Places to Visit Near Varanasi - The Beautiful and Most Sacred Parts of India

Located on the banks of the Ganga River, a land liberating the souls of those who die here, freeing them from the endless cycle of rebirth and death, Kashi Banaras is the cultural heartbeat of India. Known by its modern name - Varanasi, the ancient city of the Kashi Vishwanath, Lord Shiva who resides as the guardian of the city. In addition to its importance as a popular place of pilgrimage, the city is popular for its musical heritage, art, culture, and literature, spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga.

A city older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them together - Mark Twain

As one of the oldest and holiest of the seven sacred cities in India, people believe Varanasi is “the” place to end your journey. But in our opinion, there is no place more ideal than Varanasi to begin it. It is only here that people get to understand the confluence of life and death and life after death. Varanasi is also an ideal place to start your journey in India. With a multitude of things to do in Varanasi and some eye-pleasing places to visit near Varanasi, you are all set for a few days of travel.

In contrast to the deeply spiritual charm, tourist places near Varanasi with their many waterfalls, serene landscapes, pilgrim spots, ancient forts, monuments and wildlife sanctuaries pose as the perfect getaway with family and friends.

Places to Visit Near Varanasi

• Lakhaniya Hills and Waterfalls, Mirzapur
• Vidhyanchal, Mirzapur
• Tanda Falls, Mirzapur
• Sirsi Dam, Mirzapur
• Chunar Fort, Mirzapur
• Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandauli
• Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar
• Sarnath

Many of these places are only a short distance - about 100-200 kilometres - away from Varanasi and promise to offer a more peaceful time after the elaborate ceremonies and bustling streets of Varanasi. We suggest our guests embrace the spirit of exploration before setting off on the journey to explore places around Varanasi.

Lakhaniya Hills and Waterfalls, Mirzapur

Also called Lakhaniya Dari located about 50 km away in Latifpur, Mirzapur district, this waterfall has recently become one of the most famous attractions near Varanasi. The waterfall flows in Lak Valley and is especially popular among trekkers and adventures for it takes about an hour and a half to reach the cascade from the main gate. Since the waterfall becomes especially torrent in monsoon with the consistent rains that fall in the area, it looks all the more magnificent in its full glory. The water from the waterfall is collected in Ahraura Dam which is only 7 km away from the falls. Lakhaniya Hills and Waterfalls has become a favourite tourist attraction near Varanasi for locals and tourists alike. Do not forget to carry a picnic box on the trek and munch on some goodies sitting beside the waterfall.

Vidhyanchal, Mirzapur

When someone plans to visit places near Varanasi, Vidhyanchal is an unmissable destination to explore. Vidhyanachal is one of the 51 sacred Shakti Peeths, the centre of pilgrimage for Hindus. Located about 60 kilometres from Varanasi, this temple welcomes hundreds of devotees every month. Especially in the months of September, October and April during Chaitra Navratri, Vidhyanchal becomes a hotspot for pilgrims from across the country. The temple is also known as Kajala Devi. Situated on the banks of the Ganga, the temple complex is home to many Hindu Gods and Goddesses and is a treasure trove of culture and a must visit place near Varanasi.

Tanda Falls, Mirzapur

Tanda Falls is another natural waterfall located in Mirzapur and about 70 kilometres away from Varanasi. The waterfall is picturesque and offers a welcoming reprieve from the usual hustle and bustle. Much like Lakhaniya Dari, Tanda Falls and its surrounding areas come alive with flora and fauna in the monsoon season. This scenic spot is popular among tourists for its peaceful atmosphere. It is one of the best places to go near Varanasi to sit in the lap of nature and let the world become silent except for the roar of water falling down on the rocks.

Sirsi Dam, Mirzapur

Sirsi Dam is a pretty secluded place situated 100 to 110 kilometres from Varanasi. The dam is a storage facility located close to Tanda Falls and the surrounding regions are flush with flora and fauna, giving it a breathtaking view. Close to the Dam is the Sirsi Falls which is also a major picnic spot for locals and a popular tourist attraction near Varanasi. The reservoir is formed by 14 sluice gates and has attracted the attention of tourists throughout the years.

Chunar Fort, Mirzapur

Chunar Fort is an ancient architectural marvel in the Tammnpatti village in Mirzapur. A short two hours’ drive from Varanasi, Chunar Fort is a famous tourist destination. Spread across 34,000 sq. ft and bordered by Ganga from two sides, the solid structure of the Fort stands on a rock detached from the Vindhya Range. Commissioned by Maharaja Vikramaditya the king of Ujjain in honour of his brother, Raja Bhartari, this fort stood pretty much impregnable till the early 1520s when it was conquered by Mughal Ruler Barbar and then Sher Shah Suri. The fort has so much to offer on the historical front and the stories to share about the battle and lives lived, that it has gradually become popular among the tourist places to visit near Varanasi. Besides the ruins, Samadhi of Bhartihari, Sonwa Mandap, Hanging Place, Bungalow of Warren Hastings and Prisons and the Well of Love are some attractions in the complex.

Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandauli

Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its exotic flora and fauna spread across 78 sq. Kilometres. The dense forest, rock croppings and the caves hidden throughout the spread had been home to prehistoric humans. Today, the Sanctuary is counted among the top tourist places to visit around Varanasi. Evidence of these lives can still be found carved in the cave paintings. In the 18th century, the forests had been the hunting ground of rulers of Varanasi and sported a wide range of fauna including Blackbucks, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Bear, Leopard, Porcupine, Chinkara, Gharial and Python. Today, only a few of these animals including the dwindling population of Asiatic lions remain in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is also home to 150 bird species and a rare vegetation which had been a prime source of Ayurvedic treatment sanctuaries ago. The Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls are among the few natural places to see near Varanasi and are a popular spot for those looking for solace amidst nature.

Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar

Located in the Kaimur hill range, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest sanctuary near Varanasi. Complete with gushing rivers, cascading waterfalls, ancient caves and the oldest fossil park. Some part of the sanctuary comes under the divisional headquarters at Mirzapur and is a habitat for Tigers, Leopards, Wild Boars, Sloth Bear, Sambar Deer, Chitals, Four-Horned Antelope, Nilgais and more than 70 species of birds. Though located in Bihar, Kaimur is still among the popular places to go on a weekend trip near Varanasi. Besides the sanctuary, Kaimur is also famous for the ancient Mundeshwari Temple, Baidyanath Temple, Karkat Waterfall, Bhabua, Ramgarh and Adhaura.

Sarnath

Sarnath is located about 10 kilometres away from Varanasi, near the junction of the Ganga and Varuna Rivers. This small and quiet town is a popular pilgrim destination for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus who visit every year to marvel at the numerous Buddha Stupas, museums, excavation sites and temples. The peaceful surroundings of Sarnath coupled with the Buddhist chants offer a much-needed rest to the soul. Sarnath is highly regarded among spiritual seekers as this is where Gautam Buddha delivered his first speed after attaining Nibbana.

Tourist places near Varanasi are a mix of spiritualism, verdant waterfalls and enriching experiences. But, like the rest of the world, there is so much to see and experience, yet so little time. Book your Varanasi tour packages today and get going on this beautiful journey.

Whether you continue your trip to Ayodhya, Bodh Gaya, Rewa, Patna or Khajuraho, a small piece of Varanasi will always stay with you. During your trip in Varanasi and a visit to the nearby places embracing local cultures and respecting religious beliefs is extremely important.