Chunar Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and beautiful city of Chunar in Uttar Pradesh with our guide. From historical landmarks to natural attractions, we've got you covered with all the best things to do, eat and see in Chunar.


Introduction to Chunar

Nestled in the southern part of the Purvanchal region, Chunar is a beautiful and culturally rich city located in the plains of Uttar Pradesh, India. The town is situated on the banks of the river Ganges and holds great historical and religious importance. The town is known for its glorious past, intricate architecture and beautiful landscapes. Apart from its cultural heritage and natural beauty, Chunar is also famous for its terracotta pottery, silk saris and metal crafts.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through all the must-visit places, things to do, and local culture and customs of Chunar. Whether you’re someone who loves history or an avid traveller who wants to explore new places, Chunar has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Chunar

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chunar Fort: An ancient fort built during the 11th century, Chunar Fort is one of the main tourist attractions of Chunar. The fort was built by the Kashi Naresh, King Vikramaditya, and is a fine example of Mughal architecture. The fort is also famous for its connection with the British Raj and Mahatma Gandhi’s stay during the freedom struggle.

  • Maihar Devi Temple: Situated on the top of a hill, Maihar Devi Temple is an important pilgrimage site in Chunar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and is believed to be the place where Goddess Sati’s arm fell. The temple is an ancient piece of architecture and is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures.

  • Tomb of Sher Shah Suri: The tomb of the famous ruler Sher Shah Suri is one of the most important historical landmarks in Chunar. The tomb is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and is known for its intricate carvings and decorations.

  • Siddheswar Nath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Siddheswar Nath Temple is a very ancient temple situated in Chunar. The temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old and is known for its architectural beauty.

  • Chunar Swaminarayan Temple: One of the most important Swaminarayan Temples in India, the Chunar Swaminarayan Temple is an architectural marvel that attracts visitors from all over the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of Chunar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Vindhayavasini Park: Situated on the banks of the river Ganges, Vindhayavasini Park is a beautiful park that offers a great view of the river and the surrounding landscapes. The park is an ideal place for nature lovers and those who want to spend some quality time with family and friends.

  • Kali Pahadi: Kali Pahadi is a popular trekking spot in Chunar, known for its scenic beauty and delightful views. The trek is challenging yet rewarding and should be a must-do for all adventure seekers.

  • Ramnagar Waterfall: Located on the outskirts of Chunar, Ramnagar Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that offers a refreshing respite from the scorching heat of the plains. The waterfall is situated amidst lush green forests and is a great place to spend some time with family and friends.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chunar

  • Chunar to Ramnagar: The route from Chunar to Ramnagar is a popular hiking and biking route that takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Chunar. The route is challenging yet rewarding and should be on the must-do list for all adventure seekers.

  • Chunar to Kali Pahadi: The route from Chunar to Kali Pahadi is a popular hiking route that takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Chunar. The route is relatively easy and is perfect for beginners who want to explore the beauty of Chunar.

Best Things to Do in Chunar: Activities and Tours

  • River Rafting: The Ganges River that flows through Chunar offers an exciting and thrilling river rafting experience for adventure seekers. The rafting route takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Chunar and offers a thrilling ride along the rapids.

  • Heritage Walks: Chunar is a town steeped in history and culture. Taking a heritage walk through the ancient fort and surrounding areas will give you a glimpse into the glorious past of Chunar.

  • Silk and Pottery Village Tours: Chunar is famous for its terracotta pottery and silk saris. Taking a village tour through the silk and pottery villages will give you an insight into the art and craft of the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chunar

Day Activity
1 Visit Chunar Fort and Siddheswar Nath Temple
2 Trek to Kali Pahadi and visit the Maihar Devi Temple
3 River Rafting on the Ganges
4 Visit the Tomb of Sher Shah Suri and Chunar Swaminarayan Temple
5 Visit the Silk and Pottery Villages
6 Heritage Walks through the ancient fort and surrounding areas
7 Visit Ramnagar Waterfall and Vindhayavasini Park

Food and Drink Scene of Chunar

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mutton Korma: A popular non-vegetarian delicacy, mutton korma is a rich and flavourful dish that is slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of aromatic spices.

  • Khasta Kachori: A famous snack in Chunar, khasta kachori is a crispy, flaky pastry stuffed with a spicy lentil mixture, served with tangy tamarind chutney.

  • Ras Malai: A popular Indian dessert, ras malai is made with soft and fluffy cottage cheese balls soaked in sweetened milk and garnished with dry fruits.

Local Beverages

  • Thandai: A refreshing drink made with a blend of milk, nuts and spices, thandai is a popular beverage in Chunar, especially during the festivals of Holi and Shivratri.

  • Nimbu Paani: A refreshing lemonade made with freshly squeezed lemons, a dash of salt and sugar, nimbu paani is a popular beverage in Chunar during summers.

Where to Stay in Chunar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Shivam Resort: Located in Chunar, Shivam Resort is a budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities.

  • Hotel Devbhoomi: Situated near the fort, Hotel Devbhoomi is a comfortable and convenient accommodation option for travellers visiting Chunar.

  • Yash Guest House: Located in a serene and peaceful environment, Yash Guest House is a budget-friendly accommodation option that offers comfortable rooms and personalised services.

What to Buy in Chunar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Terracotta Pottery: Chunar is famous for its terracotta pottery, and visiting the local pottery markets is a must-do for all visitors.

  • Silk Saris: Chunar is also famous for its silk saris, which are popular all over India. Visiting the local silk markets is a great way to experience the art and craft of the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Chunar

Chunar has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its religious festivals and traditions. The people of Chunar are warm and welcoming, and visitors are always greeted with a smile. The locals take great pride in their art and craft, and preserving their cultural heritage is of utmost importance to them. The town is a melting pot of different religions and cultures, and this diversity is reflected in its festivals and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Chunar

The best time to visit Chunar is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and cool.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chunar

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

  • Try local delicacies and shop for local products.

  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local culture and customs.

  • Enter religious sites with footwear.

  • Litter the streets or pollute the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Chunar

Chunar is a safe place to travel, and there have been no major safety concerns reported. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions and be vigilant when travelling in a new place.

Health in Chunar

It is advisable to drink only bottled water, avoid uncooked food and fruits and take necessary precautions against mosquito bites to prevent any health-related issues.

Getting to Chunar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Chunar

  • Varanasi Airport: The nearest airport to Chunar, Varanasi Airport, is located at a distance of around 50 km.

Bus Stations Near Chunar

  • Varanasi Bus Stand: The nearest bus stand to Chunar, Varanasi Bus Stand, is located at a distance of around 50 km.

Other Options

  • Railway Station: Chunar has a railway station that is well-connected to major cities in India.

How to Get Around in Chunar

The best way to get around in Chunar is by hiring a car or taking a local taxi. Public transportation options are limited in the town.

Where to Go Next from Chunar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Varanasi: A popular destination for tourists and a hub of religious and cultural activities, Varanasi is located at a distance of around 40 km from Chunar.

  • Mirzapur: A small town famous for its carpet weaving and brassware, Mirzapur is located at a distance of around 14 km from Chunar.

Conclusion

Chunar is a beautiful and culturally rich city that offers a unique blend of history, nature and culture. With its magnificent historical landmarks, natural beauty, art and craft and warm and welcoming locals, Chunar is a must-visit destination for all travellers. By following our comprehensive guide, you can explore this beautiful town and experience its rich cultural and natural heritage to the fullest.

Chunar Fort Chunar Fort British Cemetery British Cemetery