Uttar Pradesh is one of India’s fourth-largest states in terms of population and area, and it is as large as the United Kingdom. It is situated in the north of India and shares a boundary with Nepal. Uttar Pradesh is also known as “The Heartland of India.
According to the report on Statista, in the financial year 2023, Uttar Pradesh’s gross state domestic product in India amounted to about 23.58 trillion Indian rupees. This report clearly shows Uttar Pradesh’s popularity.
From Ayodhya to Agra and Lucknow to Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh has more than 60 cities. The main difficulty is to find which cities to travel to or which not from these many cities in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Don’t worry—we are here. This blog post will tell you about the 15 most famous cities of Uttar Pradesh of all time that are worth visiting with your time and money. Just read this blog post until the end to learn more about those cities.
1. Ayodhya
Ayodhya is the most critical spot for Hindus. It is the birthplace of Lord Rama, also known as Saketa. It is an ancient town and one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus in India. Raja Dasharatha, the father of Lord Rama, ruled Ayodhya in an old time.
Ayodhya has a vast population of millions, and recently, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, has banned the selling and eating of non-veg in Ayodhya because it is the birthplace of Lord Rama.
- Population – 2471 Thousand
- Known for – Birthplace of Lord Rama
- Best time to visit – November to January
2. Varanasi
Varanasi, U.P., is one of the oldest cities in India and the world. It is also one of the most important pilgrimage spots for Hindus. People believed it was the city blessed by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. A Buddha founded it around 528 B.C.
Varanasi has a population of around 40 million people and more than 85% of them are Hindus. Varanasi has some popular destinations, like Sarnath, Assi Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Chunar Fort.
- Population – 40 Million
- Known for – City blessed by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
- Best time to visit – April to August
3. Agra
Agra is an incredible spot in India’s history. It is also one of the most important cities in Uttar Pradesh. It is the home of the seventh wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal. Agra is also known for its wonders made by the Mughals in ancient times.
Agra has a massive population of around 45 million people. People mainly come here to see the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Tomb of Akbar The Great, Itmad-ud-Daula, Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, and Sikandra Fort.
- Population – 45 Million
- Known for – Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
- Best time to visit – October to January
4. Lucknow, Among the best Tier 3 cities in Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow is one of the most developed and significant cities in Uttar Pradesh. For centuries, it has been known as the heart of North Indian Culture. Lucknow is famous for its fantastic gardens, dance forms like Kathak, and hospitality.
Lucknow has a population of around 38 million and is also one of the most popular tier 3 cities in Uttar Pradesh. Some popular destinations in Lucknow are Rumi Darwaza, Bara Imambara, and Karnal Lemon Tea Shop.
- Population – 38 Million
- Known for – Gardens, Hospitality, and Kathak
- Best time to visit – August to November
5. Kanpur
Kanpur is the main center of industries and commercial activities and the biggest city in Uttar Pradesh. It is also the major financial center of North India and among the most significant urban economy city in India. Kanpur has a vast population of 45 million people.
Kanpur is mainly known for its beautiful gardens, parks, architecture, textile products, and leather production and is among the famous cities of Uttar Pradesh. It also has tourist attractions like Blue World Theme Park, Moti Jheel, Nana Rao Park, and Kanpur Zoological Park.
- Population – 45 Million
- Known for – Textile Products, Gardens, and Park
- Best time to visit – October to January
6. Jhansi
Jhansi is a hidden city or hidden gem in Uttar Pradesh. Its population is only around 7 lakh people. The name of this place, Jhansi, was created due to Rani Lakshmibai, a courageous lady who fought against the British forces during the first independence war of India in 1857.
Many people do not know Jhansi, but it is a worth-visiting city in Uttar Pradesh. Some famous tourist attractions in Jhansi are Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mandir, Jhansi Fort, Chaturbhuj Temple, and Parichha Dam.
- Population – 6 Lakh
- Known for – Rani Lakshmibai
- Best time to visit – September to January
7. Prayagraj
Prayagraj is among the most important holy sites for Hindus. It is also one of the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh and is known for the confluence of two sacred rivers in India, the Ganga and the Yamuna. It has been the most significant pilgrimage site since the Rig Veda.
Like Jhansi, Prayagraj has a low population of 1.5 million. However, it does not have a small population, and it has attractions like Akbar Fort, Anand Bhawan Museum, Khusro Bagh, and Chandrashekhar Azad Park.
- Population – 1.5 Million
- Known for – the confluence of River Ganga and the Yamuna
- Best time to visit – October to January
8. Mathura
Mathura is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Mathura is also the most important holy site for Hindus.
Mathura has a low population of only 6 lakh people, but it is the most recommended place in Uttar Pradesh. Mathura has attractions like Sri Krishna Balaram Temple, Shree Dwarikadhish Temple, Govardhan Hill, and Gita Mandir.
- Population – 6 lakh
- Known for – Birthplace of Lord Krishna
- Best time to visit – September to December
9. Vrindavan, Among the most important cities of Uttar Pradesh
Vrindavan is the home of Lord Krishna Temple; it has more than five thousand temples of Lord Krishna. Vrindavan, U.P, is also one of the most crucial pilgrimage sites of Lord Krishna, including Mathura, Barsana, Gokula, Govardhan, Dwarka, and Puri.
Vrindavan is a tiny city with a population of only around 1 lakh people. The top sights in Vrindavan are Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, and Shri Radha Madan Mohan Ji Temple.
- Population – 1 lakh
- Known for – Lord Krishna Temples
- Best time to visit – October to February
10. Aligarh
Aligarh is, also known as the Allygarh located in Uttar Pradesh. Aligarh is known for its lock industry; its lock is exported everywhere in the world. Aligarh is also an important business center in Uttar Pradesh. It has a population of around 50 lakh people.
Aligarh is known for its lock industry, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing in Aligarh. It has attractions like Naqvi Park, Jama Masjid, Khereshwar Temple, Aligarh Fort, Shekha Jheel, and Maulana Azad Library.
- Population – 50 Lakh
- Known for – Lock Industry
- Best time to visit – Anytime
11. Mirzapur
Mirzapur is known for carpets and brassware production. Hills, waterfalls, and natural attractions surround it. Mirzapur city has become more popular in the Mirzapur web series, which has also launched part 3.
Mirzapur has a moderate population of around 2.5 million people. Some famous attractions in Mirzapur are Vidhyanchal Temple, Maa Visdhyavasini Temple, Pakka Ghat, Kal Bhairav Temple, and Mirzapur Park.
- Population – 2.5 Million
- Known for – Carpets and Brassware Production
- Best time to visit – April to July
12. Firozabad
Firozabad is one of the most important commercial centers of Uttar Pradesh. It is just 200km from Delhi, known as the “City of Bangles or Glassware.” Firozabad has a moderate population of around 2.5 million people. Firozabad city was built by Tughlaq King, Feroz Shah, and it is famous for its bangles and glass products.
The bangles and glass products of Firozabad are some of the most vital products in the world. The top sights in Firozabad are Ambedkar Park, Disney Water Park, and Vaibhav Nagar Central Park.
- Population – 2.5 Million
- Known for – Bangles and Glass Products
- Best time to visit – October to February
13. Meerut
Meerut is the 29th largest city in terms of population in India. It is famous for multiple reasons, like the Kauravas Empire, India’s famous sports center, and among Meerut’s most extensive Cantonment areas. It is mainly known for being the first point of the 1857 rebellion against the British.
Meerut has a population of around 2 million and popular attractions like Suraj Kund Park, Shahid Smarak, Augharnath Temple, Gandhi Park, and The Shopprix Mall.
- Population – 2 Million
- Known for – The first point of the 1857 rebellion against the British
- Best time to visit – November to February
14. Ghaziabad
Ghaziabad is among the famous cities in Uttar Pradesh. It is also the administrative headquarters of Ghaziabad. It is known for breweries, distilleries, and temples. The most popular Temple in Ghaziabad is Mohan Nagar Temple.
Ghaziabad has a moderate population of 2 million people. Ghaziabad is also one of the best places to travel solo in India. The top sights in Ghaziabad are GT Karnal Road, City Forest Ghaziabad, ISKCON Temple, and Drizzling Land Water and Amusement Park.
- Population – 2 Million
- Known for – Breweries and Distilleries
- Best time to visit – October to March
15. Bareilly, Among the best cities in Uttar Pradesh
Many people do not know Bareilly, but it is one of the best cities in Uttar Pradesh. It was founded by Makrand Ray, a Mughal Governor, in 1537. It is famous for fashion design, especially its ‘Zari Zardozi, ‘ and crafts, such as manjha, bamboo, and Surma manufacturing.
Bareilly has a population of around 1.5 million and a popular religious spot called “ALA HAZRAT.” Some famous attractions in Bareilly are Fun City, Dargah E Aalahazrat Bareilly, and Shri Trivati Nath Mandir.
- Population – 1.5 Million
- Known for – Crafts like Surma manufacturing and manjha
- Best time to visit – April to July
Conclusion on the 15 most famous cities of Uttar Pradesh.
It’s all about the Uttar Pradesh cities. From Temples to historical sites, education centers to adventure spots, and bangle production houses to movie shooting locations, Uttar Pradesh cities play a vital role in India.
Still, there are many cities in Uttar Pradesh left that we will not cover here because not all of them are worth visiting. But the cities mentioned above are the ones in Uttar Pradesh that are worth your time and money.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, call your friends, and start exploring all the cities mentioned above in Uttar Pradesh one by one. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments with other readers.
Thank You.
Frequently asked questions regarding Uttar Pradesh cities.
Below are the answers to the most asked questions on the internet by people regarding Uttar Pradesh’s famous cities.
Q1. What are some of the popular major cities of Uttar Pradesh?
Kanpur, Meerut, Varanasi, and Agra are some of the major cities of Uttar Pradesh.
Q2. What is the name of the UP famous city?
Lucknow is the most famous city in UP.
Q3. What are some important cities of Uttar Pradesh?
Jhansi, Prayagraj, Bareily, and Mathura are some important cities of Uttar Pradesh.
