11 Best Pilgrimage sites near Lucknow

Ayodhya is a holy city situated on the banks of river Sarayu in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the top places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, and among the must-include places in India tour packages. It is about 135 km from Gorakhpur, and 140 km from Lucknow.

Ayodhya or Awadh is the birthplace of the Hindu deity, Lord Ram Shri Ram. This holy city has been regarded as the first one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, and among the prominent places to visit near Kanpur. It is believed that a temple stood at the supposed birth spot of Rama, which was demolished by the orders of the Mughal emperor Babur and a mosque was erected in its place that was later demolished by Hindu mobs. The construction of the Ram Mandir commenced in 2020 and is the must-include in Ayodhya packages.

Ram Janam Bhoomi, Ram ki Paidi, Hanuman Garhi, Nageshwarnath Temple, Treta Ke Thakur, Mani Parbat, Dasrath Bhavan, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, Kanak Bhawan, Guptar Ghat, and Bahu Begum ka Maqbara are some of the top places to visit in Ayodhya.

Distance from Lucknow: 136 Kms

At a distance of 125 km from Allahabad, 163 km from Aurangabad, 208 km from Gorakhpur, 239 km from Rewa, 250 km from Patna, 258 km from Gaya, 321 km from Lucknow, and 327 km from Kanpur, Varanasi is an ancient city located on the banks of river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one among the most revered places of Pilgrimage in India and also one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh.

Also known as Kashi and Banaras, the city gets its name from two rivers Varuna and Assi. Nicknamed as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi was the seat of learning in the past. Legend has it that Lord Shiva himself established this holy city as his abode. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga sites in India and also one of the Shakti Peethas. Varanasi is an important destination among Hindus as they believe those who die in Varanasi will attain salvation. Varanasi is also a preferred site for immersing ashes of the dead in river Ganga. Performing funeral rites and cremation in the pyres are the common sights here.

The holy city of Varanasi is more than 3000 years old and is one of the oldest living cities of the world. The early settlements around Varanasi began in the 18th century BC according to archaeological evidence. During the time of Gautama Buddha, the city of Varanasi was the capital of the Kashi Kingdom. Lord Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BCE when he gave his first sermon at nearby Sarnath. ...

Distance from Lucknow: 306 Kms

Officially known as Prayagraj, Allahabad is a sacred city located in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the popular places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, and among the must-include places in India tour packages. It is about 202 km from Lucknow, and 721 km from Delhi.

Also known as Prayag, Allahabad is one of the most religious cities for Hindus in India, and among the prominent places to visit near Lucknow. It is believed to be the spot where Brahma offered his first sacrifice after creating the world hence the name Prayag or Prayagraj where Pra means 'first' and Yag means 'devotion'. Prayag also signifies Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. This is the place where Maha Kumbh Mela is held every twelve years and is attended by millions of pilgrims as part of Prayagraj packages.

The city is home to many many-faceted jewels of Indian culture, full of ancient tombs, and gorgeous parks. Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Fort, Allahabad Planetarium, Chandrashekar Azad Park, Allahabad Museum, etc. are some of the top Allahabad tourist places. It can be visited along with Varanasi tour packages ...

Distance from Lucknow: 200 Kms

At a distance of 13 km from Mathura, 70 km from Agra, 155 km from Delhi, 400 km from Lucknow and 235 km from Jaipur, Vrindavan is a holy town situated on the banks of Yamuna River in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. It is also among the sacred places to visit near Delhi for a 2 day weekend trip and also one of the popular places to visit near Agra.

Vrindavan is a major pilgrimage center for the Hindus and one of the oldest cities in the country. The holy town of Vrindavan has a very rich history associated with the Hindu god Lord Krishna. It is said to be the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a great devotee of Lord Krishna is credited with rediscovering of Vrindavan. The place was later developed by various kings of the region.

The name Vrindavan is derived from the words vrinda meaning tulsi (or basil) and van meaning grove and most likely refers to the two small groves at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. While Seva Kunj is believed to be the place where Krishna performed Raaslila with Radha and the Gopikas, Nidhivan is said to be the place where the divine couple rested. The place is also one of the Shaktipeeths, named Bhuteshwar Mahadev. The place is believed to have been the site where the hair of Devi Sati fell.

Vrindavan is also one of the most prominent sites for ISKCON, ...

Distance from Lucknow: 416 Kms

At a distance of 56 km from Agra, 159 km from Delhi, 419 km from Lucknow and 224 km from Jaipur, Mathura is an ancient city and also the district headquarters of Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Mathura is one of the popular tourist places near Agra and also one of the best places to visit near Delhi.

Mathura is one of the seven cities (Sapta Puri) considered holy by Hindus, the other six are Ayodhya, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain and Dwarka. Mathura has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY - Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of Government of India. Mathura is also one of the popular Delhi weekend getaways for 2 day trip. Mathura is located at the banks of river Yamuna and is popularly known as the Brajbhoomi, the sacred land of Lord Krishna. The Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple is home to a prison cell called Garbha Griha that is believed to be the exact birthplace of Krishna. Large number of devotees visit this temple every year on Janmashtami.

The city of Mathura has a rich history. In the traditional times, Mathura was an important point of culture and civilization. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the city is mentioned in the epic, Ramayana. In the epic, the Ikshwaku prince Shatrughna slays a demon called Lavanasura and claims the land. ...

Distance from Lucknow: 419 Kms

Also known as Ishipatna, and Mrigadaya, Sarnath is one of the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India and also one of the must include places in Varanasi Tour Packages. According to the legend, Lord Buddha after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya came to Sarnath and delivered his first sermon to his five disciples. Hence, Sarnath is considered as one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers of India, the other three being Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar. About 10 km from Varanasi, and 135 km from Allahabad, Sarnath is also sacred to the Jains as it is the site of asceticism and death of Shreyamshanath, the 11th Tirthankara.

A quiet and spiritual town, Sarnath is a city of historical marvel with numerous Buddhist stupas, museums, excavated ancient sites, and beautiful temples. Dhamek Stupa, the Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, Deer Park, Archaeological Museum, Tibetan Temple, Thai Monastery, Japanese Temple, and Chinese Temple are some of the prominent places to visit in Sarnath. Being an important Buddhist pilgrimage spot, Sarnath celebrates Buddha Purnima with a lot of enthusiasm.

Distance from Lucknow: 335 Kms

The ancient city of Shravasti is one of the popular places of Buddhist pilgrimage in India and among the must include tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh Tour Packages. About 175 km from Lucknow, it was one of the six largest cities in ancient India when Gautam Buddha began to spread his teachings of Buddhism around the Indian subcontinent.

Shravasti is closely associated with the life of Gautama Buddha, who is believed to have spent 25 rainy seasons here. Also, Shravasti is an important center for the believers of Jainism since Sobhanath temple is believed to be the birthplace of Tirthankara Sambhavanath of Jainism. Anathapindika Stupa, Angulimala Stupa, Jetavana Monastery, Shobnath Temple, Vibhuti Nath Temple, etc., are some of the top places to visit in Shravasti.

Shravasti Mahotsav is one of the major cultural events celebrated in Shravasti towards the end of winter (January). Various local artists showcase their talent throughout this festival.

Distance from Lucknow: 173 Kms

At a distance of 47 km from Chhatarpur, 118 km from Satna, 179 km from Jhansi, 223 km from Kanpur, 265 km from Jabalpur, 283 km from Gwalior, 283 km from Allahabad, 388 km from Bhopal and 624 km from Delhi, Khajuraho is a historical town located in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is one of the top places to visit in Madhya Pradesh and among the must include places in your Madhya Pradesh tour packages.

Earlier, Khajuraho was the cultural capital of Chandela Rajputs who ruled this part of India during 10th to 12th centuries AD. Khajuraho Temples were built by the Chandela monarchs over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150 AD. After the fall of Chandela rulers, these temples were abandoned and long-forgotten until rediscovered by British Captain T.S. Burt, in 1838 AD. Known around the world for its stunning temples adorned by erotic carvings, the Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the seven wonders of India.

The marvelous architecture and erotic carvings are the best and most notable aspects of Khajuraho temples. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 8 square miles. The temples also have numerous other sculptures depicting the life of a common man in that era. Khajuraho ...

Distance from Lucknow: 300 Kms

At a distance of 24 km from Kanpur Central, Brahmavart Ghat is a holy river ghat located in the Bithoor suburb of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the banks of the river Ganges, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Kanpur, and among the best places to visit near Kanpur.

The Bithoor suburb of Kanpur city houses some of the most religiously sacred and significant places in the Hindu culture. The Brahmavart Ghat is one such holy place that one must visit while in Kanpur. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Brahma, it is believed to be the place where Lord Brahma lived and has started making mankind with clay and all the righteousness in the world. Hence, it is a place of utmost religious and sacred values.

It is here that Brahma Ji has installed a Shiva Linga which is now worshipped as the Brahmeshwar Mahadeva. A horseshoe nail is also embedded on the steps of the ghat. It is believed that this nail belonged to Lord Brahma's horse while they were on the way to the Ashvamedha Yajna. Due to its religious significance, a small temple dedicated to Lord Brahma has also been constructed on the ghat. After a ritual bath in the Ganga, the devotees pray at the temple.

Apart from being a place of religious prominence, Brahmavart Ghat is also growing as a tourist destination and family picnic spot as it is a peaceful place away from the hustle-bustle of the city. The ghat offers a mesmerizing view ...

Distance from Lucknow: 83 Kms

At a distance of 20 km from Kanpur Central, Siddhi Dham is a meditation & spiritual center located in the Bithoor suburb of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Also known as Sudhanshuji Maharaj Ashram, it is one of the popular places to visit near Kanpur.

Siddhi Dham is one of the beautiful ashrams founded by Shri Sudhanshuji Maharaj, a spiritual preacher in India. Run by Vishwa Jagriti Mission, the ashram has a vast campus and has an artificial Kailash mountain and Radha Krishna temple located on the premises. The ashram also has a very beautiful garden that houses the idols of different Hindu gods including Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Parvati, and Goddess Radha. All the idols have a height of 8 feet to 20 feet.

The garden also has a beautiful fountain in front of a cave and walking inside the cave is a whole new experience. There is an aviary on the premises of the ashram having some very beautiful birds including different breeds of parrots like Makaw and kakatua etc. The ashram premises also has an aquarium that houses fishes like the tiger shark, carp, catfish, etc. Behind the temple, there is a non-profit shelter for homeless persons.

Ashram Timings: 8 AM - 7 PM

Temple Timings: 9 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Distance from Lucknow: 89 Kms