India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Uttar Pradesh (UP) is the spiritual and cultural soul of India. It’s a land where mythology, history, religion, and royalty come together—from the sacred Ganga ghats of Varanasi to the Mughal marvels of Agra.
Top 25 Must-Visit Places in Uttar Pradesh
1. Agra
Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Don’t Miss: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), Sadar Bazaar.
2. Varanasi (Kashi/Banaras)
The oldest living city in the world, and the spiritual capital of India.
Don’t Miss: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, boat ride at sunrise.
3. Lucknow
The capital city, known for Nawabi culture, architecture, and cuisine.
Don’t Miss: Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Hazratganj, Tunday Kababi.
4. Ayodhya
The birthplace of Lord Rama and a major religious center.
Don’t Miss: Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Sarayu River Aarti.
5. Mathura
Birthplace of Lord Krishna, full of devotion and stories.
Don’t Miss: Krishna Janmabhoomi, Vishram Ghat, Holi celebrations.
6. Vrindavan
A town of temples and Krishna’s leelas (divine plays).
Don’t Miss: Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple, Prem Mandir (light show).
7. Fatehpur Sikri
A UNESCO World Heritage city built by Emperor Akbar.
Don’t Miss: Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chishti.
8. Prayagraj (Allahabad)
The Triveni Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
Don’t Miss: Kumbh Mela (every 12 years), Sangam boat ride, Allahabad Fort.
9. Chitrakoot
A sacred town connected to Lord Rama’s exile.
Don’t Miss: Ramghat, Kamadgiri Hill, Gupt Godavari Caves.
10. Sarnath
Where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
Don’t Miss: Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath Museum.
11. Jhansi
A historic city known for Rani Lakshmibai and her valor.
Don’t Miss: Jhansi Fort, Rani Mahal, Government Museum.
12. Kushinagar
The place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final salvation).
Don’t Miss: Mahaparinirvana Stupa, Nirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa.
13. Dudhwa National Park
A hidden gem for wildlife lovers near the Indo-Nepal border.
Don’t Miss: Tiger safari, Birdwatching, Swamp deer spotting.
14. Deoria Tal / Shravasti
A Buddhist site where Buddha spent most monsoon retreats.
Don’t Miss: Jetavana Monastery, Anathapindika’s Stupa.
15. Sankisa
Another important Buddhist pilgrimage town linked with Buddha’s descent from heaven.
Don’t Miss: Ashokan Pillar, Temple complex.
16. Barabanki
A spiritual stop with ancient temples and scenic charm.
Don’t Miss: Deva Sharif, Parijaat Tree (mythical).
17. Jaunpur
A heritage town with Sharqi dynasty monuments and forts.
Don’t Miss: Shahi Bridge, Atala Masjid, Jaunpur Fort.
18. Meerut
One of the first cities to rise in the 1857 Indian Rebellion.
Don’t Miss: Augarnath Temple, Gandhi Bagh, Clock Tower.
19. Devipatan
A divine place among Shakti Peethas in India.
Don’t Miss: Pateshwari Devi Temple, local fairs.
20. Hastinapur
The legendary capital of the Pandavas in Mahabharata.
Don’t Miss: Pandeshwar Temple, Jain Temples, Wildlife Sanctuary.
21. Etawah Safari Park
A large, modern safari park project with natural habitat design.
Don’t Miss: Lion Safari, Leopard Safari, Bear Safari.
22. Mahoba
Known for ancient Chandela temples and lakes.
Don’t Miss: Rahila Sagar Sun Temple, Madan Sagar.
23. Bateshwar
A riverside town near Agra with over 100 Shiva temples.
Don’t Miss: Temples, annual cattle fair.
24. Vindhyachal
A sacred site dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Don’t Miss: Vindhyavasini Temple, Kali Khoh, river rituals.
25. Tanda
A cultural town near Ayodhya known for its handloom weaving.
Don’t Miss: Tanda Textiles, Heritage mosques and temples.
Best Time to Visit
October to March – Ideal for sightseeing, spiritual trips, and exploring heritage.
Perfect For
“Uttar Pradesh is where stories come alive—of gods, warriors, poets, and kings. It’s a land where every river sings a prayer, and every monument whisper history.”