20 Best Tourist Places in Uttar Pradesh You Must Visit
The state of Uttar Pradesh lies in the nation's core and has approximately 200 million residents. Apart from that, U.P. is also one of India's most populous and beautiful states. This state is also one of the oldest cities where you can experience India’s heritage and culture.
Nevertheless, if you want to explore this state, here are some of the most sorted tourist places in Uttar Pradesh.
List of Best Tourist Places in Uttar Pradesh
1. Varanasi
Varanasi is often hailed as India's spiritual capital and is also one of the oldest cities in the world. This ancient city of Varanasi is dispersed among a maze of winding avenues along the western banks of the Ganges..
Furthermore, Varanasi is surrounded by temples practically everywhere you look, but the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most popular and the oldest among them.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 6,100 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Dhamekh Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, etc.
- Things to Do: Watch Ganga arati, take a boat ride, and visit temples.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
2. Agra
Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and is also considered one of the most beautiful places in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, Agra is also a must-visit for anyone who lives in or travels to India because of its extraordinary amalgamation of history and architecture that gives the city its enchantment.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 6 to 7 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 8,000 for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore the historical heritage and delicious cuisines.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
3. Lucknow
Lucknow, the largest and capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is located along the Gomti River. In a sentence, Lucknow is a city of kebabs and nawabs, a destination of architecture, history, literature, and culture.
This creative centre of the Awadh area also skilfully unites the grandeur of a sparkling past and the elegance of a modern city, combining a rich colonial heritage with sophisticated museums.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 6 to 7 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 6,790 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore the historical heritage and delicious cuisines.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
4. Vrindavan
Vrindavan is one of the oldest settlements on the Yamuna River and is also regarded as one of the most significant pilgrimage centres for Krishna devotees. It is believed that Lord Krishna spent his formative years at Vrindavan. So, people flock to Vrindavan in great numbers for spiritual enlightenment since it is hailed as a sacred destination in Hinduism.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 8,100 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Prem Mandir, Shri Radha Madan Mohan Ji Temple, Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Temple etc.
- Things to Do: Explore the historical heritage and visit temples.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
5. Sarnath
Sarnath is a serene and spiritual city and is often hailed as one of the best tourist places in Uttar Pradesh. Most importantly, it is a city endowed with archaeological wonders, such as multiple Buddhist stupas, museums, and other historic sites.
Also, the beautiful temples here provide a spiritual and peaceful experience. Given that it is only 10 kilometres from Varanasi, Sarnath is a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus alike.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 5,700 approx. for 1 Nights/ 2 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Ashoka Pillar, Thai Temple, Dhamek Stupa, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore the historical heritage and visit temples and museums.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
6. Allahabad
The city of Allahabad, which is now formally referred to as Prayagraj, is a popular destination in Uttar Pradesh. The Maha Kumbh Mela, which is the largest Hindu gathering on the banks of the Sangam, has been hosted in Allahabad. Although Allahabad is frequently overlooked in favour of more accessible cities, it can offer much more than just religious significance.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 9,100 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Allahabad Pillar, Allahabad Museum, Allahabad Fort, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore the historical heritage and visit temples and museums.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
7. Mathura
Mathura, one of the seven holy cities in Hinduism, is where Lord Krishna was born. Mathura and Vrindavan, located in Uttar Pradesh, are frequently referred to as twin cities. Frequently, throngs of pilgrims travel to Mathura for its spiritual importance and extraordinary vistas.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 5,100 for 1 Nights/ 2 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, Dwarkadheesh Temple, Radha Kund etc.
- Things to Do: Explore the historical heritage and visit temples.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
8. Vindhyachal
Vindhyachal is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage site, which is situated in proximity to Mirzapur and Varanasi. This area is home to multiple temples, each of which has a unique history.
Additionally, numerous devotees also visit this sacred destination to participate in the trikona parikrama. So, there is a significant influx of pilgrims here throughout the year, but it is especially frenetic during the Navratri, when the entire town is decked in diyas, flowers, and pious chants.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 6,500 for 1 Nights/ 2 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Vindhyavasini Devi temple, Sita Kund, Kali Khoh temple etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
9. Ayodhya
Ayodhya, situated in Uttar Pradesh along the Sarayu River, is considered one of the seven holy cities for Hindus. Since Ayodhya is thought to be the location of Lord Rama's birth, it plays a significant part in the religious beliefs of Hindus.
Additionally, four of Jainism's 24 Tirthankaras were born in this sacred town, which is also a reason that draws tourists with its tranquil ghats from different parts of the world.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 4,000 for 1 Nights/ 2 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Ram Janmabhoomi, Gulab Bari, Nageshwarnath Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya, Kanak Bhawan etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples and delicious street foods.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
10. Jhansi
Every history enthusiast or tourist who visits Uttar Pradesh should make time to visit the city of Jhansi. Jhansi is well-known among Indians as the place of Rani Laxmi Bai, who lived and governed there.
Moreover, Jhansi is located in the Bundelkhand region in the extreme south and was constructed on the banks of the Betwa and Pahunch rivers, so this place is also endowed with natural beauty.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 1,500 approx. for a round trip (Include Car, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Rani Mahal, Jhansi Fort, Orchha Fort Complex, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples and historical sites.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
11. Kanpur
Kanpur is the largest city in the U.P. and is the hub of industrial and commercial activity. It was formerly referred to as the Manchester of India, but currently, it serves as Uttar Pradesh's business hub. Above all, Kanpur is one of North India's principal industrial epicentres and has its own historical, religious, and commercial significance.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 12,300 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Allen Forest Zoo, ISKCON Kanpur, Shri Radhakrishna Temple, Sri Sri Radha Madhav Temple, Green Park Stadium etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples and historical sites, and stadiums.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
12. Hastinapur
An ancient town Hastinapur served as the focal point for the glorious stories of the Mahabharata. Additionally, Hastinapur is also a pilgrimage site and is located on the banks of the Ganga close to Meerut. This place is also popular among Jains, as it is the birthplace of three Jain Tirthankaras.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 8,900 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Allen Forest Zoo, ISKCON Kanpur, Shri Radhakrishna Temple, Sri Sri Radha Madhav Temple, Green Park Stadium etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples and historical sites.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
13. Bithoor
The little, charming town of Bithoor, which is located in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur district, is well known for being a significant Hindu pilgrimage centre.
In addition to its religious significance, Bithoor also boasts a lot of interesting historical sites. For instance, local tales, religious traditions, prehistoric artefacts, and historic structures abound in Bithoor. According to mythology, Lav and Kush, two important characters from the Ramayana, a work of Hindu mythology, lived in the town.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 4 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 9,200 approx. for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Brahmavart Ghat, Patthar Ghat, Valmiki Ashram, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples and historical sites.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
14. Aligarh
Aligarh has gradually developed itself into a significant cultural and economic hub in Northern India and is well-known for the lock industry. It is believed that the Dor Rajputs founded the city around 372 AD; then, this place reshaped itself with time.
Aligarh is a city that hasn't historically attracted many tourists but has witnessed a number of significant historical events. For example, the Mughals, the Lodi Dynasty, and the British East India Company were only a few of the many dynasties that ruled the area.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 3,000 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Maulana Azad Library, Teerthdham Mangalaayatan, Kheereshwar Temple, Sir Syed Academy Museum, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples, mosques and historical sites.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
15. Noida
Noida is a masterfully built city with amenities for everyone, including parks, incredible street cuisine, upscale restaurants, shopping malls, sports facilities, etc. Additionally, speaking of the climate, it has hot summers and chilling winters, although the temperature is mild from August to November.
- Best Time to Visit: August to November
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 5,500 approx. for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Worlds of Wonder Water Park, DLF Mall of India, The Great India Place, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore skyscrapers and street foods.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
16. Muzaffarnagar
Muzaffarnagar is a famous administrative centre in Uttar Pradesh, which is not very frenetic. The city of Muzaffarnagar, formerly known as Sarwat, was renamed its current name after Shah Jahan gave it to Muzaffar Khan, one of his favourite chieftains.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 4,000 approx. for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Ganeshdham, Vahelna, Bhairon Ka Mandir, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples, museums and street foods.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
17. Meerut
In Meerut, you'll find a vibrant culture, breathtaking architecture, interesting history, and mouthwatering food. This ancient city is a part of the National Capital Region and is situated roughly 70 kilometres away from New Delhi (Delhi-NCR).
In Meerut, there is a fascinating representation of history, a thriving modern art scene, and culture, which draws tourists around the globe.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 7,800 for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Draupadi-ki-Rasoi, Augharnath Temple, St John's Church Meerut etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples, museums and street foods.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
18. Kushinagar
Kushinagar, which is close to Gorakhpur in northeastern Uttar Pradesh, is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage place. Due to the widespread belief that Gautam Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana in this holy town, Kushinagar became a popular travel destination, particularly for Buddhists.
Additionally, according to mythology, Lord Buddha passed away in Kushinagar, making it a place of religious importance. Also, Emperor Ashoka erected a monument here as a memorial to the parinirvana site.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 13,500 for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Meditation Park, Nirvana Temple, Wat Thai Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
19. Garhmukteshwar
The heritage town of Garhmukteshwar was once a part of the old Hastinapur, but currently, it is located in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur District. This is also the closest location where one can take a bath in the Holy Ganges and one of the well-known driving routes from Delhi. Four temples in this town, including Mukteshwar Mahadev's major temple, are devoted to worshipping the Goddess Ganga. There have been many dolphin sightings in this area.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 7,600 approx. for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Mansa Devi Temple, St. John's Church, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
20. Firozabad
Firozabad is located 40 kilometres from Agra and is one of the favourite places for tourists. Additionally, the Yamuna River forms the Deccan plateau's southern border, attracting tourists from all over the country.
Above all, Firozabad has a rich historical background as it was a part of the mighty Mughal Empire as well as other powerful historical leaders. Here, you can visit ancient tombs, towering temples, mosques and lively open markets, which comprise the city’s vibrant community.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Average Expense: ₹ 11,200 approx. for 5 Nights/ 6 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
- Places to Visit: Marsalganj Jain Temple, Kotla Fort, Kalan Mosque, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore temples and other historical monuments.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
FAQs about the Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh
What is the average cost to visit Uttar Pradesh?
A trip to the U.P. for a week will cost around ₹ 16,000 per person.
What is the best time to visit Uttar Pradesh?
The overall temperature of Uttar Pradesh is usually hot, so the winter months are possibly the best time to visit.
Which is the most visited place in Uttar Pradesh?
The most visited places in Uttar Pradesh are Agra, Varanasi, Sarnath, Vindhyachal, Mathura and Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Lucknow, Jhansi, Garhmukteshwar, Fatehpur Sikri, Allahabad, Hastinapur and Aligarh.
What are very famous places in Uttar Pradesh?
Here are some famous places in Uttar Pradesh such as Agra, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura and Vrindavan, Sarnath and Fatehpur Sikri.
Which is the most beautiful city in Uttar Pradesh?
Varanasi is considered the most beautiful place in Uttar Pradesh and is also known as the spiritual capital of India. As the oldest city, it holds the beauty of ghats, holy rivers, historic temples and streets.
What are historical places in Uttar Pradesh?
Uttar Pradesh is known for its historical places such as Taj Mahal Agra, Ayodhya, Varanasi ghats, Mathura and Vrindavan, Jhansi Fort, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Bara Imambara Lucknow, Allahabad Sangam and Fatehpur Sikri.
What are the top places to visit in Uttar Pradesh?
The top places to explore in Uttar Pradesh are Agra, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Vrindavan, Lucknow, Kushinagar, Allahabad, Garhmukteshwar and Mathura.
Which are the top places for couples to visit in Uttar Pradesh?
The top places for couples to explore in Uttar Pradesh are Agra, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan Lucknow, Kushinagar, Noida, Allahabad, Garhmukteshwar, Sarnath, Jhansi, Pilibhit and Bareilly.
Which is the best destination to visit for a family vacation in Uttar Pradesh?
The best destination to visit for a family vacation in Uttar Pradesh include Agra, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Lucknow, Sultanpur, Allahabad, Kanpur, Sonbhadra, Sarnath, Jhansi, Mathura, Vrindavan, Pilibhit, Chitrakoot, Aligarh, Bareilly, Hastinapur, Bithoor and Meerut.
What are the top activities to do in Uttar Pradesh?
The top activities to do in Uttar Pradesh include visiting historic cities like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, experiencing wildlife at Dudhwa National Park; attending Kumbh Mela, witnessing the beautiful Ganga Aarti at Varanasi Ghats; exploring the boat ride in Varanasi; experiencing the religious significance in Ayodhya, Mathura and Vrindavan; indulge into Lucknow’s cuisine and discover the cultural festivals of Uttar Pradesh.
How many days are required to explore the best places in Uttar Pradesh?
Uttar Pradesh has several districts, each with its charm. It depends on your time and interests to explore thoroughly. To experience it, you'll need at least 12 to 15 days. But If you have selected some destinations in mind, you will only need 3-5 days to explore them.
What are the natural places to visit in Uttar Pradesh?
The nature destinations for nature lovers to visit in Uttar Pradesh are Vrindavan, Govardhan, Dudhwa National Park, Barua Sagar, Mirzapur, Hastinapur and Pilibhit.