India is known for beautifully holding together diverse cultures and faiths in harmony. With its rich religious and cultural heritage, it is no wonder that it attracts millions of pilgrims and travellers who are curious about India’s rich heritage every year. Among all its tourist states, Uttar Pradesh easily ranks among the top places for religious and cultural tourism.

Besides the iconic Taj Mahal, UP is also the land of Lord Krishna, Lord Ram and Buddha. With the timeless magic of cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Tour Package is a must experience for anyone who wants to see the real India.

To ensure you have a good time, we have handpicked the best tourist places in UP that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Uttar Pradesh.

Top 7 tourist places in Uttar Pradesh

1. Agra

When we talk about tourist places in Uttar Pradesh, we have to begin with Agra. A UP tour package is simply incomplete without Taj Mahal. When I travelled abroad for the first time, every fellow student I met had Taj Mahal on his/her bucket list. It would almost embarrass me that as an Indian, I had never made the time to see UP’s crown jewel – the Taj Mahal.

But just as mesmerised I was by Taj, I realised Agra has so much more to offer — the majestic Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh and Fatehpur Sikri. And, as you soak in the Mughal grandeur, you should also try the famous ‘Agra ka petha’.

2. Varanasi

If Taj Mahal in Agra is India’s pride, Varanasi captures the spiritual soul of India. But many people who plan on visiting Varanasi don’t realise it is in UP Many also get confused, “Is Banaras and Varanasi same?”

The answer is yes.

The city is also known as Kashi. Known for the famous Ghats of Banaras, it is one of the oldest living cities in the world.

In Varanasi, you should visit the Vishwanath Temple and also see the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The latter is a spectacle of lights and devotion that would reignite the religious spark in your heart. Besides the ghats, Monkey Temple, Alamgir Mosque and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum are some of our top picks for the city.

3. Ayodhya

An epicenter of faith and culture, Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram. While it has always held a place of great reverence among Hindus, Ayodhya tourism has reached fresh peaks after the consecration of the Ram Lalla Temple.

Exploring Ayodhya is like flipping through the pages of the Ramayana itself. Beyond the Ram Janambhoomi Temple, you should also visit its buzzing markets, Ramkot, Hanuman Garhi and Mani Parbat. One should also experience the authentic Diwali and Ram Navami celebration in Lord Ram’s city, at least once in their lifetime.

4. Prayagraj

Formerly known as Allahabad, Prayagraj features the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati merge. Many travellers book a Prayagraj tour package to witness the Kumbh Mela. Held here after every 12 years, Maha Kumbh is known as the world’s largest human gathering.

Beyond the religious fervour of Kumbh, Prayagraj also has its quiet corners – like the Allahabad Fort and Anand Bhavan (home of the Nehru family). Your Prayagraj tour package will further include attractions like the Allahabad Museum, Khusro Bagh, Patalpuri Temple, Akshaya Vat, All Saints Cathedral and Company Gardens.

5. Lucknow

Known as the City of Nawabs, Lucknow is known for its delectable kebabs and historical monuments. Meanwhile, its elite for known for their etiquettes. It is one of our favourite tourist places in UP.

Lucknow has so many places that you can visit -- including the Bada and Chhota Imambara, Ambedkar Park, Rumi Darwaza, Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, Shahi Baoli, Asifi Masjid and the Hazratganj market.

From being a reflection of the Mughal architecture, the city is now emerging as a cosmopolitan city with better roads and massive parks. When you book a hotel in UP, Lucknow will offer you some of the finest options, making it a great base to explore nearby places.

6. Mathura and Vrindavan

The twin cities of Lord Krishna are pure joy for travellers, seeking spirituality and colour. No other place matches the vibrant Holi of Vrindavan as the sound of bhajans fill the air.

Mathura is home to the Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir, Dwarkadhish Temple, the Govardhan Parvat and Radha Kunds. You should also visit the Jama Masjid and the Kusum Sarovar here.

There are so many temples in Vrindavan that you can visit like Govind Dev Temple, Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, Bankey Bihari Temple, Ranganatha Temple, Prem Mandir and the ISKCON Temple. But you must stay careful to protect your belongings from monkeys in the town.

7. Sarnath

Just a short distance from Varanasi lies Sarnath, a major Buddhist pilgrimage. Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon here after attaining enlightenment. Devotees especially visit the state to see Dhamek Stupa, Ashokan Pillar and its monasteries. It is believed that the site disappeared completely in the 12th century but was rediscovered during the 19th century by British archaeologists.

The town also attracts many non-Buddhist travellers, who want to explore the history of Sarnath. For instance, one can find artifacts from the third century BCE at the Sarnath Archaeological Museum.

With its meditation spaces, serene vibes of the Deer Park and the Bodhi Tree, Sarnath’s experience offers a spiritual experience that goes beyond the religious boundaries.

Whether it’s soaking in history, search for spirituality or the warmth of local hospitality, every UP city will leaves its unique imprint on your heart.

With its rich history and heritage, it is a shame that many people don’t know much about Uttar Pradesh. For instance, there are many people who were enchanted by the ghats of Varanasi after seeing ‘Ranjhanaa’. But, they don’t know where is Banaras. It isn’t a proud moment when adults wonder, “Is Banaras and Varanasi same?”

That’s why we wanted to inspire people to visit Uttar Pradesh and experience its magic for themselves. But, UP is not a place for amateurs. So, we recommend booking an Uttar Pradesh tour package if you are visiting for the first time. It ensures that you don’t miss out on any of the top tourist places in UP and have a wholesome experience.