Best Tourist Places to Visit near Varanasi Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi, a living holy city is said to be more than 5000 years old! It is not surprising then that tourists visiting Varanasi have their itineraries revolving around just this city. A typical visit Varanasi itinerary would include the visit to the main Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, a morning or evening boat ride along the River Ganga, stroll of ghats, witness the morning or evening Ganga Aarti, shopping for souvenirs of Varanasi especially the Banarasi Sarees and of course the yumm street food of Banaras India. However, beyond these experiences of Banaras city there are a lot more places to visit near Varanasi.

Uttar Pradesh Tourist Places near Varanasi

You can add these Uttar Pradesh destinations to your 2 days Varanasi Itinerary and/or 3 days Varanasi Itinerary. Uttar Pradesh Tourism has done a lot to improve the tourist facilities in these places.

• Heritage Walk in Weavers’ Village Varanasi
• Trade Facilitation Centre and Craft Museum at Badalalpur, Varanasi
• Sarnath
• Chunar Fort
• Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary
• Aurwatand Prehistoric Paintings and waterfalls
• Waterfalls in Chandauli

A Sadhu in Varanasi

What to see near Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh Tourism is doing lots to promote these tourist places near Varanasi. There are forts, canyons, ravines, forests, bird watching, mesmerizing waterfalls, cave shelters, prehistoric paintings, ruins, museums, weavers on looms and more Varanasi tourist attractions. Read on to know more about the complete list of top tourist destinations within 100 km from Varanasi city.

Day one itinerary has these places to see in Varanasi

Tourist places of Varanasi includes, the 10 important ghats of Varanasi, important temples of Varanasi like – Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Varanasi, Sankat Mochan Temple,  visit markets of Varanasi – Thatheri Bazaar:- Thatheri bazaar is famous for its copper and metalwork, banks of Ganges River and more.

Must read: Varanasi Travel Itineraries.

Day 2 of Varanasi Itinerary of 3 days

Weavers’ Village near Varanasi

The looms that weave out the magical five yards of silk to drape around as sarees can be heard from a distance as you tour the streets of the village. Enter any tiny house there (of course with permission) you will see men hunched over, placing the threads with right colors weaving out their intricate designs. Each saree takes a minimum of two weeks, as the designs get more intricate and the colors used are increased, the weaving period extends and accordingly the cost too.

Though many weavers are now owners of power looms they have not given up on their handlooms as they know the handloom woven Banarasi silk saree fetch more price than the one made in power looms. (Surprisingly I didn’t find a single woman on this job.)

The weaver’s village is 2.4 km from Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, if I am to give you a reference point, but the traffic chaos is such that it can take you an hour in peak times, so try and leave early for the heritage walk through the weaver’s village in Varanasi. Open every day of the week, 9 AM to 9 PM. It is a free sight for tourists.

Weavers Village Varanasi

Deendayal Hastkala Sankul

Deendayal Hastkala Sankul or Trade Facilitation Centre and Craft Museum at Badalalpur, Varanasi, a modern and integrated facility is worth a visit if you wish to see all kinds of textiles under one roof. It is developed by the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India to support the Handloom and Handicraft sector of Varanasi and nearby areas, by providing a platform for trade enhancement.

The Craft Museum in the complex is divided into four parts – The TanaBana and Handloom Gallery, Carpet Gallery, Handicraft Gallery and the Art Gallery. A visit to this museum will enhance the interest and knowledge of those who are interested to know our age-old cultural heritage.

The Museum also has an Amphitheater, designed to accommodate 250 to 300 guests built with intent to host multiple cultural events.

Address: Bada Lalpur, Chandmari, Airhe, Varanasi, UP-221003

Tel: +91 05422290642, +91 9455791639

Museum Visit Hours: 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM (Monday Closed)

Archaeological Site of Sarnath

Dhamek Stupa is the major attraction of the archaeological site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is said to have been built by Emperor Ashoka to commemorate Buddha’s first sermon. The significance of the stupa is that it is believed to be the exact spot of Buddha’s first sermon. It was here that he revealed the eightfold path leading to nirvana. Buddhists worship it by walking around it in a clockwise direction.

This whole area was a deer park once, now the deer park is limited to the boundaries of the site. It is in this deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dhamma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.

Excavation have revealed revealed remains of seven monasteries, Dhamekh Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Apsidal Chapel, Ashoka pillar, Chankama Panchayatan temple, monolithic railings, cluster of Votive Stupas and sculptures with inscriptions, architectural structures and more antiquities ranging in date from 3rd Century B.C.E. to 12th Century C.E. It can take more than two hours to tour the entire site, definitely worth the time though.

It is open from 6 AM to 6 PM.

Light and Sound show – Entry timing: 5:30-6:00 PM; Show Timing: 6:30-7:00 PM; Ticket price: 200-250 INR.

Sarnath Stupa – Places to Visit near Varanasi

Read more – Sanchi Stupa, Light and Sound Show in Sanchi Stupa

Archaeological Museum of Sarnath

This museum is a must visit for all history buffs. The museum houses Buddhist relics that were recovered from the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Among other exhibits, the Sarnath Archaeological Museum is most famous for the four-headed lion that was once on top of the Ashoka Pillar, from 3rd century BC.

The museum is closed on Fridays. Tickets to the museum and site can be purchased online from the Archeological Survey of India or at the ticket booth at the entry gate.

Read more: Sarnath Museum, where Stones speak of Buddha’s Life

Sarnath Museum exhibits

Day 3 of Varanasi Itinerary of 3 days

You can add the below sights to your 3 days itinerary of Varanasi.

Chunar Fort

We reached Chunar Fort from Varanasi in less than an hour. This fort, with origins from 56 BC, is located just 28.6 km away via SH 74. The guide at the Chunar Fort revealed to us its connection to the Vamana Avatar, one of the Dashavatar forms of Bhagwan Vishnu. Assuming a gigantic form, Vamana with one step covered the whole earth; He is believed to have placed his foot here on the hill of Chunar Fort and left his foot mark there. Since then it is known as Charanadri, which over the years took the short form of Chunar.

The timeline of the fort is marked with it being under the rule of Sher Shah Suri followed by Mughal Empire rule and finally the British rule up to 1947 when India finally got its Independence.

The view of Ganges from the fort is mesmerizing. Within the fort complex you see a small temple, Sonwa Mandap – an open air pavilion, an old jail, a sundial and a massive well. Minimum tour time required to explore the place is half an hour to one hour.

Sonwa Mandap – an open air pavilion in Chunar Fort

Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary

Visiting Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary would be one of the wisest things to do in Varanasi. Located in Chandauli district, 64 km from the pilgrim city, this sanctuary will satiate your urges to bask in the soothing greenery of Mother Nature. Once you are out of the traffic chaos of Varanasi city the winding roads to the sanctuary turn more scenic.

On a lucky day you can spot animals like blackbucks, chital, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, porcupine and chinkara. This sanctuary was a haunt of Asiatic Lions once; sadly they have disappeared for obvious reasons like too much hunting. Bird watchers have recorded the presence of 150 species of birds. So pack your zoom lens and photography kits and go! It is open on all days of the week to the luck of bird watchers.

Tickets cost – for Indian Nationals is Rs. 30 and for foreigners is Rs. 350. Parking charges are Rs.10 for two-wheelers, Rs.50 for cars and Rs.100 for buses.

Raj Dari Waterfalls

Waterfalls in Chandauli

Add the Raj Dari waterfalls and Deo Dari Waterfalls to your itinerary of a one day trip to Chandauli from Varanasi.

Raj Dari Waterfalls – This is a wide stepped waterfall surrounded by canyons and green forest, from a distance it would seem like a pearl pendant in emerald green necklace! You will find lots of curious monkeys around, that add a little fun and cheerfulness to the surroundings.

If you are picnicking anywhere around do watch out for your belongings. You can plan a night halt too in the nearby budget hotel, a rest house having all the basic facilities. Do inform and make bookings in advance to check its availability.

Deo Dari Waterfalls – this is a small waterfall at a distance of half a kilometre from the Raj Dari falls. The concrete viewpoint made here gives a clear picture of the entire area.

Chandraprabha Dam – This dam over Chandraprabha River is source of water to both the above waterfalls. It is close to the Wildlife Sanctuary. There is accommodation at Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary if you wish to stay for the night. There are a number of eating joints near the sanctuary.

Deo Dari Waterfalls

Aurwatand Waterfalls

Aurwatand is a small village in Chandauli District of Uttar Pradesh State, India. But who would have thought this is home to cave shelters and prehistoric art of ancient man! It is at a distance of 91.9km from Varanasi, takes two and half hours via NH 19 and SH 97, which gets slightly winding as you reach towards the destination.

Naugarh Dam, breathtaking Naugarh waterfalls, also called Aurwatand Waterfalls and rock shelters with cave paintings of prehistoric era are a must visit especially during monsoons.

Aurwatand rock shelter paintings

What is the best time to visit places near Varanasi?

September to early March is the best time to tour the top attractions near Varanasi.

Is Varanasi safe for solo women travellers?

Travel during day time which is relatively safer to travel around Varanasi. Always keep your near and dear ones informed.

Where to stay in Varanasi

Varanasi has several hundreds of hotels to suit budget of every kind. I stayed in Hotel Amaya, a premium hotel in Varanasi, with decent rooms and breakfast menu. Wifi was a little weak though.

How many days are needed for Varanasi?

If your plan is to visit just the Kashi Vishwanath Temple one day is sufficient for Varanasi. A good itinerary to visit places around Varanasi also will need three days.

What are the other places to visit near Varanasi?

In this post I focused more on Chandauli. Other cities near Varanasi worth visiting are: Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Allahabad (Pryagraj), Lucknow, and Ayodhya.

Places to Visit near Varanasi within 200 km

PRAYAGRAJ – distance from Varanasi to Prayagraj is 121 km via NH 19.

MAU – Distance from Varanasi to Mau in Uttar Pradesh is 118 km via NH 31.

Places to visit near Varanasi within 300 km

AYODHYA – Distance from Varanasi to Ajodhya is 219 km via NH31 and NH330.

LUCKNOW – Distance from Varanasi to Lucknow is 299 km via NH731

BODHGAYA – Distance from Varanasi to Bodh Gaya in Bihar is 255 km via NH 19

PATNA – Distance from Varanasi to Patna in Bihar is 255 km via NH31 and NH922

KHAJURAHO – Distance from Varanasi to Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is 396 km via NH135 and NH39.

Conclusion

All these destinations are places to visit near Varanasi within 100 km. Next time you are in Varanasi keep aside some time, extend your travel dates to include all of these places to get a variety of experiences. Thanks to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism board for hosting me for this enriching experience.

Read more: For more information regarding what is special about Varanasi, why Varanasi is famous, where is Varanasi located, and more pictures of Varanasi read these blogs.
Varanasi Travel Guide
19 Best Souvenirs from Varanasi
10 Important Ghats of Varanasi

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.