Must Visit Places in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is a crossroad of diverse cultures, religious prosperity, flavorful cuisines, and creativity. Uttar Pradesh offers a chance to take a sneak peek into a past that is not forgotten and still thrives in its people and culture. Hence, you must visit places of prominence. Thus, read on to know the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh.

Lucknow – The City of Nawabs
The capital, home to historical marvels, Lucknow is the most popular city in Uttar Pradesh. The Mughal architecture that dots the city is proof of their royal heritage. Crossing the Rumi Darwaza will lead you to Old Lucknow’s bustling streets, and you will see the beautiful architecture of places such as Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara, and the British Residency that draws in tourists from all over the nation.

The city is also one of the most well-developed cities in India, brimming with modern paradigms. After a day of visits to these places, Lucknow’s reputed Awadhi cuisine will fill your heart and stomach with absolute delight. Shopping in the busy little lanes in Aminabad for Chikankari clothes is a must. You can also visit the Lulu Mall and the Phoenix Palassio which are two luxurious shopping destinations in Lucknow.

If you’re visiting Lucknow in the month of January, you can also attend the annual Sanatkada Festival of Arts and Culture. The events organized by these festivals involve many cultural and historical expeditions that are attended by locals and foreigners alike.

Agra – The City of the Mughals
Agra is internationally famous as the home of the Taj Mahal, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’. The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal. It is often cited as the highest standard of love and devotion, as it is of flawless architectural design. You can visit it during the day and admire its beauty.

If it looks beautiful during the day, it will appear ethereal at night. Especially on full moon nights, the light of the moon reflects off the marble surface of the Taj, creating an unforgettable experience. Night viewing tickets for the Taj Mahal are available only for 5 nights per month, with one night being the full moon of the month. A maximum of 50 tickets are sold on the day before the viewing, and people can enter the complex in batches of 8.

The time of visit is between 20:30 to 00.30 hours, with the visit duration restricted to 30 minutes per batch. Seeing the Taj Mahal at night, especially during a full moon, is a magical and romantic experience and justifies why it was chosen as one of the seven wonders of the world. Sitting on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra is a testament to such excellence of Mughal architecture.

The grand monuments in Agra range from tombs and mausoleums to Mughal palaces and gardens. You can witness the Mughal empire’s legacy at two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Once you are done visiting Agra’s historical and architectural splendours, try its culinary marvel called Petha, a sweet made from ash gourd.

Varanasi – The Holy Abode
Considered among the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is analogous to a wise old sage and a spiritually rich place. Also known as Kashi or Benaras, Varanasi sits on the western bank of the River Ganges and is known for its ghats, temples, winding alleys, and Hindu cremation practices. Here you can visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, take a morning walk from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika ghat, try Malaiyyo and Tamatar Chaat or buy Banarasi Silk Sarees.

Sarnath – The City with a Buddhist Legacy
Situated 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is an important Buddhist site. It is said that Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon at the site of Sarnath. The quaint city has stupas and monasteries built by Emperor Ashoka, many of which were excavated later in the 19th century.

The prominent structures are the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the 15-meter Ashok Pillar. Like its neighbour Varanasi, Sarnath is a spiritual city and one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. You can hire an auto or taxi from Varanasi to get to Sarnath.

Prayagraj – The Sangam City
Prayagraj, previously known as Allahabad, is a pilgrimage city in Uttar Pradesh known for the Triveni Sangam, the convergence of three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, and is regarded as a holy place. The city is also where the Maha Kumbh Mela is hosted every twelve years.

Millions of pilgrims from across the world attend this gathering on the banks of the Sangam. In 2017, UNESCO inscribed the religious festival as an intangible cultural heritage of India. Other historical places to visit in Prayagraj or Allahabad include Allahabad Fort, Khusro Bagh, and Chandrashekar Azad Park.

Mathura – Birthplace of Lord Krishna
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Also called Brajbhoomi or Krishna Janmabhoomi, the town sits on the banks of River Yamuna and is thronged with devotees throughout the year. There are many temples and a prison cell called Garbha Griha, marked as the exact birthplace of Krishna.

Mathura also has 25 ghats lined along the meandering Yamuna, where you can see locals and visitors taking a dip in the river at dawn. But it is during two annual festivities – Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birthday) and Holi – that Mathura truly comes alive.

Vrindavan – Lord Krishna’s Home
Vrindavan, located about 15 km from Mathura, is often considered its twin city. It is believed that Lord Krishna spent his childhood and adolescence here. Hence Vrindavan, like Mathura, is thronged by the worshippers of Lord Krishna. The city has many Radha-Krishna temples, the most notable being the Prem Mandir, Banke Bihari temple, and ISKCON Vrindavan.

There are also two groves, Seva Kunj and Nidhivan, which may have inspired the name ‘Vrindavan.’ Seva Kunj is where Krishna is said to have performed the famous Raaslila with Radha and the Gopis. Hence, Vrindavan is a spiritual and religious haven for many people.

Things to Do in Uttar Pradesh
Large gatherings showcase the state’s vibrant culture during the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, Janmashtami at Mathura, or Holi at Barsana. Even the food is a testament to the expertise of Lucknowi Nawabi Bawarchis of the past. Thus, a place with so much culture and history has an abundance of things to do. Here are a few things you must do while you’re in Uttar Pradesh.

Take a Boat Ride and Attend Ganga Aarti at Varanasi
A trip to Varanasi or Banaras isn’t complete unless you have taken a boat ride through the Ganges. Early birds can enjoy a sunrise boat ride when the ghats slowly come to life. It is when locals go about their morning chores or perform rituals like a dip in the Ganges.

But if you missed the morning boat rides, another opportunity is ahead in the day.

A sunset boat ride awaits you, with the sun setting behind the ancient buildings of the ghats, turning even chaos colourful. During the ride, you may witness Hindu rituals performed at the Manikarnika Ghat.

Ganga Aarti is a magnificent ritual performed after sunset at Varanasi every day. Locals and tourists gather around a dais at Dasaswamedh Ghat, facing the Ganges. Lamps and diyas are lit before the ceremony, creating a spiritual atmosphere. The aarti begins after the air is filled with the synchronised melody of blowing conch shells.

The aarti is a visual delight that enchants people watching it. The priests chant hymns and worship the Ganges with synchronised movements of tiered brass diyas. You can witness the Ganga Aarti either from the Ghat or from boats. You can also attend the early morning aarti at Assi Ghat, called Subah-E-Banaras. It begins at dawn at around 5:00 or 5:30 am, depending on the season. It is less crowded than the evening aarti because of the timing of the ritual.

Take a Day Trip to Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is not just one monument but a collection of many. In the 16th century, the red sandstone complex of Fatehpur Sikri acted as the capital city of the Mughal Empire. Due to its vastness, one whole day is required to explore it. The entrance to this ancient city is through the magnificent Buland Darwaza. The complex is divided into two parts – the palace complex and the Sheikh Salim Chishti Dargah, built in honour of the revered saint.

While in the palace complex, a few prominent structures to watch out for are Jodha Bai’s Palace, Birbal’s Palace, Panchmahal, and the stables. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar, and here you can see his Diwan-e-Khas (House of Elites) and Diwan-e-Aam (House of Commons).

You can also see Anoop Kund, an empty pond with a carved platform at its centre. Tansen performed on this platform while Akbar and his wife listened from the nearby Panchmahal. Fatehpur Sikri’s buildings are intricately carved and will offer you a glimpse of the extravagance of a bygone era.

Celebrate Lathmar Holi in Barsana
An hour’s journey from Mathura will bring you to a small town called Barsana. Their unique celebration of Holi has put them on the tourism map of India. The locals of this town begin their Holi celebration 4-5 days before the rest of the Indian states do. The Holi at Barsana involves not just colours but sticks too. As legend has it, Barsana was the hometown of Radha and was often visited by Nandgaon’s Krishna, who would tease Radha and the gopis.

The women used laths or sticks to chase him away, a tradition still practised during Holi. Every year on the day of Holi, men of Nandgaon visit Barsana and are greeted by women with colours and sticks. Hitting the men with sticks is taken in good humour, and one shouldn’t be surprised if a lath comes flying your way.

If you’re travelling to Uttar Pradesh in March, you must visit Barsana ki Holi and play colours, dance and have a great time here. Thus, consider planning accordingly.

Stay at a Heritage Haveli or Palace
Uttar Pradesh has many Havelis and palaces that have been converted into hotels. Some top-rated stays are Brij Rama Palace of Varanasi, Taj Mahal Lucknow, WelcomHeritage Badi Kothi of Prayagraj, Hotel ITC Mughal and The Oberoi Amarvillas of Agra. These are heritage properties with a touch of royalty, like royally adorned rooms and opulent decor. You can experience the lifestyle of kings and queens by staying at one of these heritage accommodations.

Go on a Food Marathon in Lucknow
A day of eating can itself be an adventure in Lucknow. Start your day with a hot cup of tea and ‘bun makkhan’ at the small and humble ‘Sharmaji ki Chai’. The simplicity and vibe of the place every morning is an experience in itself. Have a delicious plate of Poori-Kachori as your breakfast at Bajpayee Kachori Bhandar in Hazratganj.

From there, you can go for brunch or lunch which has authentic Awadhi cuisine. Relish Awadhi biryani at Idris Biryani and kebabs at Tunday Kebabi. Both of the places have been there for a century and are a place of history and legacy. In the evening, you can walk through the old lanes of Chowk, enjoy a crispy-sweet-tangy Basket Chaat or relish the Kale gajar (black carrot) ka halwa. When the sun sets, you can have the most extravagant cup of evening tea near the Akbari gate in Chowk. Kashmiri Pink tea is a rich and sweet hot drink.

You also have a lot of dessert options here as well. Malai Makkhan is a very popular dish that is a smooth, creamy, and saffron-flavoured sweet dish. Don’t miss out on the Shahi Tukda which, as its name suggests, is a rich and tasty bread pudding. All in all, for a food enthusiast, Lucknow is heaven.

How to Reach Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is very well-connected by road and has excellent connectivity via air or rail too. Thus, travelling to Uttar Pradesh is quite easy and comfortable. Here’s some information on ways you can travel to or within Uttar Pradesh.

By Air
Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport of Lucknow is the 11th busiest airport in India and the second busiest one in Northern India after Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is the most preferred airport in Uttar Pradesh due to its central location and easy accessibility options to reach other cities. Agra, Varanasi, and Allahabad also have an airport of their own.

By Train
Most cities of Uttar Pradesh that are visited by tourists have railway stations. Agra Cantonment is the primary station of Agra. Lucknow, Varanasi, Allahabad, and Mathura are junctions of the Indian Railway, from where you can board a connecting train to other cities. Varanasi can also be reached by boarding a train to Mughalsarai Junction and then hiring an auto or taxi.

By Road
The cities of Uttar Pradesh are well connected by National Highways, like NH19, NH21, NH30, and NH34 and expressways, such as Agra-Lucknow Expressway and Yamuna Expressway. If you are not driving or hiring a cab, Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation operates public buses that ply the major routes in the state.

Best Time to Visit Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has a typical climate like that of any place in the North-Western region. The best time to visit Uttar Pradesh is from October to early March when the weather is cool and pleasant.

Summer (March to June)
Summer in Uttar Pradesh starts in March and continues till May or June. These months can get very hot and humid, with temperatures rising as high as 47 degrees Celsius. This is not an ideal time for travelling to this region.

  Monsoon (July to September)
Monsoon arrives in Uttar Pradesh in July. The state receives moderate rainfall, a respite from the sweltering summer months. Those wishing to visit Mathura during Janmashtami can go in August or September as per the festival date.

Winter (October to March)
Winters in Uttar Pradesh, from October to Early March, are chilly. Temperature can range between 4°C and 24°C. But it is also the perfect time to explore the historical and architectural marvels of the state. Dense fog during early mornings makes the cities look quaint and storybook-like. Towards the end of winter and before stepping into a full-blown summer (from Feb to March) or at the end of summer and beginning of winter (from October to November) are the best months to travel here.

To Sum it Up
Uttar Pradesh is a treasure trove within the coffer of Indian Tourism, offering historical insights, spiritual awakenings, architectural wonders, mouthwatering food, and stunning embroideries. Here meandering rivers flow by ancient temples, big cities have narrow yet lively lanes, and magnanimous professing of love stands the test of time for over three centuries.

Here festivals and rituals are practised with utmost sincerity, be it the daily worship of the Ganges at Varanasi, Lathmar Holi at Barsana, or Janmashtami at Mathura. The state is equally keen to take you on a gourmet adventure, from Dum Biryanis to Kebabs to the exemplary Tamatar Chaat of Varanasi.

Uttar Pradesh is a large state, and travelling for a holiday there needs to be curated and well-planned. Thus, with holiday packages from The Travellers India, you can sit back, relax, and pack while all your planning and travelling needs are covered. Enjoy a great holiday in Uttar Pradesh and create memories of a lifetime.