Uttar Pradesh-A Saga of History and Spirituality
Popularly called as UP, the state of Uttar Pradesh is vast sprawled in northern India. Bordering places like Delhi, Uttarakhand and Nepal, the state encompasses an ocean of tourist attractions. The mighty river Ganges rises in Uttarakhand and flows through Uttar Pradesh offering a spiritual background enhanced by the bathing Ghats of Varanasi and the sacred pilgrimage Kumbh mela site of Allahabad. The state takes pride in its World Heritage Site of Taj Mahal and other famous Mughal monuments in Agra.
Major Tourist Destinations
Agra-Home of World Heritage Sites
Lying near the capital city Delhi, Agra has earned accolades for its wondrous monument Taj Mahal. The architecture, the appeal and the grandeour of the monument is beyond description. As the light changes from sunrise to sunset, the site looks more appealing. Other monuments that form as must-see attractions of the city are Agra Fort, Sikandara and nearby are the famous Fatehpur Sikri.Taj Mahotsava in Agra is a delightful festival to watch that is celebrated with great pomp and show and receives tourists from all over the world.
Jhansi-The Historical City
It is another historical city of Uttar Pradesh that thrusts south into the state of Madhya Pradesh. The city serves as a stopover for visitors going to Khajuraho. Jhansi was an independent kingdom which witnessed uprising under the leadership of Rani Lakshmibai.The worth-visiting attractions of the city include Jhansi Fort, Rani Lakshmi Mahal and St Jude’s Shrine.
Allahabad-Venue of Maha Kumbh Mela
The industrial city of Allahabad lies in the west of Varanasi and southeast of Lucknow. Known as ‘Prayag’, the point where the rivers Yamuna and Ganges joins in the Saraswati River. The city boasts of being the venue for Kumbh Mela, organized every twelve years. Allahabad is a delightful city to visit, with far-stretched riverside scenery.
Varanasi-The City of Enlightenment
It serves as the most important city of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is the ancient living city, known as ‘Benares’ sprawls along the sacred river Ganges. It has managed to retain its religious life since the sixth century which makes it stand apart from other cities of Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that if anyone dies in Varanasi attains enlightenment. The city boasts of around 2000 temples and many Ghats.
Sarnath-The Buddhist Pilgrimage Site
Lying 10 km away in the north of Varanasi, is the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath. The site is popular with day-trippers from the city. It was here that Buddha gave his first sermon. The ruins and temples of Sarnath still attract visitors to witness the Buddhist pilgrimage site. Its avenues house missions from Buddhist world all over the globe. Today it is an important Buddhist centre, and its avenues house missions from Buddhist all over the world. The main site and the Dhamekh Stupa are the must visit places here.
Wildlife in Uttar Pradesh
If you are interesting in exploring wildlife, Uttar Pradesh delights you with its handful of wildlife destinations. The Dudhwa National Park, Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary and Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary are the popular wildlife destinations in the state that serve as the perfect places to enjoy adventure and wildlife. Tourists can spot a number of rare wildlife species in these sanctuaries that still retain the presence of many wildlife species.
Shopping in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh offers unlimited opportunities for shopping. The state follows a rich tradition of handicrafts. Stone carving, weaving and embroidery have gained a height of perfection at the skilled hands of people in Uttar Pradesh.
Varanasi and Mathura are known for stone carving. Agra and Lucknow takes pride of being the seat of embroidery in Uttar Pradesh. Tourists can shop items like marble boxes, table tops, replicas of the Taj Mahal, Chinkari embroidery and beautiful art works while shopping in Uttar Pradesh.