5 offbeat tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh
What's the story
If you thought that Uttar Pradesh is not a very touristy place, then we are here to prove you wrong. Besides the usual places like Lucknow, Agra, Vrindavan, Allahabad, there are some hidden gems in this state waiting to be explored. From historical forts to religious centers and architectural beauties, these offbeat destinations in Uttar Pradesh are a delight for history lovers.
#1
Kalinjar
Kalinjar is a beautiful fort town that is an offbeat destination in Uttar Pradesh. Located at a distance of 280 kilometers from Jhansi, the place holds importance since the medieval era and offers picturesque views of the stunning Vindhya Range. You can visit the Neelkanth Temple here where Lord Shiva rested after drinking the poison that appeared from the ocean during Samudra Manthan.
#2
Mahoba
Located in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, Mahoba is well-known for its beautiful temples and massive forts that have a glorious past. The temples were intricately constructed on valleys, hills, and on lakes by Chandela Kings which reflect the great engineering skills during that era. When here, do visit the ninth-century Sun Temple built using granite and designed in Pratihara style.
#3
Sonbhadra
Situated in the south-eastern range of the Vindhya Mountains, Sonbhadra is the place where the remains of the Mahabharata era were discovered. It is also called the "Energy Capital of India" due to multiple power plants in the area. When here, you can visit the Vijaygarh Fort, Salkhan Fossil Park, Lakhaniya Dari, Renukeshwar Temple, Shivdwar Temple, Mukkha Falls, and 4,000-years-old cave paintings.
#4
Barua Sagar
The small town of Barua Sagar has several temples and forts and houses a world of history within itself. Situated just a few kilometers from Jhansi, the place was named after Barua Sagar Tal, a man-made lake constructed by Raja Udai Singh of Orchha. It is the place where the battle between Bundelas and Marathas was fought in 1744.
#5
Hastinapur
Located on the banks of the holy Ganga River, near Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, the ancient town of Hastinapur reflects the glorious history of the Mahabharata. It is a sacred place for both Hindus and Jains and according to legends, the three Tirthankaras were born in Hastinapur. When here, you can visit Jain and Hindu temples like Pandeshwar Mahadev Temple and Karna Temple.