The most populous state in India, Uttar Pradesh, is a favored tourist destination and a leading Indian state in terms of tourism, with 109.71 million domestic tourists and 33,737 foreign tourists in 2021. Uttar Pradesh is one of the most ancient cradles of Indian culture. It is most probable that snapped links between the Indus Valley and Vedic civilizations lie buried under the ruins of ancient sites found in this state. Uttar Pradesh transcends all boundaries of art and culture and brings together a lively mix of people from across the country.

Well, just words can’t define the heritage and rich culture of any place until and unless you don’t visit there. So, if you are planning to go out somewhere in your holidays or upcoming holidays; wanna go on a trip with friends, family, or by yourself; somewhere where you can find peace, scenic views too, and least to say a place to go on a pilgrimage, then Uttar Pradesh, a vibrant land is a state to find all these moments. So let me, Janhvi Srivastava, your friend and guide, show you the 10 best places in Uttar Pradesh you must visit on your journey to this state.

MATHURA

In Hinduism, Mathura is the birthplace of Krishna, which is located at the Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex. It is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven holy cities by Hindus. Mathura is a small town dotted with temples of different ages, drawing a swarm of tourists from around the world. The town’s two most prominent temples are the Dwarkadhish Temple and the Gita Mandir. Not only these but the city have a long list of the most famous and must-to-visit places in Mathura like Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Barsana Shri Radha Rani Temple, Govardhan Hill, Vishram Ghat, Radha Kund, Rangji Temple, Nandgaon, Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, Mansi Ganga Tank and the two water parks in Mathura, Dolphin The Water World and T Point Fountain Water Park. Visiting here you’ll be the one to witness the Architecture of Dwarkadheesh Temple, take a dip in the Holy waters at Radha Kund, try the famous pedaa of Mathura, spend an evening in Kusum Sarovar, evening aarti at Vishram Ghat, explore sculptures at Mathura Museum, shop for Trinkets at Tilak Dwar and Krishna Nagar Market for all your needs, temple hopping and visit ashrams in Mathura for Peace. And just for some more information to add up, I will recommend you to visit here during the festive season of Holi. This is a festival of colors, celebrated with great vigor and enthusiasm throughout India but here it starts 4-5 days prior to the Lathmar Holi.

AGRA

Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a popular tourist destination. It is home to one of the world’s seven wonders, the Taj Mahal. What you can do here is just visit the top sightseeing places in Agra, admire the majestic Taj Mahal, wander around the city of Fatehpur Sikri, explore Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-daula’s Tomb, stroll in Mehtab Bagh, Akbar’s Tomb, get spiritual at Jama Masjid, Chini ka Rauza, admire the splendor Jhangir Maha, chill at Anguri Bagh, interact with elephants at a conservation center, watch birds in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, check the Old City, go boating at the Yamuna River savor the Indian delicacies, shop at Kinari Bazaar, spend your evening at Kalakriti Dance Drama Show and stroll the streets of Agra. The best time to visit here is during the Taj Mahotsav which is held mostly in the month of February and during September when you can see the Ram Barat, a joyous and one of the most important festivals in Northern India, held every year.

VARANASI

The oldest living town in the country, Varanasi, also known as Kashi, City Of Life, and Banaras, is India’s spiritual capital. It is one of the seven Holiest Cities of Hinduism. Temples surround Varanasi at almost every turn, but the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most frequented and the oldest of the bunch. This city is considered the right place to die because of Moksha or salvation from the cycle of life, and death is believed to be given. This is the place where you can experience the spirituality of India at its most vibrant. The Assi Ghat is for those seeking spirituality, Dashashwamedh Ghat- is the most vibrant ghat in town, Manikarnika Ghat is the prime cremation ghat in Varanasi, Lotus Lounge is the most famous Terrace Lounge, St Mary,s Church Oldest Church in Varanasi, Shivala Ghat is the reflection of past, Durga Temple the Fabled Old World Legend, Godowlia Market the Busiest Shopping Junction in Town and many more places are there to visit in Varanasi where you can spend and enjoy your holiday time.

VRINDAVAN

One of the oldest towns on the banks of Yamuna, Vrindavan is considered one of the most popular pilgrimage places for Krishna’s devotees. Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood at Vrindavan. One of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Vrindavan is the Sri Radha Damodar Temple located in Loi Bazaar, close to Seva Kunj, The Brahmotsavam Festival, held for ten days after Holi (February/March), is the largest in Vrindavan and can draw up to 100,000 visitors. Vrindavan in Brij Bhoomi is the land of Sri Krishna and Radha and a destination for millions of devotees worldwide, year after year. The food available here is only pure vegetarian and often even without any onion or garlic. However, the food is still quite flavorful, a typical platter here is incomplete without Aloo-Puri, Pakoras, and Lassi. And when you are here worshipping in the Banke Bihari Mandir, Prem Mandir, Radha Raman Temple, ISKCON Temple, Katyayani Peeth, and others, don’t forget to explore a temple nestled in this holy place, Nidhivan, known for a sense of miracle attached to it.

SARNATH

Sarnath is a peaceful and holy city set in the otherwise densely populated state of Uttar Pradesh, a town of historical wonder with numerous Buddhist stupas, museums, and ancient sites excavated. Sarnath had become a great center of arts by the third century. Beautiful temples prove to be a source of incredible wonder and amazement for tourists because of their mystical and serene atmosphere. Sarnath is also famous for India’s tallest Buddha statue with a height of 80 feet, built in an area of 2.5 acres and with a little more than 800 stones. Celebrations are held every year at most Buddhist sites and pilgrims from around the world throng to Sarnath. Since it falls on a full moon night, the festival is called Buddha Purnima in India. This is an amazing place having a lot to see: Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamekh Stupa, Ashok Pillar, Bodhi Tree, Migadawun Temple, Ruins of Mulagandhakuti Vihara, and Buddha Statue. Sarnath is always flocked with devotees, just 10 km from Varanasi, which is the ideal pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus.

FATEHPUR SIKRI

Fatehpur Sikri is a city in the Agra district and a popular tourist attraction, located at a distance of 40 km from Agra. A town made mainly of red sandstone; Mughal Emperor Akbar founded Fatehpur Sikri in the 1571 century. It is a fortified town founded by the king and had been the capital of his empire for 15 years. The most beautiful monument in Fatehpur Sikri is the Royal Palace of Queen Jodha Bai. She was the Rajput queen of Emperor Akbar. The second most striking feature of the Fatehpur Sikri is the massive Lotus Pillar throne, which was probably the throne, where the emperor sat while holding court. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses the Palace of Jodha Bai, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaja, and the Tomb of Salim Chishti among many other famous monuments.

CHITRAKOOT

Chitrakoot is a small town on the north Vindhya range situated in Uttar Pradesh over the districts of Chitrakoot and Madhya Pradesh overlooking Satna. According to Hindu mythology and the epic Ramayana, it holds great significance. Legends have it that Chitrakoot was the place where Lord Ram, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana lived for eleven-and-a-half of their fourteen years of exile making it a revered pilgrimage site. Many vibrant fairs are held on various occasions and at different festivals. Not many people know that Chitrakoot is also home to the world’s only university especially built for the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped Students, which has a different potential. After getting face to face with divinity in Chitrakoot, march ahead towards this wildlife space where you can spot an impressive range of animals including tigers and leopards on a wildlife safari. Another prominent holy place in Chitrakoot, Kamadgiri Temple is visited by devotees from all around the world. Other places to visit here are Gupt Godavari, Ramghat, Hanuman Dhara, Sati Anusuya Temple, Sphatik Shila, Janki Kund, Marpha, Kalinjar Fort, and Bharat Milap Temple. This place is indeed the gift of nature and the gods, visiting this place is like rightly seeing the Place of Many Wonders.

AYODHYA

Situated in Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Sarayu River, Ayodhya is one of the seven holiest towns for Hindus. It plays a vital role in the Ramayana Hindu epic since it is considered to be Lord Rama’s birthplace. Also, this sacred town is the birthplace of four of the 24 Tirthankaras (holy teachers) of Jainism. It beckons visitors with its serene Ghats. Ayodhya is a city of temples as there are about 300 temples. It also holds an important position in the Jain religion as it is the birthplace of two important Jain Tirthankaras. Being one of the most important and venerated temples in Ayodhya, it attracts large crowds of devotees from all over during the festival of Mahashivaratri.

LUCKNOW

Welcome to the capital and the largest city of Uttar Pradesh with the heart-warming welcome slogan “Muskuraiye, Aap Lucknow me Hai”. The city is situated on the bank of the Gomti River and is well known for its royalty in the blood and hence called “Nawabo ka Shahar”. The has a lot to offer to tourists from posh bungalows of politicians, majestic Vidhan Sabha, and beautiful railway station to a newly opened bar and lounge to the most popular tourist attractions like Bada Imambara, Lucknow Zoo, Ambedkar Park, Clock tower, and many more.

JHANSI

The city is very well known as the name of one of the key worries of the first war of independence in 1857, and she is none other than Rani Laxmi bai. The city Jhansi is situated on the bank of the Betwa and Pahunch rivers in the south of the Bundelkhand region. The city could be a fine choice to tour if you want to explore the recent history of India. Jhansi has a numerous number of historic monuments to excite visitors. Jhansi Fort, Rani Mahal, Mahalakshmi Temple, and Ganesh Temple are some of the must-visit places to explore on your trip.

So, we are at the end. You just got to know about the best places and cities to visit in the most diverse state of India. Come visit our state, our city, you will surely have a great experience. Let us know what you think about Uttar Pradesh and the places mentioned. How’s the article and what are your suggestions we can go for the improvements. We’re coming up with more amazing places.

Stay Tuned!!