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India.com
30-06-2025
- India.com
7 Train Rides That Prove God Loves Lucknow More Than Any Other City
India is home to an architecturally majestic city called 'Lucknow' which is also the capital of Uttar Pradesh. The city is famous for its Nawabi heritage, wonderful hospitality, and sumptuous cuisine. No wonder Lucknow never ceases to draw people from every corner of the world! Getting to Lucknow is easy by air and road, but the train journey is exceptionally enjoyable. Indian Railways links Lucknow with different regions of India and the journey is enchanting enough to be considered a destination in its own right. In this article, we showcase the seven most beautiful train journeys that take you to Lucknow. 1. Delhi to Lucknow with Shatabdi Express. Shatabdi Express Delhi-Lucknow train offers one of the most famous and scenic routes to reach Lucknow. This Express Train travels from Delhi to Lucknow within 6 hours stopping at no more than 2 stations. The northern Indian plains are exceptionally green during monsoons and offer picturesque views of green crops, small villages, and calm rivers. Once you get closer to Lucknow, the scenery changes dramatically to include mud hutments and mango orchards. Shatabdi Express is always full of business travelers due to its speed and comfort, however, it is gaining a lot of popularity among tourists as well. 2. Mahamana Express: Varanasi to Lucknow The Mahamana Express service has a route between Varanasi and Lucknow where passengers can enjoy remarkable scenery of the Gangetic plains. The train departs from Varanasi – the holy city, where passengers get to see River Ganges and then countryside with myriads temples, ghats, and busy markets. The marvelous scenery does not stop here as the route covers thick forests along with farming areas which beautifies the overall presentation of Uttar Pradesh. With the modern facilities on-board, the passengers can rest easy whilst looking at the stunning scenery outside. 3. Gatimaan Express: Agra to Lucknow Agra being the home of Taj Mahal gets a warm reception from travelers via Gatimaan Express and for good reason. The train has modern features making travel to Lucknow a lavish experience. With a maximum speed of 160 kilometers an hour, this semi-high-speed train has become a favorite amongst travelers. The path is dotted with places like Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and several other historical locations. The lush farms, water bodies, and boundaries teeming with wildlife along the path are astonishing. Going from place to place while having such diverse views is an unforgettable experience. 4. Kolkata to Lucknow via Poorva Express For train lovers, the Kolkata to Lucknow Poorva Express is a train which is loved and very well reviewed. This Intercity train operates services in eastern and central parts of India. Kolkata serves as the starting and ending of this train journey. Onwards from Kolkata, the train crosses through Bihar and then brings you to Uttar Pradesh. Travelers get the opportunity to experience extended views of fields with rice crops, sugarcane farms and beautiful little villages. While this train journey does not miss the chance to add to its beauty by crossing some large rivers as well. 5. Mumbai to Lucknow via Pushpak Express The Pushpak Express connects the city of Lucknow to the business hub of India, Mumbai. The journey for the train begins from Mumbai and covers the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Howrah Pradesh before reaching UP. Along the way, you will pass through dry lands, mountainous regions, and the river Narmada. These last two features are the Vindhya range of mountains. These changing landscapes make for an entertaining and interesting train journey. 6. Jaipur to Lucknow via Swarna Jayanti Express The best way to travel from Jaipur to Lucknow is aboard the Swarna Jayanti Express. Its comfort is well spoken of, as is its punctuality. The train also passes Akshay Patra Temple, a pilgrimage destination for people across India, and numerous fields. The awe inspiring story of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh particularly stands out in this route. The train departs Jaipur, where you will see wonderful forts, palaces, and vibrantly decorated bazaars. Further east, you will notice the countryside transform into beautiful fields speckled with serene villages. The train stops at Alwar and Bharatpur, which are well known for their wildlife and migratory birds. It is a delightful trip for birdwatchers. 7. Allahabad to Lucknow via Intercity Express The Intercity Express operates between Allahabad and Lucknow, which was known as Prayag Raj until recently. The ride offers a quick yet highly joyous trip throughout the center of Uttar Pradesh. As the name suggests, Lucknow Intercity Express offers an express route. Brought to you by ISKCON, the Akshya Patra temple catches the eye when offering a mesmerizing confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and sleight of hand mythical Sarawasti. The church-like structures alongside the ashrams and temples beautifully capture the essence of these spiritually hearty lands. From here, you start noticing estates and colonial buildings as you draw near to Lucknow. Such modern infrastructure is ideal for people wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the two towers. Wrap-Up Taking the train to Lucknow is more than just getting to your final destination. It is about experiencing the essence of India. Each of the routes has something unique to offer, whether it be history, nature, or culture. The Gatimaan Express is luxurious, but even the Intercity Express has its charm and offers something during the ride. Either way, all trips allow for new experiences and inspiration. The next time you plan on going to Lucknow, make sure to take one of these beautiful train rides. Sometimes the journey packs just as much of a value as the destination.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Time of India
Budget traveller's guide to visiting the Taj Mahal
The , is a marvel of architecture situated in the city of love, , Uttar Pradesh. It is among the seven wonders of the world. A major tourist attraction in India that draws millions of visitors each year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But exploring such an iconic monument doesn't have to cost a fortune, with some start and before hand planning, you can experience the grandeur of the Taj on a budget. Here's how you can plan that budget-friendly trip. Getting to Agra Agra is easily accessible by train and bus, especially from Delhi, Jaipur, and other major towns. The cheapest and most efficient option is the train. Depending on the class, the Taj Express and Gatimaan Express from Delhi could cost between INR 100 to INR 500. Sleeper and second-class coaches are great options for truly low-budget travellers. From Agra to Delhi, regular buses are operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), and the fare is between INR 200 and INR 300. Autorickshaws, bike rickshaws, and e-rickshaws are cheap and available in Agra. Taj Mahal entry and best visiting times Except for Friday, when it closes early for prayers, the Taj Mahal remains open to the public every day from dawn to dusk. Indian citizens pay INR 50 to visit, foreign tourists pay INR 1,100 (which includes add-ons such as water, shoe covers, and shuttle), and SAARC citizens pay INR 540. Sunrise is the best time to visit because fewer visitors are there and the monument is warmed by soft morning light. The weather is also cooler, and there are better photography opportunities early in the morning. Budget-friendly lodging There are plenty of affordable accommodations in Agra, especially in the localities near the Taj Mahal. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For just INR 400 to INR 1,200 per night, search for cheap lodges, guesthouses, and hostels that offer clean, basic rooms. Some low-budget hotels also have rooftop views of the Taj so you can witness a breathtaking sunrise or sunset without additional cost. Acquiring the best offers can be obtained by reserving in advance or during off-season. Enjoy delectable cuisines You can have Agra's street food and traditional fare without breaking the bank. There is chaat, kachori, samosas, and stuffed parathas at very cheap prices—usually below ₹100—at food stalls in the neighbourhood and small eateries. There are sweets such as the famous Agra petha and refreshing lassis too, at affordable prices. For real, affordable food, look for local markets and side streets over expensive restaurants near tourist hotspots. Travel tips to save more Travelling from April to September, when accommodations and attractions are less crowded and more affordable, will save you the most. If travelling in the summery months, bring light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a refillable water bottle. When haggling with local vendors or rickshaw operators, be respectful and have cash handy for small transactions, since many businesses don't accept digital payments.
