Uttar Pradesh, the largest state of India, is most culturally rich, a treasure trove of tourist and religious destinations. Its historical significance, architectural marvels and spiritual heritage attract millions of visitors annually.
Top Tourist Places in Uttar Pradesh (District-wise Guide) are:
Agra District’s Tourist Attractions:
Agra is home of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mughal masterpieces showcase wonderful Indo-Islamic architecture and attract. Key attractions for global tourists in Agra city and nearby are:
- Taj Mahal: A world-famous white marble monument symbolizing eternal love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO site.
- Agra Fort: A UNESCO-listed Mughal fort showcasing royal palaces and historical architecture. A massive red sandstone fort, also a UNESCO site. A grand Mughal fort showcasing royal residences, halls, and rich architecture.
- Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb: A stunning Mughal mausoleum, known as the “Baby Taj”, located on the bank of Yamuna River.
- Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is a historic deserted city, known for its grand red sandstone structures, at about 36 kms from Agra. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a well-preserved Mughal city Mughal Emperor Akbar. Key Attractions in Fatehpur Sikri are:
- Buland Darwaza: This beautiful 54-meter-high gateway was built by Akbar to celebrate his victory on Gujrat.
- Jama Masjid: This UNESCO World Heritage Site having Tomb of Salim Chishti, a revered Sufi saint.
- Panch Mahal: A five-story palace, an elegant structure, built by Akbar for his relaxation and amusement.
Mathura District’s Tourist and Pilgrimage Attractions:
Mathura city is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and its nearby Vrindavan is the land of his childhood leelas. The pilgrimage attractions in Mathura districts are:
Mathura City Key attractions:
- Krishna Janmabhoomi: a major religious site believed to be the exact birthplace of Lord Krishna.
- Dwarkadhish Temple: A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishana known for its architecture and Janmashtami festival.
- Vishram Ghat: A peaceful spot on the Yamuna River for rituals and boating.
- Government Museum: Located in Dampier Park, founded in 1874, it is a premier archaeological museum of ancient sculptures of Kushana and Gupta periods.
Vrindavan Key Attractions:
Vrindavan, known as “Land of Krishna”, is a holy town, at about 15 Kms from Mathura on the banks of Yamuna River. It is believed that Lord Krishana spent his childhood and youth in this area. Historical sites of Vrindavan attract millions of pilgrims and tourists annually. Key pilgrimage and tourist attractions in Vrindavan and its nearby are:
- Banke Bihari Temple: A famous and most visited temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in his “Banke Bihari” (bent at three places) form. Its highlights are:
- The idol is believed to be self-manifested, which was discovered by Swami Haridas, a revered saint.
- The curtains in front of the idol are opened and closed frequently to protect devotees from the god’s attractive look.
- This temple is focal point during Holi and Janmashtami.
- Prem Mandir Prem Mandir – A fabulous temple with intricate carvings dedicated to Radha-Krishna with illuminated displays built by Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj. Its highlights are:
- Fabulous white marble structure with intricate carvings.
- Light and sound show of Krishna’s life.
- Gardens and fountains.
- ISKCON Temple: Amodern yet spiritually vibrant temple dedicated to Krishna and his brother Balaram built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Its highlights are:
- Serene ambiance by beautiful marble architecture.
- Samadhi of Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON’s founder.
- Kirtan and Bhajan sessions attract international visitors.
- Radha Raman Temple: An intricate architecture temple having a peaceful courtyard is dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple houses a self-manifested deity, discovered by Gopal Bhatta Goswami in the 16th century, adorned with elaborate outfits and jewelry.
- Govind Dev Temple: A Seven-story architecture built by Raja Man Singh of Amber. This temple dedicated to Krishna retains historical charm as the original idol was moved to Jaipur during Mughal invasions.
- Madan Mohan Temple: This temple, offering scenic views, dedicated to Lord Krishana is located on a hill near the Yamuna River.
- Radha Vallabh Temple: This temple, founded by Sri Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu and Known for its devotional music and poetry, emphasizes the love between Radha and Krishna where Radha’s idol is not physically present, her presence is indicated by a crown beside Krishna.
- Seva Kunj and Nidhuban : A sacred garden where Krishna is believed to have performed the Ras Leela with Radha and the Gopis. Its highlights are:
- Small temples and shrines within the orchard.
- Believed that its trees turn into gopis at night and entry is restricted in night. Devotees can visit in daytime only.
- Kesi Ghat: A scenic ghat on the Yamuna River where Krishna is believed to have killed the demon Kesi. Evening aarti with floating lamps and boating in the Yamuna with views of temples is main attraction.
- Rangji Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Vishnu) is built in Dravidian architecture.
- Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir: A grand project by ISKCON, under construction, aiming to be the tallest temple in the world. It will feature a Vedic cultural center and a Krishna heritage museum.
Govardhan:
This sacred town is located at about 22 Kms from Varindavan is famous for Govardhan Hill. Believed that Lord Krishna lifted this hill to protect villagers from Indra’s wrath. Key pilgrimage attractions in Govardhan are:
- Govardhan Hill: Pilgrims perform the parikrama of 21 Kms of this hill.
- Radha Kund and Shyam Kund: Sacred ponds where Radha and Krishna bathed.
- Mansi Ganga: A highly sacred lake near the hill.
Barsana:
This sacred town is located at about 45 Kms from Varindavan is birthplace and hometown of Radha Rani. Key attractions of Barsana are:
- Radha Rani Temple (Ladliji Temple): This temple dedicated to Radha Rani on a hill is a major pilgrimage site.
- Holi Celebrations: Famous celebration of Holi festival known as “Lathmar Holi of Barsana”, where women hit men with sticks.
Nandgaon:
This village, located at about 50 Kms from Varinavan, was the place where Krishna lived with his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda. Keys attraction of Nandgaon are:
- Nand Bhavan Temple: Located on a hill.
- Pavan Sarovar: A holy lake.
Gokul:
A villagelocated at about 25 Kms from Varinavan where Krishna was secretly raised to escape King Kansa. Key attractions in Gokul are:
- Raman Reti: Where Krishna played as a child.
- Chaurasi Khamba Temple: Dedicated to Yashoda Mata, Krishna’s foster mother.
Lucknow District’s Tourist Attractions:
Lucknow a historic city, famous for its Nawabi elegance, is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Key Tourist attractions in Lucknow are:
- Bara Imambara: A grand Shia Muslim monument famous for its central hall and mysterious Bhool Bhulaiya (labyrinth).
- Chota Imambara: Famous for its elaborate design having gilt domes, mirrored interiors and Belgian chandeliers.
- Rumi Darwaza: A majestic high gateway, demonstrating Awadhi architecture and like Turkish architecture, served as the entrance of old city.
- Ambedkar Memorial Park: A grand park with huge stone structures and memorials in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow dedicated to Dr. B.R.Ambedkar.
- Janeshwar Mishra Park – One of the largest parks with modern amenities in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
- Hazratganj: A busy market for shopping and food is the vibrant heart of Lucknow city.
Varanasi District’s Tourist and Pilgrimage Attractions:
Varanasi (Kashi) located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the spiritual capital of India, is known as the oldest living city in the world. This ancient city, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, is famous by ‘Kashi Vishwanath Temple’ and mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat alongwith over 2,000 temples, ancient ghats for rituals. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Varanasi (Kashi) are:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas is a major pilgrimage site.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: Pilgrimage spot on the bank of holy Ganga River, famous for the delightful Ganga Aarti performed every evening.
- Manikarnika Ghat and Assi Ghat: Other religious spots on the bank holy Ganga River famous for rituals and the Ganga Aarti.
- Dev Deepawali: An enormous festival of thousands of lamps illuminated on the ghats of Varanasi on Kartik Purnima (Full moon). It honours the victory of Lord Shiva on Tripurasur.
- Sarnath: Sarnath is a Buddhist site at about 10 Kms from Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Here attractions are Dhamek Stupa and Chaukhandi Stupa.
Prayagraj District’s Tourist and Pilgrimage Attractions:
Prayagraj, previously called Allahabad, is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage spots. This city, located on Triveni Sangam, is the venue for the grand Kumbh Mela held after every 12 years. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions are:
- Triveni Sangam – A sacred bathing spot on the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.
- Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj): The world’s largest religious gathering of Hindu devotees held at Triveni Sangam.
- Anand Bhavan – Historic and ancestral home of the Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, First Prime Minister of India, family, now a museum associated with India’s freedom movement.
- Allahabad Fort – A historic fort built during the Mughal era by Akbar and having the Ashoka Pillar inside.
Ayodhya District’s Tourist and Pilgrimage Attractions:
Ayodhya, located on the banks of holy river Saryu, is an ancient city and the birthplace of Lord Rama. Ayodhya is a major pilgrimage centre as one of the seven holy Sapta Puri cities and has gained massive prominence with the grand Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Ayodhya is also central point for the Ramayana pilgrimage circuit, its key attractions are:
- Ram Janmabhoomi: Revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama as a major Hindu pilgrimage site.
- Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: Newly constructed three storied temple on the disputed site dedicated to Lord Rama a major pilgrimage site in Ayodhya.
- Hanuman Garhi: An ancient popular temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman constructed by Vikramaditya.
- Deepotsav Festival (Ayodhya) : A grand annual celebration on Diwali with lakhs of diyas marking Lord Ram’s return.
- Saryu Ghat (Ayodhya): A Sacred riverfront on Saryu river famous for daily evening Arti and holy dip.
Jhansi District District’s Attractions:
Jhansi city is district headquarter which is famous for its historic grip connected with Rani Lakshmibai and the 1857 revolt. Key attractions in Jhani are:
- Jhansi Fort: A historic fort of ten gates, offering panoramic views and linked to the bravery of Rani Lakshmibai, is located on a large hilltop in the heart of Jhansi city.
- Rani Mahal: A beautiful palace of Rani (Queen), showcasing Bundelkhand architecture and now a museum, located in Jhansi city. Indian freedom fighters approached Rani Lakshmibai in Rani Mahal and urged her to take over the leadership of 1857 revolt.
- Barua Sagar: A scenic spot at about 22 kms from Jhansi city having beautiful fort complex with in Baruasagar town.
Meerut District’s Tourist and Pilgrimage Attractions:
Meerut city, district headquarter, is a historic city and the location where the 1857 revolt began against British rule. Key attractions in Meerut are:
- Shaheed Samark : This monument marking the 1857 revolt is in the centre of Meerut city and hoses the Government Museum for freedom struggle.
- Augarnath Temple – This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the cantonment area, is popular tourist spot being a significant religious site and historical landmark. Its complex includes shaheed samark.
- Hastinapur: An ancient city located at about 35 kms from Meerut city on the banks of Ganga river linked to the Mahabharata era. Key attractions are:
- Jain Pilgrimage: This town has famous jain temples like Jambudweep Jain Temple, Shwetamber Jain Temple and prachin Digambar Jain Temple.
- Pandeshwar Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and associated with the Pandavas.
Gorakhpur District’s Tourist and Pilgrimage Attractions:
Gorakhpur city, linked to Guru Gorakhnath and close to Kushinaga, is the headquarter of district Gorakhpur along Rapti River near Nepal, its key attractions are:
- Gorakhnath Temple: A famous religious site dedicated to Guru Gorakhnath.
- Ramgarh Tal Lake: a large scenic natural lake ideal for relaxation and boating.
- Kushmi Forest: A green retreat near railway junction.
Kushinagar District’s Tourist and Pilgrimage Attractions:
Kushinagar town is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final passing). Padrauna city is district headquarters of Kushinagar district. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Kushinagar are:
- Mahaparinirvana Temple: A must visit site surrounded by ruins of ancient monasteries, this temple houses a 6-meter-long reclining Buddha statue.
- Rambhar Stupa: A 15-meter-high stupa at the believed cremation site of Buddha.
- Buddha Museum: Archaeological significance of Kushinagar, housing artifacts excavated from the area.
- International Temples: Several temples built by devotees of different countries.
Shravasti District’s Tourist and Pilgrimage Attractions:
Shravasti is an ancient Buddhist site where Buddha spent many monsoons in Shravasti district having its headquarter at Bhinga. Key tourist and Buddhist pilgrimage sites are:
- Jetavana Monastery (saheth): An important archaeological site and Buddhist Pilgrimage center having ruins of monasteries and temples. Lord Buddha spent 25 rainy seasons teachings here.
- Ananda Bodhi Tree: Tree planted by Anathapindika, located within Jetavana, considered highly sacred believed to be blessed by Lord Buddha.
- Anathapindika Stupa/Kachchi Kuti: Another archaeological site associated with Buddha’s teachings.
- Thai and International Temples.
Chitrakoot District’s Tourist and Pilgrimage Attractions:
Chitarkoot Dham (Karwi) is the district headquarter of this significant district linked to the Ramayana, where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent their exile. Chitrakoot with peaceful hills is a sacred pilgrimage site with deeply spiritual atmosphere. Key pilgrimage and tourist attractions in Chitrakoot are:
- Ram Ghat: A peaceful site on the Mandakini River, center of activities, evening Aarti, boat rides.
- Kamtanath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Rama.
- Hanuman Dhara: A temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman with a natural spring.
- Sphatik Shila: A scenic spot, believed to have impressions of Lord Ram’s footprints, on the Mandakini River.
- Gupt Godavari: An exclusive natural site, a large cave at 18 Kms, where the river Godavari disappears underground.
- Sati Anusuya Ashram: A scenic ashram dedicated to Rishi Atri and Sati Anusuya in dense forests.
- Bharat Koop: A sacred place believed that here Lord Bhart poured water from all holy rivers to anoint Lord Ram.
- Kalinjar Fort: A historic fort at 88 Kms famous for its architecture.
Kanpur District’s Tourist Attractions:
Kanpur city district headquarter, known as Leather City, is an industrial city with historical importance. Key tourist attractions in Kanpur are:
- Allen Forest Zoo: A large zoological Park located in Nawabganj also known as Kanpur Zoo.
- JK Temple – A beautiful Hindu temple, amalgamation of modern and traditional ancient architecture, located in Kanpur city.
- Bithoor: A historical and religious town at 23 Kms on the banks of Ganges. Its key attractions are:
- Brahmavtar Ghat: Most reverted ghat.
- Valmiki Ashram: Known as the place where sage Valmiki wrote Ramayana and Sita lived during her exile.
- Nana Sahib/Laxmi Bai Palace: Sites related to 1857 revolt against British Government.
- Kanpur Memorial Church: Associated to the 1857 revolt against Britishers.
Mirzapur District’s Tourist Attractions:
Mirzapur city, located on the banks of Ganga River, is known for its natural beauty and the Vindhyavasini Temple. Mirzapur is famous for carpet weaving and brassware, its key tourist attractions are:
- Vindhyavasini Temple: A famous Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini, attracting devotees being powerful Shakti pilgrimage site combined with other nearby spiritual spots.
- Chunar Fort: An ancient historical fort in Chunar town at about 40 Kms from Mirzapur city.
- Tanda Waterfalls: A scenic waterfall surrounded by natural beauty at about 20Kms from Mirzapur city.
- Sirsi Waterfall: Located near Sirsi Dam at about 45 Kms from Mirzapur city.
Sonbhadra District’s Tourist Attractions:
Sonbhadra is a large district of Uttar Pardesh bordered by four states with its headquarter in Robert Ganj. Key attractions in Sonbhadra district are:
- Rihand Dam: A large dam creating picturesque views and serene surroundings.
- Salkhan Fossils Park: Famous for ancient prehistorical fossils to be 1.4 billion years old and geological importance in Salkhan village.
- Vijaygarh Fort: A ruined fort in Mau Kalan village having historically significant.
- Lakhania caves: Located in Kaimur range and famous for 4000 years old rock paintings.
Bareilly District’s Tourist Attractions:
Barelly city, headquarter of district, is historic city known as “Nath Nagri”. Key attractions in Barelly are:
- Alakhnath Temple: A significant spiritual temple of Nath sect, known as headquarter of Anand Akhara.
- Dargah-e-Ala-Hazrat: Famous Sufi Shrine dedicated to Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi.
- Trivati Nath Temple: A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Ahicchattra: An archaeological site near Ramnagar, associated with Mahabharta and Gautama. A sacred site in Jainism where 23rd Tirthankar, Parshvanatha, attend enlightenment.
- Tulsi Math: A spiritual center.
- Fun City Water Park – A popular recreational attraction at Pilibhit Bye pass.
Lakhimpur Kheri District’s Tourist Attractions:
Lakhimpur kheri district is famous for its Dudhwa National Park, a rich wildlife sanctuary near the Nepal border known for its Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, elephants and diverse birdlife. Key Attractions are:
- Jeep safaris offer thrilling wildlife experience.
- Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary: Nearby extension of it.
- Birdwatching: Over 400 species of birds.
Firozabad District:
Firozabad city, district headquarter, near Agra is known as the “City of Glass”, famous for bangles and glass products, its key attraction is Marsalganj Jain Temple having 45 foot Bahubali statue and historical Kalan Mosque.
Mainpuri District:
Mainpuri city, district headquarter, is famous for ancient temples and the unique Tarkashi Craft. Key attractions in Mainpuri are:
- Saman Bird Sanctuary: Famous for hosting Sarus Srane, a paradise for bird watchers.
- Sheetla Devi Temple: A highly reverted temple in city.
- Maharaja Tej Singh Chauhan Fort: A historic fort.
Etawah District:
Etawah a historic district having following key attractions for tourists:
- Etawah Safari Park – A modern wildlife safari park housing lions and other wildlife.
- Raja Sumer Singh Fort: An ancient fort of historical significance.
- Sangam: Meeting point of Yamuna and Chambal rivers.
Chandauli District:
Chandauli District is famous for its Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary, known for waterfalls, forests, and scenic beauty.
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