On the Barabanki side of a Lucknow day trip, Dewa Sharif is a pilgrimage town known for the tomb of Haji Waris Ali Shah, who was born there. The town also hosts an annual Urs and the Dewa Fair.
- Location: Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh
- Distance: The journey from Lucknow is described as about 25–42 km.
- Bus option: UPSRTC buses run between Lucknow and Dewa Sharif from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Seasonal events: The Urs takes place in Safar; the Dewa Fair commemorates the saints.
Dewa Sharif and its place in the region
Dewa Sharif is known as the birthplace of Haji Waris Ali Shah, a Sufi saint born in the first quarter of the 19th century who died on 7 April 1905. He was buried where he died, and Hindu and Muslim followers erected a monument there in his memory.
The shrine combines Hindu and Iranian architectural influences. The 2011 District Census Handbook describes it as built in 1905, giving the complex a place in both the town’s religious life and its architectural history.
Barabanki district headquarters is 12 km from Dewa Sharif. For your wider Lucknow plans, the city’s metro network may also be useful: Lucknow Metro stations and connections.
How do you travel from Lucknow to Dewa Sharif?
You can reach Dewa Sharif from Lucknow by bus or by road transport such as a taxi, three-wheeler or jeep. Published distance figures range from about 25 to 42 km, so check the official site before you go.
UPSRTC buses run from Lucknow and Barabanki to Dewa Sharif between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM. The Lucknow City Transport Services timetable includes route 18 between Rajajipuram and Dewa, passing through Charbagh, Nishatganj, Polytechnic, Awadh Bus Station (Kamta) and Chinhat Turn.
If you are coming by train, Barabanki is the nearest railhead, 12 km from Dewa Sharif. Check train schedules and onward transport separately. Lucknow is the nearest airport, about 54 km from Dewa Sharif.
From Hotel Vijay Paradise, the city centre is about 34 minutes by car; you could pair city-centre plans with a visit to Ram Manohar Lohia Park, about 28 minutes away by car.
Planning a respectful shrine visit
The shrine is the tomb of Haji Waris Ali Shah, and the site’s history reflects the participation of both Hindu and Muslim followers in its memorial. Keep the religious purpose of the complex in mind as you plan your visit, and check locally for any guidance before entering.
The annual Urs at Haji Waris Ali Shah’s tomb takes place in Safar, described as July. Haji Waris Ali Shah also organized his father’s Urs in Kartik, described as October–November, and the Dewa Mela commemorates the saints. For seasonal context across the city, see when Lucknow’s festivals and events take place.
When to go and how long to allow
The Dewa Fair is a ten-day event commemorating the saints. Its programme includes a chadar presentation at the tombs, cultural and sports programmes, a cattle market, and fireworks at the conclusion.
Check local event information for dates and arrangements before planning around the Urs or fair. If you are travelling during either event, confirm transport arrangements before leaving Lucknow.
Facilities and details to verify
Before you travel, confirm current bus services, local transport and event arrangements with the relevant operators or local authorities. Taxis, three-wheelers and jeeps are transport options, but fares and service details can vary. The nearest railhead is Barabanki, while Lucknow is the nearest airport.
Hotel Vijay Paradise is a three-star hotel in Lucknow.
FAQs
Where is Dewa Sharif?
Dewa Sharif is a pilgrimage town in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh. It is 12 km from the district headquarters.
What is Dewa Sharif known for?
It is known as the birthplace and burial place of Haji Waris Ali Shah. Its shrine combines Hindu and Iranian architectural influences.
Are there buses from Lucknow to Dewa Sharif?
UPSRTC buses run between Lucknow and Dewa Sharif from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Confirm current service details before travelling.
When is the Dewa Fair held?
The Dewa Fair is a ten-day event commemorating the saints and includes religious, cultural and sports programmes. Check local information for dates and arrangements.