Tunday Kebab or Lucknowi Biryani might be the best thing about Lucknow, but everyday life anywhere can be very boring. So, if you need to get away from the routine, or you may want to have a break, a short drive around is the best you can do. With the various places to visit near Lucknow, you can find an environment of cultural towns, natural scenery, and calm retreats that will rejuvenate your soul and give you a change of scenery.
No matter whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or just a person who needs a weekend getaway, you will be spoiled for choice. Some places are hill stations hidden in Uttarakhand, others are heritage cities of Uttar Pradesh, and each place has its own attractions.
What is even greater in all these is that they are all easily accessible in Lucknow, and therefore, they can be used as quick getaways. In this blog, you will be introduced to the top 12 places near Lucknow to visit for a short duration, and you will have your next weekend trip planned by the end of it!
12 Best Places To Visit Near Lucknow
There are those places that will bring you back in time with their ancient monuments, and others that will calm your heart with all the greenery and the beauty of the riverside. Let’s find out the best cultural, historical, and natural places to visit near Lucknow..
1. Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park is a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts and one of the well-known tourist places to visit near Lucknow. This is one national park on the Indo-Nepal border that has tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and a large assortment of birds. The thick forests, grasslands, and marshes render it an ideal getaway into nature. A Dudhwa safari will provide you with the excitement of observing wildlife in their natural surroundings, as well as the greenery, which is not disturbed.
Things to do: Take a jungle safari, do bird watching, and take nature walks.
Best time to visit: November to April.
Distance from Lucknow: 230km (2-3 hours via road).
2. Ayodhya
Ayodhya is one of the most holy cities in India, and it is also among the most attractive places to visit near Lucknow, which will give a glimpse into spirituality and history. The city, which is referred to as the birthplace of Lord Rama, is filled with temples, ghats, and monuments, which depict the strong attachment that the city has to the Ramayana. The newly constructed Ram Mandir and evening aarti at the Sarayu River are memories to hold on to. It is a heaven for people who are devotees and want to take a spiritual detour.
Things to do: Pay a visit to Ram Mandir, pay a visit to Hanuman Garhi, and participate in the evening aarti at Sarayu Ghat.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Distance from Lucknow: 135 Km (3- 4 hours via road).
3. Varanasi
The city of Varanasi is one of the oldest places to exist in the world, and if you are in search of places that are close to Lucknow but have a lot of history and spirituality, then this is your place to be. The ghats of the Ganga River, the captivating Ganga Aarti, and the winding alleys with temples make this city an eternal destination. It is the place where tradition and spirituality intertwine. Also, don’t forget to taste the famous Banarasi pan and buy Banarasi sarees on your visit there.
Things to do: Ganga Aarti, Dashashwamedh Ghat, boat ride on the Ganga, Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Distance from Lucknow: 320 km (About 6 hours by road/train).
4. Naimisharanya
Naimisharanya is another smaller spiritual resort and quite a famous tourist destination around Lucknow. This is the place, according to the mythology, where the sages conducted great yagnas. It is an area surrounded by rivers and forests, and one can enjoy some relaxing moments there. Another attraction that one cannot afford to miss in this place is the Chakra Tirtha, which is considered to be the centre of the universe.
Things to do: Visit Chakra Tirtha, meditate on the banks of the riverside, and pay a visit to Lalita Devi Temple.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Distance from Lucknow: 95km (2 hours by road).
5. Prayagraj (Allahabad)
Prayagraj was once called Allahabad and is renowned as the sacred Sangam, which is the meeting point of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. It is also among the most preferred places to visit near Lucknow, both for the history enthusiast and spiritual seeker. The city is also characterised by the majestic Kumbh Mela, which draws millions of worshippers from around the world. Other attractions are the Allahabad Fort, constructed by Akbar, and the museum of Anand Bhawan.
Things to do: Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Fort, and Anand Bhawan.
Best time to visit: November to March.
Distance from Lucknow: 200km (approx., 4-5 hours by road).
6. Kanpur
Kanpur, a busy industrial city, still contains a lighter side in that it is one of the convenient places to visit near Lucknow. The attractions available in the city include the Kanpur Zoological Park, Allen Forest Zoo, and the picturesque Ganga Barrage. Kanpur, with its mix of history, spirituality, and modern appeal, is a great place to have a quick day trip or a weekend outing.
Things to do: Visiting Kanpur Zoo, Shri Radhakrishna Temple, and taking a rest at Moti Jheel.
Best time to visit: November- February.
Distance from Lucknow: 90 km (takes around 2 hours on the road).
7. Shravasti
One of the most well-known and best places near Lucknow to visit for the followers of Buddhism is Shravasti, which is a pilgrimage site and is one of the most peaceful ways to have a good time around the city. It supposedly is the location where Buddha spent 24 seasons of the monsoon preaching to his followers. The archeological ruins, monasteries, and stupas provide the town with a tranquil atmosphere, and thus it is ideal in terms of meditation and quiet exploration.
Things to do: Visit the Jetavana Monastery, the Stupa of Anathapindika, and the Stupa of Angulimala for meditation.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Distance from Lucknow: 170 km (approximately 4 hours on a road).
8. Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot is a mythological and natural town located in the region and thus is among the most interesting places to visit near Lucknow. This is one of the places where Lord Rama spent his exile, according to legend. They also have waterfalls, hills, and temples, which make the town a perfect blend of spiritual and natural beauty. Do not miss visiting the Kamadgiri hill and the Ramghat for a serene view of nature.
Things to do: Visit Ramghat, Kamadgiri Hill, and the Bharat Milap Temple
Best time to visit: October to March.
Distance from Lucknow: 230 km (Takes 5-6 hours by road).
9. Dhanaulti (Uttarakhand)
Dhanaulti is one of the coolest hill stations in the surrounding areas of Lucknow, in case you need a cool weekend outing in the hills. It is an incomparable hilly spot characterised by a serene atmosphere, impeccable woodland, and the view of the Himalayas. Dhanaulti is not as crowded or famous as other tourist destinations, such as Mussoorie, but it is all about the likes of solitude and nature.
Things to do: Do Trekking, camping, pay a visit to Eco Park, and enjoy the Himalayan scenery.
Best time to visit: March- June, September- November.
Distance from Lucknow: 530 km (11 hours by road).
10. Ranikhet (Uttarakhand)
The other beautiful hill station that is one of the best places to visit near Lucknow when one wants to have a peaceful holiday is Ranikhet. The town of Ranikhet boasts old-world attractiveness with pine trees and snow-covered Himalayas. The town consists of numerous temples, orchards, and golf courses, thus making the town a perfect place to visit with family members. It is a great place to have a pleasant view of cool temperatures and to take a break from the bustle of the city.
Things to do: See Jhulas Devi Temple, Chaubatia Gardens, and also play golf.
Best time to visit: March- June, September- November.
Distance from Lucknow: 450 Km (estimated 10 hours by road).
11. Jhansi
The first of the most historic destinations near Lucknow would be Jhansi, which is also famously referred to as the land of Rani Lakshmi Bai. The tales of heroism and courage abound in the city from the First War of Independence of 1857. The Jhansi Fort is majestic and serves as a reminder of its great history, and the temples and museums give the city an even better culture. It sends one back a few years in time when walking through Jhansi, and every street tells the story of bravery.
Things to do: Visit Jhansi Fort, Rani Mahal, and the Government Museum.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Distance from Lucknow: 315km (around 6hours by road).
12. Khajuraho
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Khajuraho is one of the artistic and unique destinations close to Lucknow. Khajuraho is a living masterpiece of art and architecture that is famous for its beautiful group of temples designed by the Chandela dynasty. The elaborate inscriptions of both gods and goddesses, along with human emotions, are renowned in the world. Along with temples, the town has natural splendour in terms of waterfalls and wild animals, such as wildlife conservations, as well. It is an ideal blend of culture, spirituality, and heritage.
Things to do: Visit the Western and Eastern groups of temples, witness the light and sound show, and pay a visit to Raneh Falls.
Best time ot visit: October to March.
Distance from Lucknow: 315km ( 6-7 hrs by road).
Conclusion
Lucknow is surrounded by magnificent destinations, from the religious sites like Ayodhya and Varanasi, to the scenic hills such as Dhanaulti and Ranikhet. Whether you want to head out on the weekend, seek a spiritual experience, or just want to spend your time in nature, you can find it all in the places to visit near Lucknow. It has also made it easier to plan a short trip, with the majority of spots being a few hours away. So, what are you waiting for? Go and grab your bags, choose where to go, and prepare to see the beauty in these local miracles.
