Gorakhpur Travel Guide
Uttar Pradesh, India
About Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur is a significant pilgrimage and spiritual destination in eastern Uttar Pradesh, known for its ancient temples and religious importance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The city serves as a gateway to the Nepal border and is home to several important religious sites including the Gorakhnath Cave Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Temple replica. With its rich spiritual heritage and relatively affordable tourism infrastructure, Gorakhpur attracts both pilgrims and travelers seeking authentic experiences in the holy heartland of India.
Famous places
- Gorakhnath Cave Temple — This ancient cave temple is the spiritual heart of Gorakhpur, dedicated to the 11th-century saint Gorakhnath who meditated here. It's one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in North India and attracts thousands of devo… (Free)
- Dhamek Stupa (Sarnath) — Located 13km from Gorakhpur in Sarnath, this massive brick stupa marks the spot where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. It's one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the world and stands 43 m… (₹250)
- Ramgarh Tal (Lake) — This scenic artificial lake in the heart of Gorakhpur is a peaceful oasis surrounded by gardens and walking paths. It's an ideal spot for evening strolls, boating, and watching migratory birds during winter months. (Free)
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Gorakhpur) — This historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest religious structures in Gorakhpur with intricate architecture and religious significance. It attracts both pilgrims and architecture enthusiasts througho… (Free)
- Meditation Park (Gorakhpur) — This spiritual park is a serene space built for meditation and reflection, featuring beautiful landscaping and peaceful ambiance. It's inspired by Buddhist philosophy and offers an escape from the city's bustling street… (Free)
- Nakhun Mandir (Temple of Nails) — This unique temple features an extraordinary collection of iron nails hammered into its structure by devotees as acts of devotion over centuries. The temple's walls are completely covered with these nails, creating a st… (Free)
- Imambara Gorakhpur — This grand Indo-Islamic architectural monument was built in the 19th century and features stunning domes, intricate carvings, and peaceful courtyards. It's an important religious site for the Muslim community and a fine… (Free)
- Gita Museum — This museum houses an extensive collection of Bhagavad Gita manuscripts, artifacts, and religious texts from various time periods and traditions. It provides deep insights into Hindu philosophy and the literary heritage… (₹50)
Best time to visit
- Jan: best — Cool weather, clear skies, ideal for sightseeing and temple visits
- Feb: best — Pleasant temperatures, low humidity, perfect for outdoor activities
- Mar: good — Mild weather, spring season, comfortable for traveling
- Apr: good — Warm but manageable, pre-summer conditions
- May: avoid — Extreme heat, temperatures exceed 40°C, uncomfortable for sightseeing
- Jun: avoid — Monsoon onset, heavy rainfall, waterlogged areas
- Jul: avoid — Peak monsoon, flooding risk, poor visibility
- Aug: avoid — Continued monsoon, high humidity, difficult travel conditions
- Sep: good — Monsoon receding, weather improving, fresher air
- Oct: best — Clear skies, cool temperatures, festival season, ideal climate
- Nov: best — Perfect weather, low humidity, excellent for tourism
- Dec: best — Cool and dry, comfortable climate, holiday season
Local food
- Sharma Jalebis
- Amar Dhaba
- Gopal Sweets
- Chote Lala Tea Stall
- Durga Prasad Bhandar
- Rajendra Chaat Bhandar
Train routes
- From Delhi: Kushinagar Express (16 hrs), Gorakhpur Express (15 hrs), North East Express (14 hrs)
- From Lucknow: Kushinagar Express (6 hrs), Gorakhpur Passenger (7 hrs)
- From Kolkata: North East Express (12 hrs)
- From Patna: Gorakhpur Fast Passenger (8 hrs)
Estimated daily cost
- backpacker: ₹650-1100/day per person
- midRange: ₹1800-3000/day per person
- comfort: ₹3500-5500/day per person
- luxury: ₹6500-10000/day per person