Heralded as the religious capital of India, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is one of the oldest living cities in the world and a much revered Hindu pilgrimage site. Located on the north banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is famous for its temples, ghats, lanes, and most importantly, for its religious and cultural significance for Hindus. Besides being one of the holiest cities in India, Varanasi also offers many options to explore numerous tourist sites located nearby.

Places to see in Varanasi comprise numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and ghats, Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples, the Banaras Hindu University, Bharat Kala Bhavan, Jantar Mantar and others. Apart from being a place dotted with magnificent temples, Stupas and monasteries, Varanasi is also a perfect base to embark on short trips and visit some of the popular tourist sites near Varanasi.

Owing to the close proximity of Sarnath from Varanasi, Sarnath is the most important place to visit while on Excursions from Varanasi. A much revered pilgrimage and tourist destination in India, Sarnath is located at a distance of 8 km from Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh in north India. One of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India, Sarnath is the site where Lord Buddha first delivered his sermon after attaining �nirvana� or Enlightenment. Tourist places in Sarnath include several Stupas, excavated ruins of age old monasteries, the deer park and various other interesting sites. Sarnath is easily accessible from Varanasi, and hence a must visit among tourist sites near Varanasi.

Ramnagar, lying at a distance of about 14 kms from Varanasi is also worth visit among the tourist sites near Varanasi. Ramnagar is famous for its royal museum, which puts on display a huge array of royal collections including vintage cars, royal palanquins, swords, guns, ivory work and antique clocks.

You can also visit the historical Chunar Fort located about 40 km from Varanasi on your tour to Varanasi. Built by Sher Shah Suri � the well known ruler of medieval north India, this fort offers magnificent views of the Ganges River from within its precincts. The main attractions within Chunar Fort include sonwa mandap, sun clock and a huge well.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information on Tourist Sites near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and tourist places in other parts of India.