A Quiet Break from the Ghats
Chandauli is a quiet district bordering Varanasi, known mainly to travellers for one thing: the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary and its twin waterfalls, Rajdari and Devdari. Where Varanasi is dense, riverside, and intensely spiritual, Chandauli is forested, rural, and slow — a genuine change of pace rather than another temple town.
The sanctuary itself, spread across low hills of the Vindhya range, is home to leopards, chinkara, sambar, and a dedicated crocodile-viewing point along the Chandraprabha river, alongside the two waterfalls that give the area its main draw. A short distance away, the ruins of Naugarh Fort add a bit of history to the trip for those with time to explore further.
Chandauli has essentially no tourist infrastructure of its own — it's positioned almost entirely as an easy off-beat day trip from Varanasi, and that's how nearly everyone visits it.
🌿 Chandauli at a Glance
Best Time to Visit Chandauli
Timing here is mostly a trade-off between waterfall flow and ease of access.
Pleasant temperatures and still-decent waterfall flow carried over from the monsoon, with dry, easy-to-walk trails and roads.
Rajdari and Devdari are at their most dramatic during and just after monsoon, but approach roads and trails can turn muddy and slippery.
Waterfall flow drops noticeably by summer, and daytime heat makes the sanctuary's outdoor walking less enjoyable.
Our pick: October to February — comfortable weather, dry and manageable roads, and waterfalls that are still flowing well from the preceding monsoon.
How to Reach Chandauli
There's no meaningful direct rail or air access to the sanctuary area — Varanasi is the practical base for almost every visitor.
- By road from Varanasi: The most common — and really, only practical — way in. The drive covers roughly 55-65km and takes about 1.5-2 hours depending on the route and traffic through Varanasi's outskirts.
- Hired taxi or self-drive: A private taxi or self-driven car offers the most flexibility, since public transport options directly to the sanctuary are limited.
- Guided day tours: Several Varanasi-based operators run day trips covering Rajdari, Devdari, and sometimes Naugarh Fort as a package.
- Getting around within the sanctuary: A vehicle is needed to move between the forest checkpoint, the two waterfalls, and the crocodile-viewing point, followed by short walks to each specific viewpoint.
Waterfalls & the Sanctuary
Rajdari Waterfall
The larger and better-known of the two waterfalls, Rajdari drops over a rocky ledge into a pool below, surrounded by forest on the low hills of the Vindhya range. It's the more visited of the pair, with a short walk from the parking and checkpoint area to reach a good viewing spot.
Devdari Waterfall
A short distance from Rajdari, Devdari is quieter and slightly less accessed, making it a good add-on for visitors who want a calmer stop after Rajdari's relatively busier crowds. Both waterfalls flow at their best just after the monsoon.
Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary surrounding both waterfalls is home to leopards, chinkara (Indian gazelle), sambar deer, and nilgai, along with a dedicated crocodile-viewing point along the Chandraprabha river — a worthwhile stop even for visitors not expecting to see the more elusive big cats. Entry typically requires a modest fee at the forest department checkpoint.
Naugarh Fort
A short distance further into the district, the ruins of Naugarh Fort add a layer of history to the trip for those with extra time — a quieter, less-visited stop that rewards travellers looking to go beyond the waterfalls alone.
Where to Stay
Chandauli has essentially no dedicated tourist accommodation — nearly every visitor bases themselves in Varanasi and treats this as a single-day round trip.
- → Budget guesthouses near Varanasi's old city
- → Backpacker hostels close to the ghats
- → Simple lodges near Varanasi Junction
- → Riverside hotels along the Ganga
- → Business hotels in Varanasi's Cantt area
- → Boutique heritage stays in the old city
- → Riverfront heritage hotels
- → Branded upscale chains near the airport road
- → Premium stays overlooking the ghats
Suggested Visit Plan (Day Trip)
Depart & Reach the Sanctuary
- ✓Early departure from Varanasi (by 7-8 AM)
- ✓Entry at the forest checkpoint, drive to Rajdari
- ✓Explore Rajdari Waterfall and viewpoints
Devdari & the Sanctuary
- ✓Short drive to Devdari Waterfall
- ✓Stop at the crocodile-viewing point
- ✓Optional detour to Naugarh Fort ruins
Return to Varanasi
- ✓Head back toward Varanasi by late afternoon
- ✓Arrive in time for the evening Ganga aarti at the ghats
* Travellers looking for another nearby off-beat stop sometimes pair Chandauli with Mirzapur, on the opposite side of Varanasi.
Where to Eat
- Carry snacks and water: Options inside and around the sanctuary are minimal — pack food and water before setting out from Varanasi.
- Small dhabas en route: A handful of basic roadside dhabas along the Varanasi-Chandauli road serve simple North Indian meals and tea.
- Eat in Varanasi: For a proper meal, plan to eat before departing or after returning to Varanasi, where options are far more plentiful.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi from Varanasi (round trip) | ₹1,800 | ₹2,800 | ₹4,000 |
| Sanctuary entry & vehicle fee | ₹100 | ₹200 | ₹300 |
| Food/snacks for the day | ₹200 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Guided day tour (optional) | ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 | ₹4,000 |
* Figures are per group (taxi/tour) or per person (food/entry), in Indian Rupees, for a single day trip from Varanasi.
Essential Tips for Visiting Chandauli
- Start early: Leaving Varanasi by 7-8 AM gives you the full day and avoids rushing the return drive after dark.
- Carry cash: ATMs are scarce once you leave Varanasi's outskirts — withdraw what you need beforehand.
- Wear sturdy footwear: Paths to the waterfall viewpoints can be uneven and, especially post-monsoon, slippery.
- Confirm sanctuary hours locally: Forest department timings can vary seasonally — check before setting out to avoid arriving after closing.
- Don't expect guaranteed wildlife sightings: Leopards and other larger animals are rarely seen — treat the waterfalls as the main draw and any sighting as a bonus.
✅ Do
- →Start early from Varanasi to maximise the day
- →Carry snacks, water, and cash
- →Wear sturdy, grippy footwear
- →Confirm sanctuary entry hours beforehand
- →Visit October-February for the best conditions
- →Hire a local taxi familiar with the route
❌ Don't
- →Expect food or ATM access inside the sanctuary
- →Visit in peak monsoon expecting easy trails
- →Rely on public transport directly to the falls
- →Expect guaranteed leopard or big-cat sightings
- →Leave the return drive until after dark
- →Skip checking forest department timings
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Chandauli from Varanasi?
Chandauli town and the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary (home to the Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls) sit roughly 55-65km from Varanasi, about 1.5-2 hours by road depending on traffic and the exact route taken.
What is the best time to see Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls?
October to February offers the best combination of decent water flow (carried over from the monsoon) and pleasant, easy access. July to September has the fullest, most dramatic flow, but approach roads and trails can be muddy and slippery in that window.
Can Chandauli be visited as a day trip from Varanasi?
Yes — Chandauli is almost exclusively visited as a day trip from Varanasi, since it has very limited tourist accommodation of its own. Most visitors leave Varanasi early morning and return by evening.
What wildlife can be seen at Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary?
The sanctuary is home to leopards, chinkara (Indian gazelle), sambar, nilgai, and a range of birdlife, along with a dedicated crocodile-viewing point along the Chandraprabha river. Sightings of leopards are uncommon and not guaranteed, as with most Indian wildlife sanctuaries.
Is there an entry fee or permit needed for the sanctuary?
Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary typically charges a modest entry fee, along with additional charges for vehicles and cameras, collected at the forest department checkpoint. Fees are nominal but confirm current rates locally, as they can change.
Is Chandauli suitable for a family or first-time visit?
Yes — the waterfalls and viewpoints involve relatively easy walking, making Chandauli a good low-effort nature break for families or anyone wanting a change of pace from Varanasi's temples and ghats, though the roads within the sanctuary can be rough in patches.
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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