Jaunpur and its distinctive Sharqi architecture

Jaunpur reveals different sides of its history and landscape: mosques and other structures shape its cultural character, while the Gomti provides a setting for several well-known places. Religious traditions, handicrafts and nature-oriented destinations round out the picture. As you plan your trip, consider whether you mainly want to explore Sharqi architecture, city and river views, or the surrounding area as well.

Historic buildings and distinctive details

Construction of Atala Masjid began in 1393 under Feroze Shah, and it was built in 1408 by Ibrahim Shah Sharki. It is more than 100 feet high and has three large entrance gates. Masjid Lal Darwaja also combines architectural history with distinctive details: V. V. Raje, the wife of Sultan Mahamud Shah Sharki, had it built in 1455. Three gates lead to a courtyard; two pillars bear inscriptions in Sanskrit and Pali.

At more than 200 feet high, Jama Masjid is a significant monument from the Sharqi period. Twenty-seven steps lead to the upper level. Its decorations include Egyptian-style engravings, curved arches, lotus, sunflower and rose motifs, and window grilles. Juma Masjid in Jaunpur is listed as a centrally protected monument.

At Shahi Pul, you will encounter a different type of structure. Munyeen Khankhana had the bridge built in 1564 on Akbar’s orders during his reign. Its roadway is at ground level, and the bridge spans rest on octagonal pillars. In the middle, a large lion sculpture stands on a square platform; an elephant lies beneath the lion’s front paws. Jaunpur’s buildings thus bring religious architecture, decorative design and bridge construction together.

The Gomti, city views and temple traditions

The riverside setting also helps orient visitors. Jhanjhari Masjid is in the Sipah district on the north bank of the Gomti. Its surviving central arch is 35 feet high and 32 feet wide. Shahi Qila is in the center of Jaunpur, on the river’s left bank; from there, you can see the Gomti and the city. The Qila also contains a Turkish-style bath.

Sheetala Maata Chaukiya is an old temple associated with the worship of Shiva and Shakti. Large crowds gather there during Navratri. If you are interested in religious traditions, the temple offers a different focus from the Sharqi buildings. Handicrafts are another part of the local character: woollen carpets and durries from Jaunpur are woven by skilled artisans on traditional handlooms, using wool, cotton and blended yarns.

Nature-oriented destinations and excursion ideas

Gujartal lies two miles west of Kheta Sarai and offers scenic, natural surroundings. Van Vihar on T.-D.-College-Kuddupur Road also attracts tourists. Together, these destinations offer a different focus from the buildings in the city. When planning, you can therefore weigh whether to spend your time in Jaunpur mainly exploring its mosques and history, or to include destinations such as these natural settings as well.

Getting there and finding your way during your stay

Jaunpur City is one of two railway stations in Jaunpur. The bus station has good connections to Varanasi, Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Allahabad. The distances from there can also help you plan your visits: Atala Masjid is about 3 km away, while Masjid Lal Darwaja and Sheetala Maata Chaukiya Temple are each about 5 km away. Local transport is available to all three. Jhanjhari Masjid is within 3 km of the bus station; auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are available to get there. Check the relevant schedules and local transport options for your travel date.

If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Jaunpur, it helps to first organize your planned visits and interests. The bus station details provide a practical reference point for several attractions; the different themes of the area can also guide your plans. This makes it possible to shape a stay focused on Sharqi architecture differently from a trip that also includes temple traditions, handicrafts or nature-oriented destinations.

Discover more destinations: Jaunpur, Rampur, Varanasi, Sultanpur, Mathura, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sant Kabir Nagar, Lucknow.

Return to the main travel overview: Uttar Pradesh.