Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Best Day Trips

Uttar Pradesh offers fantastic day-trip destinations from its major cities, whether you're looking for spiritual retreats, historical sites, adventure getaways, or nature escapes. Here’s a list of the best day trips from Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur.

Day Trips from Lucknow

1. Ayodhya (135 km | 3 hours)

✅ Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, and Saryu River Ghats.
✅ Explore Kanak Bhawan and witness the evening Deepotsav (Diwali season).
✅ Try local sweets like Gujiya & Peda.

2. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (45 km | 1 hour)

✅ A perfect getaway for birdwatching and nature lovers.
✅ Spot Siberian cranes, painted storks, and Indian sarus cranes.
✅ Best time: November – March for migratory birds.

3. Dewa Sharif (40 km | 1 hour)

✅ Visit the Sufi shrine of Haji Waris Ali Shah.
✅ Enjoy the peaceful spiritual atmosphere and qawwalis.
✅ Best during the annual Urs festival (October–November).

Day Trips from Varanasi

1. Sarnath (10 km | 30 minutes)

✅ A sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha gave his first sermon.
✅ Visit Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Ashoka Pillar.
✅ Best for spiritual seekers and history lovers.

2. Chunar Fort (35 km | 1.5 hours)

✅ A historic fort with British, Mughal, and Rajput influences.
✅ Offers panoramic views of the Ganges River.
✅ Explore the haunted tunnels and ancient inscriptions.

3. Vindhyachal (65 km | 1.5 hours)

✅ Visit the Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, a significant Shaktipeeth.
✅ Explore the Kali Khoh Cave Temple and Ashtabhuja Temple.
✅ Enjoy Tanda Waterfall and eco-tourism trails.

Day Trips from Agra

1. Fatehpur Sikri (40 km | 1 hour)

✅ A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an abandoned Mughal city.
✅ Visit Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and the Tomb of Salim Chishti.
✅ Enjoy the vibrant local handicraft markets.

2. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park) (55 km | 1.5 hours)

✅ A UNESCO-listed bird sanctuary, home to pelicans, cranes, and ducks.
✅ Explore on cycle rickshaws, bicycles, or walking trails.
✅ Best time: October – March for migratory birds.

3. Mathura & Vrindavan (55 km | 1.5 hours)

✅ Visit Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple and Dwarkadhish Temple.
✅ Enjoy the Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple, and Holi celebrations.
✅ Shop for handmade beads, Radha-Krishna idols, and Peda sweets.

Day Trips from Kanpur

1. Bithoor (25 km | 45 minutes)

✅ A Ramayana-linked town where Luv & Kush were raised.
✅ Visit Valmiki Ashram, Brahmavart Ghat, and Dhruva Teela.
✅ Enjoy a peaceful riverside boat ride.

2. Lucknow (90 km | 2 hours)

✅ Explore the Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, and Rumi Darwaza.
✅ Try the famous Tunday Kababi & Lucknowi Chikankari shopping.
✅ Visit Hazratganj Market for Nawabi handicrafts.

3. Kannauj (80 km | 2 hours)

✅ The "Perfume Capital of India," famous for traditional ittar (perfume).
✅ Visit Kannauj Perfume Museum and explore local distilleries.
✅ Shop for organic essential oils and traditional rose water.

Day Trips from Prayagraj (Allahabad)

1. Chitrakoot (130 km | 3 hours)

✅ A spiritual getaway linked to Lord Ram’s exile.
✅ Visit Gupt Godavari Caves, Kamadgiri Hill, and Ram Ghat.
✅ Perfect for trekking, temple visits, and spiritual retreats.

2. Shringverpur (45 km | 1.5 hours)

✅ A hidden gem from the Ramayana, where Lord Ram crossed the Ganga.
✅ Visit the Shri Raghuraj Temple and ancient ruins.
✅ Best for mythology lovers and history buffs.

3. Kaushambi (55 km | 1.5 hours)

✅ An ancient Buddhist city with Ashoka Pillars and Buddhist stupas.
✅ Visit Prabhosa Hill Caves and the Ghositaram Monastery.
✅ Great for history enthusiasts and offbeat travelers.

Day Trips from Gorakhpur

1. Kushinagar (55 km | 1.5 hours)

✅ A Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Buddha attained Nirvana.
✅ Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, and Japanese Temple.
✅ Best for meditation, peace, and spiritual exploration.

2. Lumbini (Nepal) (110 km | 3 hours)

✅ The birthplace of Lord Buddha, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✅ Visit Maya Devi Temple, World Peace Pagoda, and Thai Monastery.
✅ Best for international Buddhist pilgrims and history lovers.

3. Maghar (25 km | 1 hour)

✅ The final resting place of Saint Kabir, the great poet-saint.
✅ Visit the Kabir Chaura and dual Hindu-Muslim mausoleum.
✅ A peaceful, offbeat spiritual retreat.

Uttar Pradesh has amazing day-trip destinations offering a blend of history, spirituality, adventure, and nature. Whether you’re in Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, or Kanpur, you can explore ancient forts, bird sanctuaries, pilgrimage sites, and hidden waterfalls within a few hours of travel.