We all know India is a vast country and has diversity in almost everything- its culture, its food, its festivals, its languages, and its geography. India is known for its rich culture and 28 states at present, Each state in India is culturally unique and is a treasure trove of various art forms, languages, food and traditions.
Uttar Pradesh, situated in the heart of India also known as The Heartland of India, is bordered by the state of Uttarakhand and the country of Nepal to the north, the state of Bihar to the east, the states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh to the southeast, the state of Madhya Pradesh to the south, and the states of Rajasthan and Haryana and the national capital territory of Delhi to the west. Lucknow is the capital of the state.
DESTINATIONS
Talking about Uttar Pradesh tourist destinations, one can talk elaborately on the picturesque sites of the Himalayan foot-hills! Uttar Pradesh tourist destinations, set amid the beautiful landscape of the Himalayas, is true, a delight to the tourists!
ACCOMMODATION
Uttar Pradesh, like much of India, is almost intolerably hot in summer and exists under a layer of mud during monsoon. Some best luxurious places to stay in Uttar Pradesh.
TRADITIONAL CULINARY
The most populous state of India, Uttar Pradesh has the most interesting recipes of the country in its kitty. The state capital, Lucknow (erstwhile Awadh), in particular, is the favorite haunt of the gastronomes as Uttar Pradesh inherited the magic secrets of the Nawabi cuisines. Uttar Pradesh cuisines will give you a satisfying experience. Indianholiday.com provides you with all the needful inputs on the cuisine of Uttar Pradesh.
THINGS TO DO
There are several things to do in Uttar Pradesh like visiting the godly temples, taking boating trips and experiencing the life of the people in rural Varanasi; hence, there is no way that you will get bored here.
1. Visit a Holy Fair in Allahabad
One of the best places to visit in Allahabad, which is located at the confluence of three holy rivers, the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, making Allahbad one of the most prominent religious places to visit. If you are visiting in January or February, don’t forget to visit the Magh Mela; an event that is held every year in Allahabad to mark the beginning of the universe. You can also visit the Kumbh Mela which is an auspicious fair held for devotees to come to wash off all their sins in the holy rivers. The city during this fair itself will give you a different and a very holy feel; the chants that you can hear all the time, the ringing of bells and the smell of incense sticks in the air provides for a perfect spiritual vacation.
2. Take a Dip and a Boat Ride in the Ganges
It is said that the Ganga River has the power to remove your sins and hence, people travel from different cities in the country to this holy river to wash off their sins. The experience of taking a dip in the holy river is exhilarating, something you have probably never done before and life experience. If you want to enjoy the Ganges River completely, you must take a boat ride on the river. The river flows through the city of Varanasi connecting the river to the land, that has numerous ghats. In each of these ghats, you can find boats with local boatsmen, ready to give you a ride around the Ganges. The best time to take this boat ride is during the sunset or sunrise. The calmness of the river, with the priests singing the Arti and chanting their prayers is a site that you will never forget.
3.Tour Around Agra and Fatehpur Sikri
Some of the most prominent structures in the state include monuments in Fatehpur Sikri, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and many more. Although Agra has quite a few things to do and places to visit, witnessing the Taj Mahal remains one of the topmost things to do for anyone visiting Uttar Pradesh. This beautiful monument was constructed by Shah Jahan to commemorate his wife Mumtaz and is now one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Known as one of the most beautiful Muslim arts in India, the place attracts almost two million people every year. Last but not the least; don’t forget to visit the beautiful structures in Fatehpur Sikri; the Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, Diwan-e-Aam and many more are some of the must-see attractions in Uttar Pradesh.
4. Visit the Temples of Mathura and Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan are the holy places that validate and glorify the birthplace and the existence of Lord Krishna with the establishment of some of the most architecturally profound temples. Visit the birthplace of Lord Krishna at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, where the interior of the holy structure is quite notable. Another famous temple in Mathura is the Dwarkadhish Temple, which is also the oldest temple in Mathura. Other temples in Mathura worth visiting include Chamunda Devi Temple, Kesava Deo Temple, Gita Mandir and many more. Vrindavan is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna grew up; several temples were erected to establish religious significance. The Prem Mandir, a spiritual complex in the outskirts of Vrindavan is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Sita Ram. One of the important ISKON temples in India is situated in Vrindavan and is known as Shri Krishna Balaram Mandir. Other notable temples in Vrindavan include the Nidhivan Temple, the Shri Rangji Mandir and the Gopinath Temple amongst many others.
5. Take a Heritage Walk in Varanasi
The oldest inhabited city in the world, Varanasi, has a lot to offer to its visitors. The heritage walk in Varanasi is organized by a group of people who are locals and give you a tour of this beautiful religious city. The guide shares knowledge of the traditions, people and their lifestyles, unraveling the wonders of this culture to people who are visiting and inquisitive of the place. The Heritage walk includes walking through the lanes of Varanasi, temple walks, walking through old markets, street food walks, photography tours, etc. depending on the kind of tour you would like to take.
6. Do a Day Trip to Sarnath
Sarnath is a place you must visit. About 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is a small town in Uttar Pradesh, which is the birthplace of Buddhism. It is said that Sarnath was the place where Gautam Buddha met his first five disciples whom he eventually gave his sermon to. There are several notable monuments and ruins of stupas in the region that are worth visiting. The famous Ashoka Pillar is a 15 m tall pillar with four sculptures of lions on top of the pillar; this structure marks the national emblem of India. The Dhamek stupa is the biggest structure in Sarnath and has a height of 43.6 m and a diameter of 28 m; this is one of the most visited structures in Sarnath.
7. Live the Nawabi Life in Lucknow
The capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is also known as the city of Nawabs. The Nawabs have ruled over this region for a long time and their influence can be seen up until the present day. The structures, monuments, palaces, and gardens show a clear indication of Nawabi rule. Visit the Bara Imambara, one of the most beautiful structures in Lucknow, built in the Mughal era; this structure is 50 m long and is an epitome of architectural excellence.
8. Learn About Indian History in Jhansi
Located in the middle of Bundelkhand, Jhansi is an important historical tourist place in Uttar Pradesh. Although the place is mostly known for Rani Lakshmibai and her courage and valor, the city of Jhansi also has other spots to see and discover. Jhansi Fort is one of the most well-known attractions. Another place worth visiting is the Panch Mahal, the 5 storey residence of Rani Lakshmibai. After you are done sightseeing, go to Lakshmi Taal, a famous picnic spot in Jhansi.
9. Visit the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
Stretching over the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is located a few kilometers from Agra and is a famous tourist attraction in Uttar Pradesh. Enjoying the flora and fauna and being one with nature is one of the top things to do in Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary houses endangered species like Gharial, Mugger, Otter, Turtles and different species of aquatic birds and animals; the animals are protected by the reserve and efforts are taken to keep these animals in their natural habitats.
10. Take a Pilgrimage to Kushinagar
An avid follower of Buddhism or simply interested in the works of Buddha, Kushinagar is a must-visit for devotees of Buddha. Kushinagar is the place where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana. The place has several monasteries and stupas that date back to olden times when Lord Buddha walked on this earth. Kushinagar is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrims in the world and is known as the place where Lord Buddha finally rested.
11. Shop at
A trip is incomplete without going shopping and shopping in Uttar Pradesh is an absolute delight as the state boasts of some of the best handmade handicrafts, stone carvings, textiles and a lot more. In Moradabad towards the west of Uttar Pradesh, you can find shops selling amazing brassware and bronze and copper items; you can shop for status, utensils, souvenirs, etc. In the east in Varanasi, you can find various shops selling embroidered clothes, small mirrors, handbags, and the famous Banarasi Saris. You can find leather items at Kanpur, and if you’re looking for glassware then you would want to go to Firozabad.
Uttar Pradesh is a northern state in India and has long been a hub for ancient culture, beautiful architecture and a religious hub for the pious crowd of the country. Uttar Pradesh is one of the oldest cites inhabited by people in India and has several structures built by the Mughals as well as people who have ruled after that. This state is a package of everything a traveler expects from a trip- adventure at Rishikesh, histories in Jhansi, religious aspects in Vrindavan and Varanasi, Taj Mahal being the topmost attraction. Don’t miss any of these amazing experiences that Uttar Pradesh offers you.
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