Our lives have been entangled by the mesh of work-life balance. With loads of work we often forget to take care of our health and neglect our family most of the time. We know it is important for you to work hard but giving time to each other is equally important. Taking a break from your busy schedule once in a while will be good. Even studies have shown that taking breaks will lead to an increase in productivity and good mental health. Couples living in Lucknow can visit a few places that are not only breathtaking but also close to home. We have curated a list of lesser known places outside Uttar Pradesh which you will absolutely love and the mesmerizing journey will be the cherry on the cake.
Couples who love off-roading, a trip to Dharchula will be heaven for them. The whole journey of reaching this place will make you admire the unbelievable magic of this world. This is one of the lesser known tourist spots of Uttarakhand due to its far off location. Spellbound mountains, twisted roads, and serene atmosphere will make your trip memorable. The charm of the turning roads will be such that you won't be able to stop yourself from taking a pause in your journey. Dharchula lies along the route of the Mansarovar Yatra. Tibetans in earlier times used to enter India through this place.
You will have the best travel experience with a two wheeler. You will enjoy the truest essence of off-roading. Different routes will give you a totally different angle of travelling. So, for reaching Dharchula there are multiple routes but a common passage is via Pithoragarh district headquarters. You can reach Pithoragarh through Tanakpur (nearest railway station) in Uttarakhand. You can take either a train or bus from Lucknow to reach Tanakpur.
If you are someone who likes to stay in a cozy blanket even when the sun's out, this is not something for you. Pindari Glacier is a place for couples who are always ready for daring adventures. This glacier is situated in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. It is nestled in the upper ranges of Kumaon Himalayas. Pindari river, which merges into Alaknanda river in Karnaprayag, originates from this glacier. It is a six days' trek filled with adventure that you would have never thought of. The trek is ideal for beginners as well.
You can reach Kharkiya, Bageshwar (base camp) through a bus or taxi available from Kathgodam (nearest railway station). A direct train is available from Lucknow to reach this place. Lucknow and Kathgodam are also connected through road networks; several direct buses are available for travelling.
It's time for you to get awestruck by the numinous beauty of Bihar. Located near Bodh Gaya, Dungeshwari hills are also known as Mahakala caves. Lord Gautam Buddha meditated and lived in three of these caves for several years before descending to Bodh Gaya. As Gautam Buddha spent years in this cave you will experience a spiritual presence of him. A six feet tall, beautiful, golden statue of Buddha is present in one of the caves. Along with this, an idol of Hindu goddess, Dungeshwari is also placed in the caves. The road leading to this place is scenic and satisfying. Apart from visiting the caves you can also take a small trek on the hills. You and your partner can take this short spiritual journey whenever you both are completely exhausted with your respective work lives.
The nearest railway station is in Gaya and a direct train departs from Lucknow to Gaya. From there it's a half hour journey by a rickshaw.
Have you ever thought of Bihar having breathtaking scenic views? If not then this might come as a surprise to you. Valmiki Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve of Bihar. The place has a view of mesmerizing mountains, green forests and river Gandak. It is situated in the Gangetic-plains' bio-geographic zone of West Champaran district of Bihar. Take a jungle safari in this reserve for the best tour adventure. You can even take an elephant ride at the place.
It takes about 11 hours from Lucknow to reach this tiger reserve by road. The route passes through known cities like Faridabad and Gorakhpur. You can take public transport or drive to the place by your own vehicle.
Located near the Betwa river in Madhya Pradesh, Chanderi is a small town of historical importance. The place is famous for its Chanderi sarees. Apart from this, the place offers ancient forts and quaint hills. The rich heritage of this place will only leave you to appreciate the culture and history of Madhya Pradesh. Chanderi Fort, Jauhar Kund, Koshak Mahal and many more places are available to visit in Chanderi. It is also home to the famous Jama Masjid which has an exceptional architectural design.
You can travel to this place directly by your personal vehicle. This will take about eight hours to reach the place from Lucknow.
The nearest railway station is in Lalitpur, from where you can take a cab or bus. The distance from Lalitpur to Chanderi is 41 km.
Bhopal has the nearest airport for the town and then you have to travel via train to reach Lalitpur and then take a cab to reach your destination.
Patalkot is often called a hidden gem of Madhya Pradesh as not many tourists are aware of its existence. Patalkot, meaning very deep in Sanskrit, is known for its deep gorge and beautiful landscape surrounded by Satpura mountain ranges and lush green dense jungle. The valley will remind you of horse shoes while viewing it from the top. Located in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, Patalkot had been disconnected to the outside world until a few decades ago due to its tough terrain. It is inhabited by tribes of Gond and Bharias, who are experts in making herbal medicines from forest produce. Sightseeing, trekking, hiking and camping are some of the common activities you and your spouse can choose to do here. You can buy artefacts made from bamboo and wood as a souvenir of your trip, from locals. If you want to enjoy the real beauty of this place then the best time to visit would be monsoons, when the whole area will have a clear visibility.
Patalkot is connected to Chinddwar district, which is well connected via train to Jabalpur and Nagpur. A distance of 80 km is between the district and the valley. Tamia has the nearest accommodation in front of the valley and it is 23 km away from the valley.
Netarhat is a small town in Latehar district of Jharkhand. The picturesque town, although breathtaking, is underrated by tourists. Covered with dense forests, it is located in the Chota Nagpur plateau. Catch the spectacular sunrise from Sunrise Point located in Netarhat. Relax at this place while soaking the scenic views. The charming town, which is easy on the eyes, is also filled with jaw dropping waterfalls. The Ghaghri Falls is one of the most astounding places to visit. There was a time when this place was used as a relaxing spot by British officers during summers.
You can take a flight from Lucknow to Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi is the nearest airport from Netarhat, or you can travel via train from Lucknow to Ranchi (nearest railways station). From there you can take a taxi to travel a distance of 109 km. You could also opt for buses (state owned or private) to reach the place.
Patratu is a town located in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. The twisting-turning road between stunning forests makes for an exciting road trip. The place also has several dams surrounded with natural beauty. You can take a trip to the top of the valley to get a panoramic view of this enthralling place.
You can take a day trip to this place from Ranchi, located just 34 km away. Ranchi is connected to Lucknow through road and air.
Uttar Pradesh has a long border with Nepal and Indians can travel visa-free in the country that makes it easier for the people of UP to make short trips to the country. Panch Pokhari is a place covering a sacred lake and surrounding area, untouched by the road in Sindhupal chowk district of Nepal. The striking place is bound to leave you speechless. Locals use these pastures for cattle-grazing. The place will easily give a spectacular view of Guari Shankar mountain. Many pilgrims come to this place to replenish purity and composure by taking a dip in the holy Panch Pokhari lake on the occasion of Janai Purnima. The place receives rare travellers for the rest of the year.You can visit this place for a spiritual as well as adventurous journey.
It will almost take one day to reach the place from Lucknow. Take a bus or train to Kathmandu and it will be a few hours journey from the capital city of Nepal to reach the place via taxi.
These are a few lesser known places for Lucknowi couples. You would surely love any of these places if you wanted to take a break from your everyday life. Enjoy the tranquility of these places and bring a positive outlook to your mind.