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Uttar Pradesh

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About Uttar Pradesh

Previously known as ‘The Wild West’ of India, Uttar Pradesh has seen some turbulent times, however today it welcomes tourists from around the world. Whilst it is no Rajasthan, where almost every other city is a ‘must visit’, Uttar Pradesh is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Taj Mahal and the world’s oldest city, Varanasi. A visit here is to experience India in its most superlative form and there are an abundance of sights to see in this varied state. The Hotel Guru's selection of the best places to stay in Uttar Pradesh is wide ranging: from historic to luxury there are plenty of great options for all.

Agra

Have you even been to India if you have not been to the Taj Mahal? So iconic is this labour of love. Resplendent in any light we recommend visiting for sunrise, when it’s alabaster dome turns from white to pink and the ubiquitous crowds and touts are nowhere to be seen. By evening, sit on your rooftop (almost every hotel in Agra has one facing it) and witness it glow, bathed in moonlight.

Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital city of Mughal India is further example of these powerful ruler’s presence here.

Varanasi

Varanasi is a story within itself and not for the faint hearted; however it would be an awful shame to miss. As you walk along its streets you will pass wandering sadhus (religious holy men), ashrams, temples and pilgrims. India has many faces and this is its most ancient identity.

So brave it, and with our pick of hotels you can stay in maximum comfort. If it all gets too much relax by the pool or spa with an aperitif in hand and venture onto the bustling streets when the mood takes you.

Varanasi’s evening aarti is an all-encompassing experience. Take a boat out onto the Ganges and witness this fire spectacular performed in honour of Lord Shiva. In the evening darkness, as you are rowed along the river’s holy waters you will see funeral pyre after funeral pyre, dotted along the ghats surrounded by mourning family members as though huddle around a bonfire. It is a most intimate ritual, and a sobering yet powerful image: one that does not leave the mind's eye quickly.

Lucknow

Though capital of the region, Lucknow is not nearly as popular as either Agra or Varanasi for obvious reasons. But that's no reason to miss it out! Former home of the Nawabs, it boasts the Bara Imambara, beautiful colonial architecture and some fabulous cusine.

Uttar Pradesh, like much of India is almost intolerably hot in summer and exists under a layer of mud during monsoon. Visit between October and March for the best weather and most comfortable stay.

The Hotel Guru's selection of the best places to stay in Uttar Pradesh has it all: from affordable to break the bank luxury there are plenty of great places to stay.

For all out luxury

Uttar Pradesh boasts some of the best hotels in the country and Oberoi Amarvilas and Nadesar Palace are two of them.

  • The former, a modern hotel with all the mod cons and the best views of the Taj Mahal that money can buy – right from your bed.
  • The latter is a haven of tranquillity in mango and jasmine orchards; with award winning spa and fine dining is a world away from chaotic Varanasi.

For affordable luxury

If your budget does not quite stretch to such dizzying heights there are still plenty of excellent accommodation options at an incredibly inviting price. World-renowned names, like the Taj and Oberoi groups providing reliable stops to rest one’s travel-weary head.

Still not sure which to book? From contemporary to heritage browse through our list of the best places to stay in Uttar Pradesh to start to plan your trip. Or contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

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Best Hotels in Uttar Pradesh

  • The Gateway Hotel Fatehabad Agra (Tajganj) 100 rooms from $70

    Other Activities  -  Cricket, Football, Badminton, Kite-flying
    Restaurant  -  Coffee shop and Indian restaurant on-site
    Spa  -  Authentic Indian and wellness treatments
    Sights nearby  -  The Taj Mahal is just 2km away
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews

    Glorious views of the Taj Mahal from this top-quality hotel offering an astonishing range of activities and facilities including spa, swimming pool, beauty parlour, outdoor dining, rooftop cafe and spectacular private suites. Bedrooms are comfy, chic and pristine with carefully selected furnishings. See More

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  • The Bagh Agra (Rajasthan,) 23 rooms from $77

    Families  -  A great option for families visiting busy Agra - allowing the little ones plenty of space and the grown ups some relaxation
    Total relaxation  -  With 12 acres of grounds, an outdoor pool and massage this is a much more laidback way to experience India
    Local exploring  -  Keoladeo National Park and Agra are both easily accesible
    Sights nearby  -  Agra, the Taj Mahal and the Mughal Empire's former capital Fatehpur Sikri are just over one hour's drive
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolParkingNo pets

    An 18th century heritage hotel boasting acres of grounds, an outdoor pool, massage and excellent proximity to the Taj Mahal. Rooms are large with modern bathrooms, antique furnishings and ornate fabrics. Gulmohar restaurant serves tasty, regional vegetarian cuisine. A great stay. See More

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  • The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi Varanasi 130 rooms from $83

    Restaurant  -  Choice of two. One serving international cuisine, the other authentic Indian. The kitchen never closes so eat whenever you want!
    Secluded setting  -  The hotel is 6 kms away from the city centre. A haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city.
    Sights nearby  -  Countless temples & museums. At dawn & dusk religious rituals take place in the Ganges. Not to be missed.
    Views  -  Over the hotel's parkland
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews

    Set in 40 acres of beautiful landscaped garden and constructed in the holy Swastik shape this marvellous hotel is the perfect peaceful base for exploring the magical, but hectic city, of Varanasi. The recently refurbished rooms are contemporary & chic with views of the lawns or large pool. See More

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  • Trident Agra Agra 135 rooms from $100

    Families
    Chic
    Kids Club  -  Kids can play in their own tent! Cooking and pottery for the older ones.
    Sights nearby  -  Under 1 mile from the Taj Mahal
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParking

    Serene, contemporary hotel with tasteful touches of Indian design. A tranquil haven in bustling, historic Agra which invites guests to enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness centre, and spa. Family-friendly kids club. Delicious European and Indian fare in the restaurant. See More

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  • Vivanta by Taj Gomti Nagar Lucknow 110 rooms from $115

    Restaurant  -  Sample international cuisine at Latitude restaurant and North Indian and Awadhi dishes at Oudhyana.
    Great walks  -  Heritage walks through the old streets of Lucknow
    Spa  -  Available any time of day or evening
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    Elegant hotel with stunning landscaped gardens and outdoor pool. Each of the modern and peaceful rooms offers a spectacular view, a bathroom with bathtub, and European flourishes. Spa, gym, salon. Feast in one of two excellent restaurants serving contemporary and traditional Indian cuisine. See More

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  • Lebua Lucknow Lucknow 41 rooms from $145

    City Style  -  Centrally located in Lucknow but surrounded by pleasant green space
    Local exploring  -  All of Lucknow's interesting cultural sites are easily accessible
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the historic monuments of Bara & Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Ambedkar Park, The British Residency and Chhatar Manzil
    Local markets  -  Singapore Mall, Wave Mall, Fun Republic Mall and Riverside Mall are all nearby
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParking

    Historic boutique hotel located in central Lucknow with large, thoughtfully-decorated rooms, a beautiful swimming pool and indoor and outdoor restaurant. This carefully restored Art Deco bungalow manages to be the best of both worlds; a city property which is spacious, private and relaxing. See More

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  • Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Varanasi Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) 18 rooms from $142

    Artworks  -  A dedicated art room displays works from students studying at BHU and Patna University all of which are for sale
    Local exploring  -  A perfectly tranquil spot boasting easy access to Varanasi's many spiritual and cultural attractions
    Romantic Break  -  Specially crafted romantic packages for two available including atmospheric candle lit dinners
    Foodies  -  The superb chef-curated four course evening meals showcase Uttar Pradesh's delicacies
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    Set just outside the spiritual mecca of Varanasi this new addition to the Tree of Life Resorts is an oasis of calm. Comprising 18 immaculately designed suites all boasting lovely views over the manicured gardens and pool. Offering exceptional cuisine, ever-attentive service and on-point design. See More

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  • Tree Of Life Jaagir Lodge Uttar Pradesh 9 rooms from $237

    Back to Nature  -  Immerse yourself in rural life - surrounded by the unspoilt Dudhwa National Park
    Families  -  With large family rooms and plenty of activities kids will love it here
    Great walks  -  Embark on a nature walk with your dedicated naturalist
    Birdwatching  -  Dudhwa National Park is very popular with twitchers
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Hunting lodge dating back to the 1940s turned jungle retreat, Jaagir Lodge is the perfect combination of luxury meets nature. Rooms feature sumptuous furnishings and period features as well as family suites and large bathrooms. There is a pool, spa, plus all meals are included in the room rate. See More

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  • Brij Rama Palace Varanasi (Dashashwamedh) 32 rooms from $446

    Local exploring  -  No better place from which to immerse yourself in this holy city- right on the Ganga and the famed Dasashwamedh Ghat
    Sights nearby  -  The city's famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is just 600 meters down the road
    Traditional  -  No alcohol or meat are served
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningRestaurantViews
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A spectacular former palace, turned luxury hotel in the holy city of Varanasi. With an unbeatable location overlooking the river Ganges, the regal rooms offer window bays for watching the world go by. The mouthwatering vegetarian food will leave even the most carnivorous guests satisfied. Sublime. See More

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  • Nadesar Palace Varanasi 10 rooms from $465

    Restaurant  -  Dining is an indulgent experience . Breakfast on the sunny veranda, lunch in the dining room & a barbeque dinner poolside.
    Spa  -  On offer at the Jiva Spa is a signature treatment ‘Abhisheka’ inspired by time-honoured Indian purifying rituals.
    Great walks  -  Take a guided walk with the hotel's very own botanist around the Palace lawns & learn about the unique flora.
    Sights nearby  -  Do not miss the dawn & dusk religious rituals in the Ganges (Ganga Aarti). Countless ancient temples.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Staying at this magnificent palace with its fleet of butlers you won’t help but feel like one of the royals, statesmen or celebrities that have sojourned here. Set amid mango orchards & jasmine fields it boasts a spa, pool and rooms with four poster beds, handmade furniture & huge marble baths. See More

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  • The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra Agra 102 rooms from $469

    Views  -  Views of the Taj Mahal from every room.
    City Style
    Restaurant  -  Two excellent restaurants: Bellevue serves continental and Indian cuisine, while Esphahan dishes up local recipes.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolViews
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Spellbinding luxury hotel with stunning views of the Taj Mahal. Sublime spa, outdoor pool, fitness and wellbeing centre. Majestic marble hallways and open courtyard. Furnished to impeccable standard with traditional Indian accents. Dine in one of two marvellous onsite restaurants. See More

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  • Chambal Safari Lodge Agra, Uttar Pradesh 13 rooms

    Back to Nature  -  The Chambal Valley is teaming with wildlife best explored with the hotel's expert naturalists.
    Local exploring  -  Located just an 1.5 hour drive from India's mighty Taj Mahal.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the striking Bateshwar Temples, an ancient settlement situated on the Yamuna river.
    Birdwatching  -  Spot a wide variety of birds at the nearby wetland of Sarus Crane Conservation Reserve.
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    A rural haven located just outside bustling Agra. Rooms and cottages are decorated with antique furniture and bright textiles set against white washed walls. An array of historical sights and wildlife areas nearby make this a great choice for families and groups. A charming stay. See More

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