Mau
Introduction
Mau, also known as Maunath Bhanjan, is an industrial town and the headquarters of Mau district in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. Its identity is bound up with the saree industry, a traditional business and a centuries-old art carried on by the people of the city.
Come here to see a working town whose craft heritage runs deep rather than a polished tourist circuit. The saree trade is the thread that ties Mau together, and it shapes the character of the place you will encounter.
Getting around
Because the source material for Mau does not cover local transport, this guide cannot describe specific services, routes, or fares. What you can do is plan ahead. First, confirm exactly which Mau you are visiting — several towns and villages share the name, in different states with different transport networks. Check whether your destination has a railway station and which nearby cities it connects to; Indian Railways' official site is the authoritative place to check schedules and buy tickets. Ask your accommodation directly how guests usually arrive and get around, since in smaller towns that local knowledge is often more useful than general guides. Look for state road transport corporation information for the state your Mau is in, as intercity and regional buses are typically run at state level. For airport transfers, identify the nearest airport serving your destination and check which ground transport options it lists.
For smaller Indian towns of this kind, visitors commonly find that short-distance transport is handled by auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws, usually hired on the spot rather than booked in advance. Ride-hailing apps are widely used in larger Indian cities but may have limited or no availability in smaller towns. Buses, where they operate, are typically the cheapest option and connect the town to surrounding areas. Central areas are often walkable, but pavements and street lighting can be inconsistent, so daytime walking is generally easier. Cash is often needed for local transport, as card or app payments may not be accepted everywhere. Treat these as general expectations rather than confirmed facts about Mau — verify locally once you arrive, and confirm timings, availability, and payment methods before you set out.
Three days in Mau
Day one: Come to Mau and take your first look at the city. Because it sits in Uttar Pradesh, the pace is its own. Check in, then ask around for the central bazaar area and walk it slowly. For cash, treat the main market as your base and look for the bus stands that link Mau with Maunath Bhanjan.
- Arrive by Indian Railways and get your bearings.
- Ride the buses to Maunath Bhanjan for the afternoon.
- Ask for Indian sweets and snacks in the central market.
Day two: Look for the older quarters of Mau and spend the morning on foot. Because the streets are busy, ride a rickshaw between stops. For lunch, ask for a local Indian thali. In the evening, treat yourself to the food stalls around the central area.
- Walk the old lanes of Mau.
- Ride a cycle rickshaw to cover more ground.
- Ask for chai and Indian snacks.
Day three: Check out of your room and take the buses to Maunath Bhanjan if you have not yet been. Because Indian Railways connects Mau to the wider region, plan your onward ride in advance. For your last meal, ask for a local Indian dish. Look for the central market one final time before you leave.
- Ride to Maunath Bhanjan for the morning.
- Ask for Indian street food.
- Check the Indian Railways schedule for your departure.