Travel Guide to Must Visit Places Near Varanasi

Updated on Dec 21, 2023 | Indian e-Visa

Although Varanasi attracts many Indian and international tourists each year, the areas surrounding it are a wonderful mix of hill stations, trekking destinations, and animal sanctuaries. In this article learn about the most popular spots to visit around Varanasi.

Varanasi is one of North India's most ancient Hindu cities. It is known for its culture and holy spirit, which pervades every aspect of the city, be it people, festivals, or daily life.

Some of them are ideal for a day trip or a weekend break.

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Sarnath

There's a sense of calm and tranquillity about the place. It is one of the country's holiest sites, particularly sacred to Buddhists. The city is adorned with Buddhist stupas, museums, and archaeological monuments. Aside from that, the temple and other calm landscapes of the region may be seen. The temple is only 10 kilometres from Sarnath, and you can visit it and return on the same day.

This is a Buddhist, Jains, and Hindu pilgrimage site that is always busy with tourists and devotees. The site also boasts architectural marvels, including the location where Lord Buddha delivered his first speech. The Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Thai Temple, Tibetan Temple, Archaeological Museum, and Buddha Purnima are all popular destinations to visit in Sarnath.

Where can I stay - Hotel Varanasi Palace, Hotel Pinnacle Gates, Hotel SGT Plaza
How long to stay - 1 day
How far from Varanasi - 40 km

Vindhyachal

Vindhyachal, near Varanasi, is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage. The location is well-known for being the sanctuary for a number of minor temples. The settlement is situated on the Ganga's banks. Before visiting the temple, many people come here to take a plunge in the River Ganga to purify themselves and receive Goddess Ganga's grace. There are various deities in the town, and performing trikon parikrama is required to receive their blessings and have wishes granted.

When captivating mantras are gently hymned in a cadence in the temple by priests and devotees alike, the entire town is decked with diyas and flowers. Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, Kali Khoh Temple, Sita Kund, Ashtabhuja Temple, Ramgaya Ghat, and Kankali Devi are some of the significant attractions in this area. The place is at its best from October to May when it retains a sub-tropical climate.

Where can I stay - Birla Guest House, The Retreat, Hotel Vindhya Residency
How long to stay - 1 day
How far from Varanasi - 80 km

Allahabad

Another holy site near Varanasi is Allahabad. Because it is the confluence of three rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati – it is known as Prayagraj. On the banks of this Sangam, there is a historic settlement of Hindu Gatherings. The Maha Kumbh Mela, when tens of thousands of people go to Allahabad to take a holy plunge in the Sangam, is the city's most well-known celebration.

Prayagraj, at the confluence of three major rivers — the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati – was renamed Allahabad by Emperor Shah Jahan. The Triveni Sangam, Khusro Bagh, Anand Bhavan, Allahabad Museum, and Allahabad Planetarium are the primary tourist attractions.

It is one of Uttar Pradesh's largest cities, with excellent access to all modes of transportation, including air, train, and road. For temperate temperatures, visit throughout the winter months (October to March). During the monsoons, Allahabad is best avoided.

Where can I stay - OYO Heritage Guest House, VLM Grand Placid, Stay Inn Hotel
How long to stay - 2 days
How far from Varanasi - 121 km

Lucknow

Lucknow is the metropolis of the Nawabs. The city sits along the banks of the River Gomti. The city is known for its rich Nawabi culture and cuisine. The locals are recognised for their courtesy and politeness. They are so friendly that you can't help but smile back if you come across one. The Bara Imambara, the Hazratganj Market, the Lucknow Zoo, the Chowk, Chota Imambara, and Rumi Darwaja are the most popular tourist sites in Lucknow. To experience true Mughlai food and Biryani, a visit to the busy streets of Lucknow market is a must. It is also necessary to go shopping for the current Chikankari and wholesale outlets.

Chat and kulfi with faluda are very popular at this location. Lucknow is the only Indian metropolis with a domestic airport and a significant rail hub. Lucknow is connected to the rest of the country via a number of state-run buses. The best time to visit Lucknow is in the winter, as the summers are extremely hot.

Where can I stay - Renaissance Lucknow Hotel, Hilton Grand Inn Lucknow, Hyatt Regency Lucknow
How long to stay - 2 days
How far from Varanasi - 320 km

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Chitrakoot

It is a small town in northern Vindhya Range and is a place where Lord Ram along with Lakshman, his brother and his wife Sita stayed for 11 years of exile. The place is especially important for its mention in Ramayan. The place also is believed to be the place of the incarnation of the three main gods of Hindus i.e. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

The place has apparently witnessed numerous significant events of Hindu mythology like The Bharat Milap, which has a temple devoted to it. While you are in Chitrakoot, you must visit Kamadgiri, Gupt Godavari, Ramghat, Rajapur, Marpha, Hanuman Dhara.

The location is a gift of natural landscapes and the type of destination that has so much to offer that has yet to be discovered. The finest months to visit Chitrakoot are July and March, especially from August onwards when the monsoons arrive. Then there's the scenic splendour of this place, which can't be described in words.

Where can I stay - Tourist Bungalow, The RiverFront Resort, Blue Lotus Club & Resorts
How long to stay - 1 day
How far from Varanasi - 260 km

Ayodhya

Ayodhya is one of the most important towns in Hindu mythology since it is the birthplace of Lord Ram. It sits on the banks of the Saryu. The area also gained notoriety as a result of a Muslim-Hindu massacre in the early 1990s over the ground where Lord Rama was worshipped. The city is known for its spirituality and is linked to Hinduism.

Ramjanma Bhoomi, Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Gulan Bari, and Treta Ke Thakur are some of the other notable attractions in Ayodhya. Ayodhya is connected to the rest of the country by numerous direct trains and buses. The nearest airport is Lucknow, from where you can go to Ayodhya via train. Simply to avoid the busiest summer months. The location is beautifully decorated.

Where can I stay - Shree Maruti Nandan Hotel, OYO Hotel Arvind Palace, Rama Residency
How long to stay - 1 day
How far from Varanasi - 203 km

Khajuraho

Khajuraho, another UNESCO World Heritage site noted for its rich history and stunning temples, is another great spot to explore near Varanasi. These temples feature erotic indications etched on their exteriors, which shows India's progressive culture throughout the Middle Ages, when most people were going towards spirituality and avoided marrying. These temples were established by the emperor at the time to encourage people to have families. The location is also recognised for its annual cultural festivals, which attract a large number of international tourists that come to see this magnificent monument.

The Light and Sound Show, the Dulhadev Temple, the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, the Lakshman Temple, the Parsvanatha Temple, and the Vishwanath Temple are among the must-see sites in Khajuraho. The train station is right outside the temple gates, and Khajuraho also has an airport. The months of October and February are ideal for visiting this location.

Where can I stay - Hotel Ramada By Wyndham Khajuraho, Hotel Isabel Palace, The Lalit Temple View
How long to stay - 2 days
How far from Varanasi - 392 km

Agra

Agra is the place of the Taj Mahal, one of the world's seven wonders. The Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are two other important locations. The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Tomb, daulah's Shopping in Agra, and the Tomb of Akbar are all prominent attractions in the city. The Taj Mahal is the only edifice on the planet that was created to honour a husband's undying love for his wife. Apart from the monuments, the area is also noted for its delicious meals and intricate hand carvings. Famous Petha, as well as delicious chat and lassi, are some delicacies to taste during your stay in Agra.

There are also several guided tours available to this location that will tell you about the significance of the location as you walk through it. There are several hotels with views of the Taj Mahal, and sitting on the grounds of these hotels and watching the sunrise and sunset change the colour of the white marble Taj Mahal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is one of the most well-known tourist destinations near Allahabad and Varanasi.

Where can I stay - Ekaa Villa – A Boutique Hotel, Max Guest House, Trident Agra
How long to stay - 2 days
How far from Varanasi - 203 km

Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is one of the most famous destinations to visit between Varanasi and Allahabad, and is recognised for being the shrine for Lord Buddha's enlightenment, the Mahabodhi Tree, and the Hindu land of Nirvana. Pilgrims from all over the world come to pay their respects to the sacred site of Bodh Gaya. Lord Buddha obtained enlightenment while meditating under the Mahabodhi tree. Everyone who has come to visit this tree and pray for its benefits is eager to do so. As a result, Bodh Gaya has risen to the top of the list of Buddhist pilgrimages as the largest and most popular, as well as being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

A visit to this location will provide you with a wealth of knowledge about India's rich culture and philosophies. This is a holy temple and a place of nirvana. Mahabodhi Temple, The Great Buddha Statue, Tibetan Refugee Market, Bodhi Tree, and Thai Monastery are among the prominent attractions in Bodh Gaya. If you're seeking a tranquil area to visit near Varanasi, Bodh Gaya is the place to go.

Where can I stay - Hotel Bodh Vilas, Sakura House, The Bodhgaya Hotel School
How long to stay - 3 days
How far from Varanasi - 253 km

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