Uttar Pradesh

“Amazing Heritage, Grand Experiences”

Uttar Pradesh is a great land that offers magnificent tourist attractions. It takes sheer pride in its tourist attractions, such as the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s seven wonders, which is like the brightest diamond in the crown of India. The state is rich, from ancient temples to wildlife sanctuaries, historical places, mind-blowing architectural marvels, massive forts, rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. Both national and international tourists visit the state throughout the year.

The best time to visit is between November to February.

FOOD & CUISINES:

The food in Uttar Pradesh is wide, ranging in variety, taste and flavour. Different cities have their styles of preparing strongly flavoured food with exotic gravies. The dishes are classified into different groups- sweet, sour, salty, spicy and bitter.

Puri-Aloo and Kachori are the most famous vegetarian dishes considered necessary during festivities. Meat delicacies and Biryanis (rice preparations) of Awadh are world famous. Another interesting type of cooking in Awadh is Dum Pukh, in which the food is sealed and cooked in a mud-pot called ‘handi.’ It takes three days to prepare. The influence of the Mughals is reflected in the cuisines. The traditional Mughal food items contain mainly non-vegetarian dishes and are prepared with rich and strong spices and seasonings such as leafy vegetables, grains and legumes.

For vegetarians, It offers almost all the popular dishes in India. For non-vegetarians, there are rich, creamy kormas, tender steak like pasandas in an almond sauce, nargisi kofta, mince (usually mutton) moulded etc.

PLACES TO VISIT:

1. AGRA

“Taj Mahal, the monument of eternal love.”

Agra is a popular tourist destination as it is one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. It is one of India’s most populated and the 24th most populous city. It is a sneak peek into Ancestry Sites Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. 
Apart from its monuments, Agra has some impressive stuff for food lovers. It is popular for its Petha (a sweet made from pumpkin). Agra is also familiar with its marble artifacts, bought in Sadar or Kinaari Bazaar.
Agra is visited mostly on a one-day trip, but it deserves it. Be prepared to be astounded, inspired and thrilled. However, be cautious about con men in the guise of unofficial tour guides and fake handicrafts.

More places to visit in Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-daulah’s Tomb & Mehtab Bagh

2. VARANASI

“The Spiritual Capital of India”

The world’s oldest living city, Varanasi, also known as Kashi (City of Life) and Banaras, is the spiritual capital of India. It is one of Hinduism’s seven holy cities. Varanasi’s old city lies along the Ganges’ western banks, spread across a labyrinth. Temples at almost every turn immerse Varanasi. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the ancient and most visited Temple in Varanasi. Banaras is also known as the city of Lord Shiva.

Varanasi is considered a good place to die, as it is believed to grant moksha or liberation from the cycle of life and death. Spiritually enlightening, the city’s heartthrob around the ghats, which border the Ganga River. Don’t miss the hot chaat and cool lassi in Varanasi. Though all the chaos and noise on the ghats pause at dusk when the Ganga Aarti begins, a ceremony of immense beauty.
More places to visit in Varanasi are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple & Assi Ghat.

3. VRINDAVAN TEMPLE

Vrindavan is considered one of the most important places of pilgrimage for the devotees of Krishna as it is one of the oldest cities on the banks of Yamuna. It believes that Lord Krishna spends his adolescence in this place. The name of the city has been acquired from Vrinda (meaning basil) and van (meaning grove), which perhaps refer to the two small groves at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. Since Vrindavan is considered to be a sacred place, a large number of people come here to abandon their worldly life.

The city of Vrindavan hosts hundreds of Lord Krishna and Radha temples scattered throughout, the most famous ones being Banke Bihari temple and the world-famous ISKCON temple. The vibrant surroundings perfectly depict the playful and benevolent nature of Lord Krishna.

NOTE:- Temples remain closed between 12 PM to 4 PM

More places to visit in Vrindavan are Banke Bihari mandir, Prem Mandir, Radha Raman temple, Nidivan and Govind Devji Temple.

4. MATHURA

“The hometown of Lord Krishna”

Mathura is the birthplace of our beloved Lord Krishna. Located in Uttar Pradesh, Mathura and Vrindavan are often considered twin cities, and Mathura is a small town spotted that attracts a crowd of travellers worldwide.

Mathura’s one side is stretched across the Yamuna River with 25 ghats, best visited during dawn, where you witness locals and tourists taking a holy dip, and hundreds of diyas are floated during the aarti. Mathura is crowded with tourists and pilgrims during the two main festivals – Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birthday) in August/September and Holi in February/March

If you are looking for more than just the standard tourist fare, then the best way to explore Mathura is by walking around the city’s streets. There is a lot of history in Mathura that you can experience only by exploring the old-fashioned architecture and the ruins of old houses.

Places to visit in Mathura are Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, Dwarakadheesh Temple, Birla Mandir, Govardhan Hill, Radha Kund, and Rangji Mandir.

5. ALLAHABAD

“Prayaga- The city of offerings”

Allahabad is officially known as Prayagraj, famous for Triveni Sangam, the gathering place of three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati. It is built on the site of the ancient town of Prayag. Allahabad held the largest Hindu gathering on the banks of the Sangam – the Maha Kumbh Mela. At the same time,  Sangam city is often passed over for more travel-friendly cities.

 Pra means “first,” and Yag means “devotion.” Prayag also means coming together of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. After the Mughal invasion, Emperor Akbar, impressed by the location and named the city Ilahabas, which means “Abode of God.” Emperor Shah Jahan, his grandson, renamed the city Allahabad.

Other places to visit in Allahabad include the Anand Bhavan, All Saints Cathedral, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and Allahabad Museum.