Here is a list of the top 20 famous places in Uttar Pradesh.
1. Agra
Agra is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Agra Fort, The Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri.
This city is important not only for the Mughal dynasty but for Hindus, as it has been mentioned in the Mahabharata. In addition, Agra is a part of the Golden Triangle Circle with Jaipur and Delhi, meaning people travelling to the North must visit the three together.
2. Lucknow
The city of Nawabs, or the Capital of Uttar Pradesh, has quite surprisingly maintained its old charm throughout these years. Lucknow had served as the capital of Nawab of Awadh. Further, the city flourished in literature, arts, crafts and music while enjoying the generosity of the Nawabs. Apart from that, a few tourist attractions in Lucknow that you must visit are Bara Imambara, Lucknow Zoo, British Residency and Chhota Imambara.
3. Varanasi
Among the famous places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, you must include Varanasi. Pilgrims from all across the world frequently visit the Religious Capital of India. A few top spots you can visit in Varanasi are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Man Mandir Ghat, Sarnath, Mani Karnika Ghat, Chaumsathi Ghat and Chunar Fort.
4. Allahabad
Allahabad serves as an important pilgrim centre for all those who follow Hinduism. It also witnesses the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest gatherings of religious nature, once every 12 years. Apart from that, a few top tourist attractions in the city are Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Fort, Allahabad Museum, and Anand Bhavan.
5. Kanpur
Kanpur, the biggest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, lies on the Banks of the River Ganges and was earlier known as the Manchester of the country. Moreover, Kanpur is now a major industrial hub and is also called the Commercial Capital of Uttar Pradesh. Nevertheless, a few of the major tourist attractions in Kanpur are Jajmau, Kanpur Gardens, Mecca Masjid, Allen Forest Zoo, and Bithoor.
6. Mathura
Mathura is one of the seven sacred cities for followers of Hinduism, as Lord Krishna was born here. Before Hinduism gained popularity, this city was a Buddhist centre and consisted of 20 monasteries. However, Mathura now has numerous temples belonging to a different age. Some popular places in Mathura are Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir, Radha Kund, Mathura Museum, Dwarkadhish Temple, and Kusum Sarover.
7. Fatehpur Sikri
Renowned Mughal emperor Akbar built the famous city of Fatehpur Sikri in the 16th Century. Here you will find various palaces which are sure to leave you astonished by the architectural brilliance of the past. Moreover, a few spots that must be on your list for a trip to Fatehpur Sikri are Diwan-i-Khas, Johbhai Palace, Lotus Throne, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and Khawabgah.
8. Ayodhya
Uttar Pradesh is famousfor being one of the sacred cities for the followers of Hinduism, Ayodhya. This is because it is said to be the place where Lord Rama was born. Besides being an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, this place is also important for Muslims as this place was home to the 16th- Century old Babri Masjid. Other top attractions in Ayodhya include Ramkot, Gulab Bari, Faizabad Museum, Moti Mahal, Hanuman Garhi, Treta Ke Thakur and Guptar Ghat.
9. Vrindavan
Vrindavan is a pilgrim site and holy city on River Yamuna's banks. It attracts tourists from all over the world as it possesses the deity Lord Krishna. A few must-visit tourist attraction spots on your trip to Vrindavan include Govind Dev Temple, Kesi Ghat, Shahji Temple, Rangaji Temple, and Iskcon Temple.
10. Jhansi
One of the well-known and less popular tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh is Jhansi. This historic city lies on the riverbanks of Pahujor Pushpavati. A few tourist attractions in Jhansi include Rani Mahal, Chirgaon, Jhansi Fort, and Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Ki Chatri.
11. Kushinagar
Kushinagar is a city that holds extreme importance for Buddhists as this is the place where Lord Buddha performed his last sermon. This place's historical importance can be traced from the various archaeological evidence discovered here. Further, this place also finds importance in Hieun Tsang's travelogues.
Apart from that, some of the must-visit places here are the Sun Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, Wat Thai Temple, Pawanagar and Mahaparinirvana Temple.
12. Sarnath
Sarnath is one of the most famous places to visit in Uttar Pradesh and holds huge importance for Buddhists and Jains. This is believed to be the place where Buddha performed his first sermon. Later, Ashoka built several monasteries and stupas to make it a popular pilgrimage site. Apart from that, the Thai Temple, Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhammek Stupa, Tibetan Temple and Deer Park are a few of the must-visit attractions of this city.
13. Meerut
Meerut holds historical importance and is an ancient city with historical buildings dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation era. Meerut rose to popularity under the rule of the Mughals and was an important site during the 1857 revolt. In addition, visit the various memorials and monuments you can find here to get lost in the rich history and culture.
14. Aligarh
Aligarh is a city in Uttar Pradesh famous for its 'Locks' and holds extreme historical importance. Some top tourist attractions which you must visit on your trip to Aligarh include Aligarh Muslim University, Khereshwar Temple, Jama Masjid, Shree Varshney Mandir and Dor Fortress.
15. Kapilavastu
Kapilavastu is an important place for Buddhist pilgrims as this is the place where Lord Buddha was born. There are several villages in Kapilvastu, like Salagarh, Ganvaria and Piprahwa, along with some top tourist attractions like Lumbini Saraswati and the Main Stupa.
16. Garhmukteshwar
Individuals looking for a serene and peaceful location should definitely visit Garhmukteshwar. Some of the places you can visit when you come here are Vedant Mandir, Ganga Temple, Sati Pillars, Brij Ghat and Hanuman Temple.
17. Deogarh
Deogarh is one of the must-visit places in Uttar Pradesh, where you can find the legacy of several dynasties like the Guptas, Gurjara, Pratiharas and Gondas. A few tourist places you can visit here are Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, Tribal Museum, Tigawa Temple, Deogarh Fort and the Jain Temples.
18. Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot, one of Uttar Pradesh's ideal holiday destinations, is also one of the holy places in India. As per legends, Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman spent eleven years of their 14 years' exile in this place. Apart from that, Chitrakoot is a peaceful, tranquil place dotted with several temples. Chitrakoot's other tourist attractions include Ram Dhara, Janki Kund, Sphatik Shila and Kamadgiri.
19. Pilibhit
Pilibhit, also known as the land of flutes, is a town surrounded by dense forests all around. If you want to enjoy an awesome Wildlife holiday, then don't forget to visit the Tiger reserve of Pilibhit. Your curious mind will be amazed by the birds, plant species, a few endangered animals and 36 tigers you find here.
20. Sardhana
Sardhana holds historical significance as this place was the capital of the Kauravas of the Mahabharat epic. It was also believed that this was where the Pandavas prayed before leaving for Lakshagrah. Apart from that, a few tourist attractions here include Shahid Smarak, Victoria Park, and Baba Aughar Nath Temple.