Uttar
Pradesh also called as UP, is the most populous and fifth largest Indian
state. The state covers a major portion of the densely populated Gangetic
plain. Uttar Pradesh attracts a large number of domestic as well as foreign
tourists. The major tourist attraction of the state are Agra, Varanasi and
Allahabad, which are visited by thousands of pilgrims. Varanasi. Lucknow is
the capital city of the state, while other major cities are Allahabad,
Kanpur, Meerut, Noida, Aligarh and Mathura. Besides the tourist destinations
Uttar Pradesh is also popular for its arts and crafts. Varanasi is known for
its saris and silk, Agra and Kanpur for their leathercraft, Mirzapur for its
carpets, Moradabad for its metalware and Lucknow for its clothwork and
embroidery. The pottery of the state is famous within the country as well as
around the world.
Major Tourist Attractions of Uttar Pradesh
»
Taj Mahal - Situated in Agra, the monument is famous all over the world. Built
between the 1631 and 1654 A.D. the monument is one of the seven wonders of
the world. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal stands as the symbol of eternal love for many centuries. The
architecture of Taj Mahal is based on Mughal architecture, a combination of
Indian and Persian architectures. The elements of designing have been
repeated consistently all through the Taj complex. The tombs and outside
buildings of the Taj depicts a unique balance of unifying design.
» Agra Tour
- Agra also called as the 'City of Taj' is situated in the state of
Uttar Pradesh. The city situated on the bank of Yamuna river is home to two
World Heritage Sites namely the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Agra is
considered hopelessly romantic, because of the romantic history of Taj
Mahal.
» Agra Fort
- The fort designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated close
to Taj Mahal. It was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Also
called as the Red Fort of Agra, the fort houses beautiful Jehangir Palace,
the Khas Mahal, Audience hall (Diwan-i-Khas) and Sheesh Mahal (The Glass
Palace).
» Varanasi - Varanasi or Benaras is one of the
oldest living cities of the world. The holy city of Hindus is visited by
thousands of pilgrims. Varanasi a city of traditional classical cluture, is
famous for its Ghats (steps along the river). The pilgrims throng the city
to rake a dip in the holy Ganges Rivers. The city has many temples, shrines,
ashrams and pavilions along the bank of the river Ganga. Varanasi is also
famous for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. The
Banarasi Silk Saris and Silk broacades of the city are famous all over the
world.
» Allahabad - Allahabad or Prayag 128 Kms from
Varanasi, is situated at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and
mythical Saraswati. According to the Hindu mythology, the city has the
status of 'Tirth Raj' or the king of all pilgrimage centres. One of the
oldest cities of India Allahabad is renowned for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh
Melas (Fairs) held every twelve and six years respectively. The city is
famous for its Magh Mela (mini Kumbh Mela) held every year and colourful
Dussehra festival.
» Kanpur - Nestled on the banks of the river Ganga,
the historic town of Kanpur is famous for its leather industry. The city has
historical, religious and commercial importance. Today Kanpur is one of the
major industrial centres of North India.
» Mathura : Mathura famous as the birth place of
Lord Krishna, is situated on the western bank of river Yamuna. Located 145
Kms south-east of Delhi and 58 Kms north-west of Agra, the city is the hub
of 3,000 year old culture and civilization. The major attractions of the
city include Shri Krishna Janma Bhumi, Jama Masjid, Vishram Ghat, Gita
Mandir Dwarkadheesh Temple and Government Museum. Mathura of especially
famous all over the country for its Holi.
» Vrindavan - Vrindavan is situated 15 Kms north of
Mathura, on the bank of the river Yamuna. The celebrated town of Vrindavan,
is famous for its temple namely Govinda Dev Temple, Shahji Temple, Rangji
Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Krishna Balram Mandir and Radha Ballabh Temple
etc. Another attractions are Nidhi Van, Seva Kunj and Banke Bihari temple.
» Ayodhya - Situated on the right bank of the river
Saryu is believed to be the birth place of Lord Rama. Ayodhya is a city of
temples, as ramparts of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism can still be
found in the town.
Reaching
» Air - The major cities of the state have their own
airports. Amausi Airport in Lucknow and Kheria airport in Agra is directly
connected with Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, Bombay and Varanasi and other cities.
» Rail - The main rail line of the country crosses
through Uttar Pradesh. Trains are availbale from major cities of the country
to Agra, Allahabad, Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Mathura and other cities of
the state.
» Road - The National Highways connect the state to
major cities of the country. The state run buses as well as private buses
run to the tourist places of Uttar Pradesh.
