Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Varanasi is surrounded by historical, religious, and cultural gems, making it a perfect base for day trips and short getaways. Whether you’re looking for spiritual experiences, historical explorations, or nature retreats, here are the best places to visit near Varanasi.

 1. Sarnath – The Sacred Buddhist Pilgrimage Site

 Why Visit?

• The place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
• Home to Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Ashoka Pillar.
• A peaceful retreat for meditation and history lovers.

 Distance from Varanasi: 10 km
 Travel Time: 30 minutes
 How to Reach? Auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local bus

 Must-Do:
✔️ Visit Dhamek Stupa, the most significant Buddhist structure.
✔️ Explore the Sarnath Museum, home to the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
✔️ Meditate at the Bodhi Tree planted from Sri Lanka’s Anuradhapura tree.

 2. Chunar Fort – The Majestic Riverside Fortress

 Why Visit?

• A historic fort on the banks of the Ganges, built in the 11th century.
• Offers stunning river views & mysterious underground tunnels.
• Has connections to Sher Shah Suri & the British era.

 Distance from Varanasi: 40 km
 Travel Time: 1.5 hours
 How to Reach? Private taxi or local bus

 Must-Do:
✔️ Explore the dungeons and secret tunnels.
✔️ Enjoy the sunset view over the Ganges River.
✔️ Visit the Samadhi of Bhartrihari, a famous yogi.

 3. Vindhyachal – The Powerful Shakti Peeth

 Why Visit?

• A famous Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini.
• One of the most powerful temples for Hindu devotees.
• Nearby attractions: Ashtabhuja Temple & Kali Khoh Temple.

 Distance from Varanasi: 70 km
 Travel Time: 2 hours
 How to Reach? Private taxi or train to Mirzapur

 Must-Do:
✔️ Perform a special Maa Vindhyavasini Puja.
✔️ Take a dip in the holy river Ganga at Vindhyachal Ghat.
✔️ Visit Ashtabhuja Temple, located on a hilltop.

 4. Rajdari & Devdari Waterfalls – Nature’s Retreat

 Why Visit?

• A scenic escape with beautiful waterfalls and lush green surroundings.
• Perfect for picnics, photography, and nature walks.
• Best visited during monsoon season (July–September) for full water flow.

 Distance from Varanasi: 80 km
 Travel Time: 2.5 hours
 How to Reach? Private car via Chandauli

 Must-Do:
✔️ Trek to Rajdari Falls and enjoy the serene beauty.
✔️ Visit Devdari Falls, known for its cascading water streams.
✔️ Explore Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary nearby.

 5. Allahabad (Prayagraj) – The City of Sangam & Kumbh Mela

 Why Visit?

• Home to the Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati Rivers).
• Hosts the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering.
• Historical sites: Anand Bhawan (Nehru’s Residence) & Allahabad Fort.

 Distance from Varanasi: 120 km
 Travel Time: 3 hours
 How to Reach? Train, bus, or private car

 Must-Do:
✔️ Take a boat ride at Triveni Sangam & perform a ritual dip.
✔️ Explore Anand Bhawan, the ancestral home of Nehru-Gandhi family.
✔️ Visit Khusro Bagh, a Mughal-era garden tomb.

 6. Maihar – The Temple of Goddess Sharda

 Why Visit?

• A famous temple dedicated to Goddess Sharda, believed to fulfill wishes.
• Located on a hilltop with breathtaking views.
• Devotees can either climb 1,063 steps or take a ropeway.

 Distance from Varanasi: 250 km
 Travel Time: 5 hours
 How to Reach? Train to Maihar or private taxi

 Must-Do:
✔️ Climb the hilltop temple for a divine experience.
✔️ Enjoy the ropeway ride for stunning aerial views.

 7. Bodh Gaya – The Land of Buddha’s Enlightenment

 Why Visit?

• The most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world.
• Home to the Mahabodhi Temple & the sacred Bodhi Tree.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited by monks and spiritual seekers from around the world.

 Distance from Varanasi: 250 km
 Travel Time: 5 – 6 hours
 How to Reach? Train or private taxi

 Must-Do:
✔️ Meditate under the Bodhi Tree where Buddha attained enlightenment.
✔️ Explore Mahabodhi Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples.
✔️ Visit Thai, Japanese, and Tibetan monasteries.