Most visitors to Varanasi spend their days on the ghats, where boats drift along the Ganga at dawn and temple bells carry over the water. Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls lie in a very different setting, roughly 65 km southeast of the city, in forest and rocky country that few day-trippers reach. The original guide describes the falls as a wonderful day trip after the monsoon ([1]).
A forest drive from the riverside city
Distance figures differ slightly from one travel guide to another, with some placing the falls between 60 and 70 km from Varanasi. The commonly cited route runs southwest on the national highway toward Mughalsarai and Chandauli, then passes through Chakia before reaching the wildlife sanctuary gate. The drive typically takes around 2 hours by road, passing through Chandauli town before entering the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary.
Public transport is limited, which shapes how most people make the trip. Hiring a taxi is by far the easiest way to visit Devdari from Varanasi, especially since the sanctuary isn’t well connected by buses or shared transport. Travelers arriving by train usually get off at Mughalsarai, which is about 50 km away from the falls, and continue by road from there.
Why timing changes the experience
The monsoon is when the falls are at their most impressive. The best time to visit Devdari and Rajdari waterfall Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary is during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the waterflow is at its fullest. Rajdari is widely described as a rainy-season fall, so the water thins out as the dry months arrive.
Not every source agrees on this point. One travel write-up says the falls are perennial waterfalls, and its author visited in winter. Winter visits do come with a practical advantage. Mornings and early afternoons are the most comfortable time to visit in winter, before the evening chill sets in on the drive back to Varanasi.
- Distance: about 65 km from Varanasi, with some guides citing 60 to 70 km
- Travel time: around 2 hours by road, usually by taxi
- Best season: the monsoon, June to September, for the fullest flow
- Entry: listed as free by most guides, though opening hours differ between sources
Two falls, one short walk
The two waterfalls are close enough to pair in a single outing. Visit Rajdari Waterfall first, as it sits slightly closer to the entrance. Devdari is a short walk further on. It is around 700 meters from Rajdari waterfalls. Several guides describe the stretch between them as a pleasant forest walk rather than a demanding hike, which suits families as well as more experienced walkers.
Both falls sit inside the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, which adds a layer of interest beyond the water. The sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna, including sambar, chital, and various bird species. Visitors who want to keep the day going can stop at the Chakia Kali Mandir, a local temple worth a quick visit, on the way back toward the city.
Plans should allow for variation in conditions. Opening hours appear differently across travel sites, so it helps to confirm the timings locally before leaving Varanasi early. Packing water and food is also sensible, since no accommodation is available near the falls and most visitors plan to return to the city the same day.
For travelers who have already seen the ghats and temples, the falls offer a quieter counterpoint to the holy city. The trip is most rewarding in the weeks after the rains, when the water is high and the forest is at its greenest. A early start, a reliable driver, and a clear sense of the route are enough to turn a single day into a memorable escape from one of India’s oldest cities.
