Looking to explore beyond the spiritual city of Varanasi? Within a 100 km radius of Varanasi lies a treasure trove of nature, history, culture, and spirituality. From majestic waterfalls and serene dams to ancient temples and wildlife sanctuaries, here’s a curated list of tourist attractions near Varanasi, including how to reach them, distance, best visiting time, ticket fees, and more.
1. Lakhania Dari Waterfall – A Hidden Gem
- Location: Latifpur, Mirzapur District
- Distance from Varanasi: 48 km
- Entry Fee: ₹50
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: September to May
Tucked away in the Lak Valley, this 150-meter-high waterfall is a haven for trekkers and nature lovers. To reach it, you must trek 2–2.5 km through mud, rocks, and shallow streams—perfect for an adventure-filled day trip.
2. Rajdari & Devdari Waterfalls – Scenic Twin Falls
- Location: Chandauli
- Distance from Varanasi: 60 km
- Entry Fee: ₹50
- Best Time to Visit: Monsoon season
Together, these waterfalls create one of the most picturesque picnic spots near Varanasi. Devdari stands 50 meters tall, surrounded by lush greenery. Easily accessible by road.
3. Tanda Waterfall – A Multi-Tiered Paradise
- Location: Tanda Village, Mirzapur
- Distance from Varanasi: 80 km
- Height: 30 feet
Tanda Waterfall is a stunning cascade created by the Tanda River. Located just 14 km from Mirzapur, it offers breathtaking views from multiple levels and is fed by the historic 86-year-old Tanda Dam.
4. Sirsi Dam – A Serene Getaway
- Location: Mirzapur
- Distance from Varanasi: 55 km
- Nearby Attraction: Tanda Falls
Sirsi Dam is a popular picnic spot offering scenic views and tranquility. It’s an excellent nature retreat away from the bustle of Varanasi Ghats. Ideal for learning, inspiration, and relaxation.
5. Vindhyachal – Sacred Shakti Peeth
- Location: Mirzapur
- Distance from Varanasi: 63 km
- Travel Time: 1.5 hours by road
Home to the Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, this religious city draws thousands of devotees, especially during Navratri. It’s one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and holds immense mythological significance.
6. Bodh Gaya – Seat of Enlightenment
- Location: Gaya District, Bihar
- Distance from Varanasi: 237 km
Though slightly beyond the 100 km radius, Bodh Gaya is worth the mention. It is the sacred site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Major attractions include Mahabodhi Temple, Buddha Statue, and Vipassana Centers.
7. Prayagraj – Sacred Sangam
- Distance from Varanasi: 125 km
Previously known as Allahabad, this city is home to the Triveni Sangam – the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Attractions include Akbar’s Fort, Anand Bhavan, and Khusro Bagh. Multiple buses and trains operate daily between Varanasi and Prayagraj.
8. Gorakhpur – Temple & Culture Hub
- Distance from Varanasi: 166 km
Famous for the Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur also boasts attractions like Ramgarh Tal and Nauka Vihar. The city is known for sugar mills and is well-connected by bus and train from Varanasi.
9. Ayodhya – Birthplace of Lord Ram
- Distance from Varanasi: 150 km
Situated on the Sarayu River, Ayodhya is a sacred city for Hindus and a key Buddhist center. Visit the newly built Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhavan. Ayodhya also has its own airport.
10. Chunar – Fort & Pottery Heritage
- Distance from Varanasi: 31 km
Chunar Fort, built by Maharaja Vikramaditya, stands on the banks of the Ganga and Jargo rivers. This historical town is also famous for clay toys and pottery industries.
11. Ramnagar – Royal Legacy by the Ganges
- Distance from Varanasi: ~15 km
- Travel Tip: 30-minute boat ride across the Ganga
Ramnagar Fort was once the royal residence of the Maharaja of Banaras. Inside, you’ll find temples, museums, and the famed Ramnagar Ramlila ground. Also visit Shastri Bridge and Durga Temple nearby.
12. Sonbhadra – The ‘Switzerland of India’
- Distance from Varanasi: Approx. 90–100 km
Known as India’s energy capital, Sonbhadra boasts natural and historic gems like Rihand Dam, Vijaygarh Fort, and Salkhan Fossils Park. Jawaharlal Nehru once referred to its beauty as the “Switzerland of India.”
13. Sitamarhi – A Slice of Ramayana
- Location: Between Prayagraj and Varanasi
Sitamarhi (Sita Samahit Sthal) is where Goddess Sita is believed to have been found by King Janaka while ploughing a field. The temple here is a spiritual hub with grand modern architecture.
14. Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary – Into the Wild
- Location: Chandauli District
- Distance from Varanasi: Approx. 70–80 km
A lesser-known sanctuary featuring dense forests, prehistoric caves, and waterfalls like Rajdari and Devdari. Ideal for nature lovers and wildlife watchers, this protected area showcases local and migratory species.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for waterfalls, wildlife, pilgrimage, or history—Varanasi is surrounded by enriching day trips and weekend getaways. These destinations let you experience the soul of India beyond its ghats and temples.
Got a favorite place from this list? Or do you have your own hidden gem near Varanasi? Drop your comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
Comparison Table: Tourist Places Near Varanasi (Within 100–250 KM)
| Place | Distance from Varanasi | Type | Approx. Travel Time | Highlights |
| Lakhania Dari Waterfall | 48 km | Natural/Waterfall | 1.5 – 2 hours | Trekking, adventure, 150m waterfall |
| Rajdari & Devdari Falls | 60 km | Natural/Waterfall | 2 – 2.5 hours | Scenic twin falls, monsoon beauty |
| Tanda Waterfall | 80 km | Natural/Waterfall | 2.5 – 3 hours | Multi-tiered, near Tanda Dam |
| Sirsi Dam | 55 km | Natural/Dam | 2 – 2.5 hours | Serene picnic spot |
| Vindhyachal | 63 km | Religious (Shakti Peeth) | 1.5 – 2 hours | Vindhyavasini Devi Temple |
| Chunar | 31 km | Historical | 1 – 1.5 hours | Chunar Fort, pottery |
| Ramnagar | 15 km | Historical/Cultural | 30 mins (by boat) | Ramnagar Fort, temples |
| Chandra Prabha Sanctuary | ~70 km | Wildlife/Nature | 2 – 2.5 hours | Waterfalls, wildlife, trekking |
| Sonbhadra | ~90–100 km | Natural/Historic | 3 – 3.5 hours | Fossils Park, energy hub, fort |
| Sitamarhi | ~70–80 km | Religious/Legendary | 2 – 2.5 hours | Sita temple, modern architecture |
| Prayagraj | 125 km | Religious/Historic | 3 – 4 hours | Sangam, museums, Akbar Fort |
| Gorakhpur | 166 km | Religious/Cultural | 4.5 – 5 hours | Gorakhnath Temple, lakes |
| Ayodhya | 150 km | Religious/Historic | 4 – 5 hours | Ram Mandir, temples, sacred city |
| Bodh Gaya | 237 km | Religious (Buddhist) | 6 – 7 hours | Mahabodhi Temple, enlightenment site |
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