Gorakhpur is something more than just the Gorakhnath temple
Gorakhpur is one of those few cities in India that have existed since the 6th century and hold a very gripping historical and cultural lineage. The city has witnessed a set of transformation over the age but still, today it is anonymous, overlooked, and unnoticed. The city got its name after the name of a saint and religious leader ‘Gorakhnath’. Located on the northeastern side of UP, Gorakhpur shares the border with Nepal and thus it is a bit influenced by the Buddhist culture. You might not have heard, read or known much about Gorakhpur till 1-2 years back but since Yogi Adityanath has taken the reign of UP, Gorakhpur has become a matter of headlines. So today let’s talk about the tourism and places to visit in Gorakhpur.
Gorakhnath Temple
Gorakhnath Temple or Gorakhnath Math is the seal mark of identity of Gorakhpur. Built in 12th century in the honor of saint Gorakhnath, Gorakhnath Temple is a phenomenal wonder of medieval India. Spreading in an area of 52 acres, Gorakhnath Temple is typically based on Hindu architectural style. The meticulous carvings and the high Gopuram accentuate the imposingness of this temple further. Built of white sandstones, this temple is the most revered shrine of ‘Nath Sampradaya’. There isn’t any presiding deity in the temple, rather it houses a statue of sage Gorakhnath, his footprints, and the seat where he used to sit and preach. Makar Sankranti is the biggest festival for ‘Nath Sampradaya’, so during this festival, the temple is always thronged by the devotees. You might find it interesting to know that presently Yogi Adtiyanath is the chief priest here.
Kushmi Forest
Though Gorakhpur isn’t a very big city, it still is abounded with unique tourist attractions. If you’re an adventurous and nature lover, you can’t find better a place than Kushmi Forest in Gorakhpur. Covered with countless ‘Sal’ trees, Kushmi Forest is the lushest area in Gorakhpur. Amid the density of these massive trees, Vinod Van which is actually a zoo is the ideal place for a family picnic. This forestry area is well-maintained, especially the Sal trees. They’re so beautifully planted that they seem implausible. This park is also home to numerous species of antelopes, rabbits, snakes, and deer. You would definitely love this place.
Archaeological Museum
You should visit this place if you want to know about the bygone days of Gorakhpur. Founded in 1957, Archaeological Museum houses a vast range of artifacts that shed light on the prideful history of the city. It houses the olden objects such as royal paintings, coins, jewelry, scriptures, and stamps. These treasured relics impeccably recount the past and present of Gorakhpur. It is a private museum owned by Deen Dayal Upadhyay University Gorakhpur. It’s worth time spending here. You’ll get to see some of the best pieces of art and the rarest materials of history. There are other museums too in Gorakhpur but Archaeological Museum is the most visited and the treasured one.
Gita Press
Gita Press is the distinct mark in the map of Gorakhpur and is undoubtedly a must-visit place. Gita Press isn’t a historical monument or a religious spot, rather it a printing press that publishes only Hindu religious scriptures and books. With a chief purpose of promoting ‘Sanatan Hindu Dharm’ in all over the world, the Gita Press was started in 1929 by Jaya Dayal Goyandha and Ghanshyam Das Jalan. And today, after having sold 58 crores, 25 lakhs Hindu holy books, Gita Press holds the pride of being world’s premier press. Gita press is worldwide known for its publications. So pay a visit. I can guarantee, you’ll definitely learn something new about our religion. The marble walls embellished with engravings and paintings taken from Ramayana and Mahabharata add a curiosity to learn more about our religion.
Golghar Market
A trip is never completed without spending a whole evening in the honking streets of the most popular market of the city. If you too want to explore Gorakhpur completely and crave to full your shopping bags, visit Golghar Market. Shopping in Golghar is an absolute delight. If you had an exhausting sightseeing day, visit Golghar Market. I can guarantee your tiredness will go in a second. Located at the walking distance from the Gorakhpur railway station, Golghar is the heart of Gorakhpur. From authentic jewelry to glittering accessories, from ethnic wear to new-style garments, from electronics items to enticing handicrafts, you will get everything at Golghar market. Just name it and it’s there. So explore the Gorakhpur markets to your heart’s content.
Best time to visit Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur lies on the bank of Tapti River, so it offers a pleasant atmosphere all year round. Still, summers and monsoon months are not suitable time to explore Gorakhpur because in summers, temperature goes high even up to 42°c and the city remains extremely hot. Monsoon months are also not optimal time to visit Gorakhpur because the city receive heavy rainfall, so you might end up waiting days after days just to step outside. Winters are the best time to spend a fulfilling and pleasant holidays in Gorakhpur. Though the weather remains a bit cold and bumpy, it still offers a fresh and amusing surrounding. And there is also lush greenery everywhere.
How to reach Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur is the home of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath and he keeps visiting his hometown frequently, so you can assume the transportation network of Gorakhpur. It is very well connected by the road, air, and rail network. Located just 8 km from the main city, Gorakhpur Civil Airport is the nearest airport. The regular flights connect Gorakhpur to other major cities of India. The rail network is also well-linked. Gorakhpur Railway Station is a stopover of almost every superfast, express and Shatabdi trains going via Gorakhpur. So from Gorakhpur, you can get the trains going to every corner of India. If we talk about road network, Gorakhpur Bus service is of top notch. Connecting Gorakhpur to the major cities of India, it is the most convenient and affordable way to explore Gorakhpur. The local transport service is also very good. Myriad of autos, taxis, and rickshaws keep plying all the time connecting the topmost tourist destinations of the city.
These are the prominent places to visit in Gorakhpur. The city is associated with many interesting Hindu mythological sagas and is weaved by the spiritual tranquillity. Gorakhpur is probably only place in India which is a pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, as well as for the Sikhs. All these faiths have got a concrete base over this place, so the city certainly deserves a visit.
