7 epic things to do in UP beyond the Taj Mahal

Uttar Pradesh is home to the world famous Taj Mahal, which attracts thousands of visitors every day. However, this northern Indian state has a wealth of lesser-known wonders that promise adventures far beyond the usual tourist trap. From ghats that glow at dusk to towns that smell faintly of peda and paan, here are eight epic things to do in UP beyond the Taj Mahal.

When in Varanasi, witnessing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a must thing to do, as it can be said to be the most dramatic show on earth. Priests in saffron robes sway giant brass lamps, conch shells echo across the river, and the Ganges itself seems to shimmer with devotion. Visitors can hop on a boat and watch the ritual unfold. In short, it’s spiritual theatre at its finest.

If Agra has Mughal grandeur, Lucknow counters with Nawabi elegance. It has the famous Bara Imambara, which is actually a puzzle box. The Bhool Bhulaiya, a labyrinth with over a thousand passages, promises equal parts history and hide-and-seek. It’s advised that one hires a guide, or they might end up starring in their own real-life maze-runner sequel.

Ayodhya isn’t that usual UP city. From the banks of the Sarayu River to the upcoming grand Ram Mandir, the entire town feels like an open-air epic. Evening aartis, vibrant bazaars, and the storytelling energy of locals make it an unforgettable stop. You don’t have to be a devotee to be swept away by the spiritual buzz.

Yes, UP has its share of wilderness too. Dudhwa National Park, straddling the Terai belt, is a paradise for tiger spotting, rhino watching, and birding. Plan your trip carefully, and you might just be lucky to spot that elusive tiger. Else, a jeep safari while swamp deer graze lazily nearby will keep you entertained,

The birthplace of Lord Krishna also doubles as the capital of all things sweet. Mathura pedas, soft, grainy, and melt-in-the-mouth, are a must. Enjoy them with frothy lassi in earthen pots. And if you visit during Holi, be ready to celebrate with music, bhang, and gulaal that paints the town in every shade imaginable.

Just 10 km from Varanasi lies Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, the Ashokan pillar, and peaceful monasteries make it a refreshing escape from Varanasi’s chaos. It’s calm, contemplative, and perfect if you want your travel diary to include both moksha and mindfulness.

Often overshadowed by the Taj Mahal just an hour away, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as Akbar’s capital. Walk through Buland Darwaza, the 54-meter ‘Gate of Magnificence,’ and feel like royalty. With its fusion of Persian and Indian styles, this ghost city is a time capsule of Mughal experiments in art and architecture.