Situated in the north of India, the state of Uttar Pradesh is one of the most populous states in the country. It is also the most visited state due to it being a religious haven and having immense history in every city. Since it is an important religious destination, tourism in Uttar Pradesh is very popular and it is fairly easy to reach the state by using different modes of transportation; one can easily reach by air, rail or road. Although summers are extremely hot, it is the peak time for pilgrims to visit Uttar Pradesh and winters are moderately cold and very comfortable.

The state is home to some of the most serene temples and the most magnificent monuments built in the Mughal era. Uttar Pradesh is also known for delicious Nawabi food that will absolutely delight your senses. Browse through our travel guide to Uttar Pradesh, so that you don’t run into any hiccups during your trip.

By Air:

The Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow is the main airport of the state located in the capital city. This airport is 15.1 km from the center of Lucknow city and is the fastest way to get to Uttar Pradesh. There are many domestic airports as well that serve passengers within the country.

By Road:

You can reach Uttar Pradesh by road easily by taking any of the national highways like NH30, NH19, NH21 and NH34 or you can take an expressway that goes towards Uttar Pradesh. You can also take a bus from neighbouring states, which is always a cheaper option.

By Rail

Uttar Pradesh is well connected to other states and cities of India. The main station that serves the state is in the capital city of Lucknow, known as Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station and is at a distance of 3.2 km from the city center, making it one of the best ways to reach Uttar Pradesh.

Getting Around:

There are scheduled busses and trains running from bus stands and stations respectively to take you around the state. These modes of transportation are easily available and are quite affordable. You can also book cabs and rickshaws, which are more personal and comfortable.

Summer (March-June):

Summers in Uttar Pradesh are extremely hot with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 45°C during the peak months. The region sees a lot of tourists flocking due to it being the peak season for religious affairs in Uttar Pradesh.

Monsoon (July-September):

The onset of monsoon cools the region a little bit, giving its people some respite. Uttar Pradesh has moderate amounts of rain in this season with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The roads are wet and slippery, hence you might want to avoid going to Uttar Pradesh during monsoons.

Winter (October-February):

The winter season in Uttar Pradesh is one of the best times to visit due to cold climate. Temperatures during this time range from 10°C to 25°C and sometimes dip down even lower, with a lot of fog around.

Visit Temples:

A trip to Uttar Pradesh is incomplete without a pilgrimage. Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh has some of the oldest temples that are worth visiting; the serene atmosphere of the bells ringing in the temples is absolutely amazing. Also, don’t forget to offer your prayers at the temples in Vrindavan where it is said that Lord Kirshna spent his days.

Visit Fatehpur Sikri:

Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Fatehpur Sikri is a town in Uttar Pradesh that has structures built by the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar. The town has some structures that are awe-inspiring and definitely worth a visit.

Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow:

One of the most impressive architectural structures is the Rumi Darwaza, which is a prime example of Awadhi architecture, done in the most beautiful way. This structure is one of the finest gateways in Lucknow, inspired by a similar gate in Istanbul.

Enjoy a Boat Ride:

Hop on a boat and enjoy a ride on the holy Ganges River in Varanasi. This boat ride is an amazing experience as you get to see an array of temples with the subtle Ganges flowing right in front of it; especially during sunrise or sunset.

Go on the Heritage Walk:

This is an activity you can pursue if you’d like to know more about the culture of the people in Varanasi and the heritage of the place itself. Local guides will take you to different places and educate you on the lifestyle, culture and traditions that people follow.

A paradise for food lovers, Uttar Pradesh has some of the best Awadhi cuisine. The Tunday Kebabi restaurant in Lucknow is very famous for the famous galawati kebabs; the meat is soft, to the point where it almost melts in your mouth making them one of the most delicious kebabs. If you are looking for fine dining, Dastarkhwan is the place for you; sophisticated ambience with delicious galawati kebabs served with spicy green chutney. If you are in Agra, don’t forget to eat at Peshawari, an award winning restaurant serving authentic north western Indian food; they also have a good selection of wine that goes with food that is served. Other delicious eateries include Esphahan, Ram Babu Parathe Waale and Pinch of Spice, that overlooks the beautiful Taj Mahal.

A trip is incomplete without going shopping and shopping in Uttar Pradesh is an absolute delight as the state boasts of some of the best handmade handicrafts, stone carvings, textiles and a lot more. In Moradabad towards the west of Uttar Pradesh, you can find shops selling amazing brassware and bronze and copper items; you can shop for status, utensils, souvenirs etc. In the east in Varanasi, you can find various shops selling embroidered clothes, small mirrors, handbags and the famous Banarasi Saris. You can find leather items at Kanpur, and if you’re looking for glassware then you would want to go to Firozabad.