List of Top 10 Tourist Places in Uttar Pradesh to Visit

Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, is a land of incredible beauty, rich history and diverse cultures. It covers an area of ​​243,286 square kilometers and is home to over 240 million people.

Known for its spiritual heritage and architectural wonders, Uttar Pradesh is home to ancient temples, historical monuments and vibrant cities.

In 2024, Uttar Pradesh is set to break tourism records, welcoming a staggering 476.1 million tourists between January and September.

Leading this tourism boom is Ayodhya, which is now the most visited destination in the state. The newly completed Rama Temple attracted 135.5 million domestic tourists and 3,153 international tourists, making Ayodhya a global spiritual hotspot.

Meanwhile, Agra continues to shine, welcoming 125.1 million visitors, including nearly a million international visitors, who are attracted by the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh, each offering a unique experience.

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2. Taj Mahal (Agra)

The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is an iconic ivory-white marble mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1631 and 1648 in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its stunning architecture, which combines elements of Persian, Islamic and Indian styles.

The complex covers an area of ​​approximately 17 hectares and includes a mosque, a guest house and beautifully landscaped gardens.

The central dome is surrounded by four spiers, which is particularly eye-catching and has become a symbol of love and beauty around the world.

Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal came in second with a total of 125.1 million visitors during the same period. This includes approximately 115.9 million domestic tourists and 924,000 international tourists.

Although domestic footfall is down slightly compared to previous years, the Taj Mahal still attracts a large number of international visitors, reaffirming its status as a global icon.

4. Lucknow

Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. The city flourished during the Mughal era and later became the center of Avadi culture under the Nawabs.

Famous landmarks include Bara Imambara, an architectural marvel built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, whose hall has no supporting beams.

Rumi Darwaza, an impressive portal resembling a Turkish arch, is another landmark. Lucknow is also famous for its delicious cuisine, especially kebabs and biryani.

Lucknow attracted around 48 million visitors in 2024, including around 1.2 million international tourists who came to experience a unique blend of Mughal architecture, vibrant bazaars and famous Awadhi cuisine.

The city’s historical monuments such as Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza continue to attract large crowds, making it a renowned cultural hub.

5.Mathura

Mathura is known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and plays an extremely important role in Hindu mythology.

Located in Uttar Pradesh, this ancient city is home to numerous temples dedicated to Krishna and his divine exploits.

The Krishna Janmabhoomi temple is the exact place where he was born. It attracts thousands of devotees every day to pray and participate in rituals.

Visitors can explore nearby Vrindavan, known for its lush landscapes associated with Krishna’s childhood adventures.

Mathura is also home to local delicacies such as ‘peda’, a dessert not to be missed by tourists. In 2024, the city will welcome approximately 45 million tourists.

The city’s numerous temples and vibrant festivals, especially during Janmashtami, make it a popular pilgrimage site for devotees from across India and abroad.

The influx of tourists during religious events significantly increases the number of visitors throughout the year.

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6. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Agra in Uttar Pradesh.

This former Mughal capital was built by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century to commemorate the blessing of Saint Salim Chishti as his successor.

The city showcases stunning Mughal architecture and red sandstone architecture, reflecting Akbar’s vision of religious tolerance and cultural synthesis.

Notable buildings include the Buland Darwaza (gate), Jama Masjid (beautiful mosque) and Panch Mahal (five-story palace).

Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned due to lack of water soon after Akbar’s rule, but it is still well preserved today.

In 2024, Fatehpur Sikri received approximately 25 million tourists. This UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a popular destination for those interested in Mughal history and architecture.

Its well-preserved architecture attracts domestic and foreign tourists eager to explore this historical wonder.

7. Sarnath

Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It is famous as the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.

The site houses several ancient stupas and temples that attract pilgrims and tourists.

The Dhamek Stupa is an impressive monument commemorating the teachings of Buddha. It displays exquisite carvings depicting various aspects of Buddhist philosophy.

Sarnath also houses the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which displays ancient artefacts, including sculptures telling the life story of Lord Buddha.

In 2024, Sarnath attracted approximately 12 million visitors, mainly pilgrims and tourists interested in Buddhism.

The site’s importance as the site of the Buddha’s first sermons continues to attract spiritual seekers and history buffs.

8. Allahabad (Prayagraj)

Allahabad, now known as Prayagraj, has immense religious significance as it is located at the confluence of three rivers: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati (mythical).

The historic city hosts the Kumbh Mela every twelve years, a massive pilgrimage that attracts millions of people for ritual baths believed to purify sins.

Major attractions include the Triveni Sangam (the meeting point), Anand Bhawan (the ancestral home of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru) and the Allahabad Fort built by Emperor Akbar in 1583.

Prayagraj will welcome around 10 million visitors in 2024, many of whom come to participate in the Kumbh Mela and other religious festivals held throughout the year.

9. Vrindavan

Vrindavan is known as one of the holiest towns associated with the childhood life and exploits of Lord Krishna.

Located near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, this vibrant town is home to numerous temples dedicated to various forms of Krishna, each displaying unique architectural styles and intricate art that reflect centuries past. of dedication.

Famous temples include Banke Bihari Temple and ISKCON Temple, which attract pilgrims throughout the year to offer blessings to their beloved deities while participating in lively celebrations such as Holi .

The charming atmosphere of Vrindavan comes alive in the evenings as mesmerizing devotional songs fill the streets, lined with shops selling traditional handicrafts and mouth-watering sweets like ‘laddoo’.

In 2024, the city received approximately 8 million tourists. The town is famous for its deep connection with the life of Lord Krishna and attracts pilgrims and tourists who come to attend various religious events and festivals.

10.Jhansi

Jhansi is a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, famous for its important role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule, the most famous representative of which was Rani Lakshmibai, She heroically led her troops in the 1857 rebellion against colonial power.

Perched high on a hilltop overlooking this charming town, the Jhansi Fort showcases impressive architecture dating back centuries and attracts history buffs from across India and beyond.

Visitors can explore its diverse architecture, including palaces and temples that reflect regional art, while learning about local legends about Rani Lakshmibai’s bravery and leadership skills that continue to inspire generations to this day people.

In 2024, Jhansi will welcome about 5 million tourists. The city’s historical significance, especially related to Rani Lakshmibai and the 1857 rebellion, continues to attract history buffs and tourists interested in India’s struggle for independence.

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