Varanasi is the cultural city of India that is flourishing on the divine bank of the river Ganga. It is famous as one of the oldest cities in the history of mankind and offers a beautiful trail to the history and heritage of a great Indian spiritual treasure. It is home to several world-recognized ghats, ancient temples and historical buildings. Varanasi offers a unique travel odyssey in its nearby and far regions that includes several major sacred pilgrimages, popular historical sites to the natural wonders. Its central location makes it one of the perfect starting points for a road trip to a wide range of scenic, cultural, and spiritual destinations. Whether you’re seeking quick day trips to recharge, relaxed Varanasi weekend road trips, or longer journeys that stretch across states, the options are endless.
From here, you can easily plan your short drives of just 40 km to extended journeys covering nearly 550 km; the flexibility of travelling allows you to plan your perfect escape. Along the way, you’ll pass through several charming towns, sacred sites, natural retreats, and historic wonders, making every mile worth the ride. Road travel offers unmatched convenience; you can stop where you like, explore hidden gems, and enjoy the freedom of moving at your own pace.
If you’re ready to combine adventure with spirituality and culture, these handpicked routes will inspire your next journey. Choose your perfect road trip from Varanasi today!
Quick One-Day Road Trips (< 150 km)
From Varanasi, you can also plan your one-day trips to get more from your trip. The location of Varanasi in the centre of several world-famous spiritual sites makes it one of the gateways to the plethora of mythical and natural sites that you can easily explore by proper planning. Also, its great connectivity makes it easier for you to easily find the transformation to these locations. You can easily hire a city taxi in Varanasi to get a public bus or an auto for your trip. At this point, we hand-pick a perfect one-day road trip option from Varanasi.
Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary: It is one of the perfect one-day road trip options from Varanasi. It is just 70 Km from the city center in the lap of the Vindhya Mountain ranges and features a stunning natural wonder. Tourists come here to visit a variety of flora and fauna, including Black Duck, Asiatic Lions, and several exotic birds. As you enter the sanctuary, it's the rugged terrain, amid the dense forest, that captivates you. You will also see many ancient caves here.
Vindhyachal: It is one of the major pilgrimage Hindu centres that is located near Varanasi. A short drive from Varanasi will take you to this sacred destination. It is famous for its major Shakti Peeth, named Vidhyavasini Devi Temple. However, there are several other temples and religious sites that offer their own stories of divine significance. Varanasi is home to one of the Jyotirlingas, and this place is the nearby Shakti Peeth, so adding both in one trip makes your religious trail a complete experience.
Allahabad: Varanasi and Prayagraj are the twin pilgrimage destinations of Uttar Pradesh. They are located just a distance of 122 km away, making it a perfect one-day road trip option from Varanasi. It is one of the centres of culture, power and learning and is home to several religious sites. Thousands of devotees come here after Varanasi to take a dip in the Triveni Sangam and perform spiritual offerings to the divine. If you visit Varanasi, including Allahabad in your trip is important, or live in Varanasi, planning a trip to Allahabad is an essential activity.
Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary: Another great nature site from Varanasi is Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in the famous Kaimur hills of North India. It is famous for its serene location, which is home to several beautiful waterfalls that cascade amid the chirping of the birds, making it an incredible experience. Along that here you will also see several animals like Tigers, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Chitals, Four-Horned Antelopes and approx. 70 different birds.
Kushinagar: It is one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage centres near Varanasi. It is believed to be the place where Lord Busshat attained Nirvana. You can also visit this to get some more insight into the Buddhist religion. There are lots of beautiful temples, stupas and monasteries that offer a deep dive into the region's glorious past and cultural heritage. You can explore it any time, but the best time to plan a trip is during the winter months, as the weather gets normal, making travelling a pleasant experience.
Triveni Sangam: From Varanasi, tourists also plan a trip to the divine confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati rivers. It is one of the sacred confluences where taking a bath is believed to be a soul-purifying activity. Thousands of devotees gathered near the ghats every morning for the sacred rituals. One of the best times to take a dip at Triveni Sangam is during Kumbh Mela, which is generally held here every 12 years.
Weekend Escape Road Trips
Want to explore the nearby destination of Ayodhya, and looking for the best option for your interest. So this article will definitely help you a lot. There are several amazing weekend gateways from Varanasi that offer you a great experience into the history, mythology and natural beauty of the region. The top places for your weekend Varanasi drive are as follows:
Gaya: One of the perfect weekend road trips from Varanasi is to Gaya. It is one of the mystical cities of Bihar, which is a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site and is known for its ancient gems and buildings that are still standing amid the rocky hills. Every year, thousands of travellers visit Gaya from Varanasi for a pilgrimage trip. They come here to have a deep dive into the tales of devotion, enlightenment and myth.
Chitrakoot: Another perfect Varanasi weekend drive is to Chitrakoot. Chitrakoot is also a sacred Hindu pilgrimage destination that is located just 240 km away and can be easily reached by taking a cab. It is believed to be the palace where Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman spent eleven years of their exile. Along with an impeccable blend of devotion and traditions, Chitrakoot also offers a gateway to the lush green forests, cascading streams and beautiful waterfalls that also make it one of the major attractions.
Kaushambi: It is also one of the great options to explore during your next weekend. The city is known as a prosperous ancient city that is famous for its connection to Lord Buddha and the Buddhist religion. It is considered one of the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites as it is the place where Buddha stayed and gave many sermons. Its history also makes it one of the archaeological sites that offers lots of excavation insights. There is also an Ashoka Pillar that captivates the attention of tourists.
Ayodhya: The birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya is a great city whose history is intertwined with Hindu mythology. The city captivates the devotees and tourists with its incredible religious and historical significance. Nestled on the Saryu River, the city already has an array of notable landmarks, including Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Dashashwamedh Ghat and Nageshwarnath Temple, including recently built Ram Mandir. You can easily plan your trip to Ayodhya from Varanasi. Also, the Varanasi to Ayodhya taxi fare is economical, making travel safe and fast.
Lucknow: From Varanasi, you can also easily reach Lucknow during your weekend. The Varanasi to Lucknow road trip is only 312 km and takes approximately. 5 hours. Lucknow is famous as the Golden City of the East, which is home to several heritage architectures that make strolling in the city a peaceful retreat. Here you can visit the bank of the Gomti River, the architectural masterpiece Bara Imambara, the magnificent Rumi Darwaza and many more. So what are you looking for? Just plan a trip to Lucknow, there are a lot of transportation options, even the Varanasi to Lucknow taxi fare is not much higher, making it also a great option.
Getaway to Hill Stations
Varanasi is nestled in the North Indian plains and is a destination that is known for its religious and historical significance. But don’t worry, from here you can also plan a hill station trip. The city has a well-connected travel route to the nearby hill station, making travelling a smooth and comfortable experience. Some of the major hill stations that you can easily travel to from Varanasi are as follows:
Nainital: It is one of the most popular hill stations among travellers and tourists of North India. It is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and opens the gateway to the incredible beauty of the Himalayan charm. The whole town is running along the lake and offers an odyssey of the breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding natural beauty. Here you will also enjoy the adventure actively, like boating in Naini Lake, hiking, horse riding or cable car, perfect for a thrilling experience.
Mukteshwar: Another great destination that is perfect for a hill station road trip from Varanasi is Mukteshwar. The town is nestled amid the sky-high hills of the Himalaya at an elevation of 2,171 meters. It is famous for the peaceful village experience that is like a storybook. Each destination has its own unique point that captures the attention and heart of the visitors. Some of the popular sites of the village are the Mukteshwar Temple, Shiv Temple, Nanda Devi Temple, and Chauli Ki Jaali beacons as a hidden gem amid the well-maintained gardens, gigantic Himalayan hills and beautiful landscape.
Almora: If you want to spend some time away from the buzzing and fast lifestyle of the city, Almora could be the best option for you. It is famous as the perfect hill station for those who love laid-back holidays and slow travel. The town is full of charming old charm, where life runs at a slow pace and is peaceful. Located amid the verdant hills of the region, the town offers scenic views and a beautiful landscape that is also dotted with several ancient temples. If you are looking for something new, from Varanasi to Almora, driving, then planning a trip from March to May is perfect.
Kausani: This is the last hill station we chose for you, not the last that you could visit from Varanasi. Kasauni is one of the beautiful hill towns that is located on the hill and adorned with chir and blue fine forests, making it one of the nature paradises. Here, the day starts with picture-perfect sun views. Then the little but beautiful religious and tourist sites of the town engage you with their charm. Also, you got a chance to stroll in the widely sprawling tea estate, dense forests and gigantic hill valleys. Along with that, the town also offers several adventure activities, including mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, trekking, hiking and many more.
Offbeat & Heritage Road Trips
From Varanasi, you can also go for offbeat and heritage road trips. There are several beautiful offbeat destinations near Varanasi that offer you lots of excitement and fun.
Chunar Fort: It is one of the heritage destinations located in Chunar town near Varanasi. The fort was built during the Mughal Era and is also known as Chandrakanta Chunargarh or Chanranadri. It stands as an incredible masterpiece of Mughal architecture and attracts travellers and explorers. There are several sites within the magnificent fort, such as the samadhi of Bharthihare, Warren Hastings’ bungalow, prisons, the Hanging Place and the Sonwa Mandap.
Aurwaratand Canyon & Waterfalls: I am sure that you haven’t heard the name of this wonderful tourist site. It is one of the lesser-known destinations of Uttar Pradesh, which is in Chandauli distinct and can be easily reached from Varanasi as it is only 50 km away. Also, from there you can visit the Kaimur mountain range and Naugarh Dam, as they are located very near. One of the best times to visit this is during the monsoon.
Lakhaniya Dari (Mirzapur): It is another natural site that you can easily visit from Varanasi. It is a beautiful waterfall that is located in the Mirzapur district and is one of the perfect offbeat natural drives from Varanasi. As you reach the site of the waterfall, you will fall in love with nature so deeply. It is a picture-perfect scenery where a pristine waterfall is cascading from the high hill amid the green surroundings. You can easily take a bath in the waterfall, have a trail to nearby forests and sit and just relax.
Jaunpur: Another destination for your best offbeat road trip from Varanasi is Jaunpur. It is a small yet significant town in the state of Uttar Pradesh, famous for its rich heritage legacy and beautiful Mughal-era architectural monuments such as Shahi Bridge, Jama Masjid, Jhinjhari Masjid, and Lal Darwaza. Every corner of the town offers you a new story that is full of amazing facts and exciting tales. Other popular sites of the town are Sheetla Mata Temple, Trilochan Mahadev Temple and Lohiya Park.
Naimisharanya: It is another prominent pilgrimage center that offers a unique spiritual experience to devotees and travellers alike. It is believed that the town was home to several sages and saints since ancient times, and is still a major religious site. Some of the popular sites of the town are Chakra Tirtha, Vyas Gaddi, Lalita Devi Temple, Sita Kund, etc. Every year, thousands of pilgrims plan a trip to this ancient sacred site to get the blessing.
Sasaram: It is one of the very nearby tourist sites from Varanasi that you can easily add to your heritage road trip from the Varanasi itinerary. It is a remote town in the nearby Bihar state that is famous for its Mausoleum of Sher Shah Sur. It is built with great architectural excellence and captivates the attention of tourists. Another great attraction here is an artificial lake that is constructed in a pyramidal sandstone structure. Tourists often extend their trip to this offbeat destination to explore more.
Road Trip Planning Tips
Whenever you plan a road trip, a smooth and memorable journey begins with the right preparation. Whether you’re going for a short getaway or a long drive with your family and friends, keeping a few essential Varnasasi road trip tips in mind will make your adventure from Varanasi hassle-free.
- However, you can plan your trip at any time of the year, but the best time to travel from Varanasi is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for driving and sightseeing.
- Before starting, choosing the best transportation is also a key thing. As there are lots of public and private transportation options available but for a comfortable and safe journey booking a cab is the best option.
- Whether you are travelling to nearby sightseeing or for a long weekend getaway, carry water bottles, light snacks, a first-aid kit, a power bank, and a torch.
- Also, keep some cash handy for tolls and fuel, as online payments may not always work.
- Planning rest stops at dhabas or highway cafés for meals before the station journey helps to save time for the exploration.
- Mobile coverage is generally good, but keep offline maps downloaded for hilly or rural stretches.
With the right planning, your journey will be as enjoyable as your destination
Sample Road Trip Itineraries
In this blog, you get information about several tourist places that you can visit from Varanasi. That includes a spiritual short drive to Ayodhya or Chunar to the planned long trip to Nainital, Almora. But for a successful trip, planning is important. And your planning feels easier when you have a ready-made itinerary in hand. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or a refreshing weekend break, here are some tried-and-tested road trip plans:
- One day: Varanasi → Ayodhya → Dinner at highway dhaba → Return.
If you are planning a one-day trip from Varanasi, then Ayodhya is one of the best places to visit. To make your one-day trip comfortable and great, we have crafted a Varanasi to Ayodhya itinerary that will be perfect for you. Start early in the morning and enjoy the smooth drive through the Uttar Pradesh highways. The distance is 219 km, which you can easily cover in 5 hours. As you reach Ayodhya, explore the sacred Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, and the peaceful ghats along the Sarayu River. In the evening, treat yourself to a simple yet delicious dinner at a lively highway dhaba, enjoying hot rotis and dal tadka before driving back to Varanasi under the calm night sky.
- Weekend hill trip: Varanasi → Nainital (stay) → Local sightseeing → Return.
We have also made a Varanasi weekend hill trip plan for our travellers. There are several hill stations that you can easily reach from Varanasi, but Nainital is one of the most famous. It is perfect for a refreshing weekend getaway that offers lots of fun and adventure. set out on a scenic road trip toward the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. After reaching Nainital, spend the evening strolling around the Mall Road and enjoying boating at the beautiful Naini Lake. Stay overnight in a cosy hill resort. The next morning, explore local gems like Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, and Tiffin Top. After a relaxed breakfast and some last-minute shopping, begin your return journey, making the drive as memorable as the destination itself.
FAQs
When is the best time to take a road trip from Varanasi?
The best time for a safe road trip from Varanasi is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for long drives. Summers can be hot, and monsoons may bring heavy rains that affect road conditions.
- Are these routes suitable for self-driving?
Yes, most highways are well-connected and smooth, making them perfect for a self-drive from Varanasi. However, always check route conditions in advance and keep offline maps handy.
- How safe are these routes at night?
While national highways are generally safe, it’s recommended to avoid late-night driving in rural stretches. For a safe road trip from Varanasi, plan your journey during daylight hours.
- Accommodation options?
You’ll find a wide range of hotels, lodges, and homestays near popular stops. From budget to luxury, accommodation is easily available along major road trip routes.
- What about fuel and toll costs?
Fuel stations are frequent on highways, and toll booths are well-marked. Carry cash or a FASTag for toll payments. Budgeting for fuel and tolls in advance ensures a smoother Varanasi road trip experience.
As we all know that road trips from Varanasi open up a world of diverse landscapes, you can plan a road trip from Varanasi for spiritual escapes, cultural wonders and thrilling adventure sites. So, whether you’re drawn to the serenity of nearby towns or the thrill of longer drives, each journey promises unforgettable experiences. In this guide, you have learnt several best road trips from Varanasi that suit you. Also got ideas that with the right planning, you can enjoy smooth travel, safe roads, and memorable pit stops. So why wait? Discover the joy of hitting the road, exploring hidden gems, and creating stories worth sharing. Start your next Varanasi road trip—bookmark this guide!
