Uttar Pradesh is located in the heart of India and has a lot of history, culture, and religion. Whether it is grand monuments or tranquil riverside Uttar Pradesh has many tourist attractions. People from different parts of the world are attracted by its past and diverse landscapes, always looking for something new in this place. Here is the list of the 20 best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh.

Explore the must visit 20 Travel destination in Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal, Agra

The Taj Mahal is an example of undying love featuring stunning architecture and does not require any introduction at all. Shah Jahan built this mausoleum made of white marble as an epitome of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal that contains many intricate carvings and symmetrical beauty.

 It can be reached by road, rail, or air from Delhi, about 378 kilometres away from Delhi. The nearest airport to it is Agra Airport while the main railway station is Agra Fort where you can opt for taxis, auto-rickshaws, or buses directly ferrying you there.

Agra Fort, Agra

  In 1638 AD Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed Agra Fort as his palace as well as his capital up to 1658; since then it has been an official residence for several Mughal emperors before him. It consists mainly of red-sandstone structures containing palaces such as Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), mosques, and gardens.

It is located near the Taj Mahal and is just a 5-minute walk from the Agra Fort station. There is ample public transport i.e auto rickshaws available.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a small town near Agra that was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. Its architectural extravagance, evident through Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid, mirrors the Mughal era’s grandeur.

Fatehpur Sikri lies about forty kilometres from Agra. For anyone visiting, taxis can be hired, or public buses which run from Agra to this place. There is also a small railway station by the same name.

Varanasi

 Varanasi is a city of devotion and life; it never sleeps! This highly vibrant city situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River is famous for its ghats, temples, and culture.The manikarnika ghat, BHU, and Kashi Vishwanath Temple must be visited when in Varanasi

The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is also found in Varanasi which is connected by roadways. There are many railway stations in Varanasi such as Varanasi Junction, and Varanasi Cantt. Taxis are available when one gets off the plane while auto-rickshaws can be used to navigate around the town”.

Sarnath

Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after he was enlightened. In this place, there are several Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and Ashoka Pillars.

How to Visit

Sarnath is located at a distance of only 13 kilometres from Varanasi. To visit this holy site one can take local buses or hire taxis. There is also a small railway station.

Lucknow

 Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its rich cultural heritage and culinary delights. This place has architectural marvels like Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara.

 Lucknow is well connected through airways, railways, and roadways. Major entry points are Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport and Lucknow Junction. The local means of transport include taxis, autorickshaws, and city buses.

Ayodhya

Ayodhya is believed to be Lord Rama’s birthplace which has deep mythological and historical significance in India. It has many ancient temples dotting around the town. The Ram Mandir which was constructed and opened to the public recently must be visited and a dip in the holy Sarju River is also essential.

Ayodhya can be reached by road from major cities such as Lucknow and Varanasi. The nearest railway station. By air, it is possible to visit Ayodhya, since a new airport was inaugurated recently. 

Allahabad (Prayagraj)

Allahabad, which is now called Prayagraj is well-known for its confluence of three sacred rivers: the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Every 12 years it holds the Kumbh Mela that draws millions of people from every corner of the earth. Other than that Allahabad is also a place where you can see beautiful things such as Allahabad Fort and Anand Bhavan. 

It’s excellently connected by railway, road, and air with Allahabad junction being one of the major stations.

Jhansi

Jhansi, steeped in history, is synonymous with the valiant queen, Rani Lakshmi Bai who fought against British rule during the Indian rebellion of 1857. A place where she was defeated, Jhansi Fort stands today to remind everyone about this woman’s bravery and courage until death. 

You can reach it easily by train or bus as there are regular trains and buses for Jhansi travelling from prominent cities like Delhi, Agra, and Kanpur.

Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur, situated near the Nepal border has a religious and cultural impact. The Gorakhnath Temple which is dedicated to Sage Gorakhnath became a major pilgrim centre. 

There are many trains and buses from Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi towards Gorakhpur.

Kanpur

 Many industries in Kanpur make it an industrial area of Uttar Pradesh known for leather and textile production. This means that Kanpur has the Kanpur Memorial Church; and Allen Forest Zoo; among other historical sites in its catalogue.

 It is well connected by train, road as well as air with the major railway station being Kanpur Central.

Bareilly

 Located in the north part of Uttar Pradesh, Bareilly is a town with tradition and food culture. It has an amazing Zardozi and Zari work popular, and it is this lively atmosphere that makes people come from far and near. There are different means by which one can get to Bareilly. 

The city contains a major railway station called Bareilly Junction that falls under the Northern Railway network. Additionally, Bareilly can also be reached by road via the National Highways network making it an easy reach from nearby towns and states.

Kushinagar

Kushinagar is Buddhism’s holy place where Lord Buddha got Mahaparinirvana. Every year many pilgrims visit the place to offer their worship at Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa. 

The nearest airport to Kushinagar is Gorakhpur Airport about 52 kilometres away. The nearest major railway station Gorakhpur Junction connects Kushinagar with Gorakhpur and other nearby cities through road access.

Meerut

Uttar Pradesh’s oldest city, Meerut, has an expansive historical heritage that dates back to ancient times. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 is one of the notable affiliations with this city and its other internationally recognized monuments such as the Augarnath Temple and Jama Masjid. 

The royal town is connected by railways and roads to Delhi and nearby towns through regular trains and buses.

Aligarh

Aligarh is a blend of modernity and historical charm, having a renowned lock manufacturing industry besides its educational institutions. The city landmarks include Aligarh Fort, the Aligarh Muslim University, and Maulana Azad Library among others. There are regular trains from Delhi and Kanpur to Aligarh to Agra. Moreover, some buses travel frequently between different parts of the city including Pilibhit.

Pilibhit

Pilibhit is known for its lush forests and biodiversity, especially in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. 

To reach Pilibhit, railroads, and roadways will help travellers get here easily. Pilibhit Junction is one stop for trains that link it with several cities. Besides that, buses are there for this city constantly from Bareilly or Lucknow ensuring ease of access for tourists who come here often enough.

Garhmukteshwar

Garhmukteshwar is a serene place close to Delhi and is a mix of nature and spiritualism. The pilgrims can enjoy relaxing on the Ganga Ghat or visit places such as Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple. Places of attraction for visitors include Sati Pillars, Ganga Temple, Vedant Mandir, Hanuman Temple, and Brij Ghat. 

The closest airport is Indira Gandhi International which is about 2 two-hour drive away or can be reached by bus from NH24 to Garhmukteshwar.

Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad is located in the National Capital Region (NCR) and is a blend of urban amenities and historical sites. It has several places like ISKCON Temple, Swarna Jayanti Park, and City Forest.

There are regular buses between Ghaziabad to Delhi as well as other neighbouring cities by road while express and passenger trains also connect these two locations.

Jauapur

Jaunpur has many historical buildings built during mediaeval times such as Shahi Qila & Shahi Bridge, and Atala Masjid which are some of the leading attractions that no visitor coming to Jaunpur should miss. 

It is linked by railway and road to other main towns like Allahabad or Varanasi where frequent train services or buses run throughout the day connecting it to these places.