Gorakhpur, located in northeastern Uttar Pradesh, is a captivating city known for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. The place is famous for its Gorakhnath Temple, which is dedicated to Guru Gorakhnath and attracts pilgrims and tourists. Gorakhpur tourism also boasts several other attractions, such as the Kapilvastu, and the Ramgarh Taal, a scenic lake surrounded by lush greenery. This Gorakhpur travel guide will help you explore the city's vibrant markets, delectable cuisine, and beautiful destinations to plan your trip.
How to reach
- By air: The city is served by Gorakhpur Airport (GOP), also known as Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport, 8 km from the central city. It boasts a single terminal that handles all flights to Gorakhpur, and from it.
- By train: Gorakhpur Junction Railway Station, as the Zonal headquarters of Northern Eastern Railways, connects Gorakhpur to major cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.
- By road: The Uttar Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates buses from Gorakhpur to cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, and Azamgarh. Gorakhpur is also a key transit point for buses to Nepal, with deluxe, semi-deluxe, and luxury buses operating on a regular basis.
- Getting around/local transport in Gorakhpur: Buses are a popular travel choice and run on main routes throughout the city. Many people use auto and cycle rickshaws for shorter trips; for longer drives, you can rent a car or taxi.
Places to visit
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Gorakhnath Math
A revered shrine, spiritual ambience and architectural grandeur.
Experience Time: 1-2 hours
Imambara
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Railway Museum
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Kushmi Forest
Exploration time: 3-4 hours
Ramgarh Taal
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursPlaces to eat
10 Park Street Café and Kitchen
This restaurant is known for its outstanding Chinese and Indian food. The walls are decorated with beautiful paintings and unique designs, giving the place a unique vibe.
Cinnamon Restaurant
Cinnamon Restaurant is a fine-dining multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Mughlai, Tandoori and Chinese cuisine.
The Curry Night
The Curry Night offers various Indian and South Asian cuisines. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a menu featuring vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Sharda Dining
Sharda Dinings is a luxurious fine-dining restaurant that offers a wide range of delectable dishes from around the world. The ambience is warm and inviting, with a hint of sophistication.
Royal Darbar
Royal Darbar is a popular restaurant in Gorakhpur that is known for its North Indian cuisine. It offers a variety of dishes in a royal ambience.
Zaika The Family Restaurant:
Zaika The Family Restaurant is another popular dining option in Gorakhpur. It is known for its family-friendly set-up and delicious food.
Things To Do
Heritage excursions
Historical sites
Cultural tour
Nature walk
Museum visits
Spiritual retreat
Best time to visit
Most commonly spoken languages
Shopping
Navigating the city's shopping scene can be a pleasure, and here are some markets you must visit:
- Gorakhpur Market: Gorakhpur Market, also known as Shahi Market, is where tourists gather to shop for clothes, accessories, electronics, and household items. You can find traditional Indian attire such as sarees, kurta-pyjamas, and ethnic jewellery. The market is also a great place to sample local street food with stalls offering a variety of snacks and treats.
- Tibet Market: Located near Gorakhpur Railway Station, it is famous for its Tibetan handicrafts and artefacts. One of the critical attractions of Tibet Market is its collection of Tibetan jewellery, which includes intricately designed necklaces, bracelets, and earrings made from silver, turquoise, and other semi-precious stones. The market is known for its Tibetan clothing, including traditional dresses, jackets, and scarves.
- Urdu Bazaar: Urdu Bazaar in Gorakhpur is a renowned market known for its books, stationery, and Urdu literature collection. It is a hub for book lovers and scholars, offering a wide range of books, magazines, and newspapers. The market is also known for its collection of stationery items, including pens, pencils, notebooks, and art supplies.
- Golghar Market: Golghar is a popular market known for its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere. It sells various goods, including clothing, accessories, electronics, and household items. It is also a popular destination for street food lovers with numerous stalls offering a variety of local delicacies.
Festivals
The festivals in Gorakhpur are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Here are the most popular festivals in the region:
Khichdi Mela
The Khichdi Mela is an annual event that celebrates the traditional dish of khichdi, a comfort food made with rice and lentils. The Khichdi Mela features a large cooking pot in which a massive quantity of khichdi is cooked and served to devotees and visitors. The Mela is often held during the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti, which marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days
Gorakhpur Mahotsav
An annual cultural festival in Gorakhpur showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage. The festival typically features a variety of events and activities, including music and dance performances, art and craft exhibitions, food stalls offering local cuisine, cultural shows, and competitions.
Janmashtami
Also known as Krishna Janmashtami, it is a major festival celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. One of the main attractions of Janmashtami in Gorakhpur is the Sri Krishna Janmotsav, which is held at the Gorakhnath Temple. The temple is beautifully decorated, and special prayers and rituals are conducted throughout the day.
Diwali
The festival of lights is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Gorakhpur, including at Gorakhnath Temple. The temple is decorated with lights and diyas, and special prayers are offered to Lord Gorakhnath for prosperity and happiness.
More reasons to visit
Gorakhpur’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance make it a popular destination for visitors.
- Vir Bahadur Singh Planetarium: Named after the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Vir Bahadur Singh, this planetarium is a popular destination for science enthusiasts and students. It offers a variety of shows and exhibits related to astronomy and space science. The planetarium aims to educate visitors about the wonders of the universe through engaging and informative programs.
- Kapilvastu: Kapilavastu is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama or Lord Buddha. It is an important pilgrimage site for those interested in Buddhist history and architecture. The site features archaeological remains, including stupas, monasteries, and other structures dating back to the Lord Buddha's time.
- Gorakhpur Zoo: Officially known as the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Prani Udyan, Gorakhpur Zoo is famous with wildlife enthusiasts and families. Spread over a large area, the zoo is home to various animal species including lions, tigers, elephants, deer, and birds. The zoo offers amenities such as walking paths, benches, and refreshment stalls for visitors. It also conducts educational programmes, and activities for children and students.
- Vidyavasini Park: Locals and tourists flock to this spot for leisure, enjoying its tranquil ambience amidst abundant greenery. The park is known for its well-kept gardens, paths for strolling, and open areas for relaxing. It's perfect for picnics, morning outings, and spending time with loved ones. It provides amenities such as seating areas, playgrounds for children, and well-maintained gardens. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
