A state renowned for its art and culture, Uttar Pradesh has some of the most beautiful monuments, along with some of the most interesting tourist sights. This state is also home to people of diverse religious beliefs and hosts a variety of cultural and religious events. Kathak, one of India’s oldest classical dances, was produced in this state.
In Uttar Pradesh—the land of Ram, Lord Krishna, Buddha, and the Taj Mahal—art and culture transcend all boundaries, and people from around the country live together in vibrant harmony. During a holiday here, you’ll find just about everything you want. Explore these tourist places of Uttar Pradesh next time you visit the state of Uttar Pradesh.
How to reach Uttar Pradesh?
By air: Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport and Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport are the two international airports in Uttar Pradesh. Meerut, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Agra, Jhansi, and Kanpur are some domestic airport locations.
By train: There are more than 430 railway stations in Uttar Pradesh, making it easy to reach tourist destinations by train. Lucknow, Meerut, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, and Mathura, Varanasi are some of the most important railway stations in the state.
By road: The Yamuna Expressway, the Agra Expressway, the NH-19, the NH 34, the NH-30 and the NH-21 are some of the national highways and expressways in the state. Also, the state highways are well maintained, and buses run along all major routes.
16 tourist places in Uttar Pradesh for a memorable trip
Agra
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With the Taj Mahal and other heritage attractions, Agra has gained international fame as a cultural centre. Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, Agra reflects the architectural excellence of the Mughal Era. Monuments of the Mughal Empire can be found throughout Agra, including tombs, gardens, palaces, mausoleums, forts, and mosques.
Known for its cultural treasures, such as Akbar’s tomb and the garden of Shah Jahan, Agra is one of the most popular places to visit in Uttar Pradesh.
How to reach?
By air: The city has a military airbase that is not connected to any other part of India. The Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is well-connected with all prime Indian and foreign destinations, is the closest domestic and international airport to Agra. There are several ways for travellers to get to Agra from here, including hiring a cab, booking a taxi or taking a bus.
By train: Agra is connected to all the major cities in the country via the Delhi – Mumbai and Delhi – Chennai routes. In order to reach their destination, tourists can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle rickshaw after getting off the train.
By road: The Idgah Bus Stand and ISBT are two of the prime bus terminals in Agra, serving all major destinations. If you are driving between Delhi and Agra, you can take the NH 2 route, while if you are travelling from Jaipur, you can take the NH 11.
Varanasi
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As one of the world’s oldest living cities and one of India’s holiest cities, Varanasi is a treasure trove of charm and mesmerising beauty. For those seeking the blessings of the almighty, the holy city, with its plethora of temples, shrines, and ghats, is an excellent choice among Uttar Pradesh tourist places.
Known as the city of Lord Shiva, this majestic spot has a soothing ambience that will leave you spellbound. People from all over India take holy baths along the shores of the sacred Ganges River, which is said to purify the soul and body of sins.
How to reach?
By air: The Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport connects Varanasi with some of India’s largest cities, like Mumbai and Delhi. Delhi airport offers connections to and from all major cities worldwide. Upon arrival, you can take a prepaid taxi to the city centre.
By road: Allahabad, Patna, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Ranchi, and Patna are all easily accessible by road from Varanasi. Varanasi is connected to other major cities in and around the state with buses run by the Uttar Pradesh government. There are also air-conditioned private buses available from nearby cities to Varanasi.
By train: Kashi railway station and Varanasi railway junction are the two major railheads in Varanasi. Both of these stations have extensive rail connections to prime Indian cities. It is easy to find autos, rickshaws, and auto rickshaws in front of these railway stations.
Vrindavan
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Vrindavan, located on the banks of the Yamuna river, is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for devotees of Krishna. Vrindavan is said to be the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. The city’s name is derived from the words Vrinda (meaning basil) and van (meaning grove), which are perhaps references to the Nidhivan and Seva Kunj groves.
A large number of temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha are scattered throughout the city of Vrindavan, including the popular Banke Bihari Temple and the ISKCON temple.
How to reach?
By air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, located 150 km away. By taxi, it would take approximately three and a half hours to reach Vrindavan from there.
By train: There is a railway station in Vrindavan, but not all trains stop there. Mathura, around 14 km away, is the nearest major railway station. You can reach Vrindavan by taxi, bus, or hired auto-rickshaw. Mathura is also connected to Vrindavan by local suburban trains.
By road: The NH 2 connects Vrindavan to most major cities in Uttar Pradesh, which makes it easily accessible by road. Mathura is served by regular buses operated by Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporations (UPSRTC).
Lucknow
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There is something extremely royal about Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. There is no doubt that it ranks at the top of the list of UP tourist places.
Located on the banks of the river Gomti, Lucknow, the largest city of Uttar Pradesh, welcomes you with a heartwarming “Muskuraiye, kyunki Lucknow mein hai.” Any food lover will enjoy Lucknow’s finger-licking good Awadhi cuisine, with its aroma filling the air and satisfying the soul.
How to reach?
By air: There are daily flights from almost all domestic airlines from important cities to Lucknow Airport, which is located around 14 km away from the city centre. To get around the city, taxis are available outside the airport.
By train: Many mail and superfast trains connect Lucknow with the rest of India through Lucknow Railway Station at Charbagh. Other stations serving the city include Gomti Nagar, Alamnagar, Aishbagh junction, etc.
By road: Lucknow is crossed by three major highways: the NH25, NH28, and NH56. Agra, Jhansi, Varanasi, Allahabad and other nearby cities have good bus connections to Lucknow. From nearby places, one can also hire a cab or use a private car to get to Lucknow.
Prayagraj (Allahabad)
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Prayagraj is officially known as Allahabad and is one of the most important places to visit Uttar Pradesh has to offer. It is home to the famous Triveni Sangam, or the meeting points of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Allahabad is situated at the site of the ancient city of Prayag and annually hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the biggest Hindu gatherings in the world.
In Allahabad, there are numerous places to visit, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Allahabad Fort, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, All Saints Cathedral, the ancestral home of the Nehrus, and Allahabad Museum.
How to reach?
By air: The airports in Varanasi (120 km) and Lucknow (200 km) are much better serviced than those in Allahabad. The nearest international airports are Delhi and Kolkata. Airport taxis are available for hire.
By train: The Allahabad Railway Station is an important rail hub that connects all important cities to Allahabad.
By road: There are highways connecting all the major domestic cities to Allahabad. Satisfying service is provided to and from Allahabad by both state and private operators.
Sarnath
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Sarnath is one of the stunning visiting places in Uttar Pradesh and an important Buddhist site in the country. The city is located close to Varanasi and is believed to be the location of Buddha’s first sermon. Ashoka later magnified this city by building stupas and monasteries, allowing it to become a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.
How to reach?
By air: The nearest airport to Sarnath is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. From the airport, it takes around 15 minutes to reach the destination. To reach the destination, one can always take public transportation.
By train: The railway station at Sarnath has passenger trains running from Varanasi and Gorakhpur. The nearest major railway station to Sarnath is Varanasi Junction. You can get autos and cabs to travel from the station.
By road: Sarnath has roads connecting to all parts of Uttar Pradesh. Tourists can travel easily to and from Sarnath in both deluxe and state buses.
Mathura
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Mathura, also known as Krishna Bhumi, is one of the most visited tourist places in Uttar Pradesh. In addition to its location near Vrindavan, this town is dotted with temples and is traversed by the Yamuna River. A total of 25 ghats line the area, which is thronged by pilgrims at dawn and sunset.
There are only a few ruins left of the old Buddhist sights of Mathura, which were once home to thousands of monks and several monasteries.
How to reach?
By air: The closest commercial airport to Mathura is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. To reach Mathura, visitors can fly from any major city in India or abroad to Delhi and then hire a bus, cab, or train.
By train: Located on Central and Western Railways, Mathura Junction serves as a major railhead. Train services are available from major cities to Mathura, so visitors can easily reach the city.
By road: A good road network connects Mathura to Delhi, Agra, Kolkata, Moradabad, Jaipur, Bikaner, as well as other small towns in UP and nearby states. There are several governments and private buses serving Mathura.
Fatehpur Sikri
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Mughal Emperor Akbar founded Fatehpur Sikri in 1571, a red sandstone city located 40km from Agra. It was the capital of the king’s Empire for 15 years and was essentially a fortified city. Jodha Bai’s Palace, Buland Darwaza, Jama Mosque, and Tomb of Salim Chisti are just a few of the famous monuments at this UNESCO world heritage site.
How to reach?
Agra Cantt (40 km) is the closest railway station to Fatehpur Sikri. To reach Fatehpur Sikri, take a taxi from the railway station. There are also good road connections to Fatehpur Sikri. Several buses run from and to Fatehpur Sikri, operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.
Vindhyachal
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As a prominent Hindu pilgrimage spot, Vindhyachal is situated between Mirzapur and Varanasi—and has many temples with their own stories to tell. Located on the banks of holy river Ganga, this town attracts many pilgrims who come here to take a holy bath and offer prayers to Goddess Ganga.
How to reach?
The best route to reach Vindhyachal by road is the National Highway 2 (NH 2), also called the Delhi-Kolkata Road. You can also take a train to the local Vindhyachal Railway Station, which has good rail connectivity from major cities.
Ayodhya
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In Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya, on the banks of the river Sarayu, is considered one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. In Hindu mythology, Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama, and it is a significant place in the epic of Ramayana. Four of the 24 Tirthankaras (religious teachers) of Jainism were also born in this spiritual town, which beckons tourists with its serene ghats.
How to reach?
Ayodhya and Faizabad are the two major railway stations in the district and are well connected to nearly all major cities and towns in the country.
Jhansi
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As one of Uttar Pradesh’s most famous historical destinations, Jhansi is known for its association with Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi. In addition to presenting a fair amount of historical tales to visitors, Jhansi is often referred to as the gate to Orchha and Khajuraho. Chandela Dynasties were also based in the historical city.
How to reach?
By air: The closest international airport to Jhansi is Delhi, 321 km away.
By train: On the route between Delhi and Chennai, Jhansi is a major railhead. Trains connect most major cities in the country with Jhansi.
By road: A number of major cities in the country are well connected by road to Jhansi. Gwalior, Delhi, and Khajurao offer daily bus services to Jhansi.
Hastinapur
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It goes without saying that Hastinapur should be included on your list of places to visit in UP. During the Mahabharata, it served as the capital of the Pandavas and Kauravas. Hastinapur is one of the most iconic destinations of UP if you want to see the glory of ancient India. The magnificent architecture of the temples, monuments, and forts will amaze you. The wildlife attraction of Hastinapur in UP is also alluring.
How to reach?
The closest train station in Hastinapur is Meerut Cantt in Meerut. It takes about an hour to reach Hastinapur city centre from this railway station, which is 41.6 km away. You can reach your accommodation by taxi, auto rickshaw, or bus once you reach the railway station.
Dudhwa National Park
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A perfect getaway for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Dudhwa National Park lies along the Indo-Nepal border in the Lakhimpur-Kheri District of Uttar Pradesh. Tiger, Hispid hare, Bengal Florican, Swamp deer, Leopard, and a host of other rare and endangered species call this place home. There is also the chance to observe spellbinding herds of Barasingha in the grassy wetlands of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
How to reach?
To reach Dudhwa National Park, you can take a train to Dudhwa (4 km), Palia (10 km), or Mailani (37 km).
Timing: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days of the week)
Entry Fee:
| Indians | Rs 50/- |
| Foreigner | Rs 300/- |
Firozabad
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The city of Firozabad is located 40 kilometres away from Agra in Uttar Pradesh. A thriving industry for which Firozabad has received widespread international acclaim is the manufacture of delicate glassware, vibrant beads, and dazzling bangles. It is also widely known for its high-quality, colourful jewellery and clothing, making it a preferred spot for bridal shopping.
How to reach?
There is a rail station in Firozabad city, which is served by the Delhi-Howrah trunk line of the Indian Railways. Additionally, Firozabad is well connected to parts of Western and Eastern Uttar Pradesh by bus.
Sonbhadra
Visit Sonbhadra, the second largest district in UP, during your UP sightseeing tour. The only district in the country whose borders include four states: MP, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar. This district is blessed by the wild flow of the Son River that flows from East to West. There are many monuments and forts here with a great deal of cultural significance. Cave paintings dating back more than 4000 years have also made this place very popular.
How to reach?
The Deendayal Upadhyay Railway Station and the Varanasi Railway Station are the major railway stations near Sonbhadra. Taxis and buses run regularly to Robertsganj (Sonbhadra) from railway stations. The city is also well connected by road to Lucknow, Allahabad, Mirzapur, etc.
Meerut
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Meerut is a cultural hub that combines stunning monuments with significant history and scrumptious cuisine. As a part of the National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR), this historical city in Uttar Pradesh is located approximately 70 kilometres from New Delhi. Meerut has an exciting history going back to ancient times, along with a healthy dose of culture and contemporary art, making it one of the must-visit tourist places in UP.
How to reach?
There are regular trains connecting Meerut City and Meerut Cantt with other major cities in the country.
Check out: Info. regarding Gorakhpur pin code
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Uttar Pradesh?
Uttar Pradesh is best visited between November and February.
What is the minimum number of days needed to explore the best of Uttar Pradesh tourism?
Each district in Uttar Pradesh has its own charm. It will take you at least 10 or 12 days to explore all of UP. If you are only interested in exploring one or two destinations, you only need 2-3 days.