The capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is a well-known city for its rich and cultural diversity. Numerous towns and villages surrounding Lucknow are home to many prominent temples and religious sites. Different religious sites located in thick lush green forests, and hillocks, on the confluence of rivers, will make you feel serene and immersed in devotion. For those who want to escape from the city and want to explore the surrounding religious tourism of Lucknow, this write-up will help you a lot. Let’s dive deep to learn about amazing religious destinations near Lucknow.
Exploring Lucknow Nearby Religious Destinations:
1. Kanpur (90 km)
Near Lucknow, Kanpur is the first and well-known city to explore different religious attractions. The beauty of Kanpur is it’s known for all the different famous religious sites. Wherever you go at any point some prominent temple or religious sites will appear before you.
Simply, Kanpur is the best religious place near Lucknow to soak in spirituality. The major religious spots to cover in this city are Siddhanteshwar Mahadev Temple, Radha Krishna Temple, Jama Masjid, ISKCON Temple, Bhitargaon Temple, Kanpur Memorial Church, Dwarkadhish Temple, and Jain Glass Temple.
2. Kathvara (34 km)
Kathvara is a small and beautiful village near Lucknow located on the banks of the river Gomti. It is quite famous for the Mata Chandrika Devi Temple, which dates back nearly 300 years ago. As per the historians, this temple was built in the 12th century but due to foreign invasions, it was unknown to people. But 300 years ago villagers found this temple started doing poojas.
The temple architecture also looks simple and brilliant especially, its courtyard which is a huge one. Moreover, the deity is also an architectural marvel carved out of a rock with a three-headed form. Apart from the temple, Sudhanva Kund with a huge sculpture of Lord Shiva seems to be another attraction of the temple.
Also read: Uncover the Best Places Near Kanpur for a Short Trip
3. Bithoor (85 km)
Located near Kanpur, Bithoor is a popular religious destination, where many religious sites are related to Ramayana and epic stories. Valmiki Ashram, where Valmiki wrote Ramayana, and Sita Kund are the popular places related to Ramayana.
Other than these, different ghats namely Brahmavart Ghat and Patthar Ghat of this place speak about different mythological stories. Apart from all these, Bithoor Van Durga Temple is the most popular religious place. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga located in the Bithoorforest. During Navratri, the temple looks very attractive and glorious.
4. Naimisharanya (90 km)
Naimisharanya is a famous and sacred religious place in Uttar Pradesh. Why because many places in this region are testimonials of history. It is also called Panch Prayag, which means five rivers confluence at this place. The confluence of five rivers is a sacred spot for devotees to perform various rituals.
Every different place in Naimisharanya is significant to the religious context. Important religious places to explore are Chakra Tirtha, Hanuman Garhi, Vyas Gaddi, and Narad Ghat. Among all, Chakra Thirtha is an important place, where Lord Krishna’s Sudarshana Chakra fell in this holy Thirtha. People believe in taking holy baths in this Thirtha makes them pure from all sins.
5. Ayodhya (135 km)
A popular religious place in Uttar Pradesh, Where Lord Rama was born. Everyone knows on January 22ndthe inauguration of Ram Mandir happened. The entire world knows about the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. It is the special attraction of the place, which is an architectural marvel built without using any modern technology like cement and nails. Right now in India, it is a modern-day wonder to visit. Apart from these, many temples are key attractions of the place.
The must-visit religious places are the Hanuman Garhi, Nageshwarnath Temple, Ram ki Paidi, Mani Parbat, Dasrath Bhavan, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, Birla Temple, and Jain Temple. Besides, many other temples in Ayodhya are worth visiting.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide for Planning Your Trip to Ayodhya from Delhi
6. Shravasti (160 km)
Shravasti is a great Buddhist pilgrimage center, where Gautam Buddha preached to his disciples for nearly 25 years. Here you can spot various religious places related to Buddhism and Jainism. Simply, Shravasti is a rich cultured destination near Lucknow.
Important Buddhist sites to explore in the city are Anathapindika Stupa, Jetavana Monastery, Vighuti Nath Temple, Angulimala Stupa, and Shobnath Temple. Every year in January, the Shravasti annual festival will be celebrated for five days. It is a wonderful and colourful festival, which popular celebrities attend this festival.
7. Shringverpur (170 km)
An unfamiliar religious destination near Lucknow, Shringverpur is a sacred land. It is mentioned in many mythological texts like Ramayana. As per mythological stories, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshmana crossed the river Ganges from this place. The place was remarked as Ramghat. The major religious attractions of the place are Shringi Rishi Temple and Hanuman Temple. Shringi Rishi Temple is an important place to visit here, it is believed that Lord Rama visited this place during his exile.
Apart from religious attractions, Shringverpur Fort is a must-visit place. It is the place where Lord Rama’sfather King Dasharatha conducted Putrakameshti Yaga. Besides, many small temples hold good attention to visit.
Read also: Best December Destinations in Uttar Pradesh
8. Prayagaraj (200 km)
Prayagraj, once known as Allahabad is a prime religious destination near Lucknow. This place is like an abode of rich culture, history, and heritage. It is the place where Lord Brahma conducted his first yaga after creating this universe. That’s why this place is called Prayagaraj, which means the first yaga. Also, this place is the confluence of three holy rivers, Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarawati known as Triveni Sangam. For once 12 years, Maha Kumbha Mela will take place. Important temples to visit here are Hanuman Temple at Sangam, Patalpuri Temple, Mankameshwar Temple, Kalyani Devi Temple, and Shankar Viman Mandapam.
Other than religious attractions, this place is quite famous for many historical attractions. The places are Allahabad Fort, Chandrashekar Azad, Allahabad Planetarium, Allahabad Museum, and Anand Bhavan.
9. Kaushambi (200 km)
Kaushambi is a famous religious place for Hindus and Buddhists. It is home to wonderful temples and Buddhist monasteries. The place reflects the rich culture and heritage through its beautiful temples and historic remnants.
The must-visit religious spots of the place are Ghositarama Vihara, popular for Buddhists, Vasudeva Temple, Chakva Shiva Temple, and Kamasutra Temples. Apart from these, other religious interests of the place are ancient remains on the banks of the river Yamuna, Sheetla Temple, Prabhasgiri, and Durga Devi Temple.
10. Chitrakoot (240 km)
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Chitrakoot is a famous religious destination for Hindus. As per mythological stories, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshmana stayed in this place for a while during exile. Many places are remarked after as the places Lord Rama used to stay at that time.
Kamadgiri Hill, Ramghat, Hanuman Dhara, and Bharat Milap Mandir are all places that describe different instances of Lord Rama’s staying. Among all, Kamdgiri Hill is an important place in this city. It is believed on this hill Lord Rama stayed until Bharata visited. Apart from these, Sati Anusuya Ashram and Gupt Godavari Caves are other important religious places to visit.
11. Vindhyachal (290 km)
Vindhyachal is one of the must-visit religious places near Lucknow. Why because it is home to one of the Shakti Peetas of Goddess Sati. The place located in Mirzapur is quite famous for its religious attractions especially, temples. Among different temples, Vindhyavasini Devi Temple is the key attraction of the place.
It is an abode of Shakti Peeta dedicated to Goddess Durga. Every day the temple looks crowded with devotees. Besides, Kali Khoh Temple, Sita Kund, Ashtabhuja Temple, and Ramgaya Ghat are other important religious spots in Vindhyachal. The Ramgaya Ghat is also an important place, where devotees take holy baths and perform ancestral rituals.
12. Khajuraho (310 km)
Khajuraho is like an ocean of temples located in Madhya Pradesh. To explore the rich history and heritage, this place is enough. The temples in this place are divided into three categories namely Western, Eastern, and Southern Group of Temples. In these groups of temples, you particularly see different temples related to Hinduism and Jainism. What’s the special attraction of the place is the temples which showcase splendid architecture amid erotic sculptures.
The list of important temples that should be never missed here are Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Parsvanath Temple, Adinath Temple, Duladeo Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, Vishwanatha Temple, and Lakshmana Temple.
13. Kushinagar (325 km)
A renowned Buddhist site, Kushinagar is a famous place for Buddhists because Lord Buddha attained Parinirvana at this location. Mahaparinirvana Temple was built in remembrance of Lord Buddha Parinirvana. Buddhist devotees from all corners of India visit the place to visit this temple.
It is a lovely and serene temple complex with a peaceful atmosphere. Other important Buddhist religious sites are Wat Thai Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, Japanese Temple, and Matha Kuar Shrine. The Kushinagar Museum is also a worthy place to visit to experience the artifacts and remnants of Lord Buddha and his life experiences.
Kushinagar Package: Kushinagar 01-Day Tour itinerary
14. Sarnath (320 km)
Sarnath is another important religious destination of Buddhism near Lucknow. It is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. Many stupas and monasteries in the place replicate the essence of Buddhism and Lord Buddha’s preachings.
Dhamek Stupa is an important religious place in Sarnath because it is the place where he delivered his first sermon to his disciples. Apart from this, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, Chaukhandi Stupa, Thai Temple and Monastery, Sarnath Archaeological Museum, and Japanese Temple are other important religious places.
Sarnath Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Sarnath Varanasi Trip Itinerary
15. Mathura and Vrindavan (390 km)
Last but not least, Mathura and Vrindavan are wonderful religious places near Lucknow. For Lord Krishna devotees, these places are like heaven where they can feel the presence of Lord Krishna. Mathura is the place where Lord Krishna was born and he was brought up in Vrindavan. Numerous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna stand as major attractions of these places. The two places are just 10 km apart from each other but you can cover different famous temples of Lord Krishna.
The must-visit temples of these places are Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Gita Mandir, Kansa Qila, Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, ISKCON Temple, and Radha Raman Temple.
All these top religious destinations near Lucknow are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime to witness the rich culture and heritage of Uttar Pradesh. You can witness most of the places speak about the tales of Lord Rama and Gautam Buddha. So enjoy a peaceful and memorable religious trip to these places around Lucknow.
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