20 Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh a state in the North India has everything to offer right from the colorful people, a rich cultural heritage, monuments and temples to the holy Ganga. Also referred to as the ‘Heartland of India’, the land offers some of the most captivating places which one must visit. The state has a lot to offer when you are looking to make a trip but the following 20 places top the charts which you just cannot miss once you are here.

Taj Mahal

Also known as the epitome of love and rightly called as the 7th wonder of the world, you definitely do not need to strain your brain to remember its history. If you are planning a trip to Uttar Pradesh or if you’re already there, you cannot miss this almost 350 years old tourist attraction. Taj is usually the first and the foremost reason why tourists visit U.P every year. Taj Mahal which is situated in the city of Agra on the banks of river Yamuna, is referred to as one of the finest examples of the Indian Islamic Architecture and the Mughal era. The beautiful building is designed with a huge central dome and four small domes that surmount the main structure and is flanked by the four tall and slim minarets. The visiting hours of Taj Mahal is from sunrise to Sunset and is closed on Fridays. There is an entry fee for Taj Mahal which varies according to the tourist types. The best time to visit the Taj is either during the sunrise or sunset.

Address: Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001
Phone: +91-562-2226431/2233056
Website: https://www.tajmahal.gov.in/

Agra Fort

Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra on the right bank of the river Yamuna, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Agra Fort is also known by other names such as “Lal Qila”, “Fort Rouge” or “Qila-i-Akbari”. It is one of the highlight monuments for tourists of the city of Agra constructed by the third Mughal emperor Akbar. The monument is embellished with number of richly decorated buildings encompassing the imposing Mughal style of art and architecture. The fort is spread over an area of about 94 acres of land, is semi-circular on plan and is surrounded by a 21.4 m high fortification wall. There are four gates on its four sides but the entry to Agra Fort is allowed through the Amar Singh Gate only. At present, there exist more than two dozens of monuments in the Fort but some portion of this fort is used by the Indian Army and, therefore, public access is prohibited. The monument is open to visit from Sunrise to Sunset and has an entry ticket which is different for different tourist types.

Address: Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003
Phone: 0562 296 0457
Website: https://agrafort.gov.in/

Fatehpur Sikri Fort

Fatehpur Sikri is a city that stands on a low ridge of the Vindhya range situated at a distance of 37 kms from Agra. It ages back to the 2nd half of 16th century. Emperor Akbar built this city. It is also called as the City of Victory and it served as capital of Mughal Empire for almost 10 years. Fatehpur Sikri Fort is also listed among the World Heritage Sites and ranks among the mostly visited spots in Uttar Pradesh. A visit to this historical site, tourists would get a feel of the rich historical culture of medieval Mughal India. Once there tourists must see Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, Diwan-i-Khas, Tomb of Salim Chishti and Panch Mahal.

Address: Fatehpur Sikri Fort, National Highway 11, Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh 283110
Website: https://fatehpursikri.gov.in/

Ghats in Varanasi

Built by the great river banks of Varanasi, each of the big and small hundred of ghats occupy a special place in the religious geography of the city. These ghats age back to almost the 18th and 19th century and progress along the whole of the waterfront lined with an endless chain of stone steps, temples and terraces. The Ghats can be classified as follow

• The Southern Stretch which has Assi Ghat as of its main and one of the biggest ghats.
• Old City Stretch has the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat which is the most lively and colorful ghat
• Northern Stretch which begins from Scindhia Ghat, and Ram Ghat built by a maharaja of Jaipur.

The visit to these ghats is sure to enlighten the spiritual side of you and make sure not to miss out on the Main ghat which is the Manikarnika. The best time to visit the ghats is at sunsrise or sunset when the Ganga river worship ceremony is performed. The nearest airport is Babatpur approximately 22km from Varanasi and is well connected by road and railway lines.

Sangam Allahabad

Allahabad is a city of many dimensions and home to various popular tourist spots one of which is the Sangam situated around 7 km from Civil Lines and overlooked by the eastern ramparts of the Allahabad fort. Sangam is the point at which the Ganges meets the Yamuna. The unique specialty of this point is the color of the water of these two holy rivers which is brown for Ganges and Greenish for Yamuna providing an ecstatic view for the tourists when they merge. It is during the Kumbh/Ardh Kumbh that the Sangam truly comes alive attracting thousand of devotees from all across the country. Visitors can also rent boats at the Ghat at official prices for which range between Rs 100 - Rs 120 and can soar to more than Rs 250 during peak seasons.

Address: Sangam at Prayag, Baand Marg, Kumbh Mela Area I, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 211005
Phone: 0532 240 8374

Allahabad Fort

Allahabad Fort in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, was built by Akbar in 1583. The fort is situated on the banks of the Yamuna where it merges with the River Ganges. Presently, the fort is occupied by the Indian Army and only a part of it is open to the visitors. Once in Allahabad, this site is a must visit which is home to huge walls with three gateways. There are high rising towers in the fort which showcase the true example of the craftsmanship of medieval India. The highlight of the fort is the 10.6 meters high and gigantic sandstone Ashoka Pillar believed to be constructed around 232 BC. Another interesting part of the fort is an underground temple called Patalpuri Temple which can be reached through a small door in the eastern wall of the fort.

Jhansi Fort

Jhansi Fort, also popularly known as Jhansi ka Qila, is a fortress situated on a large hilltop called Bangira, in Uttar Pradesh. The fort has an important place in the Indian history and was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo during 1606. The fort has 10 gates which together along with the fort form a living testimony of ancient architecture and valour. The fort has a fine collection of sculptures which provide a rich insight into the history of the City of Jhansi. Tourists must see the following areas which form the part of the main fort area such Karak Bijlu Toup (tank), royal Jhansi Garden, Shiv temple and khuda baksh.

Address: Jhansi Fort, Jhokan Bagh, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh 284002

Valmiki Ashram

Just 22 km from Kanpur, lies the quiet and beautiful town of Bithoor which is home to ancient and religiously important site known as the Valmiki Ashram. It is a Balmiki temple or monastery serving as a communal house for Balmikis. It is associated with some of the most significant aspects of the Hindu mythology. It is believed to be the place where Sita was abandoned by Laxman. It is also regarded as the site where the epic Ramayana was created by Saint Valmiki. Dating back to almost 400 BC, this place is sure to delight those with a spiritual side.

Address: Valmiki Ashram, distt Allahabad, Tehsil Karchana, Black Karchna, village late Shri Tribhuvan Nath Singh, Uttar Pradesh

Govardhan Hill

Govardhana is a hill located near the town of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. This spot holds popular belief and significance in the Vaishnava traditions within Hinduism. The best time to visit this place is around Diwali when the famous Govardhan Puja is celebrated, the next day. This festival is in commemoration of the lifting of Mount Govardhan by Krishna. Devotees all over the world come for the same. Tourists interested in exploring more about the popular Deity Krishna, must list it on their vacation plan as this tourist attraction is worth the visit for soulful and spiritual satisfaction.

Bara Imambara

Bara means big and an imambara is a shrine situated in the city of Lucknow. The entry ticket allows access to the Chhota (small) Imambara, clock tower and the baradari (summer palace) all of which are located at a walking distance from each other. The site is a complex which has two enormous gateways with a mosque on one side and step well on the other. It also homes one of the world’s largest vaulted galleries. Also known as Asafi Imambara, it was built by Shia Muslims back in 1784 for the purpose of Azadari.

Address: Bara Imambara, Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Varanasi is a city full of temples and one such significant temple is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in 1776 and the interesting part about this temple is the 800kg gold plating on the tower and dome which is almost 50 years old. Due to high security issues, tourists have to deposit their personal belongings and any other electronic device in lockers. Visitors must see the Gyan Kupor Well which has spiritual belief for its holy water which visitors are not allowed to drink and non-Hindus are not allowed to enter this part of the temple. It is open to visit from 4:00am to 11:00pm.

Address: Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Phone: 0542 239 2629
Website: www.shrikashivishwanath.org/

Lucknow Residency

Situated in Lucknow, the Residency is a historical site which showcases the beginning of the end of the British Raj in India through its collection of gardens and ruins. The historical site holds significant importance as it became the stage for the dramatic events of the 1857 First War of Independence popularly known as the Siege of Lucknow. One can still witness the bullet and cannon ball marks on the walls. The highlight of this place is the well designed museum in the main Residency building which is open for visit between 9am to 4:30 pm and is closed on Friday. Places such as cemetery around the ruined St. Mary’s church where 2000 of the defenders were buried is sure to give you goosebumps.

Address: Residency, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, Qaiserbagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001

Kinari Bazaar

A popular and overcrowded lanes that house colorful markets in its narrow streets behind Jama Masjid in Agra is known as the Kinari Bazaar. A delight for shopaholics or those looking to take home some of the exclusive Agra specialties must pay a visit here. From clothing to shows, to snack stalls and what not tourists will amazingly find that there is room for everything. The Bazaar is a crazy maze with different markets within the main market, so squeeze your way through the crowds and take home the unordinary experience.

Address: Kinari Bazar, Hing ki Mandi, Mantola, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003

Khusru Bagh

Located in the city of Allahabad, this magnificent Mughal park is surrounded by huge walls. It contains four highly impressive Mughal tombs of the Prince Khusru (eldest son of Emperor Jahangir), Shah Begum (Jahangir’s first wife), Nesa Begum (Khusru’s sister) and a smaller structure called as the Tamolon’s tomb the origin of which is unknown. Together these attractive tombs make this site a suggested pick. Holding the royal character like the rest of the Mughal gardens, tourists must not skip on this one when in the city.

Address: Khusru Bagh, Allahabad
Phone: 096206 93859

Anand Bhavan

Anand Bhavan is a two-storey building which is a shrine to the Nehru Family. It is located in the city of Allahabad, and has historical significance as it was a stately home where Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and others used to plan their strategies against the Britishers. The museum-cum-gallery is full of book and photos of the British era. It is also popular as Indira Gandhi was married here in 1942 and is next door to Swaraj Bhavan which is popular for being the birth place of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There is an entry fee to this site and is open from 9:30 am to 5pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

Address: Anand Bhavan, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Allenganj, Allahabad, U.P., India
Phone: +91-532-2467071, 2407096

Mehtab Bagh

Agra is a city which has prints of Mughal Era in every corner of the city. Also the Mughals are popular for their royal and lavish gardens. One such site is the Mehtab Bagh which was originally built by Emperor Babur as the last in series of 11 parks located on the east of the river Yamuna’s bank. The park was reconstructed and is one of the best places to have the views of the Great Taj Mahal is from the fountain in front of the entrance gate. It is also well aligned with the gardens of the Taj.

Address: Mehtab Bagh, Near Taj Mahal, Nagla Devjit, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001

Wat Thai Complex

Kushinagar is one of the four main pilgrimage sites marking Lord Buddha’s life where he died. Amongst various temples that tourists can find in this city, one of them is the Wat Thai Complex which is beautifully maintained with gardens and bonsai-style trees. The temple-cum-monastery contains a statue of Buddha which is almost a decade old and is covered with a thin layer of gold. It is open for visit between 6am-9pm and has rooms for stay which needs to be booked in advance

Address: Wat Thai Complex, Buddha Marg, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh
Telphone: +91 9005007064

Ramabhar Stupa

Also, located in the city of Kushinagar which holds significant importance in the Buddhist religion, the Ramabhar Stupa is also called a Mukutbandhan-Chaitya.. This is where Buddha’s body is said to have been cremated and hence it holds a holy place in the Buddhist religion. The Stupa is located 1.5 km east of the Main Nirvana Temple and is a huge circular drum with a diameter of 34.14meters with two or more terraces on the top. Tourists will find monks and pilgrims meditating by the palm-lined path around the Stupa.

Mahaparinirvana Temple

Another Buddhist temple of significant importance houses a reclining Nirvana statue of Lord Buddha inside the temple of approximately 6.10m long which was unearthed during the excavations of 1876. Carved from Chunar sandstone, the statue represents the dying Buddha reclining on his right side. An inscription below dates the statue to the fifth century. Rebuilt in 1927, the temple is set among beautiful lawns and ancient ruins and visitors can find a large bel erected by the Dalai Lama behind the temple.

Ram Janam Bhumi

The religious sight is located in Ayodhya which marks the birthplace of Lord Rama, a Deity in Hindu mythology. Situated at left of the Dashrath Bhavan when coming from Hanumanghari lies the highly contentious temple. With high security alert, tourists must carry their passport to show on the entrance leave all belongings apart from the passport and money in lockers. Once you enter, you will witness the spiritual shrine that is known to mark the birthplace of Lord Rama.