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Lucknow was once the city of Nawabs, and its grandeur at one point of time and eclipsed even that of Delhi’s. The rich culture of Lucknow, its stunning architecture and its one of kind kebabs had always attracted travelers who want to experience the true flavor of India. The age old mausoleums and makbaras, the stunning monuments had always inspired awe. Similarly amazing however, are some of the places near Lucknow and if you want to get away from the city, which can get very chaotic at times, then there are quite a few places that you can escape to for a vacation. Here are some of them that will make great weekend getaways and are popular places to visit near Lucknow within 500 km.
Another city in Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya is considered very sacred among the Indians, especially among the Hindus. There are lots of temples here, and the ghats along the River Saraju are a must visit because of the aartis that take place in the temples along the river in the evenings. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple attracts throngs of visitors each year, along with Hanuman Garhi, Treta ke Thakur and Kanak Bhawan. The most important thing about the city is that many consider it to be a Hindu city whereas there are a number of Buddhist and Jain shrines here as well. You can easily reach Ayodhya via bus from Lucknow through NH 27 and it is only about 136 km away, the journey taking about 3 hours. There are a number of budget hotels here where you can stay.
Located about 230 km from Lucknow, Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh is a great place for a getaway because there are plenty of attractions for the tourists here. There are temples, forests and great waterfalls which are great to explore. One of the biggest draws here is the Yoga center and you can be sure to enjoy some pleasant moments of peace and quiet. When you plan to go for sightseeing, be sure to cover the place Sati Anusuya Ashram, Hanuman Dhara, Bharat Milap Mandir, Ramghat, Janaki Kund and Bharat Koop among others. If you want to for a trek, then head to the Jagdal Waterfalls and you will be captivated with the views that will greet you here. Do not forget to try out the Ayurvedic therapies here. If you are traveling via road, then take NH 30 and it will take about 6 hours.
You cannot be in Madhya Pradesh and miss Khajuraho, which is one of the most popular tourist places near Lucknow and is located about 310 km away. The century old temples here have great historical as well as architectural significance and you have to see the art work for yourself to believe it. You might have seen pictures of Khajuraho, but nothing can prepare you for the sight you see up close and personal. People come here from all over India as a part of their pilgrimage tour. The Vindhya Mountains are close by and they form a stunning backdrop. You must also visit the Panna National Park in the vicinity. The notable temples here are the Lakshmana Temple, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple. The Ajaigarh Fort is an important historical spot here and you must visit the Archeological Museum to gain a better understanding of all the stunning artwork you see in the region. You can reach by taking the NH 34 from Lucknow and apart from hotels and guest houses; you may also choose to stay in ashrams here.
If you are overwhelmed with your urban life and you want to connect to your spiritual side, then nothing does that better than a trip to Varanasi. Call it Kashi or Benaras, a visit to this temple town is sure to have an impact on you. It is not just a religious place, it is the spirituality that speaks out. There are temples, forts, palaces and havelis on the one hand and then there are lanes and by- lanes in which you can get lost when you want to explore the city. The best way to do that is to go by foot. You must visit the Ganga in the evenings for the Ganga Arati and the notable ghats where they take place are Dashashwamedh Ghat, Tulsi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. The Ramnagar Fort and Chunar Fort are a must visit. You may take NH 31 to reach here. There are a number of budget hotels here for tourists and backpackers.
Orchha in Madhya Pradesh is a little known region but you are bound to fall in love with this place as soon as you reach. This was once the capital of Bundela Rajputs rulers and has great historical significance. The forts and palaces here are spellbinding and they are surrounded by lush green hills and thick forests. The Orchha Fort and the Jhansi Fort are the main attractions here, along with Dinman Hardaul Palace and the various Chhatris. The Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is a place of must- visit and a large species of birds and animals are to be seen here. The Orchha- Jhansi Road is the best way to access Orchha. There are a number of palace turned hotels here which are known for their royal Indian hospitality.
Agra needs no introduction and it is about 335 km from Lucknow. Once you here, head straight for the Taj Mahal of course, which has more or less become the symbol of India. There are a number of forts here and head to Fatehpur Sikri from here, the capital the Akbar had once built for this empire. The other notable places of interest here are Jama Masjid, Akbar’s Tomb, and Itmad- ud- Daulah. If you want to photograph the Taj Mahal without being interrupted, then head to Mehtab Bagh. To access Agra from Lucknow, you just need to take the Yamuna Expressway.
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is home to some of the most magnificent forts in the country. Everybody talks about the forts in Rajasthan, but Gwalior surely has its own aura. The forts here house many stunning palaces within themselves and you will get an impression of how might an empire it once was. History lovers will surely fall in love with this place. Apart from the Gwalior Fort, you must visit the Sun Temple and the Jai Vilas Palace Museum. You will find coins, manuscripts, paintings and weapons. The most interesting place to visit here is the Memorial of Tansen and music lovers come here to pay their homage to the memorial of Tansen. Private buses travel from Lucknow to Gwalior almost daily.
Nainital is a popular hill station and this charming hill city is always special to visit. The lush green hills reflected in the waters of the pristine Naini Lake are always a pleasant sight. Most of the weekenders who come here for the first time make plans of revisiting this hill city. There are colonial style heritage buildings, temples and narrow lanes and it is a great place to shop woolens from the roadside stalls. The region is one of the most popular picnic sports near Lucknow. One of the best activities here is to go boating during the summers and there is almost always a huge queue waiting. The narrow lanes cutting through the hills are such a pleasure to explore and they make for great walking trails. You have to visit the various points in the region like the Snow- View Point, Tiffin Top, Mall Road and Nainital Zoo. Then there is the Raj Bhawan, the Eco Cave Gardens and a little way off, there is the Bhimtal Lake. When you wake up in the morning and head out, you will hear birds chirping and the sun shining on the flowers that grow by the side of the road. The nearest railway station here is Kathgodam.
Located in Uttarakhand, Ranikhet, literally translated to the Queen’s Meadow, is a little gem nestled in the hills and is a very popular weekend getaway from Lucknow. It is very close to getting the title of Paradise on Earth. It is a cantonment town that is located at a height of about 1869 meters. The region experiences snowfall in the winters and it is cool and pleasant during the summers. There are a number of spots to visit here like the Jhula Devi Temple, Mankameshwar Temple, Haidikhan Babaji Temple, Chaubatia Orchard and Upat Kalika. Or you can simply spend a relaxing time by gazing at the hills around. There are quite a few trails leading away from here and they are great for trekking, especially for the beginners. The main railway station is Kathgodam which is 75 km away from the main city and then you have to take a cab.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to these beautiful locations around Lucknow for a relaxing weekend or extended vacation. You are sure to plan your second trip soon.
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April 15, 2024 
