Ayodhya

Famed as the birth place of Lord Ram, it is an important pilgrimage centre situated on the right bank of the river Saryu, about 110 km from Lucknow.

For centuries, it was the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty of which Lord Rama was the most renowned king. Ayodhya during ancient times was known as Kaushal Desh. Skand and some other Puranas rank Ayodhya as one of the seven most sacred cities of India.

• Ayodhya is pre-eminently a city of temples. Remnants of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam can still be found in Ayodhya.
• According to Jain tradition, five Tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya, including Adinath (Rishabhadeva) the 1st Tirthankar. Ramkot, Hanumangarhi,Kanak Bhawan and Suraj Kund appear to spring up from pages of history.
• The Saryu is a sacred river and finds mention in ancient scriptures. Hundreds of devotees come here to take a holy dip in Saryu throughout the year on various religious occasions.

Naimisharanya

• Naimisharanya, 95km from Lucknow, is regarded as one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage.
• Situated on the bank of the Gomti river, Naimisharanya is believed to be known since ancient times and it is the holy place where many sages performed their penance.
• Chakratirth, Vyas Gaddi, Suraj Kund, Pandav fort, Hanuman Garhi and Lalita Devi temple are places of worship here that attracts a large number of devotees.
• For pilgrims, parikrama of Naimisharanya has great significance. It is held every year in the month of March.

Bithoor

A small temple town on the outskirts of Kanpur, on the bank of the Ganga, Bithoor is a tranquil place full of religious and historical significance that is ideal for a peaceful day out.

• It dates back to ancient times and its past is wrapped in legends and fables. It is believed that after the destruction of the universe and its subsequent restoration by Lord Vishnu, Bithoor was chosen by Lord Brahma as his abode. It is also the birth place of Lord Rama's sons, Lav and Kush. It is here that day spent their childhood.
• Bithoor is also known for its association with historical figures such as Rani Laxmi Bai and Nana Saheb Peshwa, who played an instrumental role in India’s freedom struggle.
• Bithoor offers a grand view of the vast expanse of the Ganga on sunrise and sunset, besides pilgrimage and historical sites such as Valmiki Ashram, Brahmavart Ghat, Dhruv Teela and Nana Saheb’s palace.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary

• It is a welcome pause midway on the Lucknow-Kanpur highway, with a sparkling lake and a vast green expanse.
• It is famous bird sanctuary which is known to host Siberian cranes among scores of migratory bird species that rest here during the winter months.
• This pleasant wetland is also home to hundreds of Indian and migratory birds. The sanctuary also houses a deer park, watchtowers and boats.

Dudhwa

This National Park is situated in the Tarai foothills in Lakhimpur Kheri district bordering Nepal, about 265 km from Lucknow.

• Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is one of the finest examples of the few remaining exceedingly diverse and productive Tarai eco-system. The northern edge of the reserve lies along the Indo-Nepal border and the southern boundary is marked by the river Suheli.
• Dudhwa is home to tigers, leopards, varieties of deer, antelopes and elephants amid thick green forest and grassland.
• Being a quiet, tranquil and green nest, Dudhwa is a bird watchers' heaven, Dudhwa is also noted for its wide variety-about 400 species.

Katarnia Ghat

• A swathe of pristine forest about 200 km from Lucknow in Bahraich district, Katarnia Ghat is part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
• Katarnia Ghat is connected across the border to Bardia National Park in Nepal. Girwa and Kodiala Rivers which adjoins and are later known as Ghaghra, traverse the sanctuary.
• The Girwa river is home to fresh water Gangetic dolphins which can be seen galloping merrily in the river.
• Visitors can have a roaring experience amidst tigers, leopards, deer and antelopes roaming freely in their natural habitat.