Top 14 Places To Visit In Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, which is referred to as the ‘Heartland of India’, boasts of a rich cultural heritage. The land offers feast to minds that love to explore – be it nature or history. It is not only gifted by nature but it is also home to some of the best man-made monuments. You need not command much of a geographical knowledge to recall that the majestic rivers Ganges and Yamuna flow through this state. Neither is the need to strain your history brain to remember Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri when Uttar Pradesh is mentioned. The state has more to offer. Here are the top 14 places to visit in Uttar Pradesh.

1. Agra

It might sound odd that Agra overtakes Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. It is no wonder, considering the fact that Agra is home to the world famous Taj Mahal. This ancient city has wonderful monuments making you awestruck by the sheer brilliance behind the construction. Here are some top attractions for you to visit in Agra.

• Taj Mahal
• Agra Fort
• Itmad-Ud-Daula
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Wildlife SOS
• Sikandara
• Aram Bagh
• Khas Mahal
• Panch Mahal
• Musamman Burj
• Jama Masjid
• Agra Art Gallery
• Mehtab Bagh

2. Lucknow

The capital of Uttar Pradesh and famously referred to as ‘The city of Nawabs’, Lucknow retains its ancient charm with such authority that you will find yourself in a different world. It was the capital of Nawabs of Awadh. The city enjoyed the generosity of the Nawabs and hence flourished in music, literature, arts and crafts. Given below are some of the important attractions in Lucknow.

• Bara Imambara
• British Residency
• Chhota Imambara
• Lucknow Zoo
• Dr. Ambedkar Park
• Hazratganj
• Constantia House
• Lucknow Museum
• Rumi Darwaza
• Chattar Manzil
• Begum Hazrat Mahal Park

3. Varanasi

‘The Religious Capital of India’ as Varanasi is called, is frequented by pilgrims from various parts of the world. Considered one amongst the seven holy spots for those who follow Hinduism, the land attracts those who belong to other faiths too. It lies on the banks of the river Ganges, which adds magic to the atmosphere. Given below are the top tourist spots in Varanasi.

• River Ganges
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Sarnath
• Manikarnika Ghat
• Archaeological Museum
• Man Mandir Ghat
• Chaumsathi Ghat
• Ramnagar Fort
• Chunar Fort
• Banaras Ghats

4. Allahabad

For those who follow Hinduism, Allahabad is an important pilgrim center as Lord Brahma, the creator according to Hinduism, landed at this place on earth. The city is located at the confluence of three rivers namely Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswathi. This ancient city, also called as Prayag, witnesses one of the largest gatherings of religious nature during Kumbh Mela once every 12 years. Here are the top attractions in Ahmedabad.

• Triveni Sangam
• Khusro Bagh
• Allahabad Museum
• Allahabad Fort
• Patalpuri Temple And Akshaya Vat
• Jawahar Planetarium
• Anand Bhavan

5. Kanpur

On the banks of the River Ganges lies Kanpur, the biggest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It was earlier called Manchester of the country. Being a major industrial center, Kanpur is now referred to as the commercial capital of Uttar Pradesh. Some of the important tourist attractions in Kanpur include:

• Bithoor
• Jajmau
• Boodha Bargad
• Kanpur Gardens
• Shri Radhakrishna Temple
• Jain Glass Temple
• Mecca Masjid
• Allen Forest Zoo
• Agricultural Gardens

6. Mathura

Mathura is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna and hence it is one amongst the seven sacred cities for followers of Hinduism. This ancient town has a number of temples belonging to various ages. It was earlier a Buddhist center and was home to 20 monasteries before Hinduism rose to prominence. Some of the tourist attractions of Mathura include:

• Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir
• Jama Masjid
• Dwarkadhish Temple
• Kusum Sarovar
• Radha Kund
• Kans Qila
• Mathura Museum
• Raja Bharatpuras Palace
• Govardhan Hill

7. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, the 16th century city, was built by the renowned Mughal emperor Akbar. Though the city was at its glorious height only for a short period owing to scarcity of water, its breathtaking architecture makes the city eternally famous. The palaces found here reflect the architectural brilliance of the bygone era. Here are some top spots that need to be visited on your tour to Fatehpur Sikri.

• Panch Mahal
• Diwan-i-Khas
• Buland Darwaza
• Johbhai Palace
• Lotus Throne
• Khwabgah

8. Ayodhya

Ayodhya, the ancient city, is amongst the sacred cities for followers of Hinduism, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. It is also a place of religious significance for followers of Islam as the place was home to Babri Masjid belonging to the 16th century. Given below are some of the important attractions in Ayodhya.

• Moti Mahal
• Kanak Bhawan
• Hanuman Garhi
• Ramkot
• Treta Ke Thakur
• Mausoleum of Bahu Begum
• Gulab Bari
• Guptar Ghat
• Faizabad Museum

9. Vrindavan

Vrindavan is an important destination for pilgrims belonging to Hinduism, as it is associated with Lord Krishna. Most of the temples found here are ancient. Located near Mathura, these two cities are considered twin holy cities. Given below are some of the leading tourist destinations in Vrindavan.

• Yamuna River
• Govind Dev Temple
• Iskcon Temple
• Kesi Ghat
• Bankey Bihari Temple
• Shahji Temple
• Rangaji Temple

10. Jhansi

Well-known cities and the lesser-known cities of Uttar Pradesh have a blend of religion, history, natural beauties and architectural excellence and hence you may not be surprised to note that Jhansi has its share in the common trait of the land. This historic city is situated on Pahujor Pushpavati riverbanks. Given below are some of the tourist attractions in Jhansi.

• Jhansi Fort
• Rani Mahal
• Government Museum
• Chirgaon
• Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Ki Chatri
• Parichha

11. Kushinagar

Kushinagar is a popular Buddhist pilgrim center. This ancient city gains more importance, as this was where Lord Buddha made his last sermon. The historic significance of the place can be gauged by the archaeological evidences unearthed from here. The place finds a place in Hieun Tsang’s travelogues as well. Here are the top attractions of Kushinagar.

• Sun Temple
• Mahaparinirvana Temple
• Kushinagar Museum
• Ramabhar Stupa
• Chinese Temple
• Wat Thai Temple
• Pawanagar

12. Sarnath

Sarnath is yet another important pilgrim center for followers of Buddhism as it was here Buddha gave his first sermon. The place is sacred for Jains as well. Excavations conducted here reveal how this ancient city flourished in the past. Some of the leading attractions in Sarnath include:

• Chaukhandi Stupa
• Sarnath Museum
• Deer Park
• Thai Temple
• Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
• Dhammek Stupa
• Tibetan Temple

13. Meerut

Meerut is an ancient city and many of its historical buildings date back to the era of the Indus Valley Civilization. Like most cities in Uttar Pradesh the city was constantly ailed by vicious attacks by various invading armies and many of its structures being demolished. Meerut saw its rise under the rule of the Mughals and was a prominent site during the 1857 revolt. The place is considered to be an important historical town and has plenty of monuments and memorials that can be visited.

14. Aligarh

Known for its famous ‘Locks’, the city of Aligarh is a historical city in Uttar Pradesh. The city is famous for being the ground for the famous battle of Aligarh which involved the British takeover of the Aligarh fort from the Maratha Confederacy. The city’s famous Aligarh fort is thus a must visit. The city is also famous for the various tombs of the Muslim saints. The Aligarh Muslim University is a famous college established in 1875-78. There are also various marketplaces in this city and should definitely be visited.

With one visit to Uttar Pradesh, you cannot expect to take in all that is offered by the land. All tourist places in Uttar Pradesh are amazing; be it its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, extravagant palaces, monuments or just anything here. It is also not possible to attempt to cover all the important destinations here. I would be glad to hear from you about the sites I have not included here.