Trips
Top Places To Visit in Shahjahanpur
Hotels and Homestays in Shahjahanpur
New Delhi
312 Kms from Shahjahanpur
Best time to visit - January,February,March,October,November,December
If you can explore one place in India, let it be its capital, New Delhi. This modern city offers everything that a city traveller could possibly want – chaos, quiet, spirituality, history, culture and food.
Delhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world. This ancient city never stops growing. The Mughal and British, the two main empires who invaded the city, have left a deep mark on its face and infrastructure. Their monuments and mausoleums lie scattered across the city, such as India Gate, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Purana Qila and the Lodhi Gardens.
The iconic Red Fort or Lal Qila, built of sandstone, has been standing tall since 1648 and was the brainchild of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. You can participate in the celebration of modern Indian art at Akshardham, a wondrous house of worship. The colossal, Lotus Temple is a centre of Baha'i faith and is a peaceful refuge from the breathlessness of the city.
The city has a rich and colourful character, which is visible in its chaotic bazaars such as Janpath, Sarojini Nagar, Dilli Haat and Chandni Chowk – all heavens for shopaholics. You may splurge at the high-end restaurants and pubs all across Delhi, but do not miss out on the street food. Connaught Place, Chanakyapuri and the Parliament Street stretch, everything contributes to the grandeur New Delhi is. If you’re touring Delhi, Paharganj is a good choice for inexpensive lodging with good connectivity.
Agra
225 Kms from Shahjahanpur
Best time to visit - January,February,March,November,December
Home to the seventh wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra is best explored on foot or rickshaw or a rented bike. Renowned worldwide as not only a mausoleum but an epitome of love, the Taj Mahal is profusely crowded during the day till evening.
If you're looking to escape the crowd, however, the city's Mughal beauty can be enjoyed from several rooftops and secret locations in the city, or at an early morning yoga session just 100 metres away from the monument.
If you want to go further, why not go into the depths of its history through the light and sound shows and plays at the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre. Agra annually hosts the 10-day festival, Taj Mahotsav, a rostrum for culture and colour in the month of February, known for celebrity performances, food stalls and a creative congregate of about 400 artisans across the country showcasing their exquisite art and craft items.
Agra easily competes with Delhi's Mughlai monopoly with decade old restaurants such as Bilal Restaurant and Hyderabad Handi, while the Agra cant area houses local food.
Speaking of local, Korai village remains a lesser known location, which can give you an entirely different experience and a chance to interact with villagers. Travelling through this beautiful necropolis, one can also enjoy quiet spots, wholesome with nature such as the Keertham Lake and the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, before signing off with a visit to the Agra Fort, I'timad-Ud-Daulah (also known as baby Taj), Chini Ka Raza and Akbar's Tomb, architectural tributes to Mughal history, admired above and beyond India.
Lucknow
160 Kms from Shahjahanpur
Best time to visit - November to February
Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. It is the architectural hub of Northern India, and also the second largest city in Northern India.The city is famous for its culture, music, poetry, technology, finance, pharmaceuticals & embroidery works including chikankari.This city has got many names like "The city of Nawabs", "Golden city of the East", "Shiraz-i-Hind" & "Constantinople of India". It is a very vibrant city and attracts many tourists throughout the year.The city experiences a cool dry climate during November to February and in this part of the year, the city stays overcrowded as more tourists visits the city at this time. Lucknow is crowded with buildings showing fascinating architectural styles of the ancient times, most of these buildings were built during the Mughal or the British rule. Lucknow is the habitat of people of different cultures and languages known for their polite way of speaking.
Nainital
175 Kms from Shahjahanpur
Best time to visit - February,March,April,May,June,October,November
Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Nainital is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Northern India. The stunning Nainital lake is bang in the middle of the city and offers tourists stunning sunsets and enchanting sunrises.
One legend says that Nainital derives its name from the Goddess Naina, whereas another legend claims that once when the Goddess Sati was being carried by Lord Shiva, her eye fell in the area.
The lovely hill station promises a rejuvenating weekend break for those who are coming from the capital city and is definitely worth a visit. Like most hill stations, Nainital has a bustling mall road, warm cafes and a very busy Tibet market. The mall road houses shops selling candles with intricate designs, wooden knick knacks and colourful woollens. Do bring back some souvenirs as keepsakes!
If you have time, do visit Sattal, Naukuchiatal (for paragliding and kayaking) as well as Ranikhet for its surreal beauty. If you are looking for a quiet, carefree holiday, visit between the months of January and April. It'll be cold, but there won't be any crowd.
Rishikesh
306 Kms from Shahjahanpur
Best time to visit - March,April,September,October,November
This city has been a refuge for spiritual seekers long before The Beatles christened it with their visit in the 60's. Widely known as the pilgrimage town and also the 'yoga capital of the world', Rishikesh is home to myriad temples, yoga and meditation centres and a plethora of adventure activities.
With an interesting backdrop of the rapid flowing Ganges river and iron-made suspension bridges (Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula), the city has also been a popular hub for travellers and backpackers alike. When it comes to food and drinks, Rishikesh remains a strict teetotaller and a vegetarian, even though you might find with great exploratory skills, a few restaurants not adhering to the prohibition. Some great restaurants and cafes include Little Buddha Cafe where you can enjoy your meals in a treehouse-style ambience.
Rishikesh provides a spectacular treat to the eyes and music to the ears during sunrise and sunset, as sadhus (priests), pilgrims and tourists all around, prepare for the routine 'Ganga Aarti' with temple bells resonating all around and innumerable diyas or small clay pot lit lamps dancing over the river Ganga to that reverberating music, as religious offerings.
Rishikesh warmly welcomes thrill seekers, who can try out a number of activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, zip lining, mountain biking and rappelling. The city also annually hosts the International Yoga Festival where yoga gurus, aficionados and devotees from around the globe throng the place (popularly the Parmarth Niketan Ashram) and give various lessons and lectures on yoga, meditation and spirituality.
Haridwar
301 Kms from Shahjahanpur
Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,October,November,December
An ancient holy town and the starting point for pilgrimages to the Kedarnath Temple and the Badrinath Temple, Haridwar is the first recipient of the mighty rapid and revered Ganges, originating from the Gangotri Glacier. Its vast mythological background, beautiful temples (Shanti Kunj Gayatri Parivar), spectacular festival celebrations and the world famous Kumbh Mela (hosted every 12 years) make it a popular destination to be visited from around the world.
Haridwar comes alive during sunset, when the evening aarti (ritual of worship) starts at Har Ki Pauri, a ghat (steps leading to a river) and the main attraction of the town where both the Ganga banks are lit up with floating claypot candles and chants of devotees and priests resonate musically throughout the town.
The religious city serves no alcohol anywhere and restaurants are strictly vegetarian too, some well known ones being, Big Ben Restaurant, Chotiwala and the Haveli Hari Ganga Restaurant.
Mathura
253 Kms from Shahjahanpur
Best time to visit - January,February,March,October,November,December
The melodious chorus of temple bells, the sweet fragrance of incense and the positive energy in Mathura city all come together to offer you an experience unlike another.
The most popular temple in the birthplace of Shri Krishna is the Dwarkadesh Temple, which is home to a lovely shrine of Lord Krishna and Radha among other deities. And if you happen to visit the temple during the festivals of Janmashtami, Diwali and Holi, you'll be in for a huge surprise. The energy of the temple and the city will take you by storm and you will fall in love with the small energetic town.
The culture of Mathura is perhaps what attracts people to this lovely town rather than its mythological importance, though one can't deny or undermine its mythological significance. Among other places to visit, you can head to Vishram Ghat, Rangji temple and Govind Deo temple.
Sacred for both Jains and Buddhists, Mathura sees people from across the world. A meeting point for people from all cultures, there is much to learn and explore in this lovely city. Finding a place to to stay here is not a problem at all since there are a number of small dharamshalas as well as luxurious resorts.
Gwalior
266 Kms from Shahjahanpur
Best time to visit - January,February,March,October,November,December
If history, art and architecture spell a perfect holiday for you, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh is definitely a must visit! The city houses numerous historic monuments, including the very popular Gwalior Fort.
Gwalior Fort, an imposing structure situated on a hill has received praise from rulers throughout history. Known for its architectural brilliance and intricate design, exploring the fort can take up an entire day. If you are not fond of historical tours, you can spend your time admiring the stunning views of the fort and from the fort.
Do also visit Ghaus's Tomb, which is the tomb of Muhammad Ghawth, a notable Sufi and the guru of Tansen. The site is also home to the Samadhi of Tansen and perhaps this is why the wonderful Tansen music festival is celebrated here.
There are numerous hotels here and you can choose one according to your budget, though for a more local experience, it is always best to pick a homestay.
