Places to visit in Uttar Pradesh
The Taj, the Ganga and Nawabi Lucknow.
Capital LucknowPlaces in this guide 10
Places to see
HeritageTaj Mahal
Shah Jahan’s white-marble mausoleum, a UNESCO site and one of the New Seven Wonders.
Best time: Oct–Mar
SpiritualVaranasi Ghats
Ancient city of ghats on the Ganga; the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh.
Best time: Oct–Mar
HeritageHeritage
Spiritual
SpiritualTriveni Sangam, Prayagraj
Confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, site of the Kumbh Mela.
Best time: Oct–Mar
SpiritualMathura & Vrindavan
Krishna’s birthplace and childhood towns, at their liveliest during Holi.
Best time: Oct–Mar
Wildlife
Spiritual
HeritageFood to try in Uttar Pradesh
Lucknowi kebab, Agra petha, Banarasi paan.
Crafts and products
Banarasi saree, Chikankari.
Festivals
- Magh Mela, Prayagraj: Jan–Feb (Kumbh in some years). Pilgrims bathe at the Triveni Sangam; every 12 years it becomes the Kumbh Mela.
- Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan, Mathura–Vrindavan: Mar (week-long, ends on Holi). Lathmar Holi in Barsana and the flower Holi of Vrindavan.
- Dev Deepawali, Varanasi: Kartik Purnima, Nov. The ghats of Varanasi glow with lakhs of diyas.
Timings, permits and prices change. Check official sources before you travel.