Private Uttar Pradesh tour package
Cities, monuments with ticket charges, hotels, street food and transport hubs across Uttar Pradesh
Private Uttar Pradesh tour package: complete travel guide
Private Uttar Pradesh tour package planning starts with choosing the right cities, because Uttar Pradesh is huge and every region offers something different. This guide covers tourist cities, places to see, monuments with ticket charges for Indian and foreign visitors, street food, restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, railway stations, bus stands and airports. Use the filters on the left to jump to a topic, or read it from top to bottom.
A private Uttar Pradesh tour package gives you a car, a local driver and a flexible plan. Instead of waiting for trains and shared buses, you decide when to leave, where to stop and how long to stay. That is especially useful in Uttar Pradesh, where the best sights are spread across Agra, Mathura, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Varanasi. All prices below are indicative and may change, so always check the latest rates before you travel.
Agra
Taj Mahal cityAgra is the first stop on most plans for a private Uttar Pradesh tour package. It is roughly 230 km from Delhi, reached quickly by the Yamuna Expressway, and it is home to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Plan two days, with sunrise at the Taj, local chaat for lunch and a calm evening walk at Mehtab Bagh.
Varanasi
Spiritual capitalVaranasi, also called Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Take a boat along the ghats at sunrise, watch the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, is only about 10 km away, so give the city at least two nights.
Lucknow
City of NawabsLucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is known for Nawabi culture, kebabs and chikankari embroidery. Highlights are Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and the British Residency. The Agra–Lucknow Expressway makes it easy to fit Lucknow into a private Uttar Pradesh tour package between Agra and Ayodhya or Varanasi.
Ayodhya
Pilgrim cityAyodhya is the birthplace city of Lord Rama and one of the most visited pilgrim towns in India. See the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Hanuman Garhi and the Saryu river ghats. The new Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and the Ayodhya Dham railway station have made the city far easier to reach.
Mathura and Vrindavan
Krishna circuitMathura and Vrindavan lie about 55 km from Agra and are closely linked with Lord Krishna. Main stops are Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir and the ghats of the Yamuna. Holi here is famous across India, and the towns pair well with Agra on a short private Uttar Pradesh tour package.
Prayagraj
Sangam cityPrayagraj, once called Allahabad, is where the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati meet at the Triveni Sangam. The city hosts the Magh Mela every year and the Kumbh Mela at fixed intervals. Also see Anand Bhawan, Allahabad Fort and the quiet gardens of Khusro Bagh.
Kushinagar
Buddhist circuitKushinagar is one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites, where the Buddha attained mahaparinirvana. See the Mahaparinirvana Temple, the Ramabhar Stupa and the monasteries built by Buddhist countries. Kushinagar International Airport connects the town with the wider Buddhist circuit.
Jhansi
Rani Lakshmibai’s fortJhansi is linked with Rani Lakshmibai and the uprising of 1857. Jhansi Fort and the Rani Mahal are the main sights. The city is also a convenient gateway to Orchha and Khajuraho in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, so you can extend your trip across the border with the same car and driver.
Gorakhpur
Gateway to NepalGorakhpur is home to the Gorakhnath Temple and the Gita Press. It is the main base for travel to Kushinagar and to the Nepal border at Sonauli, from where visitors continue to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. The city has a major railway junction and its own airport.
Chitrakoot
Ramayana trailChitrakoot is a quiet pilgrimage town where Lord Rama is said to have spent part of his exile. Visit Ramghat on the Mandakini river, Kamadgiri hill and the Gupt Godavari caves. Part of the area lies in Madhya Pradesh, so ask your driver to plan the route in advance.
Ticket charges at a glance
Indian and foreignOfficial Archaeological Survey of India (Agra Circle) rates are used for Agra. Rates elsewhere are approximate and can change, so confirm at the counter. Children under 15 usually enter free at ASI sites.
| Monument | City | Indian | Foreign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taj Mahal | Agra | ₹50 (+₹200 mausoleum) | ₹1,100 (+₹200 mausoleum) |
| Agra Fort | Agra | ₹50 | ₹650 |
| Fatehpur Sikri | Agra | ₹50 | ₹610 |
| Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra | Agra | ₹30 | ₹310 |
| Itimad-ud-Daulah | Agra | ₹30 | ₹310 |
| Mehtab Bagh | Agra | ₹25 | ₹300 |
| Bara and Chota Imambara | Lucknow | about ₹25–50 | about ₹500 |
| Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath | Varanasi | about ₹25 | about ₹300 |
| Ramnagar Fort | Varanasi | small fee | about ₹150–200 |
Taj Mahal
Closed on FridaysThe Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal, and it is the highlight of any private Uttar Pradesh tour package. Entry costs ₹50 for Indians and ₹1,100 for foreign tourists. Entering the main mausoleum needs an extra ₹200 ticket. Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries pay ₹540. Night viewing is offered on full-moon nights at ₹510 for Indians and ₹750 for foreigners.
Agra Fort
UNESCO siteAgra Fort is a red sandstone Mughal fortress with the Diwan-i-Aam, Jahangiri Mahal and a balcony with a view of the Taj. The ticket is ₹50 for Indians and ₹650 for foreigners. An evening sound and light show costs about ₹40 for Indians and ₹150 for foreigners.
Fatehpur Sikri
UNESCO siteFatehpur Sikri is Emperor Akbar’s abandoned red sandstone capital, about 40 km from Agra. See Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Salim Chishti. The ticket is ₹50 for Indians and ₹610 for foreigners. It sits on the road to Jaipur, so combine it with the drive.
Itimad-ud-Daulah
Baby TajOften called the Baby Taj, this delicate marble tomb on the Yamuna is known for its fine inlay work. The ticket is ₹30 for Indians and ₹310 for foreigners. It is quiet, quick to visit and ideal for photographers.
Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra
Mughal garden tombAkbar’s Tomb in Sikandra is a large red sandstone and marble mausoleum set in a green garden with deer and langurs. The ticket is ₹30 for Indians and ₹310 for foreigners. It is a calm stop on the way into or out of Agra.
Mehtab Bagh
Taj sunset viewMehtab Bagh is a Mughal garden across the Yamuna that faces the Taj Mahal. The ticket is ₹25 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners. Visit near sunset for a peaceful view of the Taj without the crowds.
Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara
LucknowBara Imambara has one of the world’s largest vaulted halls and the famous Bhul Bhulaiya maze, while Chota Imambara is known for its chandeliers. A combined ticket costs roughly ₹25–50 for Indians and about ₹500 for foreigners, and it also covers nearby sights such as the picture gallery. Guides are paid separately.
Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath
Buddhist siteDhamek Stupa marks the place where the Buddha preached his first sermon. The site ticket is roughly ₹25 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners, and the Sarnath museum with the Ashoka lion capital has a separate small ticket. Sarnath is a short drive from Varanasi.
Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi
Across the GangaRamnagar Fort is the home of the Kashi royal family, with a museum of vintage cars, royal costumes and weapons. Indians pay a small fee, while foreigners pay about ₹150–200. Reach it by road or by boat across the Ganga, ideally in the late afternoon.
Famous temples with free entry
Free entryKashi Vishwanath Temple, the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya, Banke Bihari and Prem Mandir in Vrindavan and the Sangam in Prayagraj are free to enter. Some temples sell optional fast-track passes. Dress modestly, expect security checks and carry minimal items.
Panchhi Petha, Agra
SweetsPetha is Agra’s famous translucent sweet made from ash gourd. Panchhi Petha is a well-known brand with many flavours, and boxes make easy gifts. Buy a small pack on the way out of Agra.
Bedai and jalebi breakfast, Agra
Street foodBedai with spicy potato sabzi and hot jalebi is the classic Agra breakfast. You will find it at sweet shops across the old city. Eat it early, when everything is freshly fried.
Deviram Sweets, Agra
Sweets and snacksDeviram Sweets and Namkeen near Sanjay Place is a popular stop for kachori, bedai and sweets. It is a good first meal after arriving in Agra on a private Uttar Pradesh tour package.
Joney’s Place, Taj Ganj
CaféJoney’s Place near Taj Ganj is a small café loved by backpackers for its thalis and banana lassi. It is simple, friendly and close to the Taj Mahal gates.
Tunday Kababi, Lucknow
RestaurantTunday Kababi is famous for galouti kebabs that melt in the mouth, served with ulte tawe ka paratha. The original shop is in the Aminabad area, and no food trip to Lucknow is complete without it.
Idrees Biryani, Lucknow
RestaurantIdrees Biryani in the old Chowk area serves Awadhi-style biryani, slow cooked and lightly spiced. Go for lunch, as the pots often finish early.
Prakash Kulfi, Aminabad
DessertPrakash Kulfi is a long-running Lucknow favourite for thick kulfi falooda. It is the perfect cool finish after kebabs and biryani.
Royal Café, Hazratganj
Restaurant and chaatRoyal Café in Hazratganj is known for its basket chaat and a lively evening crowd. Hazratganj is also a good area for a relaxed walk and shopping.
Kachori Gali and Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Varanasi
Street foodIn Varanasi, start the day with kachori and sabzi in the old lanes near Vishwanath Gali. Later, try the tamatar chaat at Kashi Chaat Bhandar near Godowlia. Most stalls are vegetarian.
Blue Lassi and Banarasi paan, Varanasi
Drinks and sweetsBlue Lassi near the ghats serves thick fruit lassi in clay cups, and a Banarasi paan after dinner is a local tradition. In winter, try malaiyo, a light milk foam dessert sold early in the morning.
Brijwasi Mithai, Mathura
SweetsMathura is famous for its peda, made from thickened milk and sugar. Brijwasi Mithai is one of the best-known shops, and the peda makes a perfect gift from the Krishna towns.
Loknath Gali, Prayagraj
Street foodLoknath Gali in Prayagraj is a busy food lane known for kachori, lassi and chaat. Visit in the evening, after the Sangam, for a taste of local life.
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Luxury hotelA five-star luxury hotel where rooms are designed around views of the Taj Mahal. It suits couples and honeymooners who want the best stay on a private Uttar Pradesh tour package.
ITC Mughal, Agra
Luxury hotelA large luxury resort-style hotel in Agra with gardens, spas and Mughal-inspired design. It is a good choice for families who want space and comfort.
Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Luxury hotelA five-star hotel in Varanasi with green gardens, a pool and quiet rooms away from the busy lanes. A driver makes the short trip to the ghats easy.
BrijRama Palace, Varanasi
Heritage palaceA restored 19th-century palace right on Darbhanga Ghat on the Ganga. Guests wake up to river views and a front-row seat to the morning ghats.
Taj Mahal, Lucknow
Luxury hotelA five-star hotel in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, with fine dining and Awadhi restaurants. It is a smart base for imambaras, markets and kebabs.
Clarks Avadh, Lucknow
Mid-range to upperA popular business and leisure hotel in central Lucknow, known for reliable service and easy access to Hazratganj and the old city.
UPSTDC Rahi hotels
Budget government staysThe Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation runs simple, affordable Rahi tourist hotels in several cities. They are a good option for pilgrims and budget travellers.
Guesthouses, homestays and dharamshalas
Budget staysGhat-side guesthouses in Varanasi, homestays near the Taj Mahal, the ISKCON guesthouse in Vrindavan, dharamshalas in Ayodhya and hostels such as Zostel in Agra and Varanasi offer clean, low-cost rooms. Your driver can help you reach them easily.
Airports in Uttar Pradesh
Fly in or outAirport names make planning a private Uttar Pradesh tour package much easier. Pick the airport closest to your first city.
- Agra Airport (Kheria), for the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri
- Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow
- Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi
- Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya
- Kushinagar International Airport
- Noida International Airport, Jewar, which began commercial flights on 15 June 2026
- Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Kanpur and Bareilly airports for regional travel
Main railway stations
By trainTrains are frequent, and your private car can meet you at the station.
- Agra: Agra Cantt, Agra Fort and Raja Ki Mandi
- Mathura Junction, for Mathura and Vrindavan
- Lucknow: Lucknow Charbagh and Lucknow Junction (Gomti Nagar)
- Varanasi: Varanasi Junction (Cantt), Banaras and Kashi stations
- Ayodhya Dham Junction
- Prayagraj Junction, Gorakhpur Junction, Jhansi Junction and Kanpur Central
Major bus stands
By busGovernment buses link every city, but a private car is faster and more comfortable.
- Agra: Idgah Bus Stand
- Lucknow: Alambagh Bus Station and Kaiserbagh Bus Station
- Varanasi: Cantt Roadways Bus Stand
- Ayodhya: Ayodhya Dham Bus Station
- Prayagraj: Civil Lines Bus Station
- Mathura: Mathura Bus Stand, with buses on to Vrindavan
Expressways for road trips
By private carThe Yamuna Expressway links Noida and Delhi with Agra, and the Agra–Lucknow Expressway links Agra with Lucknow, which cuts travel time between the main cities. A private Uttar Pradesh tour package with a local driver uses these roads so you can sit back and enjoy the views.
Best time for a private Uttar Pradesh tour package
October to March is the best season for a private Uttar Pradesh tour package, with pleasant days and cool evenings. Summers from April to June can pass 45°C, and the monsoon from July to September brings heavy rain. In December and January fog can slow roads, so keep extra time. Festivals add colour: Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi and the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. Remember that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Sample 8-day private Uttar Pradesh tour package
Day-wise route for your private Uttar Pradesh tour package
Days 1 to 3: Agra and the road to Lucknow
Day 1: drive from Delhi to Agra and visit Mehtab Bagh at sunset. Day 2: Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah and Fatehpur Sikri. Day 3: drive to Lucknow on the Agra–Lucknow Expressway.
Days 4 to 5: Lucknow and Ayodhya
Day 4: Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and a kebab dinner. Day 5: drive to Ayodhya, visit Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi and the Saryu ghats.
Days 6 to 8: Varanasi and departure
Day 6: drive to Varanasi for the evening Ganga Aarti. Day 7: sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath and Sarnath. Day 8: breakfast, then airport or station drop.
What a private Uttar Pradesh tour package includes
Inclusions and what to ask
A private Uttar Pradesh tour package usually includes a private AC vehicle, a local driver, fuel and tolls, and parking. Hotels, guides and meals can be added to suit your budget. Monument tickets are normally paid separately, so check the ticket table above. Share your dates, group size and favourite cities on WhatsApp and we will suggest the right route and the right vehicle from our fleet.
Cost of a private Uttar Pradesh tour package
The cost of a private Uttar Pradesh tour package depends on the number of days, the distance, the vehicle and the hotel category. A sedan suits couples, an Innova Crysta suits families, and a Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania suits large groups. Entry tickets for foreign visitors add to the budget, especially at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Ask for a clear quote before you travel.
Tips for a smooth private Uttar Pradesh tour package
Simple travel tips
Start early to beat heat and crowds. Carry your photo ID, and foreign visitors should carry a passport. Dress modestly at mosques and temples. Keep some cash for small tickets and markets. Book popular tickets online where possible, and agree the route and timings with your driver each morning.
Frequently asked questions about a private Uttar Pradesh tour package
What is a private Uttar Pradesh tour package?
It is a trip across Uttar Pradesh in a private car with a local driver, planned around your dates, cities and budget.
How many days do I need for a private Uttar Pradesh tour package?
Three days cover Agra and Mathura, while seven to ten days cover Agra, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Varanasi comfortably.
Are monument tickets included in a private Uttar Pradesh tour package?
Tickets are usually paid separately. Indian citizens pay far less than foreign visitors, so check the table of charges before you go.
Which cities should a first-time private Uttar Pradesh tour package include?
Most first-time visitors choose Agra, Lucknow, Ayodhya and Varanasi. Add Mathura and Vrindavan for Krishna sites, or Kushinagar for the Buddhist trail.
Can I add Delhi, Jaipur or Rishikesh to my private Uttar Pradesh tour package?
Yes. We also run Golden Triangle trips with Varanasi, Ranthambore, Pushkar, Rishikesh and Udaipur, so the routes can be joined.
What is the best time for a private Uttar Pradesh tour package?
October to March has the best weather, but a private Uttar Pradesh tour package is possible all year with early starts and air-conditioned vehicles.
Related trips: extend your private Uttar Pradesh tour package
Trips from Explore Golden Triangle that you can combine with your private Uttar Pradesh tour package.