Places to Visit near Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, sits on the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh and is best known for its ghats and temples. The closest of the places to visit near Varanasi is Sarnath, 10 km away. Chunar Fort and Vindhyachal can be combined into one full day by car. Ayodhya, Bodh Gaya and Chitrakoot each need a night.

This guide covers ten tourist places near Varanasi, with the distance, the drive time and the details that change most often: closed days, seasons and darshan timings. All distances are approximate road distances from Varanasi city, and they shift with your pickup point. For the city itself, start with our Kashi Vishwanath Temple guide.

Places to Visit Near Varanasi: Distance at a Glance

Sarnath

• Location: Sarnath, about 10 km north-east of Varanasi, 20 to 40 minutes by road.
• Things to do: See the Dhamek Stupa and the Chaukhandi Stupa, visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum (closed on Fridays) and stop at the Digambar Jain temple in Singhpur.

Sarnath is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site, visited by people from India and from countries such as Singapore, China and Malaysia. It is here that the Buddha taught the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, his first sermon, to his first five disciples. The teaching that began here later spread across Asia.

The Dhamek Stupa, about 43 m tall, marks the spot. Emperor Ashoka built the Dharmarajika Stupa and set up a pillar here. The lion capital of that pillar, now in the museum, became India’s national emblem. Allow half a day for the main site, and more if you add the museum and the monasteries.

UNESCO inscribed the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath on the World Heritage List on 25 July 2026, in two parts: the Chaukhandi Stupa and the archaeological remains. About 1 km east, Singhpur has a Digambar Jain temple, built in 1824 on the traditional birthplace of Shreyansnath, the 11th Jain Tirthankara.

• Suggested Tour: Varanasi Sarnath Tour Package

Ramnagar Fort

• Location: East bank of the Ganga, about 14 km from the city centre, 30 to 60 minutes by road.
• Things to do: Visit the fort museum, and see the river from the walls.

Ramnagar Fort faces the ghats from the far bank of the Ganga. It was built in the 18th century and is still the residence of the Kashi Naresh, the former ruling family of Varanasi. The museum holds vintage cars, royal palanquins, swords, old guns and antique clocks, and the fort is the base of Ramnagar’s month-long Ramlila. Fort access and museum hours can differ, and sources disagree on them, so check both before you leave.

Prayagraj (Allahabad)

• Location: Prayagraj, formerly Allahabad, in Uttar Pradesh.
• Distance: 120 to 125 km from Varanasi, about 3 hours by road.
• Things to do: Take a boat to the Triveni Sangam, and see Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhawan and the Hanuman Mandir.

Prayagraj is one of the holiest cities for Hindus. The Triveni Sangam is where the Ganga and Yamuna meet, and the Saraswati is believed to join them unseen. Pilgrims bathe here as an act of purification. The city is one of the four Kumbh Mela sites, and the Kumbh ranks among the largest religious gatherings in the world. The last Maha Kumbh ran from 13 January to 26 February 2025. A smaller Magh Mela takes place every January and February, which is the time to go for a Sangam dip.

The forts and old buildings in the city fit easily into a Varanasi Allahabad Gaya Tour. Allahabad was renamed Prayagraj in 2018. Its ancient name was Prayag.

• Suggested Tour: Allahabad Tour Packages

Bodh Gaya and Gaya

• Location: Bodh Gaya and Gaya, in Bihar.
• Distance: 240 to 250 km from Varanasi, 5 to 6 hours by road via Sasaram.
• Things to do: Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, and perform rituals for ancestors in Gaya.

Bodh Gaya is the Buddhist site. It is where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment after meditating under the Bodhi tree. Gaya, 12 to 17 km away, is the Hindu pilgrimage town. Stay a night, because a same-day return from Varanasi wastes most of the trip.

Gaya sits on the bank of the Phalgu (Falgu). The Vishnupad Temple holds a footprint of Vishnu and was rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1787. Hindus come to perform rituals for ancestors, especially during Pitru Paksha. The Mangla Gauri Temple is another Gaya stop. Decide before you book whether the trip is Buddhist, ancestral rites or both, because each needs its own time. You can plan it with our Varanasi to Gaya Tour Packages.

Chunar Fort

• Location: Chunar, Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Distance: About 40 km from Varanasi, 1 to 1.5 hours by road.
• Things to do: Walk the fort walls and gates, and see the Sonwa Mandap, the sundial and the large well.

Chunar Fort stands on a rocky outcrop above the Ganga. Its origins are traced to legend. The documented history ties it to Sher Shah Suri and then to the Mughals, the Nawabs of Awadh and the East India Company. Inside you can see the massive stone walls and gates, the Sonwa Mandap, a sundial and a very large well. The saint Bhartrihari is said to have taken samadhi within the fort.

The Ganga views from the walls are the main draw. Check the fort’s visiting hours before you plan a sunrise or sunset visit. Chunar and Vindhyachal are both in Mirzapur district, in the same direction from Varanasi, so they pair well for one day.

Vindhyachal

• Location: Vindhyachal, near Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.
• Distance: About 65 km from Varanasi, 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
• Things to do: Visit the Vindhyavasini Temple, widely regarded as a Shakti Peeth, and walk the ghats along the Ganga.

Vindhyachal is dedicated to the goddess Vindhyavasini. The temple is the main attraction and draws devotees from across the country. It stands in the town near the Ganga. The Trikon Parikrama links the Vindhyavasini Temple with Kali Khoh, a cave shrine of Mahakali about 2 km away, and Ashtabhuja Devi on a hilltop another 1 to 2 km on, where the views open up.

Navratri is the busiest time, when thousands of pilgrims gather. Queues tend to be shorter on weekdays outside the festival. Mirzapur, about 8 km away, is known for its carpet and rug industry.

• Suggested Tour: Same Day Vindhyachal Local Sightseeing Tour

Jaunpur

• Location: Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh.
• Distance: 60 to 65 km from Varanasi, 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
• Things to do: See Jaunpur Fort, the Shahi Bridge, the Atala Masjid and the Jama Masjid.

Jaunpur is known as the City of Mosques. Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq founded it in 1359, and it flourished as the capital of the Sharqi dynasty, which built most of the mosques you see. The Atala Masjid, completed in 1408, rises over 30 m. The Shahi Bridge, also called the Akbari Bridge, was built under Akbar in the 1560s and is still in use. The city shows a blend of Hindu and Islamic influences. Allow a few hours at the monuments, plus 1.5 to 2 hours each way, so plan on most of a day.

Ayodhya

• Location: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
• Distance: About 200 km from Varanasi, roughly 4 hours each way.
• Things to do: Darshan at the Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and the evening aarti at the Saryu.

Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. The Ram Mandir was consecrated on 22 January 2024. Darshan hours have been revised since the temple opened, and entry procedures or booking requirements can change, so check the latest visitor instructions from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra before you travel. Entry is free, and queues can run to several hours on busy days. Our Ram Mandir guide has more on the temple.

Besides the Ram Mandir, the city has older temples and ghats on the Saryu. A same-day return from Varanasi works for fit travellers who leave very early. With senior citizens or children, stay the night.

• Suggested Tour: Same Day Ayodhya City Local Sightseeing Tour

Chitrakoot

• Location: Chitrakoot, on the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh border.
• Distance: 250 to 280 km from Varanasi depending on the route, 5 to 6 hours by road.
• Things to do: Visit Ram Ghat on the Mandakini, Kamadgiri (5 km parikrama), Hanuman Dhara, Sphatik Shila and the Gupt Godavari caves, about 18 km from town.

Chitrakoot is associated with Lord Rama. It is believed to be the place where Rama, Sita and Lakshmana spent part of their exile. The town is dotted with temples and caves among the hills. Most visitors start at Ram Ghat and then go on to Kamadgiri, Hanuman Dhara and Sphatik Shila. Plan an overnight stay so the drive does not eat into the sightseeing.

• Also Read: Places to Visit in Chitrakoot

Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls

• Location: Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandauli district, near Chakia.
• Distance: About 70 km from Varanasi, around 2 hours by road.
• Best time: July to November, depending on rain.
• Things to do: See the falls and have a picnic in the sanctuary. Stay out of the water when it runs high.

Rajdari and Devdari are two waterfalls inside the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, which was established in 1957. Both depend on rain. Heavy rain can close the paths, so wait for a dry day after a downpour. Public transport is limited, so hire a car with a driver who knows the route, and ask the sanctuary staff how far vehicles can go. The rocks are slippery.

Two more waterfalls near Varanasi are in Mirzapur district. Lakhaniya Dari, about 50 km from the city, needs a 2 to 3 km walk from the gate over rocks and streams, and the pools are deep, so skip it with young children or older relatives. Tanda Falls, about 80 km away and 2 to 2.5 hours by road, has a dam in front of it and lies about 15 km from Vindhyachal. Siddhnath Dari, about 60 km from Varanasi, is a third option.

Best Time to Visit

October to March suits most of these trips, with mild days and easier walking. Summers are very hot, especially in May and June. The waterfalls are the exception because they need rain, so go between July and November, on a dry day. Vindhyachal and Ayodhya see their biggest crowds during Navratri, and Gaya during Pitru Paksha.

Day Trips from Varanasi: How to Combine Them

• Half a day: Sarnath. Add Ramnagar Fort only if you start early and its museum is open.
• One day by car: Chunar Fort and Vindhyachal, both in Mirzapur district.
• One day: Jaunpur, Prayagraj or the waterfalls in the rainy season.
• Overnight: Bodh Gaya and Gaya, Ayodhya or Chitrakoot.
• By interest: Sarnath and Bodh Gaya for Buddhist heritage, Vindhyachal, Prayagraj and Ayodhya for pilgrimage, Jaunpur and Chunar Fort for old architecture.
• With senior citizens or young children: skip Lakhaniya Dari, and plan a night in Ayodhya, Bodh Gaya or Chitrakoot.

Frequently asked Questions

What are the best places to visit near Varanasi in one day?

Sarnath takes half a day, and Ramnagar Fort can be added if you start early. With a car and a full day, Chunar Fort and Vindhyachal cover more ground. Prayagraj and Jaunpur each take most of a day once you count the drive.

Which places near Varanasi are within 50 km and within 100 km?

Within 50 km: Sarnath (about 10 km), Ramnagar Fort (about 14 km), Chunar Fort (about 40 km) and Lakhaniya Dari (about 50 km). Between 50 and 100 km: Jaunpur (60 to 65 km), Vindhyachal (about 65 km), Rajdari and Devdari (about 70 km) and Tanda Falls (about 80 km).

Is Sarnath a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. UNESCO inscribed the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath on 25 July 2026. It is a serial listing with two parts: the Chaukhandi Stupa and the archaeological remains of Sarnath.

Is the Sarnath museum open on Fridays?

No. The Sarnath Archaeological Museum is closed on Fridays. If the Ashokan Lion Capital is a priority, visit on another day.

What is the Varanasi to Ayodhya distance, and can I do it in one day?

About 200 km, or roughly 4 hours each way by road. A same-day trip is possible if you leave before sunrise and confirm the darshan timings first. With senior citizens or young children, stay the night.

How far is Bodh Gaya from Varanasi?

240 to 250 km by road, or 5 to 6 hours by car via Sasaram. Gaya town, where rituals for ancestors are performed, is 12 to 17 km before Bodh Gaya.

Which waterfalls are near Varanasi?

Rajdari and Devdari, about 70 km away, are the best known. Lakhaniya Dari (about 50 km) and Tanda Falls (about 80 km) are in Mirzapur district. All of them depend on rain, so go after it.

When is the best time to visit places near Varanasi?

October to March for most places. Summers are very hot. The waterfalls are the exception, because they need rain, so go after it.

Conclusion

The nearest places to visit near Varanasi take half a day. The farther ones, Ayodhya, Bodh Gaya and Chitrakoot, need a night each. Pick one or two that match your reason for travelling and give each enough time. If you want a fixed route with a driver, the team can be reached on WhatsApp at +91 8826094899.