17 Best Pilgrimage Sites in Uttar Pradesh

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. ...

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.

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. ...

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, ...

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 ...

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.

The historical town of Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh is one of the popular places of Buddhist Pilgrimage in India, and among the must include places in Uttar Pradesh Tour Packages. About 54 km from Gorakhpur, and 329 km from Lucknow, Kushinagar is one of the four holy sites of Buddhism as it is the place where Gautam Buddha delivered his last sermon, attained Mahaparinirvana (salvation) in 483 BC, and was cremated at Rambhar Stupa.

Kushinagar is a city of beautiful stupas and temples. The Mahaparinirvana Temple, with the world-famous reclining nirvana statue of Buddha, is an important site to visit in Kushinagar. Besides, the Japanese Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, Buddha Museum, Wat Thai Temple, Matha Kuar Shrine, Kushinagar Museum, etc. are some of the top places to visit in Kushinagar.

Every year, Buddha Poornima is celebrated here with great enthusiasm during April/May.

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.

Hastinapur is a historical city in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. Situated about 41 km from Meerut, 129 km from New Delhi, and 447 km from Lucknow, it is one of the popular places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, and among the must-include places in India tour packages.

Situated on the right bank of the holy Ganges near Meerut, Hastinapur is an ancient town that was the center of the glorious tales of the great Hindu epic Mahabharata. It was the legendary capital of Kauravas. Hastinapur is viewed as one of the holiest places by both Hindus and Jains alike. This ancient town is also the birthplace of three Jain Tirthankaras. Also being the birthplace of Panch Pyare Bhai Dharam Singh, one of the five disciples of Guru Govind Singh Ji, Hastinapur is also a center for Sikh devotees. One can find many famous and historical places around and within the city to explore and gain a lot of information about the history of our country as part of Hastinapur packages.

Some of the best Hastinapur tourist places are Pandeshwar Temple, Karna Temple, Jambudweep, Bada Digambar Jain Temple, Ashtapad, Kailash Parvat, and Bhai Dharam Singh Gurdwara. It is also one of the top places to visit near Delhi ...

At a distance of 24 km from Kanpur Central, Patthar Ghat is a bathing ghat situated in the Bithoor suburb of Kanpur. Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, it is one of the prominent Ganga Ghats in Uttar Pradesh, and among the top places to visit near Kanpur.

Situated on the Fort Road, Patthar Ghat was built by Tikait Rai, who was once the minister of Awadh state. The ghat was carved entirely out of the red sandstone. It is believed that one can get rid of his/her sins by taking a dip in the holy waters of the river Ganges at Patthar Ghat. Just like other ghats in the suburb, Patthar Ghat is also frequently visited by locals and visitors on a large scale. Patthar Ghat is one of the prominent Ganga ghats where daily aartis are conducted, and numerous people participate in it.

Patthar Ghat is also known for housing a Shiva Temple. This temple has a unique aspect that the shiva linga is made of the philosopher's stone which is also locally known as Kasauti. This temple has great religious importance, especially among the locals as it is said that making a wish at this temple comes true. Many childless couples, people suffering from a prolonged ailment, having financial issues can be seen praying for their well-being here. On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, the locals flock to this temple on a huge scale and make offerings.

Timings: 7 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free