Lucknow and its surrounding regions are set to witness a major transformation in religious and tourism infrastructure as the Uttar Pradesh government under CM Yogi Adityanath plans to upgrade 14 major faith and tourist destinations with five-star level facilities. The initiative aims to position Uttar Pradesh as a global model for faith-based tourism, combining spiritual heritage with world-class infrastructure.
CM Yogi Adityanath Pushes Global-Scale Faith Tourism
According to the draft report of the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region (UPSCR), these sites—spread across six districts including Lucknow, Barabanki, Sitapur, Unnao, Rae Bareli and Hardoi—will be developed in the first phase. The focus will be on improved connectivity, modern amenities, seamless public transport access and enhanced visitor experience.
Strong focus on connectivity and infrastructure
Under the proposed plan, all selected religious and tourist sites will be directly connected to major roads, with access to metro services, UPSRTC buses and other public transport systems. Authorities have stressed that infrastructure development will go hand in hand with preserving the cultural and historical character of these destinations.
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The project also envisions landscaped public spaces, upgraded facilities for devotees and tourists, better crowd management systems, and eco-friendly development models. The idea is to ensure comfort while maintaining the sanctity of religious places.
Lucknow heritage sites lead the transformation
The report highlights that four major heritage sites in Lucknow—Residency Buildings, Rumi Darwaza, Bara Imambara and La Martiniere College—are already in comparatively strong condition and will serve as flagship destinations under the new tourism model. These landmarks are expected to attract both domestic and international visitors once upgraded with premium facilities.
134 religious and tourist sites identified in SCR region
A total of 134 religious and tourist properties have been identified across the SCR region. Of these, 14 sites have been marked as primary, 51 as secondary, and 69 as tertiary destinations. The primary 14 sites will be developed on a five-star model, aimed at showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s spiritual and cultural richness on an international platform.
Key sites in the first phase include Deva Sharif in Barabanki, Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary in Unnao, Chakratirth, Lalita Devi Temple, Hanuman Garhi and Vyas Gaddi in Sitapur, along with Pandav Kila, Raj Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sandi Bird Sanctuary in Hardoi, and Samaspur Bird Sanctuary in Rae Bareli.
Sitapur and Hardoi need major upgrades
While Lucknow’s sites are relatively well-developed, the report points out that several religious locations in Sitapur and Hardoi currently lack basic infrastructure and are rated at a lower level. These areas will receive focused attention to bridge the gap and bring them up to national and international tourism standards.
Vision of a “New Uttar Pradesh”
The initiative reflects the Yogi Adityanath government’s broader vision of “faith with development”, where religious tourism becomes a driver of economic growth, employment generation and regional development. Officials believe the project will significantly boost tourism, strengthen local economies and enhance Uttar Pradesh’s image as a modern yet culturally rooted state.
