Agra, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi; are you planning a holiday to Uttar Pradesh? Know how much it will cost, where to go, stay and more

Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, is a treasure trove of historical and religious cities and monuments. Ayodhya and Mathura stand out as the birthplaces of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, while Varanasi and Prayagraj add to this spiritual tapestry. Known worldwide for the iconic Taj Mahal, the state is also the cradle of the classical dance form, kathak. Don't miss out on indulging in the rich flavors of Awadhi, Mughlai, and Bhojpuri cuisines, which are sure to delight your taste buds. Furthermore, Uttar Pradesh showcases a stunning variety of wildlife and diverse geographical landscapes, making it a fascinating destination to explore.
(Text by Riju Mehta/ET Bureau)

The fastest way to get to Lucknow is by air, as the flight only takes about an hour. Airfare for November bookings begins at around Rs. 2,856. On the other hand, traveling by train is a more time-consuming option, taking anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, but it's the most economical choice, with sleeper class tickets starting at Rs. 285. Chair car fares start at Rs. 945, while the price for 2A class begins at Rs. 1,090. Alternatively, you could opt for an overnight AC bus, which will take approximately 8 to 10 hours and cost between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 3,000.

Cost by air
Rs.2,856(Delhi-Lucknow, 1 hr 20 mts)
Cost by train
Rs.1,090 onwards(Class 2A, 6-10 hrs)
Note:*One way, per person. Flight cost on Skyscanner, train cost on Ixigo, bus cost on redBus.

Many cities are well-known tourist hotspots, so you'll find a wide variety of accommodations available, ranging from luxurious hotels and resorts to charming bed and breakfasts and guesthouses. Additionally, the UP State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) provides the option of staying in tourist bungalows at numerous locations (https://upstdc.co.in/Booking/HotelBooking).
COST:Rs.27,000 for 9 nights

The state is renowned for its mouthwatering non-vegetarian dishes and delectable desserts, but vegetarian options and street food also hold a special place in the hearts of locals. Among the standout dishes are the flavorful Lucknowi and Awadhi biryani (a delicious meat and rice combination), a variety of kebabs like galouti, tunday, kakori, and boti (savory roasted ground meat delicacies), nihari (a rich chicken or mutton stew), and murgh mussalam (a spiced chicken dish). For rice lovers, there's tehri, while aloo puri and kachori bring together flatbreads stuffed with potato curry and fried dough.
When it comes to sweets, the region offers delightful treats such as peda, made from thickened milk; petha, a sweet made from pumpkin or ash gourd; and imarti, which features deep-fried batter. Don't miss out on malpua, a delicious pancake, or sheer khurma, a comforting vermicelli pudding.

COST: Rs.1,000-1,500 per person, per day

Kashi Vishwanath, Tulsi Manas, Sankat Mochan Hanuman mandir (Varanasi); Ram Janmabhoomi (Ayodhya); Dwarkadheesh & Krishna Janmabhoomi (Mathura); Dhamek Stupa (Sarnath); and many ghats in Varanasi.

Taj Mahal (Agra); Buland darwaza (Fatehpur Sikri); Bara & Chota Imambara, Rumi darwaza (Lucknow); Jama Masjid (Varanasi).

Agra fort (Agra); Allahabad fort (Prayagraj); Jhansi fort (Jhansi); Chunar fort (Mirzapur); Vijaygarh fort (Sonbhadra); Butler palace (Lucknow); Jodha Bai's palace (Fatehpur Sikri); Jahangirabad palace (Lucknow).

NATIONAL PARKS & TIGER RESERVES:Dudhwa National Park (Lakhimpur Kheri); Pilibhit reserve (Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur); Amangarh reserve (Bijnor); Ranipur reserve (Chitrakoot).
SANCTUARIES: Bakhira (Sant Kabir Nagar); Chandra Pabha (Chandauli); Katarniaghat (Bahraich); Nawabganj (Unnao).