Explore Cities
Agra
Varanasi
Lucknow
Ayodhya
Prayagraj
Mathura
Gorakhpur
Chitrakoot
Sarnath
Agra - City of the Taj Mahal
About
Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. This historic city on the banks of the Yamuna River boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites and represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture and culture.
Top Attractions
- Taj Mahal - Symbol of eternal love built by Shah Jahan
- Agra Fort - Massive red sandstone fort complex
- Fatehpur Sikri - Well-preserved ghost city
- Itimad-ud-Daulah - Often called the "Baby Taj"
- Mehtab Bagh - Garden complex with Taj Mahal views
Activities
- Witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise or sunset
- Explore the hidden chambers of Agra Fort
- Shop for marble handicrafts and leather goods
- Taste Mughlai cuisine and Agra's famous petha sweet
- Take a heritage walk through old Agra city
Best Time to Visit
October to March offers pleasant weather. Avoid summer months (April-June) when temperatures can soar above 45°C.
Varanasi - The Spiritual Capital of India
About
Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, is the spiritual heart of India. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, it's a pilgrimage site for Hindus and a cultural center that has attracted scholars, philosophers, and seekers for millennia.
Top Attractions
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Sacred Shiva temple
- Dashashwamedh Ghat - Famous for evening Ganga Aarti
- Sarnath - Where Buddha gave his first sermon
- Ramnagar Fort - 18th-century sandstone fort
- Manikarnika Ghat - Main cremation ghat
Activities
- Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges
- Attend the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti
- Shop for famous Banarasi silk sarees
- Explore the narrow lanes of the old city
- Sample local delicacies like kachori and lassi
Best Time to Visit
October to March is ideal. Dev Deepawali (November) and Maha Shivaratri (February/March) are particularly spectacular times to visit.
Lucknow - City of Nawabs
About
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its elegant Nawabi culture, exquisite cuisine, and architectural marvels. The city exemplifies the sophisticated taste of the Nawabs who once ruled the region, reflected in its language, arts, and manners.
Top Attractions
- Bara Imambara - Massive Shia Muslim congregation hall
- Chota Imambara - Ornate building with chandeliers
- Rumi Darwaza - Magnificent gateway inspired by Constantinople gate
- British Residency - Historic ruins from the 1857 rebellion
- Hazratganj - Colonial-era shopping district
Activities
- Navigate the labyrinth of Bhool Bhulaiya at Bara Imambara
- Indulge in Lucknowi cuisine - especially kebabs and biryanis
- Shop for Chikan embroidery and traditional crafts
- Take a heritage walk through old Lucknow
- Visit the State Museum to explore local history
Best Time to Visit
October to March is pleasant. Visit during Muharram to witness unique cultural traditions.
Ayodhya - Birthplace of Lord Rama
About
Ayodhya, situated on the banks of the Saryu River, is one of the seven sacred cities for Hindus. Revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama, this ancient city is undergoing significant transformations with the construction of the grand Ram Temple while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
Top Attractions
- Ram Janmabhoomi - Birthplace of Lord Rama
- Hanuman Garhi - Temple fortress dedicated to Lord Hanuman
- Kanak Bhawan - Temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita
- Nageshwarnath Temple - Ancient Shiva temple
- Saryu River Ghats - Sacred bathing spots
Activities
- Take a holy dip in the Saryu River
- Attend the magnificent Saryu Aarti in the evening
- Participate in Ram Navami celebrations (March-April)
- Explore the Ram Katha Museum
- Walk the 84 Kosi Parikrama route (partial)
Best Time to Visit
October to March is ideal. Ram Navami (spring) and Diwali (autumn) are significant festivals celebrated with great fervor.
Prayagraj (Allahabad) - City of Confluence
About
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is situated at the sacred confluence (Sangam) of three rivers: the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. It hosts the Kumbh Mela, the largest peaceful gathering of people on Earth, and has been a center of learning and literature.
Top Attractions
- Triveni Sangam - Holy confluence of three rivers
- Allahabad Fort - Built by Emperor Akbar in 1583
- Anand Bhavan - Historic house museum of the Nehru family
- Khusro Bagh - Mughal garden with historic tombs
- All Saints Cathedral - Colonial-era Anglican cathedral
Activities
- Take a boat ride to Sangam and witness the meeting of rivers
- Experience the grand Kumbh or Magh Mela (if timing aligns)
- Visit Allahabad University, one of India's oldest
- Explore the underground Patalpuri Temple inside Allahabad Fort
- Taste the famous Allahabad ki Jalebi sweet
Best Time to Visit
October to March is pleasant. Visit during Kumbh Mela (occurs every 6-12 years) or the annual Magh Mela in January-February.
Mathura - Birthplace of Lord Krishna
About
Mathura, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, is celebrated as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Along with neighboring Vrindavan, it forms the Braj region, where Krishna spent his childhood. The city is filled with temples, ghats, and sites associated with Krishna's life.
Top Attractions
- Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple - Lord Krishna's birthplace
- Dwarkadhish Temple - Dedicated to Lord Krishna
- Vishram Ghat - Main bathing ghat on the Yamuna
- Mathura Museum - Houses Kushan and Gupta era sculptures
- Gita Mandir - Temple with Bhagavad Gita verses carved in marble
Activities
- Visit nearby Vrindavan to explore more Krishna temples
- Witness the vibrant Holi celebrations
- Take a boat ride on the Yamuna River
- Shop for religious artifacts and Pichwai paintings
- Sample local sweets, especially pedas and milk-based delicacies
Best Time to Visit
October to March is ideal. Janmashtami (August/September) and Holi (February/March) are spectacular times to experience the local culture.
Gorakhpur - Gateway to Nepal
About
Gorakhpur, located in eastern Uttar Pradesh, is named after the medieval saint Gorakshanath. It serves as an important religious, educational, and commercial hub, as well as a gateway to Nepal. The city is known for its significant Buddhist sites, the Gorakhnath Math temple, and as the birthplace of many historic figures.
Top Attractions
- Gorakhnath Temple - Ancient temple dedicated to Saint Gorakhnath
- Geeta Vatika - Beautiful garden with statues depicting scenes from the Bhagavad Gita
- Ramgarh Tal - Large lake offering boating facilities
- Kushinagar - Nearby Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana
- Arogya Mandir - Ayurvedic wellness center
Activities
- Participate in the Khichdi Mela festival at Gorakhnath Temple
- Visit the nearby Buddhist circuit including Kushinagar and Kapilavastu
- Boat rides at Ramgarh Tal
- Shopping for terracotta crafts and handloom textiles
- Explore the Railway Museum showcasing vintage engines and equipment
Best Time to Visit
October to March offers pleasant weather. The Khichdi Mela during Makar Sankranti in January is a particularly interesting time to visit.
Chitrakoot - Land of Ram-Van-Gaman
About
Chitrakoot, straddling the borders of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, is a sacred town associated with Lord Rama's 11-year exile period as described in the epic Ramayana. Known as the "Hill of Many Wonders," this pilgrimage destination is dotted with numerous temples, ghats, and natural beauty surrounded by the Vindhya ranges.
Top Attractions
- Kamadgiri - Sacred hill believed to be the original Chitrakoot where Lord Rama resided
- Ram Ghat - Main ghat along the Mandakini River for ritual bathing
- Hanuman Dhara - Temple located on a hilltop with water streaming from the ceiling
- Sphatik Shila - Rock where Lord Rama and Sita are believed to have rested
- Gupt Godavari - Two naturally formed caves with narrow streams
Activities
- Perform the Kamadgiri Parikrama (circumambulation) around the sacred hill
- Attend the evening aarti ceremony at Ram Ghat
- Boat rides on the Mandakini River
- Explore the numerous caves and natural formations in the area
- Witness Ram Leela performances during festivals
Best Time to Visit
October to March provides comfortable weather. Rama Navami (March-April) and Diwali (October-November) are celebrated with special fervor here.
Sarnath - Buddha's First Sermon Site
About
Sarnath, located just 10 km from Varanasi, is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It was here that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, setting in motion the "Wheel of Dharma". This ancient city houses numerous stupas, monasteries, and temples marking significant events in Buddhist history.
Top Attractions
- Dhamek Stupa - Massive cylindrical structure marking Buddha's teachings
- Sarnath Archaeological Museum - Houses the iconic Lion Capital of Ashoka
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihar - Modern Buddhist temple with beautiful frescoes
- Ashoka Pillar - The site of the famous lion capital, India's national emblem
- Chaukhandi Stupa - Marking where Buddha met his first disciples
Activities
- Meditation at the Deer Park where Buddha gave his first sermon
- Explore ancient Buddhist art and sculptures at the museum
- Learn about Buddhist history through guided tours
- Shop for Banarasi silk with Buddhist motifs
- Visit during Buddha Purnima to witness special celebrations
Best Time to Visit
October to March offers pleasant temperatures. Buddha Purnima (May) is a special time to visit as Buddhists from around the world gather to commemorate Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death.
Cultural Experiences
Ganga Aarti
Varanasi, Prayagraj
Witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ritual where priests perform synchronized worship with fire as an offering to the River Ganges. The ceremony combines elements of light, sound, incense, and chanting.
Pro Tip: Arrive at least an hour early to secure a good viewing spot. Watch from a boat for a unique perspective of the ceremony.
Heritage Walks
Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi
Explore the hidden gems of Uttar Pradesh's historic cities through guided heritage walks. Discover ancient havelis, forgotten monuments, local crafts, and culinary delights while learning about the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
Pro Tip: Early morning walks offer cooler temperatures and better photography opportunities. Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
River Cruises
Varanasi, Prayagraj
Glide along the sacred waters of the Ganges or Yamuna rivers as the rising or setting sun paints the ghats and temples in golden hues. These boat rides offer unique perspectives of riverside life and architecture.
Pro Tip: Sunrise boat rides in Varanasi are less crowded than sunset trips. Negotiate the price before boarding, and consider sharing a boat with other travelers to reduce costs.
Wildlife Safaris
Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Katarniaghat
Explore Uttar Pradesh's rich biodiversity through exciting wildlife safaris. The state's national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are home to tigers, elephants, one-horned rhinos, gharials, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat.
Pro Tip: Book jeep safaris in advance during peak season. Early morning safaris offer the best chances to spot tigers and other elusive wildlife. Carry binoculars and wear earth-toned clothing.
Culinary Tours
Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi
Embark on a gastronomic journey through the diverse flavors of Uttar Pradesh. From the royal Awadhi cuisine of Lucknow to the street foods of Varanasi and the sweet specialties of Agra, each city offers unique culinary treasures.
Pro Tip: Try tunday kebabs and biryani in Lucknow, kachori and lassi in Varanasi, and petha in Agra. Join a guided food walk to discover hidden gems and hygienically prepared street food.
Traditional Crafts
Various Cities
Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of Uttar Pradesh through workshops and demonstrations. Learn about Chikankari embroidery in Lucknow, marble inlay work in Agra, silk weaving in Varanasi, or terracotta pottery in rural areas.
Pro Tip: Visit Sarnath for Buddhist art, SEWA centers in Lucknow for authentic Chikan work, and the weaving communities of Varanasi for genuine Banarasi silk. Avoid tourist traps and buy directly from artisans when possible.