Weekend Getaways from Lucknow with Rental Cars

Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, is a cultural treasure renowned for its ancient charm and rich history. While seeing Lucknow is a lovely experience, the city also offers an excellent starting point for a variety of weekend trips that combine scenic beauty, adventure, religious faith, and history. The increased popularity of vehicle rental services in Lucknow has made these short journeys more accessible and easy. Renting a car allows you to explore at your own speed, taking diversions to find hidden gems. Here's a list of ten great weekend getaways from Lucknow that you may take with your rental car. 1. Agra (330 km) – The City of the Taj Mahal A road drive to Agra from Lucknow is a popular weekend vacation, particularly for first-time visitors. Agra, site of the renowned Taj Mahal, is a must-see destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. Aside from the Taj Mahal, you can see the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Mehtab Bagh. The Lucknow-Agra Expressway makes the journey more comfortable and enjoyable, cutting travel time to approximately 4-5 hours. Renting a car allows you to stop for a relaxing break at Dhabas (roadside restaurants) along the journey. The road provides a gorgeous trip, and once in Agra, you can enjoy the city's wonders without concern about public transportation or rigid deadlines. Recommended Duration: 2 Days Best Car to Rent: A sedan or an SUV, depending on your group size. 2. Varanasi (320 km) – The Spiritual Capital of India Varanasi, one of the world's oldest cities, is a very spiritual location approximately 6 hours from Lucknow. Varanasi, known for its Ganges River ghats, historic temples, and vibrant culture, provides an unforgettable experience. Witness the fascinating Ganga Aarti, take a boat trip down the river, and explore the tiny pathways teeming with activity. The journey from Lucknow to Varanasi offers some stunning countryside views, and with your rental car, you may visit destinations like Sarnath, a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site located just a short distance from Varanasi. Recommended Duration: 2 Days Best Car to Rent: Hatchback for a small group or SUV for comfort. 3. Dudhwa National Park (220 km) – The Wildlife Escape For wildlife fans, Dudhwa National Park, near the Indo-Nepal border, is an ideal weekend trip from Lucknow. Wildlife in the park includes tigers, elephants, leopards, and swamp deer. It's also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 450 different bird species to see. Driving to Dudhwa allows you to explore less-traveled routes in rural Uttar Pradesh. The journey takes roughly 5 hours, and the beautiful landscape adds to the fascination of the route. Renting an SUV is perfect for this trip because some of the roads around the park are rocky and the vehicle's height improves vision during a wildlife safari. Recommended Duration: 2 Days Best Car to Rent: SUV for off-road terrain. 4. Nainital (410 km) – The Serene Hill Station Nainital, a lovely hill station in Uttarakhand, is approximately an 8-hour journey from Lucknow. Nainital, surrounded by beautiful mountains and centered on the stunning Naini Lake, provides a calm getaway from the rush of city life. You may go boating on the lake, visit the Naina Devi Temple, and browse Mall Road for local shopping. The road to Nainital from Lucknow is a combination of smooth highways and mountainous terrain, so rent a car with sufficient ground clearance and braking control. While you enjoy the amazing vistas on the climb up, your hired automobile will allow you to visit surrounding destinations like Bhimtal, Sattal, and Mukteshwar. Recommended Duration: 3 Days Best Car to Rent: SUV for hilly roads. 5. Chitrakoot (230 km) – The Land of Spiritual Tranquility Chitrakoot, a town with massive religious significance, is approximately 5 hours from Lucknow. According to Hindu mythology, this is where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman spent 11 years of exile. The calm landscapes, peaceful rivers, and numerous temples make it an ideal location for individuals seeking spirituality and isolation. Driving to Chitrakoot is quite simple, with well-maintained roads and little traffic. The route travels through tiny towns and villages, providing a glimpse into rural life. With a rental car, you can quickly explore popular locations such as Ramghat, Kamadgiri, and Gupt Godavari without having to bother about local travel. Recommended Duration: 2 Days Best Car to Rent: Sedan or hatchback for a comfortable drive. 6. Allahabad (200 km) – The City of Sangam Allahabad, also known as Prayagraj, is a historical city where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers merge. This confluence, known as Triveni Sangam, is a popular pilgrimage destination, particularly during the Kumbh Mela. Aside from its spiritual significance, Allahabad is home to the magnificent Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhavan, and Khusro Bag The drive to Allahabad takes approximately 4-5 hours, and with a rental car, you can stop at several wayside locations for refreshments or tea breaks. Allahabad's rich history and religious significance make it an interesting weekend journey. Recommended Duration: 2 Days Best Car to Rent: Sedan or hatchback for a small family. 7. Ayodhya (135 km) – The Birthplace of Lord Rama Ayodhya, roughly three hours from Lucknow, is known as Lord Rama's birthplace and a popular pilgrimage site. With the construction of the new Ram Temple, Ayodhya has become a popular destination for people from around the country. Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhawan are all must-see destinations. Ayodhya's small distance makes it a great day trip or weekend vacation. A hired car allows you to see temples and other religious places without having to rely on public transportation. Recommended Duration: 1-2 Days Best Car to Rent: Hatchback or sedan.