Unveiling the Gems around Lucknow: Top 9 Weekend Getaways

If you’ve explored the city of Nawabs and are looking for places you must visit near Lucknow, you’re at the right place.

While Lucknow has several tourist attractions to explore, you have several other amazing places to visit as weekend or day trips from Lucknow. These places are merely a few kilometers apart and are not much for a seasoned traveler. You can drive, reach via train, or even take a private taxi with you from Lucknow.

Whether you are interested in history, architecture, spirituality, or nature, there are plenty of places that make for enjoyable excursions.

Let’s see some of the top places near Lucknow you must include in your list:

1. Ayodhya (140 km from Lucknow)

Ayodhya is Lord Rama’s birthplace and one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindu religion. This ancient city is full of temples commemorating the life of Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu. Some top attractions here include the Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex and the Hanuman Garhi temple, situated on a massive 76-meter hill. 

You can also visit the Kanak Bhawan temple, which is said to have been gifted to Mata Sita by Kaikeyi. Come here to admire the grandeur of the Ram Ki Pauri ghat alongside the Sarayu river, which lights up spectacularly with lakhs of earthen lamps during Diwali. With its immense religious significance and pristine natural beauty along the river banks, visiting Ayodhya should be a must visit near Lucknow. 

2. Mathura (397 km from Lucknow) 

The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura, is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus nestled on the banks of the river Yamuna. This temple town revolves around the renowned Krishna Janmabhoomi temple. Additionally, it is also home to several other ancient and intricately carved temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Radha ji, and his brother Balaram. 

You can admire the unique architecture of these temples, such as the Dwarkadheesh Temple, or relish the town’s specialty – pedas and milk sweets. For a nature retreat, you can head to Vrindavan nearby, which is full of lush forests like Raman Reti and Kund (ancient water tanks), surrounding over 5000 temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha.

With its immense spiritual heritage and quaint forests, visiting Mathura should be on your list. You must also visit Banke Bihari Temple, Nidhivan, and Prem Mandir, some other sacred places in Vrindavan.

Note: You can not miss Holi (Festival of Colours) in Mathura-Vrindavan. It is celebrated for many days, and tourists across the globe participate. 

3. Agra (335 km from Lucknow)

Popular globally as the City of the Taj, Agra certainly tops the list of the most popular tourist destinations near Lucknow. This former capital of the Mughal empire remains firmly etched in history owing to Emperor Shah Jahan’s eternal symbol of love for his wife Mumtaz – the magnificent Taj Mahal.

Built entirely of pristine white marble, the symmetrically perfect Taj Mahal mesmerizes visitors with its ethereal beauty. Sunrises and sunsets at the Taj are exceptionally beautiful. But there’s more to Agra than the Taj alone, and you can also spend time exploring the Agra Fort, which is very similar to Delhi’s Red Fort.

Also, don’t forget to shop at local bazaars in the city for marble artifacts, carved sandalwood items, and delectable Pethas (a sweet specialty of Agra) for your friends and family back home. With splendid historical monuments and bustling old-world charm, no UP itinerary is complete without a visit to fascinating Agra. Also, head to Fatehpur Sikri, which sits at 35 km from Agra if you are interested in exploring more of Mughal architecture. 

4. Varanasi (312 km from Lucknow) 

One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, the holy city of Varanasi rests on the banks of Ganga which is revered as a living goddess here. With a tradition of devotion, Varanasi flows with spirituality, which is evident in the daily rituals, pujas, and Ganga aartis performed tirelessly by pilgrims. 

In addition to interesting architectural landmarks like the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the 18th century Durga Temple, you can find peace and solitude while strolling the over 100 lively ghats across the river Ganga. Nothing beats experiencing a boat ride at dawn, soaking in the sunrise glow as it illuminates the timeless ghats performed against the age-old ritual of people bathing in its holy waters.

You can also indulge your shopping instincts and buy some famed Banarasi sarees, brassware, and wooden toys as souvenirs. Sarnath is another religious place located at 12 km from Varanasi. It is the place where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. For an authentic glimpse into Hindu customs, a trip to Varanasi should be on the list of amazing places near Lucknow.  

5. Prayagraj (200 km from Lucknow)

Home to the famous Kumbh Mela, which attracts over 100 million pilgrims, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) stands at the confluence or ‘Prayag’ of three holy rivers – the Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati. One of the four sites for the world’s largest religious gathering, the Kumbh Mela transforms Prayagraj into a vibrant, expansive tent city brimming with cultural performances. The next Kumbh Mela will occur in 2025.

Besides the Triveni Sangam, you can visit the Allahabad Fort built strategically by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It has a historic Patalpuri Temple, said to be where the Saraswati River flows underground. You should shop for charming local handicrafts like the ‘Prayagraj sarees’ and finely carved woodwork items in the city’s local bazaars. Offering a sacred mix of vibrant festivities and unique river culture, Prayagraj is a rewarding destination.

6. Kushinagar (320 km from Lucknow) 

For followers of Buddhism worldwide, Kushinagar is one of the four important pilgrimage sites that mark significant milestones in Lord Buddha’s life. In Kushinagar, under a grove of Sal trees, Gautama Buddha attained Mahanirvana after his death around 543 BCE. 

As of now, you can visit that historic site marked by the 6th century BCE excavated Buddha statue at the main Parinirvana Temple. You can witness the 15m long Reclining Buddha statue and the ancient temples and stupas within the Mahaparinirvana Temple complex.

This quaint town with its verdant paddy fields will make you reflect on the life and beliefs of one of history’s most influential figures. Kushinagar allows you to pay homage to Lord Buddha in the actual place where he is believed to have attained enlightenment after his death.

7. Shravasti (150 km from Lucknow)

With over two dozen holy sites commemorating Lord Buddha’s extensive association with the place, Shravasti offers a glimpse into Buddhist culture. As per ancient texts, Lord Buddha performed several miracles in Shravasti to instill faith and surprise non-believers. He also delivered many of his most important sermons here, making it one of the pivotal locations associated with Buddhism.

Buddha spent 24 Chaturmasya (holy period of four months) meditating rigorously in the village before attaining nirvana. 

Key attractions include the legendary Jetavana monastery and Anand Bodhi tree, age-old stupas, and the Sobhnath temple. For peaceful vibes away from bustling pilgrim crowds, Shravasti should be in your list of must-visit places in Lucknow.  

8. Dudhwa National Park (210 km from Lucknow)  

If you seek a thrilling safari adventure full of rich wildlife, drive to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and National Park near the Indo-Nepal border. Home to Royal Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, swamp deer, hispid hares, and over 400 avian species, Dudhwa’s forests and grasslands make it one of India’s finest wildlife preserves. 

You can opt for open jeep jungle safaris, elephant safaris, or nature walks in this forested region that merges with the forests of Nepal. Visit Tharu tribal villages dotted alongside the park to interact with the locals. 

Dudhwa also hosts festivals celebrating nature, culture, and traditions with great fervor along the forest edges — so do confirm with your trip planner. As a nature and wildlife lover, you should definitely not miss visiting the Dudhwa National Park near Lucknow.

9. Naimisharanya (95 km from Lucknow)

Naimisharanya is believed to be the land where thousands of rishis and munis gathered to perform the great Satyanarayana Katha yagna on the banks of river Gomti. The place retains its strong spiritual aura despite its ruins, which invaders plundered. The site houses the Chakra Tirtha, the ancient spot where Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra is said to have fallen. 

You can simply wander around the excavated remains of chandelier-shaped Hindu temples destroyed over time. You can visit Vyas Gaddi, where numerous ancient historical books were written. Also, don’t forget to visit Dadhichi Kund, dedicated to Maharshi Dadhichi, who sacrificed his bones to make a weapon to kill Asuras as per the legends.

Naimisharanya’s powerful energy continues to draw devotees even today. For a look into little-known relics of the past near forested environments, a quick tour to Naimisharanya should be in your list of must-visit places near Lucknow.

Conclusion

Lucknow is strategically located right in the center of Uttar Pradesh, surrounded by several smaller towns and cities exhibiting vibrant tradition, culture, and nature’s beauty.

Whether you seek soul-stirring spirituality, intriguing history, wildlife and nature, delicious food, or simply some great photography opportunities– these places around Lucknow will offer you all.

So when you come to Lucknow next time you, allocate a few additional days to visit these places nearby the city for a wholesome experience of UP. Because as the UP tourism says — UP Nahi Dekha To India Nahi Dekha!