Uttar Pradesh holds a deep spiritual pulse that beats through every corner of this culturally rich state. From the birthplace of Lord Ram to the playgrounds of Lord Krishna, the temples here are not just religious sites—they are living chapters of Indian mythology and faith. Below is a curated list of the top 12 temples in Uttar Pradesh, along with travel tips, timings, and things to do nearby.
Top 12 Famous Temples in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is home to some of the most sacred and famous temples in India that reflect the state’s deep-rooted cultural and spiritual essence.
1. Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya
One of the holiest sites in India, the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. Devotees gather year-round, but the atmosphere during Ram Navami is unmatched. Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, this newly built temple stands as a symbol of faith and devotion.
- Best Time to Visit: October to December
- Temple Timings: 7:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Daily)
- How to Reach: Well connected by road to Ayodhya from nearby cities like Lucknow, Gorakhpur
- Nearest Railway Station: Ayodhya Junction
- Nearest Airport: Gorakhpur Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Ayodhya Bus Stand
- Dedicated To: Lord Rama
- Things to Do: Explore nearby ghats, attend evening Aarti, visit Hanuman Garhi temple
2. Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
Located in the heart of Vrindavan, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his most playful form—Banke Bihari. The temple comes alive during Janmashtami and Holi. A temple brimming with divine energy and love, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his childlike form.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 7:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- How to Reach: Vrindavan is accessible via Mathura by road
- Nearest Railway Station: Mathura Junction
- Nearest Airport: Agra Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Vrindavan Bus Stand
- Dedicated To: Lord Krishna
- Things to Do: Witness Holi, explore Krishna temples, visit Yamuna ghats
3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Situated on the ghats of the Ganges, this iconic Shiva temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It draws millions of devotees and spiritual seekers annually. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, this Shiva temple is a cornerstone of spiritual India.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Temple Timings: 4:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- How to Reach: Located in Varanasi city center
- Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction
- Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Varanasi Bus Depot
- Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
- Things to Do: Attend Ganga Aarti, take a boat ride, explore narrow alleyways
If you’re planning to extend your spiritual journey beyond Uttar Pradesh, don’t miss exploring the famous temples in Uttarakhand nestled in the Himalayan valleys.
4. Tulsi Manas Temple, Varanasi
This modern marble temple is built at the spot where Goswami Tulsidas is said to have composed the Ramcharitmanas. The walls are adorned with verses from the epic. This marble temple was built where Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 5:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- How to Reach: Close to Assi Ghat in Vara
- Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction
- Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Varanasi Bus Stand
- Dedicated To: Lord Rama
- Things to Do: Read Ramcharitmanas inscriptions, visit nearby temples
5. Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura
This temple marks the exact place where Lord Krishna was born. It’s an essential stop on the Krishna circuit and sees huge crowds during Janmashtami. Built on the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, it’s a spiritual must-visit.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible from Delhi via road/train
- Nearest Railway Station: Mathura Junction
- Nearest Airport: Agra Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Mathura Bus Depot
- Dedicated To: Lord Krishna
- Things to Do: Visit prison cell shrine, attend Janmashtami festival
6. Shri Rangnath Ji Mandir, Vrindavan
Built in Dravidian style, this temple is an architectural gem that stands out in the land of Krishna. It is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Vishnu. A rare example of South Indian-style temple in North India, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (Vishnu).
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- How to Reach: Located in Vrindavan town
- Nearest Railway Station: Mathura Junction
- Nearest Airport: Agra Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Vrindavan Bus Stand
- Dedicated To: Lord Vishnu (Ranganatha)
- Things to Do: Marvel at the architecture, explore the temple complex
7. Maa Vindhyavasini Temple, Vindhyachal
One of the Shakti Peeths in India, this temple is devoted to Goddess Vindhyavasini. Devotees believe that a visit here fulfills wishes and grants strength. A sacred Shakti Peeth located in the Vindhya hills, attracting thousands of devotees.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 4:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- How to Reach: Reachable from Mirzapur by road
- Nearest Railway Station: Vindhyachal Railway Station
- Nearest Airport: Varanasi Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Mirzapur Bus Stand
- Dedicated To: Goddess Vindhyavasini
- Things to Do: Attend Navratri fairs, visit Ashtabhuja temple
8. Dudheshwar Nath Temple, Ghaziabad
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, this sacred spot draws attention especially during Maha Shivaratri when thousands visit for darshan and rituals. An ancient Shiva temple in the city of Ghaziabad, known for its historical and religious value.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- How to Reach: Located in Ghaziabad city
- Nearest Railway Station: Ghaziabad Junction
- Nearest Airport: Delhi Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Ghaziabad Bus Depot
- Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
- Things to Do: Offer prayers during Mahashivratri, explore local fairs
9. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Varanasi
This temple is known for solving devotees’ problems—hence the name ‘Sankat Mochan’. Tuesdays are especially crowded as people come to seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings. Built by Tulsidas, this Hanuman temple is believed to remove all obstacles from life.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- How to Reach: Near Assi Ghat in Varanasi
- Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction
- Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Varanasi Bus Depot
- Dedicated To: Lord Hanuman
- Things to Do: Visit on Tuesdays for special aarti, explore Tulsi Manas Temple nearby
10. ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan
This globally known temple stands for devotion, music, and spiritual joy. The mesmerizing kirtans, architecture, and spiritual atmosphere are unlike any other. Also called Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, it’s globally loved for its devotion, music, and architecture.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 4:10 a.m. – 8:45 p.m.
- How to Reach: Located in Raman Reti, Vrindavan
- Nearest Railway Station: Mathura Junction
- Nearest Airport: Agra Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Vrindavan Bus Depot
- Dedicated To: Lord Krishna and Balaram
- Things to Do: Attend kirtans, visit Govinda’s Restaurant, shop for devotional books
11. Radha Raman Temple, Vrindavan
Here, Lord Krishna is worshipped in his self-manifested form. The temple is relatively small but spiritually significant for devotees of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. One of the oldest temples in Vrindavan, known for its self-manifested deity of Lord Krishna.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- How to Reach: Within walking distance of other Vrindavan temples
- Nearest Railway Station: Mathura Junction
- Nearest Airport: Agra Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Vrindavan Bus Stand
- Dedicated To: Lord Krishna (Radha Raman)
- Things to Do: Attend evening bhajans, observe rituals of the deity
12. Prem Mandir, Vrindavan
Built entirely in white marble, Prem Mandir showcases the divine love of Radha and Krishna through mesmerizing carvings and nightly light shows that dazzle visitors. A stunning marble temple that narrates Krishna’s pastimes through beautiful carvings and lights.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- How to Reach: Located in Vrindavan city
- Nearest Railway Station: Mathura Junction
- Nearest Airport: Agra Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Vrindavan Bus Depot
- Dedicated To: Lord Krishna and Radha
- Things to Do: Watch the evening light show, walk through the gardens, enjoy devotional music
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the best time to visit temples in Uttar Pradesh?
A: The ideal time is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and major festivals take place.
Q2: Which temples are best for Krishna devotees?
A: Banke Bihari Temple, Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, ISKCON Vrindavan, Radha Raman Temple, and Prem Mandir are must-visits for Krishna followers.
Q3: Is Ayodhya well connected for travel?
A: Yes, Ayodhya is easily accessible by road, and it has a major railway junction. The nearest airport is Gorakhpur.
Q4: What temple festivals should I not miss?
A: Holi in Vrindavan, Janmashtami in Mathura, and Ram Navami in Ayodhya are the most vibrant spiritual celebrations.
Q5: Are there any temples in Uttar Pradesh with historical importance?
A: Absolutely. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, and Krishna Janmabhoomi all carry immense historical and mythological significance.
Conclusion
These top 12 temples in Uttar Pradesh are not just architectural wonders—they are living centers of devotion, culture, and timeless heritage. Whether you walk along the sacred ghats of Varanasi, experience the divine aura of Vrindavan, or feel the power of Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi, each site tells a story of faith that spans centuries. From spiritual seekers to cultural explorers, these temples offer something truly meaningful to everyone.
So, plan your journey wisely and let the sacred energy of these temples in Uttar Pradesh guide your soul toward peace, purpose, and divine connection.
