What to do and see in Uttar Pradesh, India: The Best Free Things to do

March 29, 2022 Darleen Reid

24 January 1950
Restaurants in Uttar Pradesh

1. Banaras Ghats

Varanasi 221002 India
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,836 reviews

Banaras Ghats

One of the oldest cities of India, Banaras acts as an important religious center. The numerous bathing ghats (steps) along the bank of the Ganges attract huge crowds of pilgrims.

Reviewed By Satish1955 - Bengaluru, India

The Ghats in Varanasi are Riverfront steps leading to River Ganges, There are nearly 88 ghats in Varanasi where bathing, pooja ceremonies are held. The most prominent of the ghats and by far the largest and cleanest is Dashashwamedha ghat where Bramha performed Ashwamedha yagna. You need to reach the ghat from the main road near Godaulia crossing by rickshaw. You have to spend time in the ghat to soak in the atmosphere of the milling crowds, saadhus, cows, dogs, touts etc. The best way to see other ghats is to take a sunset boat ride on Ganges from Dashaashwamedha ghat. A single private rowing boat ride followed by viewing Ganga Aarthy from boat will cost you about 1500. Prominent ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra ghats where bodies are cremated 24 hours, Assi ghat, Bramha ghat etc . If you are travelling in winter make sure you are carrying adequate warm clothes

2. Ganges River

Varanasi India
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,970 reviews

Ganges River

Reviewed By Phillip8789 - Terrigal, Australia

We had the opportunity to walk many of the Ghats, be on the Ganges for sunrise and sunset, observe people bathing, washing clothes, seeing cremation services and observing the Ganga Aarti devotional ritual being performed. This is a unique experience - being able to be on The Holy River is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Nothing we have seen in our overseas travels compares to this.

3. Assi Ghat

Sdkfjl, Varanasi 221005 India http://uttarpradesh.gov.in/en/details/assi-ghat/310032003800
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,233 reviews

Assi Ghat

Reviewed By tmagrawal - New Delhi, India

If you are first timer and wants to see both morning and evening aartis my suggestion is to stay near assi Ghat as you won't have to walk half a km if you choose to stay near dashaswamed Ghat. You can take a boat ride in the evening and see evening aarti at dashaswamed Ghat as well as visit vishwanath temple in one go and attend morning aarti and subah banaras at assi Ghat.

4. Manikarnika Ghat

Ghasi Tola Road, Varanasi 221001 India
Excellent
56%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,161 reviews

Manikarnika Ghat

Reviewed By Storyteller688502 - Chennai (Madras), India

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi held in great reverence by Hindus. There are different lores associated with this place. One of the lore is as follows. It is believed that Mata Sati sacrificed her life after her father humiliated her husband Lord Shiva in a yagna. Lord Shiva took her burning body to the Himalayas. On seeing the unending sorrow of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu sent His Divine chakra to cut the body into 51 parts which fell at different places on earth. Shakthi Peets have been established at all these places. It is believed that Mata Sati's ear ornaments fell on this place by the side of the Ganges and hence the name Manikarnika ghat came into existence. The Shakti of Manikarnika is addressed as Vishalakshi & Manikarni.

5. Dasaswamedh Ghat

Dasaswamedh Ghat Road Bangali Tola, Varanasi 221001 India
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,953 reviews

Dasaswamedh Ghat

India Trip Offer Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganga River. It is located close to Vishwanath Temple and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu legends are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva

Reviewed By SSRaju - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The main ghat of Varanasi where there is action 24/7, the epitome is the Ganga Aarti performed every evening, witnessed by tens of thousands from the shore and from the river on boats. An elaborate affair that is truly breathtaking. Once a filthy spot, now it is absolutely clean and gleaming.

6. Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

Mathura India http://mathura.gov.in/en/details/shri-krishna-janmabhoomi-temple/310034003800
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 446 reviews

Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

Reviewed By nilesh_nagar - Indore, India

Birthplace of lord Krishna, temple is must visit place for everyone visiting Mathura. Went there with family. Kids had so many questions in mind and they were excited too to hear the answers. Historic and religious. Properly maintained.

7. La Martiniere College

La Martiniere Road, Lucknow 226001 India +91-9454469226 [email protected] http://www.lamartinierelucknow.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
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4.5 based on 188 reviews

La Martiniere College

Reviewed By daun065 - London, United Kingdom

I have only seen photographs of La Martiniere, the college my father attended in 1934 so it was with great pride that my trip to Lucknow enabled me to have an insight into his school days. I have to agree with all the other reviewers that it's certainly a place to visit with its impressive architecture and military history. We were lucky enough to meet up with the Bursar and Principal who graciously spent time going through past records. A wonderful experience.

8. Chandrika Devi Temple

Sitapur Road, Lucknow 591997 India +91 89578 99664 http://amanmathur.in
Excellent
52%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Chandrika Devi Temple

Reviewed By abhinesh1972 - Lucknow, India

DOn't miss your visit to this temple during your Lucknow visit. The whole route is so scenic and beautiful that you will love the tour. The surrounding resorts and fund places and farm houses like- ANGELS PARADISE etc are great in itself ! Must visit ANGELS PARADISE at Kathwara Road, whenever you visit this temple in your next visit

9. Govardhan Hill

Nr. Vrindavan, Mathura India
Excellent
53%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 172 reviews

Govardhan Hill

Reviewed By krishnadasii

Govardhan is an extremely beautiful place where you can immersed in the bhakti of krishna/Giriraaj.I did the parikrama this year in the month of December.Initially i was scared whether i will be able to complete 21km or not but gradually when I saw little kids who were doing sastang dandabad parikrama,i felt that atleast i can simply walk and complete the circumference.Nowadays,on the way you will get enough eateries and also many public toilets.Also the e rickshaws are availabe if incase you feel you are not feeling well.Interestingly,if you complete the circumference all your prayers are answered.Gobardhan is Kalpataru dham.Do visit and offer prayers!

10. ISKCON Vrindavan

Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg Raman Reti, Vrindavan 281121 India
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 724 reviews

ISKCON Vrindavan

The Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, situated in the Raman Reti area of Vrindavan, holds a special significance for devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This grand temple represents the fulfilled dream of Srila Prabhupada, founder acharya of ISKCON, who wished to construct a temple of unparalleled beauty for the worship of the transcendental brothers Krishna and Balaram in the same village where they played more than five thousand years ago. Prabhupada directly oversaw all aspects of design and construction and personally called the Lord to come and accept the worship of His devotees from around the world. He said "Lord Balaram is the source of spiritual strength, and I have built this temple just to give strength to the devotees". Today, the Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir is a booming spiritual center. Every day of the week pilgrims flood in great numbers from nearby Delhi and all over the world. In fact, the large green government signs posted over the highway turn off to Vrindavan only give directions to two temples: Banke Bihari and ISKCON. Visitors to the temple first pass under the brilliant white marble archway of Srila Prabhupadas samadhi, an architectural wonder of winding peacock stairways and intricately carved walls and domes. They then enter through the gigantic wooden temple doors and find themselves transported to the spiritual world upon seeing the palace of Krishna Balaram with its sunken black and white checkered marble courtyard, beautified by a living tamal tree. The music of the kartals, mrdanga and sweet harmonium of the 24 hour kirtaneers enters the heart, and everyone, including young and old, spontaneously raise their arms and dance in ecstasy. Ascending the courtyard steps, visitors approach the effulgent gorgeous forms of the source of all beauty, the presiding Lords Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Krishna Balaram and Radha Shyamasundar. Standing transfixed with open eyes and folded hands, pilgrims drink in the dazzling vision of the Lord, artistically decorated with no consideration of expense or effort, truly a festival for the eyes. This entire temple complex is a busy preaching powerhouse comprised of thirty departments including a guesthouse, welcome center, Samadhi museum, ten book stalls, bakery, restaurant, broadcast studio, residential Brahmacari ashram and a Deity department with one of the highest standards of worship in the world, engaging more than one hundred devotees directly in the seva everyday.

Reviewed By VijayHazari - New Delhi, India

This is white coloured - beautiful temple built on vision of Swami Prabhupada founder-acharya of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). Located in the Raman Reti area of Vrindavan, ISKCON temple it is a major attraction in the city. This is one of the most magnificent and beautiful temples of Vrindavan. This place all time thronged by devotees including foreigners who are worshiping ..... singing and dancing bhajans and Chanting Hare Krishna mantra. Whole day one can listen to live bhajans and involve in musical ceremonies performed inside temple by devotees . The temple is popularly known as Raman-Reti and has huge very very beautiful idols of Krishna with Radha. Temple complex has a bakery, restaurant, guesthouse Timings : Summer: 4:30 AM - 12:45 PM and 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM Winter: 4:30 AM - 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 8:15 PM Morning - Aarti Mangla at 5:00 AM, Aarti Tulsi at 5:30 AM, Guru Pooja at 7:15 AM, Pravachan at 7:30 AM, Shringar at 8:30 AM, Aarti Rajbhog at 12:00 PM Evening Aarti Dhoop at 4:30 PM, Aarti Sandhya at 6:30 PM, Geeta Pravachan at 7:30 PM, Aarti Sayan at 8:00 PM Best time to visit in winters Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is major attraction but at that time whole city is very crowed..........

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