Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and the 'Nawabo ka Sheher', is one of India's most attractive tourist destinations. While people from Lucknow are busy catering to the needs of tourists from all around, even they need an escape from the busy schedules and city life. Hence, if you are looking for a relaxing trip for a weekend from Lucknow, here are the 15 best weekend getaways from Lucknow that you can try.

Whether you want to explore some heritage sites or jump into some adventure sport or get lost in art and architecture, check out these 15 places for a memorable weekend trip from Lucknow.

1. Shravasti | 157 kms

Shravasti is popular for being a very famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists. This place is also known for being the ancient capital city of the Koshai kingdom. If one is interested in exploring Buddhist culture, one can definitely visit this place for a weekend getaway. This is also famous for being the place where Gautam Buddha lived the most after this enlightenment.

• How to Reach: Via NH927
• Places to Visit: Pakki Kuti, Kachchi Kuti, Shobnath Jain Temple, Orajhar Buddhist site, Jetavena Monastery, Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary, Vibhuti Nath Temple
• Average Cost: ₹ 4,500 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

2. Ayodhya | 163 kms

Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama; hence it is a popular destination for Hindus and devotees of Lord Rama. This place has been in the limelight for the past few decades for its religious importance and political reasons. One can enjoy the sacred feeling as soon as he/she steps into this city and explores a number of temples, mahals, and ghats along the river side of River Sarayu.

• How to Reach: Via NH 27
• Places to Visit: Hanuman Garhi, Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Kanak Bhawan, Treta Ke Thakur, Nageshwar Nath temple, Dashrath Temple
• Average Cost: ₹ 1,360 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

3. Allahabad | 201 kms

Allahabad, now popularly known as Prayagraj, is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This city is famous for its spirituality and sacredness in Hinduism. This city is also famous for being the meeting point of the three rivers- the Yamuna, the Ganga and the Saraswati. It is built in the ancient town of Prayag and has been popular for hosting the largest Hindu gathering- the Maha Kumbh Mela.

• How to Reach: Via Lucknow Road/ Raibareli Road, and Piro- Jagdishpur Rd
• Places to Visit: Triveni Sangam, Anand Bhavan, Khusro Bagh, Allahabad Fort, Jawahar Planetarium, Bade Hanuman Jee Temple
• Average Cost: ₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,500 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

4. Dudhwa National Park | 215.3 km

Wildlife and nature lovers should definitely visit this national park which is home to swamps and dense forests. This place, for a short trip from Lucknow, is located on the Indo-Nepal Border and falls in the Terai region. One can find rhinos, leopards, tigers, elephants and swamp deers in this park and can go for safaris watching these animals and birds.

• How to Reach: Via Sitapur Road and SH90
• Places to Visit: Thapar resort and Water Park, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Shiv Temple at Gola Gokarannath, Pandey Baba Mandir
• Average Cost: ₹ 4,000 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: November to June

5. Chitrakoot | 229.6 kms

Chitrakoot offers a variety of tourist destinations starting from lush greenery to mighty waterfalls and temples. This is a pilgrimage centre connected to the Indian epic Ramayana. Mythological studies say, Ram, Lakshman and Sita spent their exile years in Chitrakoot's surrounding forests. It holds cultural, historical, archaeological and religious importance.

• How to Reach: Via Lucknow Road or Raibareli Road
• Places to Visit: Jagdal Waterfall, Bharat Milap Mandir, Sati Anusuya Ashrama, Ramghat, Hanuman Dhara, Ayurvedic yoga centres
• Average Cost: ₹ 1,640 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: July to March

6. Khajuraho | 306.6 kms

Individuals who look forward to diving deep into architectural elegance can definitely visit this place. One can spend hours admiring the intricate details of art in the architecture of this city. Khajuraho is a city of magnificent temples and has a lot to offer to pilgrims but is equally worthy of a visit with family and friends. Khajuraho is home to century-old temples which are aesthetic.

• How to Reach: Via NH 34
• Places to Visit: Kalinjar Fort, Dulhadev Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Azamgarh Fort, Lakshmana Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Raneh Falls
• Average Cost: ₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: October to February

7. Orchha | 318.4 kms

Orchha in Madhya Pradesh was the capital of Bundela Rajput Kings and offered a rich historical aura that will make one travel down the road of a rich past. This weekend getaway near Lucknow is a city of monuments and is surrounded by lush greenery and is a treat to the eyes of nature lovers. One can find luxury hotels in Orchha, which were previously palaces.

• How to Reach: Via NH 27
• Places to Visit: Shri Ram Raja Mandir, Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha Fort, Jhansi Fort, Dinman Hardaul Palace
• Average Cost: ₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: November to February

8. Agra | 318.4 kms

Agra, situated in Uttar Pradesh, attracts tourists from all over the world for the Iconic Taj Mahal. Individuals who seek to leave aside the chaotic city life can visit Agra and indulge themselves in the magical impact this city provides. Reaching this place is easy as well, and beside the Taj Mahal, it also offers iconic sites, delicious food, colourful shops and mega forts.

• How to Reach: Via Agra-Lucknow Expressway
• Places to Visit: Fatehpur Sikri, Jama Masjid, Mehtab Bagh, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, Wildlife SOS, Akbar’s Tomb
• Average Cost: ₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: December and January

9. Varanasi | 334.8 kms

Varanasi, also known as Benaras, is the spiritual capital of India. This place is surrounded by temples, forts and ghaats. This is a place one can engage in spiritual conversations and witness aartis in the ghats, which would surely give one a goosebump. One can take a boat tour to enjoy the elegant view of Ganga Aarti and also experience the lighted candles floating on the river.

• How to Reach: Via NH 28
• Places to Visit: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Man Mandir ghat, Assi ghat, Bhonsale Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Average Cost: ₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: November to February

10. Gwalior | 351.9 kms

Gwalior is one of the most popular cities to visit in India and is a treat to the eyes of history lovers. This place is famous for its forts and temples. A visit to this place will make one understand the charm of this place and how brave and strong the kingdom was once. One can find many heritage hotels in this city which are adorned with the architecture of traditional and modern décor.

• How to Reach: Via NH719 and Agra-Lucknow Expressway
• Places to Visit: Gwalior Fort, Memorial of Tansen, Jai Vilas Palace Museum, Sun Temple and Tigra Dam
• Average Cost: ₹ 2,500 - ₹ 3,500 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: September to February

11. Nainital | 381.9 kms

When one visits Nainital, one does not feel like coming back from this beautiful destination. Why? It is due to the mesmerising view of the shimmering Naini Lake and the presence of heritage buildings, roadside shops, and old temples. Spiked pine trees and lush green hills adorn this beautiful getaway near Lucknow. While visiting here, one must not forget to try boating.

• How to Reach: Via NH30
• Places to Visit: Mall Road, Eco Cave Gardens, Tiffin Top, Snow-View Point, Raj Bhawan and also Bhimtal Lake, which is a few kilometres from Nainital.
• Average Cost: ₹ 2,000 - ₹ 3,000 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: March to June

12. Ranikhet | 435 kms

Ranikhet is one of the best hill stations one can visit in Uttarakhand. It is also known as ‘Queen's Meadow', and it is so beautiful and mesmerising that one can term it paradise on earth. Ranikhet is a cantonment town in Uttarakhand, and since it is situated at an elevation of 1869 meters, it receives snowfall during the winters. However, it remains pleasantly cool during summers.

• How to Reach: Via NH730
• Places to Visit: Mankameshwar Temple, Haidakhan Babaji Temple, Upat Kalika, Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia Orchard

Note: Ranikhet in itself is beautiful, and tourists can best explore it by going on a trekking expedition.

• Average Cost: ₹ 4,000 - ₹ 5,000 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: February to November

13. Almora | 438.8 kms

Tourists waiting to watch some panoramic views of the Himalayas and breathtaking natural beauty should head off to this destination. Almora is the capital city of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. It is bound by thick forests of fir and pine trees. This town has historical significance as it has been visited many times by Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi.

• How to Reach: Via NH30
• Places to Visit: Zero Point, Kasar Devi, Chitai Temple, Jageshwar, Bright end corner, Binsar
• Average Cost: ₹ 4,000 - ₹ 5,000 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November

14. Pithoragarh | 449.2 kms

Pithoragarh is a small urban town and is known for its mesmerising raw beauty of nature. It is often termed 'Little Kashmir', and it is the fourth largest city in Kumaon Hills, even larger than Nainital and Almora. Pilgrims who are on their way to Kailash Mansarover often stay over in this town.

• How to Reach: Via NH9
• Places to Visit: Pitoragarh Fort, Nakuleshwar Temple, Thal Kedar, Dhwaj Temple, Didihat, Chandak, Munsiyari
• Average Cost: ₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,500 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: April to November

Note: It would be best to avoid the monsoon season (July-August)

15. Auli | 655.3 kms

Auli is surrounded by old oaks, pine trees and apple orchards and has no end for natural beauty. Auli is a paradise for people who enjoy skiing, and other than that, oak and coniferous forests and Nar Parvat and Nanda Devi mountains surround this place. Other than skiing, individuals should also try trekking in the hills of the Garhwal Himalayas.

• How to Reach: Via NH109
• Places to Visit: Auli artificial lake, Chhatrakund, Joshimath, Narsingh Temple, Chenab lake, Gorson Bugyal
• Average Cost: ₹ 3,500 - ₹ 4,500 per person per day (hotel cost)
• Best Time to Visit: November to March