Uttar Pradesh Travel Guide

Overview

Uttar Pradesh (UP), the “Heartland of India,” is a state steeped in spirituality, history, and architectural brilliance. From the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra to the sacred ghats of Varanasi, from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to the Mughal heritage of Lucknow, UP offers a journey through India’s timeless traditions and diverse cultures.

Top Cities & Destinations

Agra

  • Highlights: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh
  • Experience: Relive the Mughal era and marvel at India’s most famous monument of love.
  • Best Time to Visit: October – March

Varanasi (Kashi/Banaras)

  • Highlights: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Ganga Aarti, Sarnath
  • Experience: Witness the spiritual essence of India at the ghats of the Ganges.
  • Best Time to Visit: November – February

Ayodhya

  • Highlights: Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Saryu Ghat
  • Experience: Explore the birthplace of Lord Rama — a major center of faith and heritage.
  • Best Time to Visit: October – March

Prayagraj (Allahabad)

  • Highlights: Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhawan, Kumbh Mela (every 12 years)
  • Experience: A city of confluence — both spiritually and geographically.
  • Best Time to Visit: October – March

Lucknow

  • Highlights: Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Hazratganj Market
  • Experience: Feel the charm of “Nawabi Tehzeeb” (royal etiquette) and Awadhi cuisine.
  • Best Time to Visit: November – February

Dudhwa National Park

  • Highlights: Bengal tigers, elephants, rhinos, rich birdlife
  • Experience: A wildlife retreat in the Terai region for nature and adventure lovers.
  • Best Time to Visit: November – June (Park closed during monsoon)

Mathura & Vrindavan

  • Highlights: Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, Holi Festival
  • Experience: Celebrate divine love and devotion in Lord Krishna’s birthplace.
  • Best Time to Visit: February – April (Holi Festival) or August (Janmashtami)

Cuisine Highlights

  • Famous Dishes: Tunday Kebabs (Lucknow), Bedai & Jalebi (Agra), Litti Chokha (Eastern UP), Banarasi Paan, Kachori-Sabzi
  • Desserts: Malaiyo (Varanasi), Rabri, Kulfi Falooda

Shopping

  • Lucknow: Chikan embroidery, zardozi work
  • Agra: Marble inlay crafts, leather goods
  • Varanasi: Banarasi silk sarees, brassware
  • Ayodhya: Religious souvenirs and idols

How to Reach

  • By Air: Major airports in Lucknow, Varanasi, and Agra
  • By Rail: Extensive railway network connecting to all major Indian cities
  • By Road: Well-connected highways (NH-19, NH-27) and expressways (Yamuna Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway)

Where to Stay

  • Luxury: Taj Hotel & Convention Centre (Agra), Clarks Varanasi, Renaissance Lucknow
  • Mid-Range: Ramada, Hotel Surya, Radisson
  • Budget: Zostel, OYO Rooms, local dharamshalas near temples

Best Time to Visit

October to March — pleasant weather for sightseeing and festivals.

Major Festivals

  • Diwali (Ayodhya Deepotsav) – Thousands of diyas light up the city
  • Holi (Mathura–Vrindavan) – World-famous festival of colors
  • Dev Deepawali (Varanasi) – Grand illumination of ghats
  • Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj) – Largest religious gathering on Earth

Suggested Itinerary (6 Nights / 7 Days)

Day 1-2: Agra – Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri
Day 3-4: Lucknow – Imambaras, heritage walk, kebab trail
Day 5: Ayodhya – Ram Mandir & ghats
Day 6-7: Varanasi – Ganga Aarti, Sarnath, silk market