Gorakhpur sits on the banks of the Rapti river in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, roughly 272 kilometres east of Lucknow. It is a working city rather than a resort town: an administrative and railway centre, home to the Gorakhnath Math and to Gita Press, and a place many travellers pass through on the way to or from Nepal.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple. The railway station and the commercial centre of the city form one cluster of places to stay, and the Golghar and Park Road area forms another, slightly removed from the station. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like to stay in. It does not recommend individual properties.
Best areas to stay in Gorakhpur
1. Golghar and Park Road
This is the area around Golghar, on and off Park Road, and it holds the city's upscale and mid-range accommodation. If you want air-conditioned rooms, in-house restaurants and the widest choice of places to sleep, this is where you look first.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who prefers a quieter, more comfortable base over being next to the station. The trade-off is that it is not the station itself, so you will need local transport for arrivals, departures and onward connections.
2. The city centre
The centre of the city has hotels within easy reach of the main commercial streets, which makes it convenient if your business in Gorakhpur is in the town rather than at the station or the temple.
It suits travellers who want to be in the middle of things and within walking distance of shops and services. Expect a mix of properties rather than one single type.
3. Around the railway station
There are local hotels near the train station, which is the obvious choice if you are arriving late, leaving early, or breaking a journey. The station also has "retiring rooms" that you can use if you hold a valid ticket.
This suits budget travellers and anyone whose trip is built around train connections. One practical caution from the sources: this is a very busy station, so retiring rooms may not be available when you want them. Treat them as a possibility rather than a plan.
4. Nepal Road and Tarang Crossing
The Nepal Road side of the city, around Tarang Crossing, has its own accommodation and is oriented towards the road out towards Nepal. It suits travellers heading onward across the border, or those who want to be on that side of town.
It is away from both the station cluster and the Golghar cluster, so check how you will get to the sights and to your onward transport before committing to it.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: local hotels near the railway station, and the station's retiring rooms if you have a valid ticket. Modest places with basic food are also found in the city. Availability at the station is not guaranteed because it is so busy.
- Mid-range: hotels in the city centre and around Golghar and Park Road, including properties with air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi and their own restaurants serving Indian and Chinese food.
- Splurge: the upscale end of the market is concentrated around Park Road and Golghar, where you find the city's more comfortable hotels.
Best area for a first visit
Golghar and Park Road is the best base for a first visit. It gives you the city's widest range of accommodation, from mid-range upwards, and puts you in the more comfortable part of town rather than in the immediate bustle of the station. You will need transport to reach the station and the rest of the city, but that is a small price for a calmer base.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stay at Gorakhpur railway station?
Yes, the station has retiring rooms that you can use if you hold a valid ticket. Because it is a very busy station, rooms may not be available, so do not rely on this as your only option.
Which area is best if I am travelling on to Nepal?
Nepal Road, around Tarang Crossing, is on the road out towards Nepal and has its own accommodation, which makes it a logical base if the border crossing is the next stage of your journey.
Where are the upscale hotels in Gorakhpur?
They are concentrated around Park Road and Golghar, which is the area to look at if you want air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi and an in-house restaurant.
Is it better to stay near the station or in the city centre?
Stay near the station if your trip revolves around train connections or you are arriving late or leaving early. Stay in the centre or at Golghar if you would rather be among the city's shops and services and do not mind arranging transport to the station.
Compare live prices for the area you have chosen with the booking tools on this page before you commit.