Uttar Pradesh is an exquisite Indian state that is home to numerous historical sights worth seeing, from bustling metropolises like Noida or Lucknow, to ancient towns with stories of love, courage and spirituality – it should not be missed when traveling through India! Uttar Pradesh makes an unforgettable visit. Ayodhya is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism and considered the birthplace of Lord Rama. Additionally, four out of 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism were born here – making Ayodhya an idyllic tourist spot with serene Ghats that draw visitors. Below you get to know Top Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh India.
Agra – One of the Top Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh India
Agra is one of India’s premier tourist spots, located along the holy River Yamuna and known for its unparalleled beauty and historical monuments. Tourists visiting Agra will have plenty of attractions, from its three UNESCO World Heritage sites-Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri-to its long history dating back to the Mahabharata epic.
This city is well known for its impressive mosques, tombs and gardens. As the seat of Mughal Empire for nearly six centuries, many incredible structures were erected during this time – many beautiful monuments created here during that period alone.
When visiting Agra, one of the must-see spots is undoubtedly The Taj Mahal – considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and an iconic structure that cannot be missed! If you want to experience the beauty of this monument, make sure you book tickets as early as possible in the day, since crowds can become congested during midday. Also don’t miss the light and sound show beginning every evening at 7:30 pm at Taj Mahal! Book Taj Mahal Tours
Fatehpur Sikri – Another Top Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh India
Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architectural marvels such as Jodha Bai’s palace and Jama Masjid. Additionally, Fatehpur Sikri has become a major tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh India. Red sandstone city Agra boasts many monuments and was the capital of Mughal Empire for some years in 16th century. A unique combination of religious practices and architectural excellence make Agra an excellent tourist destination.
Another amazing sight in this fortified city is the Diwan-i-Khas, a private audience hall. This beautiful structure displays exquisite stone carving work. At this complex, Akbar would meet his close associates and other important people. Of particular note is its most exquisite feature – known as the Lotus Throne Central Tower with pillars supporting a walkway connecting all four corners into a circular platform designed for Akbar himself.
Be sure to set aside time for meditation when visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Meditation in its gardens will help you unwind and enjoy your trip more fully.
Varanasi – One of the most Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh India
Varanasi is an important city of Hindu worship. Pilgrims from all across India come here to bathe in the Ganges’s purifying waters in hopes that it will wash away all their sins and guide them toward rebirth. Ghats form the heart of this city, lined by temples that offer spiritual sanctification. Ashrams and shrines serve as spiritual gathering places where religious individuals can perform rituals or consult priests to bury loved ones who have passed. Book Varanasi Tour Packages
Varanasi boasts more than just its beautiful ghats; there’s also an exciting food scene here, offering traditional Indian fare such as bhang (spiked milk) and paan (betel leaves). Varanasi offers many restaurants and eateries offering delicious meals, such as kachoris (stuffed bread), fragrant curries and Indian sweets. Your visit to Varanasi should include an unforgettable boat ride along the River Ganges for an unforgettable experience and unique view of this historical city.
Mathura- One of the Top Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh India
Mathura, India is renowned pilgrim destination. Renowned for its numerous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Mathura is often visited by devotees from across the globe. Vishram Ghat in Mathura is one of the must-see attractions, known for its sunrise and evening Arti recitals. You can take a refreshing swim in its waters or go boating on its lake.
Kans ka Qila, an ancient fortress along the Yamuna Riverbanks is another must-visit spot in Mathura and features both Hindu- and Muslim architectural influences. A popular tourist spot, this site also serves as an educational venue. Govardhan hill in Mathura is an excellent pilgrim destination to visit, with locals believing that it resembles Lord Krishna and all worshipers rejoicing as though its pure rocks were His statues. Other popular attractions in Mathura are Dauji Mandir and Shriji Mandir, two temples known for their exquisite wall paintings that attract large numbers of tourists. Book Golden Triangle Tour with Mathura Vrindavan
Vrindavan – Another Top Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh India
Vrindavan is one of India’s premier pilgrimage sites and is well known for its gorgeous temples. Here can be found an abundance of shrines honoring Lord Krishna’s life. Prem Mandir is an impressive pilgrimage site located just outside Vrindavan and made entirely from white marble. Dedicating itself to Lord Krishna and Sita Ram, this complex is one of the top tourist spots in Vrindavan.
Ruins of this ancient holy site still attract visitors today, who come here to worship Krishna. Devotees come from all across India and beyond for this holy experience. One of the primary attractions in this area is shaktipeetha, a temple which holds all of the severed body parts belonging to Goddess Sati – it’s one of only a handful of places in India where this can be found. Visitors to Uttar Pradesh can experience its natural beauty on boating trips or river safaris through Chambla Wildlife Sanctuary. Both options allow guests to get immersed in nature and have a relaxing, memorable journey through this peaceful region.
Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh India offers visitors a feast for both mind and culture, offering some of the most iconic manmade landmarks across the nation. Additionally, its heritage and history hold great religious significance for Hindus who remain intrinsically tied to this state’s past and future. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh state, should be on any history enthusiast’s itinerary as it contains numerous fascinating landmarks and places of historical interest. Not to mention its many temples and delicious street foods!
Hazratganj Market in Lucknow is another must-see, having long been frequented by British officials, Nawabs and zamindars. One of the oldest markets in India, this market offers unique items including embroidered chikan garments, carpets, bed sheets and handicrafts that you won’t find elsewhere in India.
Chowk, home to over 5000 shops, offers some of the finest authentic Awadhi cuisine and clothing ranging from chikan and zardozi designs, handmade jewelry and Nagra footwear, not to mention delicious kebabs and biriyanis that melt in your mouth.
Prayagraj
Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) is one of Uttar Pradesh’s key cities, situated at the junction of three rivers – Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati – where their waters meet. Prayagraj boasts an expansive cultural legacy as well as being internationally renowned for the Kumbh Mela, an annual pilgrimage event that attracts millions each year.
Allahabad city boasts numerous historical landmarks and ancient temples that make it a top tourist attraction, such as Allahabad Fort’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, All Saints Cathedral, Nehrus’ ancestral home and Allahabad Museum.
Sarnath is an essential destination in Uttar Pradesh for visitors of any religious persuasion, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Hordes of people flock there annually on Buddha Purnima to witness its impressive collection of monasteries, stupas, and statues. This breathtaking town marks the birthplace of four Tirthankaras of Jainism. Boasting many temples and serene ghats, this must-see spot for spiritual travelers should definitely make their trip.
Sarnath
Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh India is one of the premier Buddhist pilgrimage sites, as it was here that Gautam Buddha first delivered his sermon. Therefore, this site holds great religious significance to followers of Buddhistism. Town is home to numerous attractions that make a trip worthwhile, including museums that explore the rich cultural landscape, a temple beloved by tourists, and the Ashoka Pillar.
Built during Mauryan Emperor Ashoka’s rule, this massive stupa stands as one of Sarnath’s most visible landmarks. Measuring 128 feet high by 93 feet wide, its overall height stands out as one of its key attractions. Sarnath’s landmark monument commemorates where Buddha first met his disciples and gave his inaugural preaching. Additionally, its statue depicting him deep in meditation with eyes closed can also be found here. Book Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi
Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh’s famed tourist spot, offers several Buddhist structures – some intact while others in ruin – perfect for relaxation and peaceful contemplation. Sarnath offers a peaceful sanctuary to visit.
Ayodhya
Ayodhya, located in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the seven holiest pilgrimage cities for Hindus. This sacred city is believed to be where Lord Ram was born – his seventh avatar from Lord Vishnu. Visit Ayodhya on any trip to India – its temples and monuments offer something for everyone in this holy city.
Hanuman Garhi Temple in Ayodhya is an iconic tourist destination and often considered one of the best temples in its region. Situated at its core, this popular tourist site stands as testament to the power and spirituality that thrive in Ayodhya.
Treta Ke Thakur Temple in Ayodhya is another noteworthy stop, featuring sculptures depicting Ramayana stories. Ayodhya is home to numerous Jain temples, including one newly dedicated to Rishabhdev, the founder of Digamber Jainism. There are five additional Jain temples considered significant in Ayodhya as well.
Jhansi
Jhansi is a city steeped in history that draws travellers year round, captivating history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and nature enthusiasts. Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh’s premier tourist destination, will captivate your senses. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this city provides history buffs an exceptional treat as their imagination will run wild with all the unique historic structures that lie here.
Jhansi Fort is a 17th-century architectural masterpiece located at the top of Bagira Hill in Uttar Pradesh. Within its four walls lies landmarks such as Baradari with exquisite and creative architecture; Kal Kothari or dungeon; Ganesha and Shiva temples; as well as a museum housing remnants from Chandela dynasty like weaponry, garments and paintings.
As part of your visit to Jhansi, be sure to stop at Rani Lakshmi Bai Park – named in her honour and built to commemorate her important role in 1857 rebellion against British East India Company – and Parichha Dam, which offers water sports activities among local residents.
Kushinagar
Kushinagar is an historic city and one of the four most sacred Buddhist sites worldwide, as it’s believed that Gautam Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana here. This lovely city draws visitors year-round, but especially during its annual Buddha Purnima festival. If you are searching for an exotic vacation destination, this small but lovely city should definitely make the cut!
City residents can explore an abundance of ancient temples and shrines built during Gupta periods or by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka himself. Visits to the town should also include a trip to the Museum, which houses an impressive collection of antiquities. There are various statues and other artifacts here – one such artifact being an impressive Stucco idol of Lord Buddha built in Gandhara style.
Kushinagar boasts many attractions, with the Ramabhar Stupa and Birla Temple as two key tourist spots. Additionally, numerous other Buddhist landmarks and shrines can also be found within its borders.
Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park lies along the Indo-Nepal border and offers visitors an amazing experience, full of wildlife including tigers, deers, and an abundance of other animals that would delight any wildlife enthusiast. This region boasts an ecosystem that features grasslands, swamps and dense forests – each helping to support an abundance of living species.
One of the primary attractions of the park is its unique population of Swamp Deer, more commonly referred to locally as ‘Barasingha’. These animals can only be found here and only exist within this particular region. As well as elephants and one-horn rhinoceroses, other species thrive here as well, such as hog deer, spotted deer, cheetal deer and sambar deer. Furthermore, it serves as an ideal destination for tigers, leopards and Indian one-horn rhinos to call home.
Park Bird Sanctuary is home to over 400 bird species, both migratory and resident, including Painted Storks, Black-and White-Necked Storks, Sand Cranes, Woodpeckers, Barbets, Bee Eaters, Minivets, Kingfishers and many others. Rivers in this region also serve as an ideal home for numerous species of turtles, crocodiles, and fish; there is even a rare population of Gangetic dolphins living in Geruwa river of this area!
Chitrakoot Tourism
Chitrakoot is an iconic pilgrimage site in India that draws travelers from far and wide. With both historical and religious significance, it makes Chitrakoot an invaluable destination for anyone seeking spiritual connection. This city boasts several religious spots and boasts a rich history, featuring an elegant waterfall. Additionally, temples and other attractions make this an excellent vacation destination.
Ramghat, one of the world’s premier tourist spots, is widely revered and visited. Here Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and other divine beings are believed to have appeared. At this site you can experience multiple activities, including bathing in the river or attending an aarti ceremony. Bharat Milap Mandir is another popular tourist destination and temple dedicated to Lord Ram and his family, built here after King Vikramaditya persuaded Ram to return to Ayodhya. Gupt Godavari Falls are also located here and provide a symbolic link between Hindu mythology and this area, specifically with Lord Ram seeking help from the water god in this location.
Hastinapur Tourism
Hastinapur, located in Uttar Pradesh India, is one of the oldest cities. History enthusiasts and spiritual tourists alike come here for its rich historical significance; with ancient Hindu and Jain temples that date back to when great kings ruled. Hastinapur is well known for its wildlife sanctuary that sits atop the northern tip of Gangetic plains. Home to various forms of wildlife and part of Asia Flyway Project.
Hastinapur is also famed for its Gurudwara at Saifpur Karamchandpur which serves as a place of great faith and devotion among Sikh adherents. Hastinapur offers many attractions for tourists to see, such as Bada Digambar Jain Prachin Bada Mandir situated on the banks of River Ganga. As part of tour packages to Hastinapur, visitors should also make time for this pilgrimage site which was known to birth three Jain Teerthankara and serve as important pilgrimages sites for Jains.
Pilibhit – One of the Top Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh India
Pilibhit, nestled amidst dense forest in Uttar Pradesh, offers visitors an unforgettable holiday experience. Pilibhit holds significant historical and religious significance and makes for an enjoyable visit. Tourists visiting the city can explore various temples and mosques for spiritual rejuvenation as well as an insight into local culture.
This region is best-known for its Tiger Reserve, home to numerous species of animals including tigers. Their population has flourished considerably here and may soon rival that of Corbett National Park in terms of sheer scale and scope. Tiger reserves are located within the Terai Arc Landscape of the Upper Gangetic Plain Biogeographic Province and cover an area of 800 sq km. Their ecosystem consists of Saal forests, tall grasslands, and swamps – which make up their rich biodiversity.
Tourism enthusiasts should visit Pilibhit’s Jama Masjid, constructed by Hafiz Rahmat Khan in 1769 as an exact copy of Delhi’s Jama Masjid. It features a gateway designed in Mughal style and walls featuring curvilinear structures.
Barsana Tourism
Barsana Tourism, situated close to Mathura and Vrindavan, is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. This location is widely held to be the birthplace of Radha, Lord Krishna’s beloved consort and ladylove. The town is situated amidst four hills, each featuring a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. These four hills have four peaks which are said to symbolize divinity – hence its name!
Barsana also features the Prem Sarovar tank which is widely believed to have been the site of Krishna and Radha’s initial meeting place, along with a beautiful pond known as Pila Pokhra. Town residents also frequent this location to see the rangeeli Mahal, built under the direction of Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj and an extremely popular tourist destination. It should not be missed by art and architecture enthusiasts!
Naimisharanya Uttar Pradesh
Naimisharanya, situated about 94 km from Lucknow, is an important pilgrimage center that draws in devotees from across India. Best-known for housing the lavish Lalita Devi Temple, Naimisharanya offers other tourist attractions as well. The state government is looking to revive this area from a tourism standpoint through the Swadesh Darshan Scheme II, where several schemes are currently being implemented to make this place an international center of spiritual and religious tourism.
As its name implies, Naimisharanya is home to numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and temple-sized ponds adorned with intricate Hindu carvings and ornamentation. You can cover several significant sites on a day trip from Lucknow. Of note are Lalita Temple with its elaborate detailing. When illuminated by sunlight it offers breathtaking sights while nearby is also a temple-sized pond considered one of the state’s finest examples of its kind.
