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Dev Deepawali in Varanasi feels like stepping into a river of light. If you're in Varanasi for these celebrations, once you’ve watched the ghats sparkle and soaked in the celebrations, it’s worth exploring beyond the city too. From peaceful Sarnath to grand forts and quiet riverside towns, the areas around Varanasi add charm, calm, and culture to your trip. Here are some places that you must visit after celebrating Dev Deepawali in Varanasi. These will provide you with the fresh air after crowded celebrations and definitely add a special charm to your trip. Sarnath Sarnath, just a couple of kilometers from Varanasi, is a complete change of vibe. After the crowded ghats and the lamps of Dev Deepawali shining all around, this place is where you get to have some fresh air again. This is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, and that spiritual calm still lingers in the air. Stroll through the serene monastery gardens, take your time to see the very tall Dhamek Stupa, and enjoy the sight of devotees doing their meditation quietly under the old trees. At the same time, you can’t miss visiting the Thai Temple, which, besides everything else, is known for its bright Buddha figure and the great Archaeological Museum that makes it a complete half-day trip. If you crave peace, then this is simply the best resort to escape. Ayodhya Ayodhya, about 200 km from Varanasi, is the land of devotion and the birthplace of Lord Rama. It is a mix of ancient temples, silent ghats on the Saryu River, and offers a feeling of spiritual revival. The major attractions are the newly consecrated Janmabhoomi temple complex, Hanuman Garhi, and the brightly lit riverfront of Ram Ki Paidi. If you attend a festival or the day following the festival here, you will experience more than just the bright lights and the ceremonies — you will feel that revival inside your heart, igniting devotion and bringing you to peace. Chunar Fort Perched on a rocky hillside, almost an hour from Varanasi, is the historic Chunar Fort that has a long list of stories to tell — tales of the Mughals and the ghosts that the locals talk of, quietly. It looks down onto the Ganga River with sweeping views that stretch wide into the distance. The area is not commercialized and has a very raw feel to it; hence, it is quite apt for those travellers who love to enter the world of historical ruins without crowds. Pass through the age-old gates, ascend the viewpoints, and relax in the hush of the place. Besides, if you are into photography, then the foggy mornings during the winter here are spectacular — the mist covering the river, the old walls, and the quiet that is a little bit scary. Vindhyachal Vindhyachal is approximately an hour and a half car ride away from Varanasi. It is a very holy town that is dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini. Pilgrims come here all four seasons, but it never loses its tranquility and calmness, which is a big contrast to the bustling Varanasi, exaggerated during festival times. The temple is like a huge magnet for spiritual seekers, and the town, being next to the river, has very attractive and serene ghats too. You can also make your temple trip more interesting by taking a short boat ride or a walk through the local markets, which sell flowers, sweets, and other religious items. It is a tranquil break if you seek something religious and calmer. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
