 metres) carved from a single piece of stone.

Detail	Information
Distance from Varanasi	168 km (3-4 hours)
Distance from Gorakhpur	50 km
Key sites	Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa (cremation site), Matha Kuar Shrine
Entry	₹40-₹65 (ASI sites)

Bodh Gaya – 255 km from Varanasi

Bodh Gaya is where Lord Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree – the most sacred site in Buddhism. The Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO World Heritage, ₹40-₹65 entry) is the primary site.

Detail	Information
Distance from Varanasi	255 km (5-6 hours)
State	Bihar
Minimum visit	2 days (combine with Gaya – Vishnupad Temple, ancestor rites)

Chitrakoot – 230 km from Varanasi / 185 km from Ayodhya

Chitrakoot is the forest town in the Vindhya range where Lord Ram spent 11.5 of his 14 years of exile with Sita and Lakshmana. Key sites: Ramghat (Mandakini River), Kamadgiri sacred hill Parikrama, Gupt Godavari caves, Hanuman Dhara. All free. Closer to Ayodhya than Varanasi – often combined with Ayodhya as part of the Ram Van Gaman (exile circuit). Experience My India plans the complete Ram Van Gaman circuit – call +91-7302265809.

Experience My India covers all spiritual destinations. 

🙏 Planning a multi-destination UP circuit with Experience My India? We coordinate Varanasi + Ayodhya + Prayagraj + Chitrakoot – all correctly sequenced in one circuit, with Sarnath as a Varanasi day trip and Kashi Vishwanath e-pass pre-booked. Ayodhya-Prayagraj-Varanasi 5-day from ₹12,999 per person. 

Heritage and Historical Forts

Ramnagar Fort – 14 km from Varanasi

An 18th-century sandstone palace on the Ganga’s eastern bank – the hereditary home of the Maharajas of Varanasi. Museum: vintage cars, royal weapons, astronomical equipment. Timings 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Entry ₹20-₹30. Reach by road (30-45 minutes) or Ganga boat (10-15 minutes from Tulsi Ghat, ₹20-₹50).

Chunar Fort – 40 km from Varanasi

A medieval sandstone fort on a rocky hillock above the Ganga – controlled successively by the Mauryas, Guptas, Humayun, Sher Shah Suri, the Mughals and the British. Panoramic Ganga valley view from the ramparts. Free or small ASI entry. Best time 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. The 40 km drive from Varanasi takes 70-80 minutes.

Allahabad Fort (Prayagraj) – 122 km from Varanasi

Built by Akbar in 1583 on the Sangam bank – one of the largest Mughal forts in India. The Patalpuri Temple (underground shrine) and the Akshaya Vat (eternal banyan tree) are inside the fort complex. Entry ₹20-₹30.

Faizabad – 6 km from Ayodhya

Faizabad is the historic Nawabi town immediately adjacent to Ayodhya – the former seat of the Nawabs of Awadh. Key sites: Gulab Bari (tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula), Moti Mahal, Begum Hazrat Mahal Park. The heritage of Awadh Nawabi culture is concentrated here. Free entry. Most visitors combine with an Ayodhya half-day.

Lucknow – 295 km from Varanasi / 135 km from Ayodhya

The cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh – Nawabi architecture (Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza), the Residency (1857 siege site), Hazratganj market and Lucknawi cuisine. Much closer to Ayodhya (135 km, 2.5 hours) than Varanasi. A natural day trip from Ayodhya. Experience My India plans Lucknow excursions for Ayodhya-based groups – call +91-7302265809.

Gorakhpur – 140 km from Ayodhya / 230 km from Varanasi

Gorakhpur is the gateway to both Kushinagar (50 km further) and Lumbini in Nepal. The Gorakhnath Temple is the primary city attraction – a major pilgrimage site of the Nath Sampradaya. The Geeta Press (world’s largest publisher of Hindu religious texts) is also here.

Experience My India covers all heritage sites. 

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Nature and Hidden Gems

Lakhaniya Dari – 40 km from Varanasi

A seasonal waterfall in the Vindhya hills of Chandauli district – surrounded by prehistoric rock carvings estimated thousands of years old. Active August-October. Free.

Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls – 60 km from Varanasi

Two natural stepped waterfalls in the Chandauli district – among the most visited natural attractions in Varanasi’s extended region. Rajdari Falls is the larger of the two; Devdari Falls is 1 km further inside the forest. Both free. Best August-November. The route passes through Chandauli Vindhya forest – allow 2 hours at the site plus 70-90 minutes drive each way.

Vindham Falls – 48 km from Varanasi

A natural waterfall near Mirzapur – stepped rock formations with a large pool at the base. Free. Best August-November. Popular with families and picnic groups from Varanasi.

Sonbhadra Fossil Park – 259 km from Varanasi

One of India’s most unusual geological sites – a fossil park in Sonbhadra district containing prehistoric plant fossils (estimated 250-650 million years old). The Salkhan Fossil Park is a government-protected site with an interpretive museum. Entry: small ASI fee. Best combined with an overnight trip.

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Day Trip Distance and Time Table

Place	From Varanasi	From Ayodhya	Road Time (Varanasi)	Road Time (Ayodhya)	Day Trip Feasible?
Sarnath	10 km	215 km	25-45 min	N/A from Ayodhya	✅ Varanasi half-day
Ramnagar Fort	14 km	215 km	30-45 min	N/A from Ayodhya	✅ Varanasi half-day
Lakhaniya Dari	40 km	230 km	60-80 min	N/A	✅ Varanasi day trip
Chunar Fort	40 km	235 km	70-80 min	N/A	✅ Varanasi day trip
Vindham Falls	48 km	240 km	75-90 min	N/A	✅ Varanasi day trip
Rajdari & Devdari	60 km	250 km	70-90 min	N/A	✅ Varanasi day trip
Vindhyachal	70 km	265 km	90-120 min	N/A	✅ Varanasi full day
Ghazipur	80 km	260 km	90-110 min	N/A	✅ Day trip
Prayagraj	120 km	165 km	2.5-3 hr	3-4 hr	✅ Full day from either
Faizabad	206 km	6 km	N/A from Varanasi	10 min	✅ Ayodhya day trip
Lucknow	295 km	135 km	N/A feasible	2.5-3 hr	✅ Ayodhya day trip
Gorakhpur	230 km	140 km	⚠️ Long	3 hr	✅ Ayodhya day trip
Kushinagar	168 km	320 km	3-4 hr	⚠️ Long	✅ Varanasi overnight
Chitrakoot	230 km	185 km	⚠️ Overnight	4 hr	✅ Ayodhya overnight
Varanasi / Ayodhya	200 km apart	200 km apart	4-5.5 hr	4-5.5 hr	✅ Part of 4-day tour
Bodh Gaya	255 km	430 km	⚠️ 2 nights	N/A	✅ Varanasi 2-night

Experience My India plans all day trips and overnight excursions. Call +91-7302265809. View Our 2 Days Ayodhya Varanasi Tour Package

Weekend Getaways from Varanasi and Ayodhya

Weekend Option	Best Base	Distance	What to Cover	EMI Package
Varanasi + Sarnath	Varanasi	10 km	Kashi Vishwanath + Ganga Aarti + Sarnath	₹3,999 per person
Ayodhya + Faizabad + Lucknow	Ayodhya	6-135 km	Ram Janmabhoomi + Nawabi heritage	Custom – call
Prayagraj from either city	Either	120-165 km	Triveni Sangam + Allahabad Fort	Custom – call
Gorakhpur + Kushinagar	Varanasi	230 km	Gorakhnath Temple + Mahaparinirvana	₹6,999 per person
Varanasi + Ayodhya combined	Both	200 km	4 days – 2 each city	₹8,999 per person
Varanasi + Prayagraj + Ayodhya	All three	120-200 km	5 days – complete circuit	₹12,999 per person
Chitrakoot (from Ayodhya)	Ayodhya	185 km	Ramghat + Kamadgiri Parikrama + Gupt Godavari	Custom – call
Nature waterfalls circuit	Varanasi	40-60 km	Lakhaniya Dari + Rajdari + Devdari (Aug-Nov)	Custom – call

What Nobody Tells You About the Varanasi-Ayodhya Region

After coordinating more than 50,000 pilgrimage tours through this region since 2018, here is what I – Gurudutt, founder of Experience My India – share privately:

Prayagraj is more accessible from Ayodhya than most people realise. At 165 km from Ayodhya (3-4 hours by road), Prayagraj is a natural day trip from Ayodhya – and most Ayodhya-based travellers never include it. Experience My India’s Ayodhya-Prayagraj-Varanasi 5-day tour (₹12,999) covers all three sacred river cities in one circuit. Call +91-7302265809.

Kushinagar – one of the four holiest Buddhist sites in the world – is visited by almost no pilgrim combining it with Varanasi. The 168 km distance from Varanasi (3-4 hours by road) puts it within reach as an overnight excursion. Most Varanasi pilgrims visit Sarnath (10 km) but skip Kushinagar entirely. Experience My India includes it in the Gorakhpur-Ayodhya-Varanasi circuit (₹6,999 per person).

All nature waterfalls near Varanasi (Lakhaniya Dari, Rajdari, Devdari, Vindham Falls) are seasonal. They peak August-November. In December-April, most are reduced to minimal flow or completely dry. Many travel articles present them as year-round attractions. Experience My India checks current waterfall conditions before scheduling any nature excursion. Call +91-7302265809.

The Sarnath Museum is closed on Fridays – and houses the original Ashoka Pillar Lion Capital, India’s national emblem. A Friday Sarnath visit means missing the single most important exhibit. Experience My India automatically schedules Sarnath on non-Fridays.

Lucknow is far more naturally connected to Ayodhya than Varanasi. At 135 km from Ayodhya (2.5 hours) versus 295 km from Varanasi (5+ hours), Lucknow works as a comfortable day trip from Ayodhya but is not practical from Varanasi. Experience My India routes Lucknow excursions only from Ayodhya-based groups.

Know Before You Go

• Sarnath Museum: closed Fridays; Dhamek Stupa ₹40-₹65; plan 3-4 hours for the full circuit
• Kashi Vishwanath e-pass (Varanasi): book at srikashivishwanath.in 2-7 days ahead; no phones or cameras inside
• Ram Janmabhoomi (Ayodhya): free Sugam Darshan pass required; no electronics inside
• Vindhyachal: 3-temple circuit; visit Tuesday-Thursday 6:00-9:00 AM to avoid queues
• Chunar Fort: 40 km, 70-80 minutes; bring water; limited facilities
• Waterfalls (Lakhaniya Dari, Rajdari, Vindham Falls): visit only August-November – dry in winter
• Prayagraj: train from Varanasi (2 hours) is faster than road on weekends
• Ayodhya from Varanasi: 200 km, 4-5.5 hours – plan overnight stay (minimum 2 days Ayodhya)
• Chitrakoot from Ayodhya: 185 km, 4 hours – Ram Van Gaman circuit best with overnight
• Best season overall: October to February for all outdoor and pilgrimage sites
• Experience My India plans all 20 destinations. Call +91-7302265809.

FAQ – Places to Visit Near Varanasi and Ayodhya

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