Top 12 Places to Visit Near Lucknow
Lucknow is a city that always feels like poetry in motion – the blend of historical charm, royal architecture, and slow-paced living makes it a place you don’t want to rush through. But if you’re someone like me who occasionally craves a change of scene – maybe a quieter village, a spiritual town, or a forest trail – you’ll be happy to know there are many amazing places to visit near Lucknow that are perfect for short escapes.
This isn’t just a list – it’s a personal travel guide filled with destinations I’ve visited (or have on my list), all within a comfortable drive from Lucknow. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a spontaneous day out, or even a peaceful solo getaway, these spots offer just the right mix of beauty, culture, and calm.
Table of Contents
1. Ayodhya – Where Faith Meets Serenity
Ayodhya, India
Roughly a 3-hour drive (about 135 km) from Lucknow, Ayodhya is one of those places where time slows down. It’s not just a spiritual town—it’s a place where stories from ancient texts echo in every corner. Walking through Ayodhya feels like stepping into a living epic.
What makes Ayodhya special?
- Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir – the spiritual heart of the town, drawing people from every corner of India.
- Hanuman Garhi – A temple perched on a hill, with 76 stairs leading to a peaceful view.
- The Saryu River – Watching the evening aarti by the ghats is an experience in itself.
- Quiet lanes with old havelis, shrines, and the hum of bhajans in the background.
If you’re seeking a spiritual journey wrapped in timeless stories, Ayodhya is one of the most enriching places to visit near Lucknow.
Why visit? If you want to feel spiritually refreshed without the crowds and chaos of larger pilgrim towns, Ayodhya is perfect. Visit during October to March for pleasant weather.
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2. Dewa Sharif – For a Pause and a Prayer
Dewa Sharif, India
Just about 30 km away, Dewa Sharif is one of those under-the-radar places where you go not for selfies or sightseeing, but for peace. It’s home to the Dargah of Haji Waris Ali Shah – a 19th-century Sufi saint who preached love and unity.
Here’s what to expect:
- The dargah complex has an ethereal calm. People from all religions come here to pray.
- The annual Urs festival (usually in November) is a vibrant blend of music, food, and devotion.
- A local bazaar sells ittar (traditional perfume), handmade prayer beads, and sweets.
For a quiet escape filled with soulful vibes and cultural warmth, Dewa Sharif truly stands out among the peaceful places to visit near Lucknow.
Traveller tip: Go on a weekday morning. Sit quietly under the trees. Even if you’re not religious, the atmosphere is deeply calming.
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3. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary – Nature’s Quiet Corner
When the noise of the city gets too loud, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, about 45 km away, offers a breath of fresh air – literally. Now known as Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, it’s a peaceful spot around a lake that attracts migratory birds in winter.
What you’ll find here:
- Dozens of bird species like sarus cranes, herons, kingfishers, and sometimes even flamingos.
- Walking trails are shaded by thick greenery.
- A small interpretation centre to learn about local flora and fauna.
- Boating during the right season (ask locally, it’s not always available).
With its serene waters and chorus of birds, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers looking for tranquil places to visit near Lucknow.
Best time to go: November to February, especially early morning. Carry binoculars and a thermos of chai—it’s pure magic.
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4. Sravasti – History and Peace Rolled into One
Sravasti, India
Around 175 km from Lucknow, Sravasti is one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever visited. It was once a major centre of Buddhism, and the ruins here quietly tell stories of the past.
Highlights:
- Jetavana Monastery – where Lord Buddha spent many monsoon seasons.
- Stupas and ancient brick structures are scattered in a peaceful archaeological park.
- Buddhist temples were built by international communities like Thailand, South Korea, and Sri Lanka.
Step into ancient wisdom and Buddhist heritage at Sravasti, one of the most meaningful historical places to visit near Lucknow.
Ideal for: Solo travellers, history lovers, and anyone looking for peace away from crowds.
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5. Sitapur – The Quiet Countryside
Often overlooked, Sitapur, about 90 km from Lucknow, offers a glimpse of rural life, dotted with small temples and rivers. It’s not your typical tourist destination, but that’s what makes it charming.
Why consider it:
- Naimisharanya – a spiritual and mythological spot believed to be the centre of cosmic energy.
- Small ghats by the Gomti River.
- Local food stalls serve piping-hot puris and fresh lassi.
If rural calm and mythological charm call to you, Sitapur is a refreshing pick among the lesser-known places to visit near Lucknow.
Travel style: Best done as a slow, reflective trip. It’s not a place with big attractions, but if you’re looking to pause, this is it.
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6. Kanpur – A Blend of Industrial Buzz and Colonial Stories
Allen Forest Zoo, India
If you’re up for a slightly longer drive (about 90 km), Kanpur is a city that surprises you. Known more for its factories, it hides gems like colonial-era churches, gardens, and the Ganga ghats.
Top spots:
- Allen Forest Zoo – One of the oldest and largest in India.
- Phool Bagh and Nana Rao Park – Lush green escapes in the middle of the city.
- JK Temple – A peaceful, modern temple with white marble and calm vibes.
- Bithoor – A riverside town just outside Kanpur with strong links to the Ramayana and the 1857 revolt.
Blending colonial stories, river ghats, and modern life, Kanpur is one of the most vibrant and varied places to visit near Lucknow.
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7. Faizabad – A Heritage Town with a Nawabi Past
Often overshadowed by nearby Ayodhya, Faizabad (about 130 km from Lucknow) was once the capital of Awadh before Lucknow took that honour. It still holds onto its faded grandeur and old-world charm.
What makes Faizabad worth a stop:
- Gulab Bari (Rose Garden) – the tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, surrounded by gardens and fountains.
- Moti Mahal and Company Bagh – remnants of royal architecture and peaceful gardens to stroll through.
- Narrow streets that echo tales of the Nawabi lifestyle.
Steeped in Nawabi elegance and untold stories, Faizabad remains one of the most heritage-rich places to visit near Lucknow.
Travel tip: Combine Faizabad with a trip to Ayodhya—it’s just 6 km away and gives a fuller historical perspective.
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8. Chitrakoot – The Spiritual and Scenic Gem
Kamadgiri Hill, India
Located about 230 km from Lucknow, Chitrakoot is a holy town straddling the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border. It’s deeply tied to the Ramayana, where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman are said to have spent part of their exile.
Top things to see and do:
- Ram Ghat – a tranquil riverside spot for morning boat rides and evening aarti.
- Kamadgiri Hill – a sacred spot circled by pilgrims on foot.
- Gupt Godavari Caves – twin caves with knee-deep streams running through them, full of legends.
Where legends come alive amidst rivers and caves, Chitrakoot offers a sacred escape among the top places to visit near Lucknow.
Why go? It’s a rare mix of sacred atmosphere and raw natural beauty. And the road from Lucknow is scenic too.
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9. Raebareli – The Rustic Riverside Escape
Mahesh Vilas Palace Ruins, India
Just about 80 km from Lucknow, Raebareli doesn’t usually pop up on tourist maps—but for those who love quiet roads, rivers, and old forts, it can be a real treat.
Here’s what to check out:
- Samaspur Bird Sanctuary – a peaceful lake with over 200 species of birds, perfect in winter.
- Indira Garden and Behta Bridge – calm places ideal for a relaxed picnic.
- Mahesh Vilas Palace ruins – hauntingly beautiful and barely known.
Raebareli’s scenic sanctuaries and quiet countryside make it a soothing yet offbeat choice among places to visit near Lucknow.
Perfect for: A one-day road trip with no crowds. It’s all about the slow countryside vibe.
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10. Neemsar (Naimisharanya) – The Mythological Retreat
Vyas Gaddi, India
About 90 km from Lucknow, Neemsar is one of the most ancient and mythologically significant places in India. It’s said to be where sages gathered to narrate the Mahabharata, and it still holds that sacred air.
Things not to miss:
- Chakratirth – a sacred well believed to be the centre of the universe.
- Vyas Gaddi – where Sage Vyas is believed to have compiled the Vedas.
- Bathing ghats on the Gomti River are often buzzing with rituals and calm.
Known for its cosmic energy and ancient lore, Neemsar is a spiritual gem among the sacred places to visit near Lucknow.
Travel tip: It’s great for a half-day trip. Talk to the priests—they share some fascinating stories about the place.
11. Bhitargaon – A Glimpse of Ancient Indian Architecture
Located just under 120 km from Lucknow, Bhitargaon is home to one of India’s oldest brick temples, dating back to the Gupta period (5th century AD). It’s a quiet place, but worth a visit for history buffs.
Why it stands out:
- Bhitargaon Temple – A rare example of early Hindu temple architecture, made entirely of bricks.
- Surrounding fields and village life offer a rustic break from city scenes.
For those who admire ancient Indian architecture, Bhitargaon is a rare and underrated treasure among places to visit near Lucknow.
Best for: History lovers, architecture students, or anyone craving an unusual stop with zero commercialisation.
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12. Unnao – For a Blend of Mystique and Culture
Bawan Imli, India
Midway between Lucknow and Kanpur (just 65 km from Lucknow), Unnao is a curious mix of
folklore, colonial buildings, and sleepy small-town charm.
Points of interest:
- Bawan Imli and Shiv Temple – steeped in local legend, especially during Mahashivratri.
- Haunted Fort of Unnao – surrounded by local tales (more myth than mystery, but fun to explore).
- Traditional leather and handicraft markets are a good option if you enjoy local shopping.
Wrapped in mystery and local charm, Unnao brings a unique flavour to the list of fascinating places to visit near Lucknow.
Good to know: It’s more of an afternoon trip, but an interesting detour for curious minds.
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Conclusion
From sacred riversides and ancient ruins to peaceful bird sanctuaries and heritage towns, the list of places to visit near Lucknow keeps growing the more you explore. These destinations offer something real—whether it’s a quiet ghat, a forgotten monument, or a simple cup of chai in a village dhaba.
If you’re planning your next trip from Lucknow, here’s what you can do:
- Spiritual and Historical: Ayodhya, Sravasti, Chitrakoot, Neemsar
- Nature and Wildlife: Nawabganj Sanctuary, Samaspur Sanctuary
- Offbeat & Heritage: Faizabad, Bhitargaon, Unnao, Raebareli
Don’t wait for a big vacation—many of these places are just a couple of hours away. All you need is a good playlist, a little curiosity, and the road ahead.
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FAQs
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Q: What are the best places to visit near Lucknow for a day trip?
A: Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Dewa Sharif, and Neemsar are perfect for peaceful and quick day trips from Lucknow.
Q: Which historical places can I visit near Lucknow?
A: Ayodhya, Faizabad, Sravasti, and Bhitargaon are rich in history and easily reachable from Lucknow.
Q: Are there any natural destinations near Lucknow?
A: Yes, Nawabganj and Samaspur Bird Sanctuaries, and Raebareli countryside are great for nature lovers.
Q: How far is Chitrakoot from Lucknow, and why visit?
A: Chitrakoot is about 230 km from Lucknow. It offers spiritual serenity and beautiful natural surroundings.
Q: Is Ayodhya worth visiting from Lucknow?
A: Absolutely. Ayodhya is just 3 hours away and is one of the most spiritual and culturally rich destinations near Lucknow.
