Situated right in the centre of India, Uttar Pradesh is home to some of the most ancient cities that have shaped a distinctive culture and ethnicity for the state. Thriving through the multiple religious communities, the state has some of the most striking temples representing Hinduism and Buddhism. One of the most prized possessions of the state has to be the Taj Mahal, listed among the seven wonders of the world. No matter where you travel in the country, you cannot leave without visiting the iconic Taj Mahal. This symbol of love shining with the backdrop of the Yamuna river makes for a beautiful sight for your book of memories. Furthermore, there are many monuments like Fatehpur Sikri, forts, and temples that attract one's attention in the state.
Situated right in the centre of India, Uttar Pradesh is home to some of the most ancient cities that have shaped a distinctive culture and ethnicity for the state. Thriving through the multiple religious communities, the state has some of the most striking temples representing Hinduism and Buddhism. One of the most prized possessions of the state has to be the Taj Mahal, listed among the seven wonders of the world. No matter where you travel in the country, you cannot leave without visiting the iconic Taj Mahal. This symbol of love shining with the backdrop of the Yamuna River makes for a beautiful sight for your book of memories. Furthermore, there are many monuments like Fatehpur Sikri, forts, and temples that attract one's attention in the state. The historic cities of Varanasi, Kanpur, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Lucknow among others offer an enticing combination of vibrant culture, local beliefs, and ancient stories. While many simply stick to the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, or visit the ghats in Varanasi, the state goes beyond these two cities in retelling the tales of our country. Home to the royal Nawabi cuisine, you can also visit Lucknow to experience its royal charm and indulge in the local cuisine. With a strong royal presence in the realms of dance, music, and the arts, the state also boasts of Kathak, one of India's original classical dances. As India’s most populous state, the state hosts numerous fairs and festivals that celebrate the various cultures and customs. With a history dating back almost 4000 years, Uttar Pradesh has beautifully emerged as a collection of stories that you would want to experience firsthand. Here, we dive into all the major attractions of the state and what else you should not miss while visiting Uttar Pradesh.
Eye-Catching Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh
Agra
Located on the banks of the river Yamuna, once a jewel in the Mughal reign, Agra’s essence lies in the stories defined through its monuments. Home to the majestic Taj Mahal, it also has two more UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri that provide a glimpse into the legacy of the Mughal dynasty. The city is significant not only to the Mughal empire, but also to the Mahabharata, making it a crucial site for Hindus and Muslims in India and the Indo Aryan
Lucknow
The capital city Lucknow is the best combination of Kebabs (local delicacy) and Nawabs (royals). Situated on the banks of the river Gomti, the city used to be the cultural capital of Awadh, housing some beautiful monuments, slowly becoming the epicentre of cuisine, literature, art, and royalty. Welcoming everyone with ‘Muskuraiye, kyunki aap Lucknow mein hai’ standing for ‘Smile, you are now in Lucknow’, the city rightly blends the luxury of the striking past and simplicity of
Varanasi
Popularly known as the spiritual capital of India, the numerous temples, shrines, and ghats attract many to the holy city of Varanasi. Thousands seeking a spiritual experience, wanting to take a dip in the sacred Ganges or simply absorb the mesmerizing energy of the place, add Varanasi to their must-see list in India. Everything from boating in the Ganges to capturing the sunset, attending the aarti at the ghats in the evening, or visiting the temples exudes an enchanting spirit that leads you
Prayagraj
Earlier known as Allahabad, it is the meeting point of the three rivers, the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati, called the Triveni Sangam. Mughal emperor Akbar was impressed by the site after their invasion and called the city Ilahabad, which means ‘Abode of God’. Later, his grandson, Emperor Shah Jahan, renamed the city Allahabad. From being a historical abode to a spiritual
offering, Prayagraj has evolved to be an interesting addition to the state with such unique
Ayodhya
Situated on the banks of the Sarayu River, it is mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana as the birthplace of Lord Rama, making it one of the seven holiest cities for the Hindu community. The tranquility of the ghats and spirituality of the temples emit the true essence of this small yet beautiful town in the massive state of Uttar Pradesh. With a magnificent history showcased in every street and corner, it has become a prominent centre for pilgrims, historians, archaeologists, and students alike.
Kushinagar
Just about 53 kms from the main town of Gorakhpur lies this prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site, Kushinagar. It is said to be the site where Lord Buddha left his physical body and attained Mahaparinirvana. A massive statue of the reclining Buddha was discovered in 1876 in the Mahaparinirvana Temple. It is one of the few temples to have a reclining statue of Buddha. The Nirvana site, a major stupa and surrounding monasteries, Mathakuar Kot, and Ramabhar Stupa are
Fairs and Festivals Of Uttar Pradesh
The state also offers some vibrant fairs and festivals that become a window to the diversity of India's religions and cultures. Agra hosts a Taj Mahotsav for a period of 10 days in February to showcase the creative art of craftsmen. Some unique cultural performances are also held. Then there are the local festivals such as the Deep Mahotsav and Ganga Mahotsav during the festival of Diwali. The festivals become a splash of color in your canvas of experiences from the state of Uttar Pradesh.
To celebrate the local culture, nature’s abundance and highlight the uniqueness of the region, the state organizes many fairs and festivals. One of the prime examples being the Tulip Festival in Asia’s largest Tulip Garden in Kashmir. The event is known for the wide variety of Tulips that can be found here. Attending a festival in the spring is truly a sight to behold as your vision only captures the beauty of the flowers. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Kashmir, hosts the Tulip Festival. The celebration includes a display of local handicrafts, delectable cuisine and cultural events. Kashmir also hosts a Shikhara Festival to highlight the beauty of the Shikara that are truly the lifeline of Dal Lake. Started by the government in 2016, the festival has become quite a popular attraction with artistically painted Shikaras enhancing the beauty of the lake. They also compete in races such as the Shikara Race, the Dragon Boat Race, and the Canoe Polo Match. Other cultural programmes are also being organised to give you a taste of Kashmiri culture. It occurs in the summer months of July and August. Then there are many local festivals such as Baisakhi and Eid which are celebrated with great fervour as locals get to celebrate their traditions and come together as a community. It is an added advantage to plan your trip around these festivals for the special cultural experiences.
Fairs and Festivals Of Uttar Pradesh
Home to the Mughal and Awadh dynasties, the regional cuisine has some delicacies that have stayed true to their origin and creation. The state’s cuisine has the best of both worlds of Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine, retaining its richness and grandeur. Be it the street foods such as chaat, samosas, pakodas, kebabs, or the traditional dishes such as Biryani, Kebabs, Kofta the cuisine of the state is truly an extension of the state’s history. Hailing from the famous Nawabi cuisine, the
Home to the Mughal and Awadh dynasties, the regional cuisine has some delicacies that have stayed true to their origin and creation. The state’s cuisine has the best of both worlds of Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine, retaining its richness and grandeur. Be it the street foods such as chaat, samosas, pakodas, kebabs, or the traditional dishes such as Biryani, Kebabs, Kofta the cuisine of the state is truly an extension of the state’s history. Hailing from the famous Nawabi cuisine, the cooking techniques have been influenced by royal patronage. Tundey kebabs and kakori kebabs, both seasoned to perfection, are two of the state's most famous specialties. Delectable desserts like Rabdi, Gujia, Kulfi, Kheer, Jalebi, Ras Malai, and Petha further define the cuisine of Uttar Pradesh.
Fairs and Festivals Of Uttar Pradesh
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