Urban heat island (UHI) is a well-documented phenomenon characterized by higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding nonurban spaces. This discrepancy arises from various urban characteristics, such as altered landscape morphology and materials, resulting in changes in surface reflective and thermal properties. These alterations affect the energy budget of cities and contribute to atmospheric thermal changes. With rapid urbanization globally, UHI has become a significant concern due to its adverse impacts on human health, energy demands, urban flora and fauna, precipitation patterns, air quality, and climate change effects. Developing countries, experiencing rapid urban population growth without proportional infrastructural development, face heightened challenges from UHI effects. Despite a general scarcity of UHI studies in India, there has been an increasing trend, reflecting growing awareness. However, most research focuses on European, American, and recent Chinese cities, necessitating more India-specific studies, given its urbanization pace. Understanding land surface temperature (LST) changes, driven by Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) transformations, is crucial for managing urban microclimates. Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques are pivotal in monitoring and understanding LULC changes, which are influenced by complex urban–rural linkages and ecological footprints. A conceptual framework illustrates the intricate interactions between different land use stages during urbanization, emphasizing the importance of studying LULC dynamics for effective urban planning and resource management.