12 Top Spiritual Destinations in Uttar Pradesh (2024)

The land of Uttar Pradesh is known for its wide range of tourist places, and especially the places of worship dedicated to the deities of all major religions practiced in India. We have handpicked some of the most popular places of worship to visit in the sacred city of Uttar Pradesh. Let us take a look at these 12 top spiritual destinations in Uttar Pradesh to learn more about them.

12 Top Spiritual Destinations in Uttar Pradesh

1. Shri Krishna Janmasthan, Mathura

Lord Shri Krishna, the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu according to the Vishnu Purana is one of the most importnt deities among the followers of Hinduism. It is believed that Lord Krishna took his birth in the prison cell of his uncle Kans, who ruled the territory of Mathura. The prison and the surroundings are now turned into one of the most popular temples of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Krishna Janmasthan. The places associated with the life of Lord Krishna, like Vrindavan, Mathura, etc. are also part of the major places of worship among the tourists.

2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

Varanasi undoubtedly makes an appearance in the list of oldest cities of the world. Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Varanasi is known as one of the most popular pilgrim attractions in Uttar Pradesh, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Varanasi is also known for its Ghats, on the banks of sacred rivers of Ganga and Yamuna. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is believed to be a sacred point where all the sins of the pilgrims, even the ones which have been committed in the past lives will be washed off. 

3. Prayagraj or Allahabad

The Maha Kumbh Mela and its festivities speak for itself as it is without any doubt, one of the biggest religious gatherings of the world. According to the Hindu mythology, a few drops of the sacred elixir which was obtained by churning the ocean fell on the land of Prayag, thereby purifying and making the land sacred. Every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated at Prayag, glorifying the event.

4. Ram Mandir, Ayodhya

Ayodhya is the land of Lord Shri Ram, according to the Vishnu Purana where Lord Vishnu took his seventh incarnation. Lord Shri Ram too, is one of the most worshipped deities in the Hindu community. The new Ram Mandir and the statue of Lord Shri Ram are under construction, and the pilgrim can also visit many other temples which are dedicated to Ram and Sita.

5. Buddhist Temples of Kushinagar

Apart from the major temples established and dedicated to the Hindu community, the pilgrims can also find a lot of Buddhist temples and monasteries in parts of Uttar Pradesh like Kushinagar. It is also believed that Lord Buddha and his life in his last days are closely associated with the land of Kushinagar. The temple here provides a peaceful and completely relaxing experience for the pilgrims visiting.

6. Mosques of Agra

Some of the most beautiful and large Mosques of India are located in Agra, a province belonging to the administration of Uttar Pradesh. Most of these mosques are built during the regime of the Mughals, which makes them more spectacular with the breathtaking architectural beauty and excellent craftsmanship. The other buildings constructed by the Mughal rulers are also appreciated all over the world for its charm and artworks. Regardless of religion, these places of worship in Uttar Pradesh witness a large influx of tourists round the year.

7. Pilgrim Destinations of Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot is one such spiritual destination of Uttar Pradesh which is closely associated with the Hindu mythological epic of Ramayana. As per the tales of Ramayana, Lord Shri Ram, when he was in exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, used to reside in the forests of Chitrakoot. A lot of places here like Bharat Koop, Gupt Godavari, Sphatik Shila, etc. have a close connection to Ramayana making it one of the top spiritual destinations in Uttar Pradesh.

8. Pilgrim Attractions in Lucknow

Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and is home to some of the most popular pilgrim attractions of Uttar Pradesh. A lot of pilgrim destinations dedicated to both the communities of Hindu and Muslim are famous in the city of Lucknow. Most of these temples date back to tens of centuries and are known for the worship of deities. Likewise, the Mosques and other Muslim places of worship in Lucknow are mostly built under the Mughal regime, hence portrays the beauty of the Mughal architecture. Some of these pilgrim attractions include Ramakrishna Math Temple, Aliganj Hanuman Temple, Deva Sharif, which is a place of worship to the followers of Sufi, visited by people of all communities.

9. Naimisharanya

Sanskrit is considered as one of the oldest languages that man has ever known. Naimisharanya, as per the Hindu mythology used to be the land where the sacred language of Sanskrit was taught to the kids and students of the higher castes. At present, Naimisharanya is one of the major spiritual destinations of Uttar Pradesh which includes: Theerth, Vyas Gaddi, Ramkrishna Mission Ashram, Hanuman Garhi temple, Puran Mandir, etc.

10. Sravasti

Sravasti in Uttar Pradesh is considered as a sacred land by the followers of the Buddhist community. Lord Buddha has travelled to and through a lot of destinations and Sravasti is believed to be the place where he stayed for a longer time, which according to the belief, 24 rainy seasons. Jetavana Gardens of Sravasti is where Lord Buddha used to stay, meditate and enlighten his fellow beings with knowledge.

11. Magahar

Kabir Das, one of the most famous saints that the country has ever given birth to, was one of the few saints who didn’t even consider the blind restrictions and practices of religions and worked for the betterment of whole humanity. The tomb or the resting place of Saint Kabir Das is located in Magahar, which makes the place a famous spiritual destination in Uttar Pradesh.

12. Vindhyachal

Vindhyachal is one of the most famous mountain ranges in Uttar Pradesh, which is home to the well known Vindhyavasini Devi Temple. The Goddess of Vindhyavasini is said to be the sister of Lord Krishna, who escapes from King Kans and takes shelter in the mountain ranges of Vindhyachal. It is also considered as one of the major Shaktipeeths in India.

Conclusion

Uttar Pradesh, precisely, is home to a number of spiritual or pilgrim destinations which don’t even need an introduction. It is indeed one of the best places in India to visit for a spiritual getaway. So plan your trip to these wonderful spiritual destinations when it is safe to travel again.