Lucknow, the “City of Nawabs,” is known for its rich culture, delectable cuisine, and historical charm. But sometimes, even the most vibrant cities call for a break. Whether you’re craving serene nature, historical wonders, or thrilling adventures, there are plenty of fantastic weekend getaways from Lucknow waiting to be explored.
Table of Contents
1. Nainital – The Lake District of India
Distance from Lucknow: 340 km (6-7 hours)
Best Time to Visit: March to June (pleasant weather), September to November (post-monsoon beauty)
Why Visit?
Nainital, nestled in the Kumaon hills, is a paradise for nature lovers. The shimmering Naini Lake, surrounded by lush mountains, offers boating, scenic walks, and breathtaking views.
Top Attractions:
- Naini Lake – Enjoy a peaceful boat ride.
- Snow View Point – Panoramic Himalayan vistas.
- Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) – Perfect sunset spot.
- Eco Cave Gardens – Fun for families.
Where to Stay?
- The Naini Retreat (Luxury) – Heritage property with lake views.
- Hotel Himalaya (Mid-range) – Great location, budget-friendly.
- Alka Hotel (Budget) – Close to the lake.
Approximate Travel Cost:
- By Car: ₹4,000-₹5,000 (round trip)
- By Bus: ₹800-₹1,200 (round trip)
2. Agra – The City of the Taj Mahal
Distance from Lucknow: 300 km (5-6 hours)
Best Time to Visit: October to March (cool weather)
Why Visit?
Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A perfect mix of history, romance, and Mughal grandeur.
Top Attractions:
- Taj Mahal – Sunrise visits are magical.
- Agra Fort – A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Mehtab Bagh – Best view of the Taj.
- Fatehpur Sikri (Day trip) – Stunning Mughal ruins.
Where to Stay?
- Oberoi Amarvilas (Luxury) – Rooms with Taj views.
- ITC Mughal (Mid-range) – Luxury at reasonable rates.
- Hotel Kamal (Budget) – Clean and affordable.
Approximate Travel Cost:
- Train (Shatabdi): ₹1,500-₹2,000 (round trip)
- By Car: ₹3,500-₹4,500 (round trip)
3. Dudhwa National Park – A Wildlife Lover’s Paradise
Distance from Lucknow: 220 km (5-6 hours)
Best Time to Visit: November to April (best for tiger spotting)
Why Visit?
Dudhwa is one of India’s best-kept wildlife secrets, home to tigers, leopards, rhinos, and exotic birds.
Top Attractions:
- Jeep Safari – Spot tigers and elephants.
- Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary – More wildlife adventures.
- Bird Watching – Over 400 species of birds.
Where to Stay?
- Dudhwa Jungle Lodge (Mid-range) – Forest-themed stay.
- Tiger Den Resort (Budget) – Close to the park.
Approximate Travel Cost:
- By Car: ₹3,000-₹4,000 (round trip)
- Entry Fee: ₹200 (Indians), ₹1,000 (Foreigners)
4. Varanasi – The Spiritual Capital of India
Distance from Lucknow: 300 km (6-7 hours)
Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather)
Why Visit?
Varanasi, the oldest living city in the world, offers a deep spiritual experience with its ghats, temples, and Ganga Aarti.
Top Attractions:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat – Mesmerizing evening aarti.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Sacred Shiva shrine.
- Sarnath – Buddhist pilgrimage site.
- Boat Ride on the Ganges – Sunrise is magical.
Where to Stay?
- BrijRama Palace (Luxury) – Heritage stay by the river.
- Hotel Surya (Mid-range) – Great location.
- Zostel Varanasi (Budget) – Backpacker-friendly.
Approximate Travel Cost:
- Train (Vande Bharat): ₹1,200-₹1,800 (round trip)
- By Car: ₹4,000-₹5,000 (round trip)
5. Chitrakoot – The Land of Ramayana
Distance from Lucknow: 250 km (5-6 hours)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Why Visit?
A serene pilgrimage town where Lord Rama spent exile years. Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers.
Top Attractions:
- Ram Ghat – Holy dip in Mandakini River.
- Kamadgiri Parikrama – Sacred circumambulation.
- Hanuman Dhara – Scenic waterfall.
Where to Stay?
- Hotel Ganesh (Mid-range) – Decent amenities.
- MPT Chitrakoot (Budget) – Government-run, clean.
Approximate Travel Cost:
- By Car: ₹3,000-₹4,000 (round trip)
6. Ayodhya – The Birthplace of Lord Rama
Distance from Lucknow: 140 km (3-4 hours)
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Why Visit?
With the newly built Ram Mandir, Ayodhya is a major spiritual destination.
Top Attractions:
- Ram Janmabhoomi Temple – Grand new shrine.
- Hanuman Garhi – Stunning temple views.
- Saryu River Ghats – Peaceful boat rides.
Where to Stay?
- The Ramayana Hotel (Mid-range) – Modern comforts.
- MPT Ayodhya (Budget) – Decent budget option.
Approximate Travel Cost:
- By Car: ₹2,500-₹3,500 (round trip)
7. Kanpur – A Blend of History & Modernity
Distance from Lucknow: 90 km (2 hours)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Why Visit?
A quick escape with historical sites, shopping, and food.
Top Attractions:
- Allen Forest Zoo – One of India’s largest.
- JK Temple – Beautiful architecture.
- Moti Jheel – Relaxing lakefront.
Where to Stay?
- Hotel Landmark (Mid-range) – Good service.
- Zostel Kanpur (Budget) – Affordable stay.
Approximate Travel Cost:
- By Train: ₹200-₹500 (round trip)
8. Prayagraj (Allahabad) – The Sacred Sangam
Distance from Lucknow: 200 km (4-5 hours)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Why Visit?
Famous for the Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj is where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet.
Top Attractions:
- Triveni Sangam – Holy confluence.
- Allahabad Fort – Historical marvel.
- Anand Bhavan – Nehru’s ancestral home.
Where to Stay?
- Kanha Shyam Hotel (Mid-range) – Good location.
- Hotel Milan Palace (Budget) – Affordable.
Approximate Travel Cost:
- By Car: ₹2,500-₹3,500 (round trip)
9. Mathura-Vrindavan – The Land of Krishna
Distance from Lucknow: 350 km (6-7 hours)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Why Visit?
A divine experience with temples, festivals, and Krishna lore.
Top Attractions:
- Banke Bihari Temple – Vibrant Krishna worship.
- Prem Mandir – Stunning light displays.
- Govardhan Parikrama – Sacred hill walk.
Where to Stay?
- MVT Guesthouse (Budget) – Clean & spiritual vibe.
Approximate Travel Cost:
- By Train: ₹1,500-₹2,000 (round trip)
10. Jim Corbett National Park – Wild & Adventurous
Distance from Lucknow: 400 km (8-9 hours)
Best Time to Visit: November to June
Why Visit?
India’s oldest national park, perfect for tiger safaris.
Top Attractions:
- Jeep Safari – Spot tigers & elephants.
- Corbett Waterfall – Scenic beauty.
Where to Stay?
- The Riverview Retreat (Luxury) – Riverside stay.
- Corbett Riverside Resort (Mid-range) – Great for families.
Approximate Travel Cost:
- By Car: ₹6,000-₹8,000 (round trip)
Final Thoughts
Lucknow’s proximity to these 10 fantastic weekend getaways makes it easy to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re looking for spiritual solace, wildlife adventures, or historical wonders, there’s something for everyone.
Which destination will you pick for your next weekend trip? Let us know in the comments!
Happy Traveling! 🚗✨