Gorakhpur Tourist Destination

Gorakhnath Temple

Location	About 4 km form railway station on NH-29A (connecting the city to Nepal border) in Gorakhnath locality of Gorakhpur, U.P., India
Ideal time	Throughout the year, especially during morning & evening Arties, Tuesdays & Saturdays are considered more auspicious, during one month long Makar Sankranti fair (Khichadi Mela), starting from 14th January
Timings	4am-10:30pm, opens on all days
Email	gorakhnathtemple@yahoo.com
Web	http://www.gorakhnathmandir.in
Phone	+91-551-2255453, 2255454
Attractions	Religious
How to reach	Hire a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city or auto rickshaw from Dharmshala market

Gorakhnath Temple

This is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Gorakhpur and a must see for all those visiting the city. The famous shrine of Guru Gorakhnath, of undoubted antiquity, epitomizes the identity of the city, since the city has been named after Mahayogi Guru Gorakshnath. According to a popular belief, Guru Gorakshnath performed penance (tapasya) at this place, where the magnificent temple has now been built. The temple premises spreads over about 52 acres of land in the old part of the city, on Gorakhpur Sunauli (Nepal border) national highway. The temple which dates back to the12th century is an architectural marvel. The vast temple complex houses many small temples.

The main temple is rectangular in shape with a huge hall, supported by round pillars. It is the Peeth (centre) of the Nath sect. The plinth is about half metre high. In the Garbhgrih (Sanctum) of the temple, the idol of Guru Gorakshnath in meditation posture is seated on the white marble platform. His Charan Padukas (footwear) have been kept near his meditation site. Literary sources reveal that the structure & shape of the temple has changed over a period of time but it has been able to retain its original shape despite several attempts to demolish it during the Mughal period. It was rebuilt in 1896. The present form of the temple is credited to Late Mahant Digvijay Nath & Mahant Aweiydya Nath. They gave a new look to the temple & to the premises.

The sacred pond (Mansarovar), situated in the south east part of the temple, has been converted into a boating place by the temple authorities. While the temple witnesses regular stream of devotees, their number increases many times on every Tuesday & Saturday. The place is particularly overcrowded on the Jan. 14th of every year when Khichari Mela, the main festival of the temple, is celebrated every year. The King of Nepal also occasionally visits this temple during this festival. A Charitable Hospital (started on 16th July 2003), Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Hostel, Yoga Training Centre, Meditation Centre, Old Age Home & a Gym have also been started in the temple premises. Prayers (Arties) are performed thrice a day -early morning, mid day & in the evening. Many verses of guru Gorakhnath along with their explanation are inscribed on marble plaques installed there in.

Gita Vatika

Location	About 4 km. from railway station on Jail Road, near Asuran Ckowk, Shapur, the northern part of Gorakhpur, U.P., India
Phone	+91-551-2283237
Ideal time	Throughout the year, especially during Radha Ashtami celebrations, opens on all days
Attractions	Religious
How to reach	Hire a cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw from Dharmshala market area

Geeta Vatika

Gita Vatika, spread over 5.2 acres, is situated in the northern part of the city. It has been established by the founder editor of Kalayan, Swami Hanuman Prasad Poddar, who lived here for 45 years and established the Hanuman Prasad Poddar Memorial Samiti. 

The Samiti has set up a Shri Radha Krishna Meditation Centre and built a magnificent temple of Sri Radha Krishna in Naagra style of north India. 'Hare Ram & Hare Krishna' chanting, started from 1968, is still continuing day and night. Recently a majestic Mandap (canopy) has been constructed for this purpose.

The Samadhi of Hanuman Prasad Poddar, his wife and Samadhi of head priest of the temple- Radha Baba (Saint) is also situated within the premises. Radha Baba has established "Giriraj" in the temple premises. On the day after Deepawali devotees flock here to worship 'Giriraj' and offer "Annakoot". Radha Ashtmi is celebrated here when a large number of devotees visit the temple. A Cancer Hospital managed by the same samiti, is also situated adjacent to the Gita Vatika building 

Gita Press

Location	About 4 km from railway station in the old part of the city on Gita Press road, Gorakhpur, U.P., India
Ideal time	Throughout the year especially during Geeta Jayanti week
Timings	8:30am-5pm
Attractions	Hindu mythological literature
How to reach	Hire a cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw from Dharmshala locality of the city
Phone	+91-551-2331250, 2334721
Fax	+91-551-2336997
Website/Email	www.gitapress.org/ email-booksales@gitapress.org

Prestigious Gita Press is one of the biggest attractions and oldest treasure of Gorakhpur and is a must visit. It was established in 1923, by Brahmalina Shri Jayadayalji Goenka, a spiritually inclined person. The main objective of Gita Press is to promote & spread the principles of Sanatana Dharma among general public. It is famous throughout the country and abroad for the printing and publication of low cost books of Indian culture & civilization and scriptures pertaining to Indian Philosophy, so as to reach the masses at highly subsidized rates. It is one of the world's largest publishers of Hindu religious texts. Its literature is widely read and is available at the press and on its many sales counters that are spread all over the country including all the important railway stations. Mobile vans are also selling the press publications to masses. Since its establishment the Gita Press has published & sold more than 370 million copies of various Hindu religious books.

A new modern AC showroom has also come up in front of the main gate of the Gita Press. Handloom-textiles are also sold here on subsidized rates. The Governing Council (Trust Board) manages the institution.

A huge Art Gallery Lalitchitra Mandir is also located inside the premises of Gita Press. It has 684 paintings, revealing the events of life of Lord Shi Ram & Shri Krishna. A set of 92 old Mewari style paintings depicting Krishna Leela are commendable The entire 700 verses of Bhagvat Gita are displayed on the marble plaques affixed to the walls of the gallary.

During the Gita Jaynti week the Chitra Mandir is decorated magnificently. In the large hall of this gallery, rare collection of various volumes of Srimad Bhagawat Gita and other scriptures from the research library are exhibited on special occasions like Gita Jayanti day, the day on which Lord Krishna pronounced Gita.

There is an enchanting statue of Lord Krishna on the chariot, preaching Arjun, located at the gate. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, inaugurated this gate on April 29th 1955. Satyamvad, Dharamamchar (speak truth and practice dharma), this is the inscription at the main gate of Gita press. Situated in the old city, Gita Press is meant not only for publication of religious books but it is also a mission conceived by late Jayadayalji Goenka. Gita Press had a humble beginning in a small rented room in Urdu Bazaar (Old market) with just three tendril machines and a few workers. Initially the press published its work mainly in Sanskrit, Hindi & English but now books are published in Telugu, Gujrati, Tamil Oriya, Bengali, Assamese, Kannada & Marathi.

The famous monthly magzine Kalyan (being published since 1927), has an estimated subscription of 2.35 lakh per month. Its English version Kalyana-Kaptaru has also been published since 1934. Information about latest releases & essays are provided in the house magazine 'Yug Kalyan'.Shri Hanuman Prasad Poddar is especially remembered as the life time editor of Kalyan monthly magazine.

Gita press is part of the Govind Bhawan Karyalaya, Kolkata. Ayurved Sansthan, Rishikesh (producer of Ayurvedic medicines), Gita Press Sewa Dal (relief organization for natural calamities), Hast Nirmit Vastra Vibhag (producer of handloom cloths), Gita Bhawan Rishikesh, Rishikul-Brahmcharya Ashram (Vedic School, Churu, Rajasthan) are affiliated to this organization.

Taramandal - Planetarium

Taramandal Gorakhpur

With the establishment of Planetarium here, Gorakhpur has joined the exclusive club of astronomical facilities. It is located in the newer township area of Ramgarh Tal Pariyojana at a distance of 5 km from railway station. 

This planetarium has been attracting horde of visitors from all around. It is a new source of amusement & knowledge to the locals & makes a unique experience. The planetarium opens from 11am-5pm, and 4 shows, of 45 minutes each, are held here every day except on Mondays.

Vishnu Mandir

Location	About 3 km from railway station, at Asuran Chowk, on Medical College road, Gorakhpur, U.P., India
Ideal time	Throughout the year, Thursday when special pooja is performed, during Dushehra festival
Timings	6am-12noon & 3pm-8:30pm, opens on all days
Attractions	Religious
How to reach	Hire a cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw from Dharmshala locality of the city

Vishnu Mandir, Gorakhpur

The famous temple, associated with God Vishnu, was constructed in 12th Century. 

A large Idol of God Vishnu made of 'Kasauti' stone is located inside the temple. 

Ramleela is organized during Dushehra festival here and the procession is grand and in a very traditional way and it fetches a large tourist gathering. 

Idols of the deities of major shrines of Hindus-viz. Badrinath, Jaganathpuri, Dwarika & Rameshwaram are installed in the four corners of the temple.

 Buddha Museum

Location	About 5 km south east of railway station & bus station in the Ramgarh Tal project area, Gorakhpur, U.P., India
Ideal time	Throughout the year
Timings	10am-5pm, closed on Monday, second Sunday of every month & Gazetted holidays
Phone	+91-551-2230162
Attractions	Archaeological
How to reach	Hire a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city.

Buddha Museum, Gorakhpur

Govt. Buddha Museum Gorakhpur was established in 1987 but the present building came into existence in 1997.The museum's main aim is the collection, preservation, documentation, exhibition of the cultural property and to make them available for educational activities to create awareness about the glorious past. It show cases items like age old sculpture, figurines, terracotta items, beads etc. Most of the objects here are rare and priceless.

Presently four galleries are on display in the museum. About 2023 pieces of metal and stone sculptures, terracotta, potteries, thankas, miniature paintings etc. have been displayed in the galleries.

The first gallery consists of Buddhist and Jain Art objects, ranging from Kushan period to medieval period. Sculptures of Mathura and Gandhara schools represent various events of Buddha's life. Fantastically decorated inscribed Jain Ayagapatta, Thirthankar Mahavira, Parshwanath are also on display in the gallery.

In the second gallery, miniature paintings of Rajasthani, Pahari and Bundi style are on display. In the third gallery Hindu sculptures are displayed which are very useful for iconographical study. In the fourth gallery terracotta from various Buddhist sites like Sarnath, Rajdhani, Kopia and other places are on display. Animal figures, pots, seals, Suka-Sarika, eight headed Ganesha, dakini (a baby eater), human figures ranging from Maurayan period down to Gupta period certainly deserve appreciation from the visitors.

Vinod Van Zoo

Vinod Van, Kushmi forest, Gorakhpur

Vinod Van is located far away from the city inside quiet Kusmhi forest. A zoo is also the part of this park where some animals like deer, snakes, antelopes and rabbits are kept to attract children. A children corner with many swings & playing space surrounded by the forest area make this spot an ideal picnic spot especially for school children. It has a comfortable rest house with a charming ground.

Surya Mandir - Suraj Kund

Location	About 6 km from railway station, in Suraj Kund Colony, Gorakhpur, U.P., India
Ideal time	Throughout the year, on the following day of Deepawali festival, when all the stairs of the pond are lit by thousands of earthen lamps, during Chhat Pooja (festival of Sun), Shivratri & Nagpanchmi fair
Timings	10:30am-4:30pm, opens on all days
Attractions	Religious
How to reach	Hire a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city.

Surya Mandir, Suraj Kund, Gorakhpur

Sun temples are rare in India or abroad. The people of Gorakhpur are lucky to have one sun temple, which is situated in the north western part of the city, beyond railway line. It spreads over 10 acres of land.

The main temple is located in the middle of the tank & is surrounded by water from all sides.

It is one of the 26 Surya Kund of the Country and it is believed to be the worshipping & resting places of Lord Ram. Presently Kali temple, Annapurna temple & Ram Sita temple do exist here.
About 100-125 years ago, Baba Muneshwar Das, who was an ardent worshipper of Lord Sun, is said have dug the present Suraj Kund (tank) himself to initiate the worshipping of Lord Sun & Lord Laxmi Narayan.

Budhiya Mai Mandir

Location	About 8 km from railway station, on NH-28 towards eastern part of Gorakhpur, U.P.,India
Ideal time	Throughout the year, especially during Navratri
Attractions	Religious
How to reach	Hire a cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw from Golghar area of the city.

Bhudhiya Mai Mandir

This temple, located on opposite side of Vinod Van, is nestled in very quiet surroundings and dedicated to the Goddess called Budhiya Mai. 

Though the temple is small; yet a large number of devotees come here for worshipping especially during Navaratri. 

Devotees cook here first and the same is offered to the deity & taken back as Prasad. Instead of red Chunari (headgear); white Chunari is offered to the deity here. 

Railway Museum

Location	About 1 km from Gorakhpur railway station, near railway golf course, House No.5, Railway Colony, Gorakhpur, U.P., India
Timings	Tuesday-Sunday: 12noon-9pm, Monday closed
Entry Fee	Rs. 5, Rs. 10 for toy train (up 12 year old only)
Ideal time	Throughout the year
How to reach	Hire a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city

Rail Museum, Gorakhpur This rail museum & amusement park is a newly added attraction of the city, which was inaugurated on 2nd July 2007 and is one of its own kinds in U.P. The museum, displays the development of NER economically, technically, as well as culturally. The major attraction of this museum is Lord Lawrence's Steam Engine, which was built in 1874, in London and brought to India by sea. It was the first engine that was used by NER, once it became operational.  The museum also houses a gallery which has many significant articles, such as- clocks used in saloons, furniture, uniforms used by railway men at different times, a photo gallery, materials pertaining to railway traffic control, library etc. A toys train ride is also available for children. A unique Food Plaza housed in a railway compartment adds to the attraction of this place. Imambara Location About 3 km from railway station on Maya Bazaar road, Gorakhpur, U.P. Ideal time Throughout the year, especially during moharram Timings 6am-5pm, opens on all days Attractions Religious, Gold & Silver tazia are kept here How to reach Hire a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city Imambara Gorakhpur It is a very famous landmark of the city and abode of Imams, located in the central part of the city was built at the close of the 18th century by Syed Raushan Ali, the first Mian Sahib of Gorakhpur in 1774 or 1717. His father Syed Ghulam Ashraf, a native of Bukhara, had come to Delhi during the reign of Modammad Shah. He fled from Delhi during one of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali. He finally settled at Shahpur. His son Syed Roshan Ali Shah left him and came to Gorakhpur. Syed Roshan Ali Shah inherited sizeable land from his maternal grandfather in Mohalla Daud Chawk (now Mian Bazar). He decided to build an Imambara on this land and changed its name to Imamganj. Raja of Satari Pahalwan Singh gave Kusmhi Mauza along with its forest area to Niyaz Imam Sahib in 1793.  Nawab Asif Uddaula, the Shia ruler of Awadh at that time, also gave 16 villages, Rs.10, 000 cash & a silver tazia around the year 1796 to Roshan Ali Shah, He utilized this money in adding an enclosure around central Imambara along with few edifices. Every year Moharram procession starts from here. Arogya Mandir Location About 5 km from railway station on Medical College road, Aam Bazaar, towards northern part of Gorakhpur, U.P., India Ideal time Throughout the year Attractions Naturopathy How to reach Hire a cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw from Dharmshala locality of the city  Website                              http://www.arogyamandir.org Arogya Mandir Gorakhpur The Arogya Mandir is a naturopathy Hospital. This hospital, established in 1940 by Dr. Vithal Das Modi, provides treatment by nature cure to patients and for many years it has been one of the largest naturopathy centres in India. It is equipped with a large building and lush green surroundings.  The Arogya Mandir carries out treatment by naturopathy and also conducts teaching and awards degrees in this branch of medicine, through its school of natural therapeutics (established 1965). This naturopathy centre induces a natural healing process in the body, which gives boost to self-curative forces which help in healing and acquiring good health. Some of the therapies used here are Hydrotherapy, Mud-Therapy, Yoga and Pranayam, Exercises, Warm Bath, Steam Bath, Massage & Diet For the convenience of the out station patients accommodation facilities are also provided by the Arogya Mandir. It offers AC deluxe, double bedded, four bedded and eight bedded suites & dormitory with modern amenities. Ramgarh Tal Boating Platform Ramgarh Tal Gorakhpur Ramgarh Tal Boating Platform is located at the southern end of Ramgarh Tal, on the Ramgarh Tal bank/Circuit house road at a distance of about 5 km from railway station.  This platform has been developed to provide boating facility in the Tal. But presently the place is not well maintained and the boating facility is not availed to the visitors because of poor infrastructure and logistics.

Christ Church

Christ Church Gorakhpur

Presently, Gorakhpur has eight churches but oldest among them is the Christ Church, situated in Civil lines, Gorakhpur, U.P. at a distance of about 3 km from Gorakhpur railway station, between St. Andrew Degree College & St. Andrews Inter College, at the crossing called Shashtri Chowk. 

This church was built in 1825, by private subscription. It has retained the original glory without any renovation till date. Christmas, Easter and New Year are celebrated here. (Timings-7-10am, opens only on Sundays) The church can be accessed by hiring a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city. 

Neer Nikunj- Water & Amusement Park

Location	Champa Devi Park, near Circuit house road, Paidleyganj, Gorakhpur, U.P. and is about 3 km from railway station
Timings	10am-10pm (15th April-15th July), 10am-8pm (March-August), opens on all days/td>
Phone	+91-9235251491
Email	amusement@gmail.com
Web	www.neernikunj.com
Entry Fee	Rs. 50 & Rs. 350 for Water Park, on holidays Rs. 400
Ideal time	Throughout the year (except in rainy season)
How to reach	Hire a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city

Neer Nikunj Water Park Gorakhpur

This newly added attraction of Gorakhpur city provides water sports & amusement facilities to the residents of Gorakhpur region. The water park has got rides for every age group & to suit every one's taste, viz., family rides, adult rides & children rides.

Amusement park is equipped with- bowling alley, shooting range, toy train, paint ball, go carting, dance floor, musical rides, merry go round, bull rides, caterpillar and many more. Food outlets, activity games, gaming arcade are other attractions of the park. Banquet hall & a lawn are also there for company/corporate meetings & other functions.

Hanuman Mandir

Hanuman Mandir Gorakhpur

This is one of the old temples of Gorakhpur and Lord Hanuman is the main deity of the temple. The temple is located on Hanuman Mandir road, in Betiahata locality of Gorakhpur, U.P. and opens from 4am-9pm on all days. 

Tuesday is considered auspicious when visitors number increases manifold. Hanuman Jayanti, Dushehra & Navratri are celebrated here. (Phone- +91-9455828713)

Kali Mandir

Kali Mandir Gorakhpur

The temple is located in Golghar, the main market area of Gorakhpur, on station road, near Police Line. It opens from 5am-12pm & 2pm-12pm. Morning & Evening Arties are held at 7am & 7:15pm (Summer) and 7:30am & 7:30pm (Winter) respectively. Dushehra & Navratri are celebrated here. During this period the number of devotees increases manifold.

Tarkulha Devi Temple

Location	20 kms east of Gorakhpur City on Gorakhpur-Deoria road (SH-1), about 5 km from Chauri-Chaura, in Gorakhpur district, U.P., India
Ideal time to visit	Monday, Friday, Fair of one Month during Chaitra Ramnavmi
Attractions	Religious
How to reach	Buses/Auto Rickshaw and taxis are available from Gorakhpur

Tarkulha Devi Mandir Gorakhpur

It is one of the major attractions around Gorakhpur. The name Tarkulha derived its name from a local tree named 'Taad' abundantly found in the area. This temple is not only popular among local people but is also visited by the people from as far as Bihar, Bengal, M.P. & Rajasthan. 

There is one month long fair every year, starting from Chaitra Ramnavmi (in the month of April) around this temple. People come here to shop for their annual requirements of spices and to enjoy different traditional shows organized during this fair. This place is also associated with freedom fighter Bandhu Singh, famous for his role in Ist struggle for freedom in 1857. 

Tarkulaha Devi was the Isht Devi of freedom fighter Babu Bandhu Singh. There is also a memorial built to honour Saheed (freedom fighter) Bandhu Singh located near the temple.