Discover the top 10 road trip destinations from Lucknow guaranteed to ignite your sense of exploration:
1. Pithoragarh | 536 km
An 11-hour road trip to Pithoragarh is a journey through lush greenery, winding roads, and charming villages.
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Pithoragarh is a breathtaking hill landscape with diverse flora and fauna and a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries.
Besides, Pithoragarh is also known as Miniature Kashmir.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
- Popularity: Pithoragarh Fort, Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple, and scenic beauty.
- Activities to do: Visit Pithoragarh Fort, trek to Chandak Hill Milam Glacier and Darma Valley, and explore Askot Sanctuary.
- Ideal Route: Lucknow - Sitapur - Bareilly - Champawat - Pithoragarh
2. Kausani | 501 km
The 12-hour road trip to Kausani takes you through picturesque landscapes and charming villages offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, Kausani is a hill station known for its panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, such as Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and October to February
- Popularity: Spectacular sunrise and sunset views, tea gardens, Anashakti Ashram, and Kausani shawl factory.
- Activities to do: Trekking, nature walks, adventure sports, Rudradhai Falls, and visit to Baijnath Temple.
- Ideal Route: Lucknow - Shahjahanpur - Haldwani - Kausani
3. Nainital | 403 km
The 9-hour road trip to Nainital takes you to the heart of the Kumaon hills, offering a refreshing escape from the city. This hill station is popularly known as the "Lake City." Nestled amidst picturesque hills, Nainital provides the perfect blend of serenity and adventure.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
- Popularity: Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, Tibetan Market, and Mall Road.
- Activities to do: Boating, cable car ride, rock climbing, shopping, visit to Nainital Zoo.
- Ideal Route: Lucknow - Shahjahanpur - Haldwani - Nainital
4. Khajuraho | 308 km
Khajuraho is famous for its exquisite temples adorned with sculptures, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The 8-hour road trip to Khajuraho is a journey through history, culture, and architecture as you explore the famous Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Popularity: Group of Hindu and Jain temples, erotic sculptures, architectural marvels, cultural performances.
- Activities to do: Explore the temples, attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival, and witness light and sound shows.
- Ideal Route: Lucknow - Kanpur - Khajuraho.
5. National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary | 294 km
A 7-hour road trip to the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary takes you through the rugged terrain of the Chambal River, offering a glimpse into the diverse flora and fauna of the region. This sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, including the critically endangered gharials.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Popularity: Gharial and Gangetic dolphin sightings, bird watching.
- Activities to do: Boat ride, safari, bird watching, photography, and visit Fort Ater.
- Ideal Route: Lucknow - Kanpur - Etawah - National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary.
6. Chitrakoot | 237 km
The 6-hour road trip near Lucknow to Chitrakoot is a spiritual journey as you explore the various temples and sacred sites in the region. Chitrakoot is a hill station of religious and historical significance, believed to be the place where Lord Rama, Sita, and Laxmana spent their exile.
- Best Time to Visit: March to July and October to December.
- Popularity: Kamadgiri Temple, Ram Ghat, Sati Anusuya Temple, Sphatik Shila, and Gupt Godavari caves.
- Activities to do: Visit temples, explore caves, and boat in the Mandakini River.
- Ideal Route: Lucknow - Raebareli - Chitrakoot.
7. Dudhwa National Park | 217 km
Experience the wilderness at Dudhwa National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceros.
The 5-hour short road trip from Lucknow to Dudhwa National Park takes you through the lush greenery of Uttar Pradesh, with the park offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Terai region.
- Best Time to Visit: November to April.
- Popularity: Tiger sightings, rhinoceros, swamp deer, and birdwatching.
- Activities to do: Jungle safari, birdwatching, elephant rides and explore the wildlife.
- Ideal Route: Lucknow - Sitapur- Lakhimpur - Dudhwa National Park.
8. Prayagraj | 201 km
Discover the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati at Prayagraj, a city steeped in history and spirituality. The 5-hour short road trip from Lucknow to Prayagraj takes you through the heart of Uttar Pradesh, with Prayagraj offering a mix of historic sites, spiritual experiences, and cultural richness.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Popularity: Triveni Sangam, Kumbh Mela, Allahabad Fort, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and Anand Bhawan.
- Activities to do: Take a dip in the holy rivers, visit temples and forts, exploring the city's rich history.
- Ideal Route: Lucknow - Raebareli - Prayagraj.
9. Shravasti | 163 km
Visit the ancient city of Shravasti, known for its association with Lord Buddha and its archaeological remains. The 4-hour road trip near Lucknow to Shravasti takes you through the rustic landscapes of Uttar Pradesh, with Shravasti offering a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.
- Best Time to Visit: November to April.
- Popularity: Jetavana Monastery, Anathapindika's Stupa, and various Buddhist sites.
- Activities to do: Explore the ancient ruins, visit the Jetavana Monastery, shobhnath temple, and meditate on the tranquil surroundings.
- Ideal Route: Lucknow - Gonda - Shravasti.
10. Ayodhya | 135 km
Explore the sacred city of Ayodhya, revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama and adorned with temples and spiritual significance.
The 3-hour short road trip from Lucknow to Ayodhya takes you through the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, with Ayodhya offering a mix of history, spirituality, and cultural richness.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Popularity: Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and Nageshwarnath Temple.
- Activities to do: Visit the historic temples, explore the spiritual sites and ghats, and experience the city's cultural richness.
- Ideal Route: Lucknow - Barabanki - Ayodhya.
Embarking on a road trip from Lucknow offers a perfect blend of adventure and cultural experiences. These top 10 road trip destinations promise unforgettable memories and a chance to explore northern India's diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat in the hills or a wildlife adventure, these road trips have something for every traveller.