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Being the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi itself has a lot for you to do. From visiting the ghats to the temples, your itinerary is going to be packed when you are out exploring the city and indulging in the activities available there. However, beyond the main city, there are several places to visit near Varanasi within 100 km, ideal for day trips and weekend getaways. There are ancient temples, remote villages and even wildlife sanctuaries that add to the thrill of the visit. Beyond the staple spots across Varanasi, you can also explore these nearby destinations to further enrich your vacation.
13 Places To Visit Near Varanasi Within 100 Km
If you want to witness the beauty and charm of Varanasi and the surrounding areas beyond the common tourist sites, a well-planned itinerary can come in handy.
1. Sarnath
Photo: Abhishek Royal / Unsplash
One of the nearest attractions near Varanasi within 100 km is Sarnath, which is an ancient Buddhist site. It is one of the most popular Buddhist sites in the country, where it is believed that Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The beauty of Sarnath is that it is home to several important Buddhist monuments, including the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Ashoka Pillar. Sarnath also has a rich collection of Buddhist relics and artefacts, which can be explored at the Sarnath Archaeological Museum.
Distance From Varanasi: 10 km
Major Attractions: Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and Sarnath Archaeological Museum
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Sarnath To Immerse Yourself In The History Of Buddhism
2. Chunar Fort
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
When you think of a fortress, you usually think of one on top of a hill, overlooking the entire city. Chunar Fort is a popular riverside fortress that stands tall on the banks of the Ganges River. Being one of the oldest forts in Uttar Pradesh, it has witnessed the reign of several dynasties, including the Mauryas, Mughals, and British. The fort has a rich history associated with Emperor Akbar and Sher Shah Suri, which is one of the reasons why having a local guide with you comes in handy. Furthermore, the fort also played a significant role during the Revolt of 1857.
Distance From Varanasi: 29 km
Major Attractions: Chunar Fort, Ganges view, and Historical ruins
3. Vindhyachal
Another spiritual destination that you can visit from Varanasi is Vindhyachal. It is a prominent pilgrimage destination, where people visit the temple dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini. The town is situated on the banks of the Ganges River and is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The Vindhyavasini Temple is the primary attraction, drawing thousands of devotees every year. Beyond Vindhyachal Dham, the town is also home to several other temples like Ashtabhuja Temple and the Kalikhoh Temple. Diverting from the spiritual significance, you can also explore the natural wonders that the town offers.
Distance From Varanasi: 64 km
Major Attractions: Vindhyavasini Temple, Ashtabhuja Temple, and Kalikhoh Temple
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Vindhyachal And Around
4. Ramnagar Fort
Photo: Urvish Oza / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the places to see near Varanasi within 100 kms is the Ramnagar Fort. This fortification is a splendid example of Mughal architecture and dates back to the 18th century. Back in the day, the fort served as the residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi. The fort complex houses a museum showcasing vintage cars, royal costumes, antique weapons, and medieval astronomical clocks. Beyond these, the fort also has Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Temple and Ved Vyasa Temple, which are two of the most important parts of this fort.
Distance From Varanasi: 11 km
Major Attractions: Ramnagar Fort Museum, Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Temple, and Ved Vyasa Temple
5. Kaithi
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An often less talked about spot near Varanasi that you wouldn’t regret heading to is Kaithi. The main significance of this small town is due to the sacred confluence of the Ganges and Gomti rivers. This site is revered by both Hindus and Muslims, as it is believed to be blessed by saints of both religions. The village is home to the famous Markandey Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an important pilgrimage site, especially during festivals like Maha Shivaratri.
Distance From Varanasi: 31 km
Major Attractions: Markandey Mahadev Temple, and Ganges-Gomti confluence
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Aligarh That Blend Heritage, Culture & Charm
6. Rajdari And Devdari Waterfalls
Photo: Ksuryawanshi / Wikimedia Commons
Located inside the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, the Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls are a perfect retreat for nature lovers. This is a twin waterfall and the beauty of this natural wonder is something you won’t understand until you visit and witness it in real-time. The waterfalls are known for their crystal clear waters, gurgling over rocks in a tranquil setting. It is a pretty popular spot for picnics and treks, depending on accessibility and what you are in the mood for at that moment.
Distance From Varanasi: 70 km
Major Attractions: Rajdari Waterfall, Devdari Waterfall, and Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Lakhaniya Dari
Photo: Deepak Singhanwal / Wikimedia Commons
Perfect for adventure and trekking enthusiasts, Lakhaniya Dari is a hidden gem for trekkers. The combination of the steep hill with the surrounding waterfall truly adds to the beauty of the place. It is quite an offbeat destination and it’s ideal to have a local guide for the trek. The Lakhaniya Waterfall is surrounded by dense forests and rocky hills, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers. The trek to the waterfall takes you through scenic landscapes and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
Distance From Varanasi: 54 km
Major Attractions: Lakhaniya Waterfall, trekking trails, and scenic landscapes
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kanpur For A Unique Stay
8. Jaunpur
Photo: Sonal Kumari / Unsplash
To add to the tourist attractions near Varanasi within 100 kms, you need to head to Jaunpur. This town near the main city of Varanasi is popular among history buffs, especially ones who are intrigued by temples and monuments. It was founded by the Sultan of Delhi, Firoz Shah Tughlaq, and later became an important centre of the Sharqi dynasty. The city is known for its magnificent mosques and fortresses, including the Atala Mosque, Jama Masjid, and Shahi Bridge.
Distance From Varanasi: 69 km
Major Attractions: Atala Mosque, Jama Masjid, Shahi Bridge, and Jaunpur Fort
9. Ahraura
Photo: Akshatha Inamdar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another bustling town near Varanasi that you can take a day trip to is Ahraura. The town is home to the famous Ahraura Fort, which has a significant historical legacy. The fort is situated on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. In addition to its historical significance, Ahraura is also known for its proximity to the Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary and its stunning waterfalls, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The town is also renowned for Bhandari Devi temple and Aqua Jungle Water Park.
Distance From Varanasi: 44 km
Major Attractions: Ahraura Fort, Bhandari Devi temple, and Aqua Jungle Water Park
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Mathura For A Refreshing Retreat
10. Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Lucie Burlet / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Last but not least is the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the best places to visit near Varanasi Uttar Pradesh within 100 km. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers too. Not only can you witness wildlife from up close on a safari, but the sanctuary is also home to the popular twin waterfalls, Devdari and Rajdari. Some of the commonly spotted wildlife in the sanctuary include leopards, nilgai, and sambar deer. Also, there are nature trails around the sanctuary where you can go around hiking and trekking too.
Distance From Varanasi: 70 km
Major Attractions: Wildlife spotting, Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls
11. Chandauli
Photo: Anil Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
For travellers exploring places to visit near Varanasi, Chandauli lies about 40 kilometres southeast of the city, combining natural beauty with a touch of history. It’s one of the most notable tourist places near Varanasi within 100 km, thanks to the twin Devdari and Rajdari waterfalls tumbling through verdant forests into crystal pools. The adjacent Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary invites easy treks among deer, peacocks and cascading streams, while the 18th-century fort ruins and Latif Shah Dam offer local charm. With picnic spots, gentle walking trails and a calm riverside setting, Chandauli makes an ideal day escape.
Distance From Varanasi: 70 km
Major Attractions: Rajdari & Devdari Falls, Naugarh Fort, and Chandraprabha Dam
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Jhansi
12. Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Kiran Kumar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls across 1,342 square kilometres in the Vindhya Range, roughly 100 kilometres south-west of Varanasi. This verdant reserve shelters tigers, leopards, sloth bears and the elusive Indian pangolin, alongside more than 70 resident bird species and winter migrants. Shaded trails wind past hidden Mukha and Karkat waterfalls, ancient cave paintings and the primordial Salkhan Fossil Park. Riverside picnic spots and lookout glades amid bamboo and teak groves complete the experience, marking it out as a top choice among places to visit near Varanasi within 100 km.
Distance From Varanasi: 90 km
Major Attractions: Wildlife spotting, waterfalls, and scenic hills
13. Sitamarhi
Photo: Suyash Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sitamarhi, about 60 kilometres west of Varanasi along National Highway 2, is one of the most evocative tourist places near Varanasi within 100 km. Also known as Sita Samahit Sthal, it marks the spot where Goddess Sita is said to have returned to the earth, and its gleaming white temple draws devotees year-round. Quiet gardens and a peaceful shrine invite reflection, while colourful fairs during Ram Navami bring local music, dance and food stalls to life. The nearby Sindh River ghat offers gentle riverside walks amid village scenes. Combining mythological resonance with simple rural charm, Sitamarhi makes a memorable day trip from Varanasi.
Distance From Varanasi: 60 km
Major Attractions: Sita Samahit Sthal, ancient temples, and spiritual ashrams
Suggested Read: Sitamarhi Temple Unravel The Mysteries Of Sita’s Birthplace And Seek Blessings At The Source
There are numerous places to visit near Varanasi within 100 km, perfect for you to spend a day or stay over the weekend. These destinations offer a contrasting experience from the crowded and bustling city of Varanasi, enabling you to relax and unwind. As you are planning your trip to Varanasi with TripXL, be sure to add these destinations to your travel plans too.
Cover Photo: Rachel Claire / Pexels
