Inching towards modernity while carrying sigils of a prosperous past, the small northern town of Gorakhpur has a distinct charm to it. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, the city itself is a blend of many cultures. Home to a myriad legion of religions and societies, it is laced in a mesh of vibrancy and color. Yet, as a budding industrial hub and the railway headquarters of the North Eastern Zone, the city is certainly not caught in the oblivion of past. A city of history, heritage and tradition, tinted with hues of modernization, Gorakhpur has a unique warmth to it that puts you at ease.
Home to one of the most prominent shrines of the Nath sect, Gorakhpur is named after the saint Guru Gorakhnath. Known to have been the abode of Lord Buddha and connected to the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism, Lord Mahavir, it is a place of religious importance. An ancient city, Gorakhpur has several mentions in Vedic scriptures and was ruled by mighty kingdoms such as the Maurya and Gupta dynasties. Located in the Northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Gorakhpur is also popular as the gateway to Nepal.
Gorakhpur may not be a swanky metropolis, but the experiences this city offers you are abundant. The rich legacy of its ancient culture is still thriving in Gorakhpur. The true vibrancy of its culture is evident in its numerous shrines of different faiths including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Islam and Sikhism. The city comes alive with a matchless celebratory spirit that reverberates throughout its environs during festive occasions, making them an ideal time to visit. A popular festival is the Khichadi Mela, a fair at the Gorakhnath Temple. The month-long fair is held in January with thousands of devotees visiting to offer their prayers and partake in the festivities.
There is much to explore in the markets of Gorakhpur. Shoppers will find a number of traditional artifacts to delight them. Most popular among these are handcrafted terracotta sculptures. These intricate sculptures usually carved in the shape of different animals are beautiful souvenirs to take home with you. The miniature clay statues of religious deities are specimens of excellent craftsmanship. Gorakhpur is also known for its handloom woven, supple fabrics. You can also shop for cloth embroidered in the distinctive patterns that are a great specialty of Gorakhpur.
There are a number of alternatives available for traveling within the city with ease. The most popular mode of transport in the city is the cycle-drawn rickshaw. These can be hailed from any street in the city and are ideal for traveling through narrow lanes. The city bus service operates on the major routes, but can be crowded during peak hours. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are also considered as feasible options for getting around the city.
You can reach Gorakhpur through train.Gorakhpur Jn, Anand Nagar, Gorakhpur Cantare some of the most popular train stations in Gorakhpur.On an average about 100+ trains pass through Gorakhpur on a daily basis.Lucknow to Gorakhpur, Gonda to Gorakhpur, Basti to Gorakhpurare some of the most popular routes to Gorakhpur with 165, 156, 149 trains weekly respectively.
By road Gorakhpur is surrounded by Khalilabad, Rudrapur, Padrauna which are 18.78 km, 26.92 km, 38.62 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.
Gorakhpur has a total of 4 hotels.There are 4 hotels in Gorakhpur with the popular ones being The Grand, Hotel Vivek, Hotel President etc.