Allahabad to Varanasi Road Trip – Important Travel Information
The road trip would be the one with a You-Get-A-Break strong culture, history, & spiritual meal is what to feel in Allahabad, presently – Prayagraj. This 120 km route will take a tourist through the natural beauty and rich heritage of Uttar Pradesh. Boundless drive — If someone who travels is thriving to see this world from a solo trip to a family trip or trekking towards destiny, he will always carry this.
Kashi/Banaras — Spirit of timeless city Varanasi one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, gives a unique cultural experience. This city traps the hearts of its tourists as it has ghats to hustle and temples as ancient. So if you have a plan to visit the reachable city of India Varanasi, here is your travel guide to experience Varanasi like a local.
Road Trip from Allahabad to Varanasi
The most popular route for this road trip is through NH19 (National Highway 19). The roads are well maintained with negligible traffic, making the journey by car around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the places you stop at along the way.
Discover Varanasi Like a Local: A Handy Guide
Varanasi is a city, known as Kashi or Banaras that unites both spirituality and history. Varanasi with the tag of the oldest city in the world from a longer historical context (say long continuous habitant city, maybe English grammar crumbles here) has enough to offer culturally. This city which steal your heart if you visit it with this local guide for your trip, explore ghats, temples and life from ancient till now.
The journey with Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Situated in the central part of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple serves as a shrine that abodes Lord Shiva. Recognized among the twelve Jyotirlingas, it is sacred for millions of people. The architectural design of the temple comes out in gold spire to indicate this divinity. It is not just about being a tourist and seeing the great attraction that this place is but it is far more than that because it is a fulfilment of being a believing soul who came into this place because of faith and hope. Travelling here is definitely a soul-searching experience.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple – How about you imagine finishing your trip to the other side of the Kaaba? In Europe would you leave out the Kashi Vishwanath Temple of twelve Jyotirlingas, of the sacred temple complex?
This temple is the strongest point. It is the centre of spirituality for many devotees who come to this holy place as a pilgrimage.
You can see the elaborate architecture and its golden spire made with 800 kilograms of pure gold.
Pro Tip: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid long queues and soak in tranquillity during the Mangala Aarti.
Anecdote:
Most of the people who visit think that getting a darshan here will free them from the cycle of rebirth. In the aarti, I heard my friendly neighbour narrate the story that her grandmother visiting India for the first time and was reduced to tears while watching such beauty.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
Another such place is the Sankat Mochan Hanumān Mandir in the midway of Varanasi.
Sankat Mochan Temple: This temple was constructed in honour of Lord Hanuman and it bestows upon people this attribute of relieving one from his or her troubles; hence the name Sankat Mochan.
The soothing sound of Hanuman Chalisa can be heard all around during this time, providing a sense of tranquillity and devotion.
And do not forget to pick up some of the famous ladoos, which are offered here as prasad — they taste great and also make for a sweet trinket from your visit.
Must-Visit Ghats:
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the live wire of Varanasi, famous not only for the enchanting evening Gangã Aarati. At evening priests conduct concerts of identical movements using large lamps, incense and chanting which gives the atmosphere creativity. Many people attend this beautiful event where faith and cultures clash to give birth to a beautiful event. Due to the historic importance of the place and the godly feel It is quite necessary that people who visit Varanasi especially should not miss this ghat; as it gives the ultimate unearthly feel which Varanasi is known for.
Manikarnika Ghat
One of the most ancient ghats, the Manikarnika Ghat presented in Varanasi represents the deepest concept of the life-and-death circle. It functions as a cremation site, to which Hindus go to attain the liberation of the soul or moksha. This architectural wonder can be credited to a lot of spiritual history including the blessings of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Warsaw is serious even eerie, allowing individuals to pause, bow their heads, and light the candles, it opens up a window to the spiritual non-commercial side of Varanasi and the Indic culture affirming the cycle of life and death.
Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat gives that relaxation from the energy of the Varanasi tour and especially for sunrise it is perfect for photography. Located at the Ganga and Assi riverside, it is one of the most attractive places for meditation, doing yoga or just a walk. The ghat gets inorganic with prayers, and rituals in the morning, and with the beams of sunlight in the river; it becomes a popular spot. Assi Ghat – well known for its calm and beauty gives one of the best opportunities to get immersed in the eternity of Varanasi which makes it the best place for those who are looking for solitude and serenity.
Fun Tip:
At dawn, take a boat ride to see the city awakening as locals perform rituals and priests chant mantras. This is an experience you are going to remember for life.
Discover Allahabad TO Varanasi Road
The Allahabad (Prayagraj) to Varanasi has a beyond beautiful scenic route with lots of green fields and trees on the road during travel.
The trip is over a distance of 120 km and the estimated time is of 2.5–3 hours long drive.
It is now fair weather driving in terms of road, a far cry from when it was the usual bumpy trek.
In between, you can also take breaks at roadside stalls to eat some proper UP-style samosas and chai.
Things to Do:
- Weaving Hubs are a must-visit: Banaras is known for its infamous Banarasi silk saris. Take a tour of a sari-weaving workshop to watch how artisans make these masterpieces
- Savor Street Food: Try the city’s iconic kachaudi-sabzi, malaiyo (a winter delicacy), and the ever-popular Banarasi paan.
- Attend a Morning Music Concert: Music and spirituality go hand in hand here. Many ghats host early morning concerts featuring classical Indian music.
Varanasi Tourist Attractions
To talk about Varanasi in a straight line would be impossible as the place is filled with several tourist destinations, all with an interesting story.
A lot of people’s attention is drawn to pandits (priests), rituals, and orthodox approaches to the Hindu religion. Maghar, Sarnath, and Kushinagar are three locations in the territory of Uttar Pradesh associated with Gautam Buddha which lies at a considerable distance from Varanasi. One of the most sacred and attractive cities of Buddhism, where Lord Buddha delivered his first speech after achieving wisdom and enlightenment. You will always remember two things – the Stupa of Dhamek and the stunning structure of the Archaeological Museum.
Ramnagar Fort: It is located on the east bank of the Ganges, the 17th-century fort is full of royal history and you can admire the views from there.The Ramnagar Fort Museum stores the antique clock in which the time moves along with the days, weeks, months, and years that are indicated. It is rumoured among the local people that it has been working without a single defect over the centuries. Respect the culture and religious practices, especially at temples and ghats.
Hire a local guide to help you know more about the city and its history.
Popular Stops Along the Way
One of the Top reasons why this road trip is the best travel holiday ever is the fact that it is more of a journey as the destination is also attractive. Below are some of the notable stops you can make to add to your travel experience:
1. Sangam in Allahabad
Priors to the start of the journey to the Triveni Sangam, which is the crossing of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, a trip there will be an opportunity for you.
The blissful journey along the river can be best felt when you take a boat ride very early in the morning.
(Note: you must make sure that you sip your chai from the riverside stalls.)
2. Sita Samahit Sthal (Sitamarhi)
It is the mythology-belief spot, which is 50 km away from Allahabad, terming it as the site of Goddess Sita where she left this world to the Earth.
It is a peaceful place, that would be ideal for a short stopover.
3. Vindhyachal
The way around you will go to Vindhyachal through the temple of Vindhyavasini, known as the seat of the divine female force one may consider a short path to Vindhyachal, a place known for Vindhyavasini Temple out of the Shaktipeeths and a strong point of interest.
It is a village that attracts spiritual travellers who want God’s grace.
4. Ramnagar Fort
Ramnagar Fort, which is located near Varanasi and has a beautiful view of the Ganges, is also the home of the museum with fantastic relics from the Raj period.
Having had a brief walk then head for the city centre and pause for a short time while at the history side.
Best Time to Visit
If we don’t take into account the weather, the condition of the road is still okay throughout the year. But it is preferable to start this journey in the winter only, that is October to March.
The weather is nice and the time of seasonal festivities makes the place vibrant with activities.
Summer that is April to June: Can be hot and uncomfortable, hence make necessary plans for it.
Monsoons (July to September): While Mother Nature is at her best in the region, the roads sometimes have waterlogged areas, so be careful.
What Makes This Road Trip Special?
Allahabad to Varanasi isn’t merely moving from one urban centre to another, rather it is a cultural and spiritual immersion for you. Varanasi, one of the world’s most ancient cities, is something that the words fail to convey.
Stepping into Varanasi: Your First Impressions
The moment one sets his/her foot into Varanasi, one can see the active selling space the rich old temples and of course the Ganga. You shouldn’t skip these experiences:
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
The Ganga Aarti which takes place at Dashashwamedh Ghat is something which enchants every single guest. This ceremony which is held each evening is the fire, the light from incense, and the sounds of chanting which brings light and transforms the Holy Ganges at night. Religious men dressed in cultural rituals wear mouth chants to pay homage to the river, all of them heirs to these traditions for hundreds of years. The fusion of sacred art and display enables McNeil to establish a deep link to the country’s culture. It is a privilege to be able to see this common occurrence happen.
Banarasi Sarees and Street food
markets of Varanasi and watch the Banarasi sarees coming alive in front of the tourists. These sarees are actually sweet treasures because they are famous for luxurious silk, nice intricate designs, and fine elaborative work. On shopping, do not forget to try the arious cuisines of street foods which Varanasi has to offer. Taste the crunchy kachori, spicy sabzi or relish and sweet up this favoured Rajasthani ends with a drop of a creamy malaiyyo. This is a taste buds and cultural tour and or true feel of Banaras.
Nearby Road Trips from Allahabad
Destinations | Distance | Duration |
Allahabad to Lucknow | 200 km | 4 hours |
Allahabad to Khajuraho | 302 km | 6 hours |
Allahabad to Kanpur | 204 km | 5 hours |
Allahabad to Gorakhpur | 301 km | 6 hours |
Allahabad to Ayodhya | 167 km | 4 hours |
Allahabad to Banda | 171 km | 4 hours |
Allahabad to Delhi | 742 km | 12 hours |
Road Trip
Before you set out, keep these tips in mind for a smooth journey:
- Snacks and Water: Carry light snacks and plenty of water.
- Breaks: Plan stops to stretch and rest, especially if travelling with kids.
- Music and Maps: Download offline maps and create a playlist to make the journey more enjoyable.
- Emergency Kit: Have a first-aid kit and essential medicines.
Stories From the Road
Travellers often report how they were able to talk to locals on this journey. For instance:
Example 1: A traveller disclosed their experience of being asked to partake in a simple meal of dal-roti at a village by the road where they not only got to meet but also developed a lifelong friendship with the residents.
Example 2: Someone else narrated a beautiful day out as the sun set near Vindhyachal, which was the main attraction of the trip for them.
Conclusion: A Road Trip to Remember
You could be leaving on this trip to feel the spiritual vibes, looking into the deep past, or admiring the scenic drive; no matter the reason, the highway from Allahabad to Varanasi will give you some memories to keep. Each street corner will reveal something new that will make this compact, yet meaningful trip a rich source of experiences.
Hence, load your bags, refill your car’s tank, and hit the road for a trip that introduces you to adventure, culture, and spirituality in an amazing way.