ExcursionsVillage Life around Varanasi
A hosted visit to a village near Varanasi, with access agreed by the community, a local host and a programme designed to be respectful and responsible.
EXCURSIONS · E30
Chunar Heritage Excursion
A day excursion to Chunar Fort, a sandstone stronghold above the Ganga held by Sher Shah Suri, the Mughals and the British, with access checked in advance.
THE EXPERIENCE
How it works.
- Where
- Chunar, Mirzapur district
- Booked per
- Private group/day
- Price
- Quoted for your journey. You see the complete price before any payment.
Around 40 kilometres from Varanasi by road, Chunar Fort sits on a rocky spur of the Vindhya hills with the Ganga below. Whoever held Chunar watched the river traffic of the plains, and over the centuries it passed from the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri to the Mughal emperor Akbar, who took it in 1575, and later to the East India Company.
With a guide, you explore the parts of the fort open to visitors, which may include the pillared Sonwa Mandap, the deep stepwell and the shrine associated with the saint Bhartrihari, and look out over the river from the ramparts. The guide also explains Chunar's buff sandstone, quarried in the area since ancient times and linked to Mauryan sculpture, including the lions of Sarnath.
Opening arrangements at the fort are checked before the day, and some areas are closed to the public. Ramnagar Fort can be combined where time allows, as can Vindhyachal for a longer day. Transport and any entry fees are stated in your quotation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Step by step.
- A drive from Varanasi to Chunar with your guide.
- The gateways, pavilions and ramparts of the fort, where open.
- The fort's history, from Sher Shah Suri to the British, explained.
- Views over the Ganga from the walls.
- Return to Varanasi, or onward to Vindhyachal if combined.
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go.
- Walking: about two hours on uneven ground, slopes and steps within the fort, with little shade.
- Timing: a half day, or a full day if combined with other sites. Daytime visits only, with hours checked in advance.
- Dress: comfortable clothes, sun protection and shoes with grip.
- Access: some areas of the fort are closed to the public. The ramparts have steep drops, so children need close supervision.
Added items are requests. If something is already part of your journey and tier it shows as included and is never charged twice.
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
Worth looking at alongside.
Excursions
ExcursionsSarnath with a Specialist Guide
A visit to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first teaching, with a specialist guide to the stupas, ruins and museum, and transport and entry listed separately.
ExcursionsVindhyachal Sacred Excursion
A day excursion from Varanasi to Vindhyachal on the Ganga to visit the Vindhyavasini temple and, if you wish, the traditional circuit of three goddess temples.
PLAN WITH TOURMELLOH
Arranged around your journey.
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