While one corner emits the fragrance of delicious pethas, the other stands as a witness to the glorious history of the state. The best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh are a blend of architectural excellence, narrow market lanes and loving people.
It is only in this state where you can transition from a devotee to an avid historian and then to a food blogger. It is because of the diverse experiences that the destination offers. So, let’s explore the best tourist places in Uttar Pradesh for a diverse getaway.
10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh Are –
1. Agra
Who doesn’t love to witness the glorious Taj Mahal? Home to the Seven Wonders of the World, Agra is one of the top-rated places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. What makes it a beautiful place is the feature of inclusivity!
The place offers a fun time for history lovers, nature lovers and solo wanderers. From the Mughal monuments to lively bazaars and narrow streets full of food, this city has it all! Moreover, one can now easily book one of the affordable hotels in Agra for a nice getaway.
Places to Visit in Agra –Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula, Mehtab Bagh, Tomb of Akbar, Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal, Samadh Soamiji Maharaj, Chini Ka Rauza and Jama Masjid.
Things to Do in Agra
- Enjoy a soothing boat ride on the Yamuna River with your partner or family.
- Do not forget to take home delicious petha (sweet dish) available in multiple colours.
- If lucky, you can attend traditional age-old marble workshops to learn the art.
- Enjoy the views of the Taj Mahal from a rooftop cafe.
- Visit local markets to buy handicrafts, leather goods and miniatures of different monuments.
Best Time to Visit Agra –October to March
2. Varanasi
Here’s one of the finest places to visit in Uttar Pradesh for a divine journey. Known for its massive ghats and sacred places, Varanasi attracts travellers from all walks of life. It is best known for its narrow lanes where you hear the soothing chantings and aartis of the temples around.
Additionally, the ghats here truly teach you the meaning of life and death with their unique narratives. So, make sure to book pocket-friendly hotels in Varanasi for a great time with your loved ones.
Places to Visit in Varanasi –Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Ramnagar Fort, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Chaukhandi Stupa and Kaal Bhairav Temple.
Things to Do in Varanasi
- Go for an early morning boat ride on the holy Ganga River and take photographs.
- Try Banarasi street foods, including kachori, tamatar chaat, jalebis and paan.
- Attend the sacred Ganga aarti as the sun sets.
- Join meditation or yoga groups near the ghats for a soothing time.
- Check out the local markets for unique souvenirs like Banarasi sarees, artistic paintings and holy books.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi –October to February
3. Mathura
The small district of Mathura is enough to encircle you in the devotion of Lord Krishna. It sure is one of the highly recommended places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Also known to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, you can find multiple temples here.
Even the locals have beautiful stories to share! Experiencing the divine energy, connecting with the lord and learning about the mythology makes it one of the great tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh. So, book the best hotels in Mathura for an affordable stay.
Places to Visit in Mathura –Shri Dwarkadhish Temple, Shri Krishna Janmasthan, Vishram Ghat, Government Museum, Shri Raman Bihariji Mandir, Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, Shri Dauji Maharaj Temple and Potra Kund.
Things to Do in Mathura
- Visit the city on Janmashtami to witness a divine celebration with cultural dance and music.
- Attend a theatrical act to best understand the Ras Leela of Lord Krishna.
- Try the famous peda (a sweet dish) and take it home for your loved ones.
- Visit local ashrams for meditation in silence.
- Shop for Krishna-themed pottery, accessories and vibrant paintings.
Best Time to Visit Mathura –October to March
4. Fatehpur Sikri
Introducing an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site on your list of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Fatehpur Sikri gains all the love due to Mughal-era buildings and a blend of architectural styles.
This place is truly for the history buffs, as every corner takes you back in time. The fusion of inspiring craftsmanship and cultural performances makes it a heritage place of beauty. Even though it is a small town, there are multiple tourist places in Uttar Pradesh right here!
Places to Visit in Fatehpur Sikri –Buland Darwaza, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Hazrat Salim Chishti, Diwan-E-Khas, Hiran Minar, Birbal’s Palace, Khwabgah, Pachisi Court and Tansen’s Baradari.
Things to Do in Fatehpur Sikri
- Admire the glorious sunset from the Panch Mahal and do not forget to click pictures.
- Notice intricate carvings and Mughal-era monuments.
- If you have time, attend a Qawwali performance and enjoy the Sufi music.
- Be a part of heritage walk tours to fully explore the city.
- Take home unique Mughal miniature paintings.
Best Time to Visit Fatehpur Sikri –November to March
5. Vrindavan
Yet another awe-inspiring location associated with the legends of Lord Krishna. Steeped in spirituality, Vrindavan is one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Every temple here narrates the life stories of Lord Krishna, his battles and his love for animals too.
The entire city is celebrated for the mystical love of Radha and Krishna! With countless devotees, you are likely to experience a lively atmosphere. For a comfortable stay, it is best to book budget-friendly hotels in Vrindavan near famous tourist attractions.
Places to Visit in Vrindavan –Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, ISKCON Temple, Nidhivan, Radha Raman Temple, Radha Damodar Temple, Keshi Ghat, Govind Dev Temple, Shahji Temple and Rangaji Temple.
Things to Do in Vrindavan
- Attend evening aartis where you can sing Krishna bhajans (divine music) and witness the sacredness.
- Try local sweet delicacies including pedas and lassi.
- Take a calming morning walk across the ghats for the ultimate soothe.
- Watch Radha-Krishna-themed plays and cultural performances.
Best Time to Visit Vrindavan –October to March and on the day of Janmashtami
6. Lucknow
Popularly known as the City of Nawabs, Lucknow is one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. It is the place where colourful embroidery, age-old recipes and timeless traditions blend well. You get an opportunity to step into the old-world charm. Even the locals are popular for their hospitality and etiquette.
What’s more? The fusion of art and culture helps you appreciate the historic craftsmanship. Serene gardens, museums and modern-day advancements make this a place of beauty. So, make sure to book affordable hotels in Lucknow to enjoy comfort just like the Nawabs!
Places to Visit in Lucknow –Bara Imambara, Chota Imambada, Rumi Darwaza, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial, The Residency, Janeshwar Mishra Park, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, Gomti Riverfront Park, State Museum Lucknow, Chhatar Manzil, Sikandar Bagh, Clock Tower Hussainabad and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park.
Things to Do in Lucknow
- Explore the food streets for delicious Awadhi cuisine, including kebabs and biryanis.
- Discover the age-old Aminabad market to buy handicrafts and jewellery for your loved ones.
- Attend a Chikan embroidery workshop to learn this artistic skill.
- Engage in wildlife safaris at the Lucknow Zoo.
- Attend a classical Kathak dance performance for a wonderful time.
Best Time to Visit Lucknow –November to March
7. Noida
One of the economically growing places to visit in Uttar Pradesh is definitely Noida! Known for its booming infrastructure and multiple industries, the city attracts business guests and travellers from all over the globe. Being one of the famous tourist places in Uttar Pradesh, its well-maintained glory is reflected in every corner.
With a blend of lush greenery, massive malls and entertainment hubs, Noida truly encapsulates the essence of living. You can also be a part of art, photography and business exhibitions. If you are looking for a wonderful stay, book affordable hotels in Noida for a lovely getaway.
Places to Visit in Noida –Worlds of Wonder, The Great India Place Mall, DLF Mall of India, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Botanical Garden, Noida Golf Course, Snow World, KidZania, Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal and Buddh International Circuit.
Things to Do in Noida
- Enjoy the serenity of lush green parks as you walk through well-manicured lanes.
- Dive into the city’s food streets to try momos, aloo tikki, samosa and kathi rolls.
- Be a party animal and visit one of the famous nightlife spots in the city.
Best Time to Visit Noida –November to February
8. Ayodhya
You simply cannot leave the state without visiting this holy destination. Ayodhya is one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh for a lovely journey. Being home to the famous Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya attracts a great number of tourists throughout the year. It is the fusion of divinity and spirituality that elevates your time here.
From walking in the narrow lanes to buying religious souvenirs from India for your loved ones, there is so much you can do. So, make sure to add this place to the list of the best tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh. Also, it is ideal to book pocket-friendly hotels in Ayodhya for a comfortable time.
Places to Visit in Ayodhya –Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhavan, Treta Ke Thakur, Saryu River Ghat, Nageshwarnath Temple, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, Guptar Ghat, Moti Mahal, Dashrath Mahal, Suraj Kund, Vibhishan Temple, Lakshman Qila and Saket Mahal.
Things to Do in Ayodhya
- Attend spiritual aartis, bhajans and religious discourses during the evenings.
- Take a walk through the local markets for the best sweets, including pedas and laddoos.
- Go on a boat ride on the Saryu River, especially during early mornings.
- Interact with local artisans and try being a part of artistic workshops.
- Take part in devotional meditation sessions with other devotees.
Best Time to Visit Ayodhya –October to March and on the days of Ram Navami and Sita Navami.
9. Prayagraj
Get ready to witness something that looks exactly otherworldly! Prayagraj is one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh for all the right reasons. The city is where you get to see Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers.
It is also popular for the Kumbha Mela festival. Additionally, the city embraces past glory and the present influences pretty well. While it is more about places of worship and divinity, you can definitely find your solace amidst the melodious prayers.
Places to Visit in Prayagraj –Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Khusro Bagh, Akbar Fort, Anand Bhawan Museum, Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Museum, Alop Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth Temple, Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir, Swaraj Bhawan, New Yamuna Bridge, Shri Nagvasuki Temple and Sri Akshayavat Temple Patalpuri.
Things to Do in Prayagraj
- Experience the powerful and extraordinary confluence of the three rivers.
- Be a part of the divine Ganga aarti along the ghats.
- Indulge in yummy foods of the city, including pyaaz kachori, jalebis and samosas.
- Attend art exhibitions or poetry recitals to deeply understand the city’s culture.
- Visit local markets to buy handicrafts, textiles and various mementoes.
Best Time to Visit Prayagraj –November to February
10. Sarnath
Situated near Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the top-rated places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Known for its significance in Buddhism, all you experience here is tranquillity. Every corner of the city narrates different stories about Buddha and his journey towards enlightenment.
What’s more? The place is specifically known for meditation and mindfulness practices. Here, you can see values of compassion, love and understanding reflected in people. Being one of the famous tourist places in Uttar Pradesh, it also attracts foreign tourists on self-discovery journeys.
Places to Visit in Sarnath –Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Archaeological Site, The Mahabodhi Society Temple, Thai Temple, Ashoka Pillar and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
Things to Do in Sarnath
- Meditate in the calming surroundings of the Buddhist monastery.
- Attend Buddhist teaching workshops to gain more knowledge.
- Witness local festivals and rituals that take you back in time.
- Sit quietly and indulge in self-reflection practices to cleanse your mind.
Best Time to Visit Sarnath –October to March
Mapping the State of Uttar Pradesh!
The diverse state offers experiences that fit travellers from all walks of life. Whether it is wandering across the famous Taj Mahal or discovering an underrated destination, you can do it all here. The best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh truly transport you into different realms. Let’s say, one minute you are strolling in a massive park and the next minute you are dining in a high-end restaurant. The experiences are indeed endless!
