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Uttar Pradesh, well known as the birthplace of Lord Ram, is home to a multitude of spiritually significant sites. Nearly every single lane or bylane in Uttar Pradesh is filled with references to spirituality and history. So, whether you want to experience India’s religious diversity or are a true believer, you must visit Uttar Pradesh and its pilgrimage sites – they welcome you with open arms.
This is one of India’s most spiritual locations and tourist spots since it is said to be Lord Shiva’s residence. Some Hindus think that the Ganges River offers its devotion to Lord Shiva by flowing from south to north.
Pilgrims can explore major holy sites like:
Hundreds of devotees visit Varanasi to cleanse themselves while immersing in the Ganges at daybreak.
Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Mathura is commonly known as the Brajbhoomi or the heavenly birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple has a jail cell named Garbha Griha, which is said to be Krishna’s precise birthplace. Every year, on Janmashtami, a huge number of worshippers visit this temple.
It’s also a sacred site for Jainism and Buddhism. Mathura Chaurasi is a Jain temple that promotes Jainism and spirituality. The temple’s walls are covered with vivid murals and sculptures, which bear testimony to Jain history and art.
Gita Mandir is a religious shrine located near Mathura. The temple has a lovely idol of Lord Krishna. Kusum Sarovar is said to be the location where Radha and Lord Krishna would meet. To relieve stress and feel refreshed, one may also take a swim in the Sarovar.
There is a famous mosque in Mathura, known as Jama Masjid, built from red sandstone and is also a pilgrim site in Uttar Pradesh. It is also a well-known tourist spot for travelers from all around the world.
Also, check out our detailed guide on the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh with family!
While Seva Kunj is where Krishna is claimed to have played Raaslila with Radha and the Gopikas, Nidhivan is where the holy duo was said to have spent their leisure time. Bhuteshwar Mahadev and several of the Shaktipeeths are also located here.
Vrindavan is also an important location for ISKCON. The holy town has around 4,000 temples. The most prominent and frequented Vrindavan temples include the Ranji Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Govind Dev temple, Bankey Bihari temple, and the Pagal Baba shrine.
Sarnath is the sacred site where Lord Buddha established (Maha – Dharma – Chakra Pravartan) the “Wheel of Dharma”. This holy place is located 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi. Sarnath is also the site of the formation of the first monastery and the establishment of a new system of religious philosophy (Dhamma).
Sarnath is also revered by Jains as the place of austerity and the burial of Shreyamshanath, the 11th Tirthankara. The Chaukhandi Stupa is the site where Lord Buddha first gathered his followers.
Moreover, you can also check out our guide on the best pilgrimage sites to visit in Himachal Pradesh here!
Spectacular holy monuments can be found in Agra, a city with a variety of cultures and faiths. Symbolizing Shah Jahan’s love for Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal represents his love for his wife. Agra is dominated by Muslims and Hindus. Therefore, the area is filled with mosques and temples. Tourists flock to Agra to visit its medieval holy sites. One of the most popular is Guru Ka Taal. It is a large reservoir with towers. Near Itibar Khan Khwajasara’s grave is a red stone building built by Jehangir. Jama Masjid and Moti Masjid are also popular in Agra. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, built these mosques. These mosques showcase sophisticated Mughal construction. Itmad Ud Daulah shouldn’t be missed. Its carvings and decorations are famous. It’s called the Baby Taj because it resembles the Taj Mahal.
You may also visit the Bageshwarnath Temple, sacred to devotees. Also worth seeing is Mangaleshwar Temple in Gokul Pur, which comes to life during celebrations.
Ayodhya, situated on the banks of the Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s holiest towns. Ayodhya is said to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. With its tranquil ghats, this place is also home to 4 of Jainism’s 24 Tirthankaras (religious gurus). The historic fortress of Ramkot is the main center of devotion in Ayodhya. Kush, Lord Rama’s son, is claimed to have erected the Nageshwarnath Temple. Mani Parbat, Shri Vijay Raghav temple, Swarg Dwar, Treta Ke Thakur, Lakshmana Ghat, and other temples are also nearby.
Hastinapur, located on the banks of the Ganges near Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, is perhaps the birthplace of three Jain Tirthankaras. It has become a significant pilgrimage site for Jains. This was the capital of the Kauravas and was governed by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra victory. The city has developed a great deal since then, yet it is still recognized as the Mahabharata town.
Shravasti, situated on the West Rapti River, is one of the six towns in ancient India where Gautam Buddha started to preach. The city is particularly identified with Gautama Buddha’s life since he is said to have spent 25 monsoons here. Shravasti is also a significant hub for Jain followers since the Sobhnath temple is considered to be the birthplace of Tirthankara Sambhavnath.
You can also check out our articles on the list of best pilgrimage sites to visit in Andhra Pradesh here!
Located in Uttar Pradesh state, India, Kushinagar is a historical city. It is one of the most prominent Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in India, also called Kasia. The Ramabhar Stupa in Kushinagar, where Gautam Buddha was cremated, is the site of his last sermon and the spot where he achieved Mahaparinirvana in 483 BC. It’s a popular destination for Buddhists from all over the world, but those from Asian nations, in particular, make it a point to come at least once in their lives. Many temples may be visited while in Kushinagar for spiritual enrichment. Gautam Buddha’s last resting place at Mahaparinirvana Stupa is a popular tourist spot in this picturesque town.
Because Lucknow is home to such a diverse collection of people, cultures, and traditions, the city is home to a seemingly endless number of houses of worship. Lucknow is also known as the “City of Nawabs.” There is a long list of things that people who are religiously inclined can do in Lucknow, from praying at the Jama Masjid, which was built in the 15th century, to admiring the awe-inspiring architecture of the newly built Balaji Temple to visiting the almost 300-year old Chandrika Devi Temple and the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple built in the 15th century. These temples and dargahs, which are filled to the brim with extreme spiritualism and piety, are guaranteed to awe and amaze you with their spectacular architecture and illustrious histories.
Uttar Pradesh is readily accessible by trains, airplanes, private and state-owned buses, etc.
Allahabad, Mathura, Kanpur, and Banaras are the four main airports in Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow, the state capital, is well-connected to major cities around the country, including New Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, and Mumbai, through domestic and international airlines. Lucknow is Uttar Pradesh’s primary railhead. Other key railway connections include Agra, Kanpur, Jhansi, Moradabad, and Varanasi.
Uttar Pradesh, the state of never-ending tourism attractions, draws a great number of visitors from all over the world. Cleartrip provides the greatest discounts and rates on airlines and hotel reservations for your North India trip to Uttar Pradesh’s major cities. Cleartrip makes it simple to arrange your pilgrimage as well as tourist travel, so book your tickets and accommodations now to get the best deals!
Hindus consider Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, and Prayagraj to be holy towns, while Buddhists consider Kushinagar and Sarnath to be major pilgrimage sites associated with Gautama Buddha’s life. Noida is Uttar Pradesh’s most developed urban metropolis.
Varanasi, located in Uttar Pradesh, is among India’s most famous pilgrimage sites and a popular tourist destination. The rivers Varuna and Assi give the city its other names, Kashi and Banaras.
The Vishwanath Temple may be found in Varanasi, which is located in Uttar Pradesh. It is the oldest pilgrimage site in India.
November to February is the best time to visit UP. Since the weather is quite sunny at this time, the winter is not at its peak, nor is it too hot. One can easily enjoy a cool breeze during these months.
Uttar Pradesh boasts the greatest Awadhi cuisine, galouti kebabs, etc.
