1. Vrindavan
Vrindavan, one of the oldest settlements on the Yamuna River, is regarded as one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Krishna devotees. There are rumors that Lord Krishna was raised in Vrindavan. The words Vrinda, which means basil, and van, which means grove, are the sources of the city’s name. These terms may allude to the two little groves at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. Many travel to Vrindavan to give up their worldly lives since it is revered as a sacred location.
There are hundreds of Lord Krishna and Radha temples spread around the city of Vrindavan; the most well-known ones are the Banke Bihari temple and the renowned ISKCON temple. The colorful settings wonderfully capture Lord Krishna’s kind and jovial demeanor. The main draw here is the multitude of temples nestled in the dense forests and verdant surroundings of Vrindavan, which is situated alongside the Yamuna River.
2. Prayagraj
The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is home to the city of Prayagraj, the previous name of Allahabad. Prayagraj, or the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, is known for Triveni Sangam, a site that evokes all that is spiritual and holy in Hinduism. Constructed on the location of the erstwhile Prayag town, Prayagraj has been the host of the largest Hindu assembly on the banks of the Sangam—the Maha Kumbh Mela—since ancient times. Despite being overlooked in favor of more tourist-friendly locations, Prayagraj is more than just a religious destination.
The name of Allahabad in the past was Prayag or Prayagraj. Yag means “devotion,” and Pra means “first.” Prayag also represents the confluence of the Saraswati, Yamuna, and Ganga rivers. Emperor Akbar was so taken by the site after the Mughal assault that he called the city Ilahabas, which translates to “Abode of God.” His grandson, Emperor Shah Jahan, gave the city the new name Allahabad.
Year-round teeming with tourists and locals, Triveni Sangam is one of the best locations to visit in Prayagraj if you’re religiously inclined (and even if you’re not, because this area demands a visit). Every twelve years, millions of pilgrims from all over the world gather here for the religious event known as the Maha Kumbh Mela. Another historically significant monument and UNESCO-designated heritage site is the Allahabad Fort. Constructed under Akbar’s rule, this fort serves as a superb illustration of the Mughal era’s skill and attention to detail.
The All Saints Cathedral, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, the Allahabad Museum, and Anand Bhavan are a few other well-liked tourist destinations in Allahabad.
The Hindu epic Mahabharata refers to Prayagraj as Kaushambi, the location of the capital established by the Kuru kings of Hastinapur. Under Jahangir’s leadership, it served as the provincial capital of the Mughals as well. You will have a new perspective on Prayagraj after visiting because of the locations’ abundance of legacy, history, and stories.
3. Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, a well-known tourist destination in the Agra area, approximately 40 kilometers away from Agra. Akbar, the Mughal Emperor, established Fatehpur Sikri in the 1571s. The city is primarily composed of red sandstone. For fifteen years, the city, which the monarch had essentially fortified, served as the center of his empire. Among many other well-known structures, it is home to the Tomb of Salim Chisti, Buland Darwaza, Jama Mosque, and Jodha Bai’s Palace, which is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Imperial Complex is a collection of pavilions set out in formal geometry on a plot of ground, with its roots in tent encampments found in central and Arab Asia.
Fatehpur Sikri embodies a singular fusion of religious ideas and exceptional architecture. Akbar constructed it in remembrance of Sheikh Salim Chisti, who, when visiting the then-city of Sikri, prophesied the birth of a Mughal successor. Akbar constructed this city and the magnificent mosque Jama Masjid, which is still in use today, in remembrance of the prophesy. In addition, he built three palaces—one for a Hindu, one for a Muslim, and one for a Christian—for each of his favorite women. The most brilliant time to see Fatehpur Sikri, an Indo-Islamic masterpiece, is at sunset.
4. Mathura
The adored Lord Krishna was born at Mathura, one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism. Situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Mathura and Vrindavan—which are just 10 kilometers apart—are frequently referred to as twin cities. A vast number of pilgrims from all over the world come to Mathura, a little town scattered with temples dating from different eras.
With its 25 ghats lining one bank of the Yamuna River, Mathura’s ideal times to visit are at sunrise, when you may see pilgrims and residents taking holy dips, and at dawn (shortly after sunset), when hundreds of diyas are floating during the daily aarti. During the two important festivals, Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birthday) in August/September and Holi in February/March, Mathura is overrun with visitors and pilgrims.
The most well-known tourist destination in Mathura is Shri Krishna Janmabhumi, where visitors may view the prison where Lord Krishna is said to have been born. This location is thought to be the precise location of Lord Krishna’s birth. Throughout the entire city of Mathura, there are numerous temples, both large and little, many of which are devoted to Lord Krishna. The Gita Mandir and the Dwarkadheesh Temple are the two most significant temples in the community.
Walking around Mathura’s streets is the ideal method to discover the city if you’re looking for anything more than the typical tourist attractions. Despite the city’s continued urbanization, this holy town nevertheless possesses an old-world charm in every corner. The only methods to fully immerse yourself in Mathura’s rich history are through its charming ancient buildings, crumbling old home ruins, and the friendly, welcoming residents who are always happy to give you a tour.
Imagine a city the age of Mathura without its enticing street food culture—it is unimaginable! Remember to sample the delicacies from the area, including as chaat, aloo-puri, and kachodis, which are served at every restaurant along the streets. Popular local street food delicacies that are available at all shops throughout the day are jalebis and gulab-jamuns.
5. Ayodhya
Ayodhya, also known as Lord Rama’s birthplace, is strongly rooted in Hindu mythology and spirituality. Ayodhya, one of the seven most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus, is tucked away on the banks of the holy Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh. “Ayodhya” has a long history in the Ramayana, where it was the capital of the erstwhile Kosala Kingdom. Because of its link to the epic story of Lord Rama, Ayodhya became immortalized in the Ramayana. For millions of Hindus, this historic city is a place of great significance where devotees come to honor Lord Rama and find spiritual comfort.
The recently opened Ram Temple, a colossal building that serves as a symbol of faith and devotion, is located in the center of Ayodhya. Many Hindus think it is situated where the mythological birthplace of Hindu principality Rama, Ram Janmabhoomi, is supposed to be. The Ram Temple was officially opened on January 22, 2024, with much fanfare and celebration. This was a historic occasion for Hindu followers worldwide. After it was finished, the temple complex ranked third in size among Hindu temples worldwide. The temple’s presiding deity, Balak Ram, also known as the Infant form of Rama, is an architectural wonder that draws pilgrims hoping to receive blessings from him.
The city is also home to a number of other shrines, temples, and locations connected to the Ramayana, including the Kanak Bhawan temple, which honors Lord Rama and his spouse, Sita, and the Hanuman Garhi temple, which is devoted to Lord Hanuman. The temples of Nageshwarnath, which honors Lord Shiva, and Treta Ke Thakur are thought to be the locations of yajnas, or sacrifices, carried out by Lord Rama during his rule. It is thought that when Bharata, the brother of Lord Rama, returned to Ayodhya, he performed rites at Bharat Kund, a sacred pond.Other special places are the Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, honoring the well-known saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, the Ram ki Paidi, a group of ghats along the banks of the Sarayu River where devotees congregate for religious ceremonies and holy baths, and the Guptar Ghat, where it is said that Lord Rama underwent Jal Samadhi (immersion in water) prior to departing the planet. Every attraction contributes to the rich cultural and spiritual legacy of Ayodhya.
The Ayodhya Deepotsav, a big festival celebrated with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm, is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in Ayodhya. The festival, which began in 2017, is held in conjunction with Diwali. With over 22.23 lakh diyas lighted up on Ram ki Paidi, the city is completely illuminated with millions of clay lamps during this event, shattering the Guinness World Record. Furthermore, Jainism holds great regard for Ayodhya because it is the birthplace of four of the religion’s twenty-four Tirthankaras. Travelers and pilgrims swarm this old city to pay respects to Lord Rama and to take in the scenery of numerous temples, shrines, ghats, and historical places.
6. Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park, which is the ideal retreat for those who enjoy nature and wildlife, is tucked away in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur-Kheri District on the border between India and Nepal. It is all about animals, richness, and ecology.
The area is home to a wealth of unique and endangered species, including tigers, hispid hares, swamp deer, Bengal Floricans, and leopards. One of the best tiger reserves is Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, where visitors may also see the mesmerizing herds of Barasingha in the verdant marshes. In addition to animals, the area is home to around 400 different types of birds, which can enchant you. Numerous migratory and exotic species can be found in the area, including woodpeckers, owls, barbets, orioles, and bee eaters, in addition to bulbuls, kingfishers, and orioles. This amazing natural habitat for birds and animals is incredibly diverse, making it an absolutely captivating experience.
Although the national park has its own safari plans, you can hire jeeps or minibuses from the outside to see the area’s richness and desolation. Another option is to take an elephant ride, in which the mahouts will serve as your tour guide.
7. Jhansi
Jhansi, in Uttar Pradesh, is a must-see for any history lover or traveler visiting the state. Built on the banks of the Betwa and Pahunch rivers, Jhansi is located in the extreme south of the Bundelkhand region. It is well-known for being the residence of Rani Laxmi Bai, commonly known as “Jhansi Ki Rani,” during her reign.
The reason Jhansi got its name was because of the Jhansi Fort, which was constructed by Raja Bir Singh Deo. From the fort, the rulers could only see a shadow perched on a far-off hill. The historic city served as the Chandela Dynasty’s capital. Jhansi was once a walled city centered around a fort, known as Balwantnagar.
These details, together with the range of monuments and significant sites that can be found all over the city, demonstrate Jhansi’s rich historical heritage, which is one of the key draws for visitors.
The largest city closest to Jhansi, which is located in Madhya Pradesh, is Gwalior, which is 99 kilometers away. The development of Jhansi replaced the National Highway Development Project, which led to a modern real estate boom. It is currently Uttar Pradesh’s third-cleanest city.
8. Ghaziabad
The “Gateway to Uttar Pradesh” is the finest way to characterize Ghaziabad. Despite being physically in Uttar Pradesh, it is a part of the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi. The town’s social life is entwined with Delhi’s because of its close proximity to the nation’s capital. Ghaziabad has emerged as one of the vibrant industrial centres in India, and it booms with the urbane culture of the adjacent metro metropolis.
Along with the throngs of millennials, busy marketplaces, and lineups of cars, Ghaziabad also wakes up to more and more multiplexes, better-planned roadways, and fewer flyovers. The metropolitan town, which is quickly becoming India’s industrial center, is a center for many different industries, such as bicycles, paint and varnish, pottery, electric locomotive and EMU trains, metal chains, and tapestries.
Ghazi-ud-din, also known as Ghaziuddinnagar, discovered Ghaziabad in 1740. Later, the name was abbreviated to Ghaziabad upon the establishment of the city’s railway connection. It’s interesting to note that it acts as North India’s main railway hub.
Every day, Ghaziabad advances, whether it is in the areas of infrastructure, education, or industrial advancements. Aside from all of this, Ghaziabad offers a plethora of restaurants, nightclubs, shopping centers, and movie theatres to its visitors.
9. Firozabad
The Uttar Pradesh state has the city of Firozabad, which is 40 kilometers away from Agra. Firozabad is home to numerous specialized stores that sell vibrant beads, sparkling bangles, and delicate glassware. This vibrant sector of the economy has brought the city widespread recognition on a global scale. The area is well-known for being a bridal shopping destination because of its vibrant, artistic goods, which include exquisite jewelry and premium apparel. The city’s chemical, packaging, and service industries have all benefited from the expanding glass industry.
The Yamuna river forms the southern boundary of the Deccaan plateau, which is located in its northernmost point. Aside from that, Firozabad is extremely significant historically because it was governed by multiple empires, most notably the powerful Mughal Empire. Ancient tombs, imposing temples, intriguing mosque architecture, and bustling open markets are just a few of the city’s many unique attractions that cater to a wide range of tourist interests.
10. Naimisharanya
Naimisharanya, a holy Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, is situated in the Sitapur district of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Gomti River. It is also referred to as Nimsar, Neemsar, or Nimkhar. It is one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are listed in the writings of the learned Alvars, or saints, and is considered one of the “Divya Desams.” The temple is referenced in the collection of poetry called Nalayira Divya Prabandham, written by the twelve Alvars. Aside from this, the temple—also known as Swayamvyaktha Kshetra—is one of the eight sacred sites where people think they have witnessed self-manifestation.
The centerpiece of the temple, which is well-known as one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites, is a sacred tank known as Chakra Kundra, where followers bathe to atone for their sins. It is said that the Chakra, the god Vishnu’s weapon, was used to create this holy tank. One of the oldest temples in existence, its construction and design have been altered over time by a number of emperors. The place is so sacred that a person can atone for his sins and get Moksha (freedom) simply by coming here; it is thought that many sages have undertaken penance here.