Varanasi is intense, and a day away can give you the distance to enjoy it more. The city sits on the Ganges plain, and within a few hours' drive you can reach an ancient Buddhist site, a royal fort, a Mughal-era fortress, the place of the Buddha's enlightenment and some of the great pilgrim towns of the north. This guide sorts the options by effort, from easy half days to long full-day drives, and says who each one suits.
Sarnath: the easy half day
Sarnath is the closest and most rewarding excursion. It is about thirty to sixty minutes from the city by road, depending on traffic, and it is where the Buddha gave his first sermon after his enlightenment. The site is quiet and leafy, with excavated foundations of monasteries, a large stupa and a museum, and it makes an excellent contrast with the noise of Varanasi. Allow three to four hours with the drive, confirm the museum's closing day and go in the morning, when it is cool. Guided walking tours help bring the ruins to life, and the trip combines well with the evening aarti.
Ramnagar Fort: the royal half day
Across the river from the ghats stands Ramnagar Fort, the seat of the royal family of Banaras, with courtyards, a museum of royal belongings and views of the river. It is a short trip, reached by road over the bridge or by a boat crossing, and it suits visitors who want history and architecture rather than ritual. Allow an hour and a half to two hours, check opening hours for the day and combine it with a sunset boat ride for a view of the ghats from the water.
Chunar Fort: the longer outing
About forty kilometres from Varanasi, on the Ganges, Chunar Fort sits on a rock of the Vindhya hills and has a layered history under Hindu rulers, Sher Shah Suri, the Mughals, the Marathas and the British. There are ramparts, old prisons, a bungalow once used by Warren Hastings and good views over the river. Many tours combine the fort with the Siddhnath Falls, which are best after the monsoon. It is a good choice for travellers who like forts and open country, and it suits a half day with a car and driver. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Bodh Gaya: the full day
For Buddhists and anyone interested in the story of the Buddha, Bodh Gaya in Bihar is the essential companion to Sarnath, because it is where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and around it are monasteries and temples built by Buddhist communities from many countries. The drive from Varanasi takes several hours each way, so a day trip is long, and many travellers prefer a private car with a driver and an early start, or an overnight stay. Check timings with your operator before you book.
Prayagraj and Ayodhya: pilgrimage towns for further travel
Prayagraj, also called Allahabad, lies roughly two to three hours from Varanasi by road and is known for the Sangam, where the Ganges and the Yamuna meet, which is one of the holiest places in Hinduism. Ayodhya, associated with Rama, is further away, and a day trip there is long. Local operators in Varanasi arrange both as private day tours, and they are best for travellers with a strong pilgrimage interest and a tolerance for long drives. If you are short of time, consider an overnight stay instead, and confirm road conditions and distances before you go.
How to choose
If you have one spare day, make it Sarnath in the morning and Ramnagar Fort or the southern temples in the afternoon. If you have two, add Chunar Fort or Bodh Gaya. If you love history, choose the forts. If you are following the Buddhist trail, choose Sarnath and Bodh Gaya. If you are on a pilgrimage, ask a local guide which route fits your tradition. Avoid trying to combine too many sites in one day, because the roads are slow and the days are long.
Practical tips
Book a car with a driver through your hotel or a reputable operator, agree the price and the return time in advance and start early. Carry water and snacks, wear modest, comfortable clothing and keep cash for small entry fees and tips. Ask the driver to stop for regular breaks on long routes, and keep your valuables with you. If you are travelling in the hot season, schedule outdoor sites for the morning, and during the monsoon, check road and river conditions before setting out. Every one of these trips is more enjoyable when you return to a river evening in Varanasi.
