Gorakhpur, located in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, is a city steeped in history, spirituality, and culture. Known for the revered Gorakhnath Temple, it also serves as a gateway to Nepal, making it a favorite stop for travelers heading to Lumbini, Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Muktinath. With excellent road, rail, and air connectivity, Gorakhpur is ideal for religious tours, cultural explorations, and adventure trips.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Gorakhpur, including historical insights, sightseeing, hotels, food, culture, nearby attractions, and travel tips.
Table of Contents
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About Gorakhpur
- How to Reach Gorakhpur
- Best Time to Visit
- Historical and Cultural Significance
- Top Tourist Attractions
- Detailed Insights of Each Attraction
- Best Hotels in Gorakhpur
- Food and Local Cuisine
- Shopping in Gorakhpur
- Nearby Places to Visit
- Gorakhpur as a Gateway to Nepal Tours
- Recommended Itineraries
- Travel Tips
- Festivals and Cultural Events
- FAQs
1. About Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur derives its name from Guru Gorakhnath, a legendary yogi of the Nath sect. The city has been an important religious, cultural, and administrative hub for centuries. Over time, it has grown as a gateway to Nepal and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, attracting travelers from across India and abroad.
Why Visit Gorakhpur:
- Spiritual and religious heritage
- Gateway to Nepal
- Affordable travel and accommodations
- Mix of traditional culture and modern amenities
2. How to Reach Gorakhpur
By Air
- Gorakhpur Airport (GOP) connects to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Lucknow.
- Daily flights make it convenient for travelers.
By Train
- Gorakhpur Junction (GKP) is one of India’s busiest railway stations.
- Excellent connectivity to Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, Patna, and the Nepal border.
By Road
- Well-connected highways: NH27 and NH730
- Regular buses and private taxis from Varanasi, Lucknow, Patna, Ayodhya, and Nepal border
3. Best Time to Visit
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October to March: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing
- April to June: Hot summers, suitable for religious pilgrimages
- July to September: Monsoon season, greenery is beautiful, but roads may be slippery
4. Historical and Cultural Significance
Gorakhpur is a blend of spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage:
- Gorakhnath Temple: Spiritual center of the Nath sect
- Geeta Press: Major publisher of Hindu religious texts since 1923
- Buddhist heritage sites nearby: Kushinagar and Lumbini
Historically, the city has been a center of religious education, culture, and trade, influencing eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar. The Nath yogis and Buddhist monks have left a lasting impact on Gorakhpur’s culture.
5. Top Tourist Attractions
5.1 Gorakhnath Temple
- Historical Insight: Dates back centuries, built around the teachings of Guru Gorakhnath
- Cultural Significance: Central to Nath sect and attracts thousands during Maha Shivratri
- What to Do: Attend morning prayers, explore temple architecture, enjoy serene surroundings
5.2 Geeta Press
- Historical Insight: Established in 1923, it publishes Bhagavad Gita and other spiritual texts
- Cultural Significance: One of the world’s largest publishers of Hindu literature
- What to Do: Explore book collections, purchase religious texts
5.3 Ramgarh Tal (Ramgarh Lake)
- Historical Insight: A natural lake dating back centuries, used by locals for irrigation
- Cultural Significance: Social hub for locals, popular for festivals and gatherings
- Activities: Boating, photography, evening walks
5.4 Nauka Vihar
- Historical Insight: Developed as a recreational spot near Ramgarh Tal
- Cultural Significance: Popular picnic and leisure area for families
- Activities: Boating, sunset photography, family outings
5.5 Railway Museum
- Historical Insight: Chronicles the evolution of Indian Railways in eastern India
- Cultural Significance: Educational hub for children and railway enthusiasts
- Activities: Explore old locomotives, railway artifacts, and history
5.6 Vindhyavasini Park
- Historical Insight: Modern garden with recreational facilities
- Cultural Significance: Local gathering and cultural events
- Activities: Jogging, picnics, photography
6. Best Hotels in Gorakhpur
Budget Hotels (INR 800–1500/night)
- Hotel Kama International – Clean rooms and central location
- Hotel Kamas Palace – Affordable comfort near railway station
- Hotel Radiant – Basic amenities, convenient for short stays
Mid-Range Hotels (INR 1500–3500/night)
- Hotel Nirvana Sarovar Portico – Comfortable, good food, near city center
- Hotel Royal Residency – Good services for families
- Hotel Bobina – Clean rooms and moderate price
Luxury Hotels (INR 4000+/night)
- Courtyard by Marriott Gorakhpur – Modern amenities, luxury stay
- Radisson Blu Gorakhpur – Premium comfort, business travelers’ favorite
7. Food and Local Cuisine
Gorakhpur is famous for North Indian street food and traditional cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Kachori Sabzi – Famous breakfast item
- Chaat & Samosa – Evening snack favorite
- Jalebi & Rabri – Sweet treats
- North Indian Thali – Full meal experience
Recommended Restaurants:
- Hotel Neha Restaurant – Traditional North Indian cuisine
- Hotel Radisson Cafeteria – Multi-cuisine dishes
- Street food near Golghar Market – Affordable and authentic
8. Shopping in Gorakhpur
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Golghar Market: Traditional items, handicrafts, souvenirs
- Bank Road Market: Clothes, accessories, local crafts
- Shahi Market: Street shopping and snacks
Popular items: Handicrafts, religious books, local sweets
9. Nearby Places to Visit
9.1 Kushinagar (55 km)
- Historical Insight: Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha occurred here
- Cultural Significance: International Buddhist pilgrimage site
- Activities: Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, and monasteries
9.2 Lumbini, Nepal (100 km)
- Historical Insight: Birthplace of Lord Buddha, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Cultural Significance: Pilgrimage and meditation hub
- Activities: Maya Devi Temple, monasteries, meditation
9.3 Sunauli Border (95 km)
- Main entry point to Nepal
- Ideal for road trips and border exploration
9.4 Kapilvastu (120 km)
- Childhood home of Lord Buddha
- Ancient ruins and cultural insights
9.5 Deoria & Tamkuhi Raj
- Historical and cultural exploration for short trips
10. Gorakhpur as a Gateway to Nepal Tours
This City is an ideal starting point for a Gorakhpur to Nepal tour Package by road:
- Gorakhpur to Lumbini – Pilgrimage tours
- Gorakhpur to Pokhara – Adventure & sightseeing
- Gorakhpur to Kathmandu – Cultural exploration
- Gorakhpur to Muktinath – Religious yatra and trekking
With our cab and tour packages, travelers get complete arrangements, including hotels, sightseeing, permits, and guided tours.
11. Recommended Itineraries
5-Day Nepal Tour from Gorakhpur
Day 1: Gorakhpur → Lumbini (Sightseeing & overnight stay)
Day 2: Lumbini → Pokhara (Adventure & sightseeing)
Day 3: Pokhara → Muktinath (Temple visit & trekking)
Day 4: Pokhara → Kathmandu (Sightseeing & cultural exploration)
Day 5: Kathmandu → Gorakhpur (Drop)
Fully customizable according to travel preferences
12. Travel Tips
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Visit temples early morning
- Book hotels near railway station or Gorakhnath Temple
- Carry valid ID for Nepal travel
- Use trusted cab services for tours
- Carry cash for local markets
13. Festivals and Cultural Events
- Maha Shivratri – At Gorakhnath Temple
- Diwali & Holi – City-wide celebrations
- Chhath Puja – Ramgarh Tal special rituals
- Buddhist festivals – Kushinagar and Lumbini
14. FAQs
Q1. How far is Gorakhpur from Nepal border?
A1. About 95–100 km to Sunauli border.
Q2. What is the best time to visit Gorakhpur?
A2. October to March for pleasant weather.
Q3. Are there budget hotels near Gorakhnath Temple?
A3. Yes, hotels like Hotel Kama International and Hotel Kamas Palace are nearby.
Q4. Can I travel to Nepal from Gorakhpur by road?
A4. Yes, Sunauli border is the main entry point.
Q5. What are the must-visit nearby places?
A5. Kushinagar, Lumbini, Pokhara, Kathmandu, Kapilvastu.
Q6. How many days are enough for Gorakhpur + Nepal tour?
A6. 5–7 days is ideal for a comfortable tour.
Q7. Is Gorakhpur safe for solo travelers?
A7. Yes, especially around major tourist sites and hotels.
Q8. Are there guided tours available?
A8. Yes, our travel team provides full cab, hotel, and sightseeing arrangements.
Q9. What local food should I try?
A9. Kachori Sabzi, Chaat, Samosa, Jalebi, and North Indian Thali.
Q10. Is Gorakhpur good for family trips?
A10. Absolutely, with parks, lakes, and religious sites suitable for all ages
