Lucknow, the "City of Nawabs," is steeped in history and charm, but sometimes, the call of the open road beckons. Whether a seasoned adventurer or a weekend warrior craving a quick escape, exciting road trips near Lucknow offer unique experiences and memories.

Discover these beautiful destinations for road trips from Lucknow and start your fantastic trip with your friends or family.

Discover the top 10 road trip destinations from Lucknow guaranteed to ignite your sense of exploration:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. Kausani | 501

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.

10. 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.

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.