Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is the ?Heartland of India? with all hues of Indian cultures. This is the land where many legendary historical occurrences took place. This is the land where tastiest cuisines took shape. This is the land where Buddhism flourished. And this is the land where splendid fables of Hindu Gods still breathe.
Top places to visit in Uttar Pradesh:
Agra
Known for housing the epitome of true love, Taj Mahal, Agra remains a must visit city in Uttar Pradesh. Every year thousands of travellers visit here to explore its majestic beauty resting in its pearly white outlook. This one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Also explore Agra Fort here underlining Mughal?s grandeur. The fort has impressive grand walls and houses numerous places of tourist interest, including Jahangir Palace, Khas Mahal, etc.
Lucknow
Lucknow is rightly called as the city of Nawabs. For many years Nawabs of Awadh ruled here who left their marks in the form of lifestyle, food and traditions which are still being followed here. Lucknow is home to some priceless caretakers of history like Bara Imambara built by the Nawab Asaf-ud-daula in 1784. Chota Imambara is also popular due to numerous historical tales associated with it. To unearth the history of the city, a visit to British Residency of Lucknow is must.
Varanasi
The city with uncountable ghats, Varanasi beautifully paints the spiritual roots of India. Visit here to take a serene ride over the pristine waters of holy River Ganga. Assi Ghat of Varanasi is highly popular due to religious beliefs. Dashashwamedh Ghat also remains crowded with pilgrims performing various rituals all day long. Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the only Jyotirlinga in Uttar Pradesh and remains highly popular among Hindu devotees.
Allahabad
Allahabad is known for Triveni Sangam and the very popular Kumbh Mela. Here three holy rivers of India, Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati merge together. For some insight into the history of the place, Allahabad Fort is a must visit. It was constructed by the great emperor Ashoka and flaunts a splendid architecture. Also visit Khusro Bagh, a walled garden home to three mausoleums.
Vrindavan
This is a popular religious destination in Uttar Pradesh where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days. Here rests uncountable temples of Lord Krishna where devotes can be seen singing spiritual songs and dancing all day long. Some of the most popular temples of Vrindavan include Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, Bankey Bihari Temple, etc.
Sarnath
Sarnath oozes Buddhism as this is the place where Gautam Buddha delivered the teachings of Dharma after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa of Sarnath built in 500 AD where stone carvings catch your attention. Chaukhandi Stupa is also a popular Buddhist stupa here. Apart from this, Sarnath Archaeological Museum is also a great lure for history lovers where they can spot exhibits belonging from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD.
How to Reach
Uttar Pradesh has four domestic airports at Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi. Railways is a good option to reach all parts of the state with ease. Thanks to numerous state and private roadways buses, road travel remains the most preferred option here.