Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) FAQs In 2024

10 FAQS on Gorakhpur

What is Gorakhpur famous for?

Gorakhpur, located in Uttar Pradesh, India, is famous for its cultural and religious heritage. It is known for the Gorakhnath Temple, dedicated to the Nath yogi Gorakhnath; the Gita Press, which is the world's largest publisher of Hindu religious texts; and as the birthplace of the famous poet Firaq Gorakhpuri. The city is also a gateway to the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit, as it is near Kushinagar and Kapilavastu.

The best time to visit Gorakhpur is during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. Summers, from April to June, can be extremely hot, and the monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rainfall, which might interfere with travel plans.

Gorakhpur celebrates several festivals with great fervor that tourists can enjoy. The Khichadi Mela at the Gorakhnath Temple in January, Holi in March, Diwali usually in October or November, and Dussehra are some of the major festivals. During these times, the city is vibrant, and you can witness traditional rituals and cultural performances.

Popular tourist attractions in Gorakhpur include the Gorakhnath Temple, Vishnu Mandir, Arogya Mandir, Gita Press, Ramgarh Taal Lake, Veer Bahadur Singh Planetarium, and the Railway Museum. The Kushinagar and Kapilavastu nearby are important for Buddhist pilgrims.

Tourists can reach Gorakhpur by air, rail, or road. The city's airport, the Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport, is well-connected with flights from major Indian cities. The Gorakhpur Junction railway station is a major hub for trains from different parts of the country. By road, Gorakhpur is accessible through various national and state highways.

Yes, Gorakhpur has a variety of cuisines to offer food enthusiasts. Tourists can enjoy local street food, including chaat, samosas, and sweets like peras and rasmalai. There are also numerous restaurants and eateries that serve local delicacies, North Indian cuisine, and international dishes.

Gorakhpur offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. You can find luxury hotels, mid-range properties, budget hotels, guest houses, and lodges. Many hotels are located near the main attractions and the city center, making it convenient for tourists to explore the area.

Yes, tourists can find local guides for sightseeing in Gorakhpur. It is advisable to hire guides from reputed travel agencies or the government tourist office to ensure reliability and get informed commentary on the historical and cultural significance of the attractions.

Gorakhpur offers several places for shopping enthusiasts, including the city's local markets and malls. Tourists can shop for handicrafts, terracotta items, traditional wear, and accessories. The Gita Press bookstore is popular for its religious texts and literature.

While it is beneficial to know Hindi or the local language when visiting Gorakhpur, it is not necessary. English is commonly understood in tourist areas and by service providers. However, learning a few basic phrases in Hindi can enhance your travel experience and help in interacting with locals.