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In northern India, Uttar Pradesh (UP) is a melting pot of culture, history and spirituality. It is the fourth-largest state in India and is known for the Taj Mahal, Varanasi and many more. For those who love history, if you’re a pilgrim or a fan of traditional Indian cuisine, UP has something for you. This detailed UP travel guide will help you to explore the best of this state. Because of its historical diversity, cultural heritage and hospitable environment, the state brings in millions of visitors every year.
Location
Photo: Khanshahab06 / Wikimedia Commons
Uttar Pradesh lies in northern India, bordered by Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. The state also has an international border with Nepal. Geographically, it encompasses the cultivated Gangetic plains, the Vindhya hills and the northern Terai woods. Ganges, Yamuna and Sarayu rivers enliven its fertile territory and make it an important agricultural centre. Due to its geographic position and history, UP is at the intersection of Indian culture and the door to India’s ancient civilisations.
How To Reach
Photo: Benison P Baby / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Uttar Pradesh boasts airports like Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport and the upcoming Jewar Airport near Noida. These are well-connected with domestic and international destinations.
By Rail: An extensive rail network links UP to major cities. Key junctions like Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra and Prayagraj host superfast and express trains for smooth travel.
By Water: River cruise options along the Ganges, particularly in Varanasi, offer a unique travel experience.
By Road: National and state highways, including the Yamuna Expressway and Lucknow-Agra Expressway, make road travel convenient. State-run and private buses operate between cities.
UP Travel Guide: Best Places To Visit
Uttar Pradesh has a diverse array of attractions, from iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal to spiritual hubs such as Varanasi and Mathura. Explore these gems with this UP travel guide:
1. Agra
Photo: Whistleraja / Wikimedia Commons
Uttar Pradesh’s pride, Agra, is the site of the fabled Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. In addition to the Taj Mahal, other landmarks in the city are the UNESCO World Heritage site of Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, the so-called “Baby Taj”. If you are a history enthusiast, you should visit Fatehpur Sikri, a former Mughal city nearby, with its beautiful red sandstone monuments such as Buland Darwaza. Agra’s Sadar Bazaar is a perfect place to shop for marble art and leather goods. You can enjoy a quiet walk by the Mehtab Bagh garden with vistas of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna.
Location: Agra district, western UP
Best Time To Visit: October to March
2. Varanasi
Photo: Marcin Białek / Wikimedia Commons
As the world’s oldest city, Varanasi is a cultural, spiritual and traditional hub. The Ganges Ghats, particularly Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghats, are the city’s hub, with their rituals and lively evening aartis. Lord Shiva’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple attracts millions of Hindu tourists every year. Those interested in history may take a trip to Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon, to visit the stupas and museums. You can take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges to witness the spectral spectacle of the city’s rise. Shopping in Varanasi is easy in the city’s cobbled streets, where you can purchase fine Banarasi silk sarees and crafts.
Location: Eastern UP
Best Time To Visit: November to February
3. Lucknow
Photo: Vikraman23 / Wikimedia Commons
Lucknow is a sleek fusion of Nawabi culture and contemporary architecture. Take a tour of monuments such as the Bara Imambara, whose central hall has no supporting beams, and the Chota Imambara with chandeliers. The Rumi Darwaza or the Turkish Gate as it’s called, is a landmark of the city. You can fill your stomach with Awadhi food, from legendary Tunday kebabs to fragrant biryanis. Besides, the sprawling parks of Lucknow, such as Ambedkar Memorial Park and Janeshwar Mishra Park, are good places to take leisurely strolls. You can visit Hazratganj and Aminabad for chikankari embroidery and other handicrafts.
Location: Central UP
Best Time To Visit: October to February
4. Prayagraj (Allahabad)
Photo: Lokankara / Wikimedia Commons
Prayagraj, the most sacred city in India, is the point where three holy rivers (Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) merge into the Triveni Sangam. It is visited by millions of pilgrims during the Kumbh Mela(currently happening), the world’s largest religious festival. Historical monuments such as the Allahabad Fort constructed by Emperor Akbar and Anand Bhawan, home to the Nehru family, provide a feel for the city’s historical past. The quiet Khusro Bagh, with its Mughal tombs, is a nice spot to hang out. Boats on the Sangam and tranquil ghats also complement the spiritual side of things.
Location: Southern UP
Best Time To Visit: January to March (especially during the Kumbh Mela)
5. Ayodhya
Photo: Abhimanyu7793 / Wikimedia Commons
Lord Rama’s birthplace, Ayodhya is a city of myth and devoutness. You can visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and the Hanuman Garhi Temple, adorned with carvings and sacred symbolism. The Saryu River Ghats, where evening aartis enthral the tourists, offer an easy escape. Festivities such as Ram Navami inspire great revelry and intense cultural immersion. Also in the city is the Kanak Bhawan Temple with its gold-gilded idols. Ayodhya’s sacred vibe and peaceful atmosphere make it a serene destination for aficionados and history enthusiasts alike. Its narrow streets and bazaars are ideal for discovering traditional crafts and arts.
Location: Faizabad district, eastern UP
Best Time To Visit: October to February
6. Mathura And Vrindavan
Photo: aman sharma / Wikimedia Commons
The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan narrate the tales and mythology of Lord Krishna. Devotees flock to Mathura’s Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, which is said to be the temple where Lord Krishna was born. Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari Temple and ISKCON Temple are hotbeds of worship. These towns celebrate Holi with unparalleled passion and attract visitors from around the world. Visit Kusum Sarovar and Govardhan Hill for relaxing strolls amidst nature. You can buy handicrafts, brass objects and sweets at the bustling local markets.
Location: Mathura district, western UP
Best Time To Visit: October to March
7. Kanpur
Photo: Shivam Maini / Wikimedia Commons
One of the largest cities of UP, Kanpur is a place with a fascinating history, business and culture. The city’s highlights are the Kanpur Memorial Church, a colonial heritage building, and the Jain Glass Temple, a museum of glass. Nana Rao Park is a perfect place to take walks. Places such as Z Square Mall are good for shopping, and Kanpur Zoo is a great family attraction. The city’s history is linked to its industrial past, a former textile and leather centre. Kanpur also houses esteemed universities such as IIT Kanpur.
Location: Central UP
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Where To Eat
Photo: Asif Saleh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Uttar Pradesh has a lot on its plate to offer with its diverse cuisine. From Tunday kebabs to galouti kebabs to heavy biryanis, you’ll not want to miss out on Lucknow, which is known for its Awadhi food. In Varanasi, try street food such as kachori-sabzi, tamatar chaat, and malaiyyo, a winter dessert. Agra is known for its Mughlai cuisine and the signature petha. Mathura and Vrindavan are famous for their pedas and thandai. Noida and Kanpur are also home to a multitude of multi-cuisine outlets. Enjoy the culinary delights in famous eateries like Idrees Biryani in Lucknow or Ram Babu Paratha Bhandar in Mathura.
Where To Stay
Photo: Derek Jensen (Tysto) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Uttar Pradesh provides you with a wide range of accommodations, from high-end hotels to low-cost options. Luxury hotels in Agra, such as The Oberoi Amarvilas, have breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal. Varanasi’s Taj Ganges offers comfort as well as tradition. There are mid-range hotels in Lucknow, such as Clarks Avadh. In Mathura and Vrindavan, there are budget dharamshalas and homestays. Hostels for the underprivileged include Zostel in Agra and Varanasi. For a cultural experience that is unique on its own, rural homestays provide a chance to immerse yourself in local ways of life. Pre-booking is strongly recommended for a smooth stay, especially in festivals.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
- Respect local customs, especially at religious sites, and dress modestly.
- You can bargain while shopping at local or street markets but maintain politeness.
- Book accommodations early during festivals and peak seasons.
- Carry cash, especially when travelling to smaller towns or villages.
Uttar Pradesh is India at a micro-scale, representing its layered diversity, where culture and language change within a km distance. From the mesmerising Taj Mahal to the holy ghats of Varanasi and the metropolitan Lucknow and Kanpur, the state offers experiences that you’ll never forget. With this varied UP travel guide, explore the best attractions of this state. Start planning your journey today and book UP tour packages with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Yann / Wikimedia Commonsikpedia
