The most populous state in India is Uttar Pradesh, which is sometimes referred to simply as the UP. Along with being the cultural and religious epicentre of the nation, it is also the political nerve core. The state is home to a variety of landmarks that are recognised all over the globe, as well as mountains that are very scenic and expansive animal sanctuaries. The state is particularly proud of its varied physical landscapes and its extensive cultural history.
Both the Ganga and the Yamuna, two of the world’s most powerful rivers, pass through this state. On the banks of these rivers may be found the majority of the state’s cities as well as its most popular tourist destinations. Both the state capital of Lucknow and the city of Kanpur serve as the commercial and financial centres of the state. Architectural wonders may be seen at Agra, Allahabad, Varanasi, Mathura, and Ayodhya; these cities are also home to significant religious sites. People who adhere to a wide variety of religious traditions and beliefs coexist peacefully in this state. The state of Uttar Pradesh is a traveler’s dream because to the extraordinary mix of religious and pilgrimage sites, historical architecture, and natural beauties that can be found there.
Main Tourist Attractions of Uttar Pradesh, India
Taj Mahal
A trip to the Taj Mahal is like taking a voyage into the everlasting love that will last forever. This marvel in marble, built by Shah Jahan in remembrance of Mumtaz Mahal, incorporates the tombs of two noble souls and was erected by Shah Jahan. It took a lifetime to build the Taj Mahal, which was finally finished in 1648. This magnificent edifice really does sound like an echo of the song “Love is Forever,” and it screams romance in every part of its design. In addition to being recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the eight wonders of the world.
Agra Fort
Agra Fort is a magnificent Mughal structure that was constructed out of red sandstone and is located close to the Taj Mahal. It was started by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the second part of the 16th century, and it was finished by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan during his reign. A monument in the form of a crescent, with one face turned toward the Yamuna River. Within its perimeter walls, which stretch for a total of 2.5 kilometres, the Agra Fort contains the recollections of a whole globe. It has some of the most exquisite examples of mosques and palaces ever built in the Mughal style. It is included on the list of World Heritage Sites maintained by UNESCO.
Jama Masjid
Shahjahan is credited with the construction of Jama Masjid, which has stood in its current location opposite the Agra Fort since 1648. This magnificent religious structure, which features architecture from Iran, was constructed by Shahjahan as a memorial to his cherished daughter, Jahanara Begum. Often referred to as the “Friday Mosque,” it is constructed out of red sandstone and sits on an elevation that may be reached through steps. The three domes of Jama Masjid are decorated with marble in a zigzag pattern, and the building’s construction includes a big, magnificent prayer hall that is accessible to worshippers as well as bazaars on the building’s exteriors.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah (Tomb of Mirza Ghiyath Beg)
Itmad-Ud-Daulah, also known as the Tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, may be found in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal in Agra. As a memorial to her devoted father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Empress Noor Jahan commissioned its construction. This structure dates back to approximately the year 1625 AD and has architecture that is very comparable to that of the Taj Mahal. It is widely believed that the contours of this mausoleum were the source of inspiration for the magnificent geometrical construction of the Taj Mahal. It is the location of the elaborate tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, which takes the form of a silver jewellery box containing a gem.
Akbar Mausoleum
The atmosphere of the majestic Mughal Empire is brought back to life by Akbar’s Mausoleum. It is an amazing example of how Hindu and Muslim artisans worked together to create this masterpiece. The mausoleum, which dates back to the 17th century and reflects both Akbar’s philosophical and secular outlook, was constructed at that time. Built in a style of architecture known as Timurid, it has preserved the allure of its ancient past. It is interesting to note that Akbar himself began the building of this masterpiece, but his son Jahangir was the one who finished it off in a beautiful manner. The stunning calligraphic inscriptions etched on white marble, the typical Mughal Garden, and Akbar’s elaborate burial are the three features that stand out most about this structure in the form of a pyramid.
Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake)
Surdas Reserved Forest is located around 23 kilometres outside of Agra, and is the location of Keetham Lake, more often referred to as Sur Sarovar. The glistening lake sparkles like jewels, lending an ethereal air to the whole location. Sur Sarovar is a tranquil lake that is home to many different kinds of fish and birds that live in the water. A moment spent in the presence of this natural wonderland is like medicine for the spirit. It is a gorgeous location in Uttar Pradesh, and it is the ideal setting for unwinding and appreciating a cup of coffee.
The Royal Palace
Within the confines of the fort that is Fatehpur Sikri lies a hushed realm of art, culture, and tradition known as the Royal Palace. This structure was designed by Akbar and constructed in the 16th century using red sandstone. It is situated on a hilltop about 37 kilometres away from Agra in the city of Fatehpur Sikri. Within the confines of the palace’s walls is contained a whole metropolitan area. The palace is a stunning synthesis of all world faiths, from the magnificent palaces to the harem to the governmental buildings to the mosque and Dargah that are located inside the royal grounds.
Bara Imambara
The Bara Imambara, also known as the Asafai Imambara, is a magnificent structure that contains what is said to be the world’s biggest arched hall. It is 50 feet tall and does not have any supporting pillars. Nabab Asaf-ud-Daulla is responsible for the construction of the exquisite structure in the year 1784. This magnificent structure was formerly used by nawabs as a meeting hall for the purpose of attending public hearings. The various balconies and passageways that shoot out from the building’s 489 similar portals are one of the most fascinating aspects of Bara Imambara, which may easily cause any visitor to get disoriented.
The Residency
The Residency is a collection of buildings in ancient Lucknow that may be found in close proximity to the Gomti river’s banks. In the year 1800, it came into existence, and now all that is left of it are graveyards, ruins, and epitaphs. In the beginning, it was used as a residence for the British President General, who acted as a representative in the Nawab’s court. The Residency had a rather low profile up until the year 1857, when it all of a sudden became prominent. The location of the first battle of the Indian independence struggle, which took place at the Residency, is still recognised to this day.
Shah Najaf Imambara
In Lucknow, the Shah Najaf Imambara may be found next to the Gomti River. During his lifetime, Nawab Ghazi-ud-Din Haider worked on the construction of this Imambara, which would subsequently serve as his tomb. This location serves as the last resting place for the Nawab and his wife’s remains. The chambers of this green-domed building are packed with artefacts from the distant past. The spectacular mausoleum of Mubarak Mahal, who was Ghazi-ud-Din Haider’s European bride, rests close to his tomb and is made of silver. The tomb of Ghazi-ud-Din Haider himself stands in the centre of the structure.
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary
On the road that goes to Kanpur, around 43 kilometres from Lucknow is where you’ll find the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary. The Sanctuary provides a safe haven for many endangered species of migrating Siberian birds from all over the world during the colder months of the year. Pochard, coot, purple moorhen, pigeon, common teal, parakeet, and shoveller are some of the bird species that may be seen at the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary. Other species include shoveller, parakeet, and purple moorhen. This lowland park is the ideal location to visit from October to March if you want to see these stunning species revelling in the bosom of Mother Nature.
Mathura
Mathura is situated around 141 kilometres to the south of Delhi. According to Hindu legend, this is the location where Lord Krishna came into the world. In addition to Gita Mandir and Bhagwat Bhawan, the town is home to the historic structures of Kans Qila, Vishram Ghat, Dwarkadhish Temple, Sri Krishna Janmasthan (birthplace), and Bhagwat Bhawan. The Archeological Museum in the city is home to some fascinating Buddhist and Jain sculptures that date back to the Kushan and Gupta eras.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan is a tiny town that can be found on the banks of the Yamuna and is situated around 11 km to the north of Matura. During the Holi festival and on the days when Radha and Lord Krishna would have celebrated their birthdays, throngs of Hindu pilgrims would go to Vrindavan. The city is home to a significant number of historic temples, some of which include the Madan Mohan Temple, the Banke Bihari Temple, the Radha Vallabh Temple, and the Jaipur Temple, to mention just a few.
Allahabad Fort
The Allahabad Fort was constructed during the Mughal era and is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Allahabad. It is famous for its architectural feature as well as the Saraswati Kund. The old Ashoka Pillar, which dates back to the Mauryan era, is without a doubt the most interesting feature of this fort. It was constructed by Akbar in 1583, and at the time, it was regarded as a masterpiece of the Mughal dynasty. Even if very little of that allure survives in the modern day, it yet has the air of days gone by. At the moment, the military has appropriated for its own use a part of the Allahabad Fort.
Allahabad Museum
Behind Alfred Park, in the heart of the city, is where you’ll find Allahabad Museum, a museum that has a reputation for being very well-kept. This magnificent museum teeming with history was established by Jawaharlal Nehru in the year 1947. The museum is particularly known for its specialised galleries for individual objects, which include displays of natural history relics, archaeological finds, and other types of artefacts. The special collections include things made of terracotta, tiny paintings, stone pictures, antiquities from the Indus Valley, sculptural marvels, and papers from before India gained its freedom.
All Saints’ Cathedral
The All Saints’ Cathedral in Allahabad is an example of the Gothic architectural style, and it can be seen in Canning town, just across from Junction Railway Station. This church is well-known for its elegant European framework, which was designed by Sir William Emerson, who also devised the arrangement of the building. The architecture of All Saints Cathedral is a prime example of colonial style from the 13th century, complete with the signature stained glass windows and intricate marble work. The surrounding area of this cathedral is really striking due to the presence of green grass that are very lush.
Anand Bhawan
The Nehru family made their home in the elegant Victorian structure known as Anand Bhawan, which suited the Nehru family well as a residence. The grounds of this palace were witness to Jawaharlal Nehru’s formative years as he matured into his role as the first Prime Minister of India. Anand Bhawan is presently used as a museum, where visitors may learn about the many stages of Nehru’s life. It is also responsible for reviving the ancient memories connected to this mythology. The museum’s galleries lead to a variety of rooms that present depictions of real-life events that occurred throughout Nehru’s personal life and in the years before independence.
Hanuman Temple
In Allahabad, the temple dedicated to Hanuman may be seen in close proximity to the Allahabad Fort. In contrast to the upright position at which he is often shown, Lord Hanuman may be seen in this temple in a reclining position. There is a legend that goes along with this temple that claims that the water level in the Ganga river surges every year until it reaches a point where it touches the feet of the Lord, and then it begins to recede. Even though just a relatively tiny portion of the grounds are dedicated to the temple, its popularity may be gauged by the large number of worshipers who come there on a daily basis.
Chitrakoot
There is a town by the name of Chitrakoot in the Banda district of Uttar Pradesh. This tranquil country is the setting for a great number of myths and legends that are connected to Lord Rama. During the eleven years that Rama was banished, the holy feet of Rama walked and remained on the hilltop of Kamadgiri, which was covered in forest. The legends also talk of Sphatik Shila, which is a hill that is covered in trees and is said to have Rama’s footprints on it. It is claimed that Rama built the spring known as Hanuman Dhara, which is located in this location. Ramghat and Janki Kund are two other significant places of worship in the area that visitors often go to.
Jhansi Fort
Raja Vir Singh is responsible for the construction of the Jhansi Fort. The historical significance of the fort is shown by the importance it played in India’s First War of Independence. It may be found on the outskirts of Jhansi, and it takes up a prominent position on a hilltop known as Bangra. The sheer architectural splendour of this fort is enough to make anybody lose their balance and fall to their knees. Rani Laxmibai, a courageous soldier who gave her life for India, made her home in this structure, which was built in the 17th century. The museum that is located within the fort educates visitors about the struggle for Indian independence in the past.
Ghats of Varanasi
In this sacred city, the lengthy line of stone stairs known as ghats may be seen on the wide riverbanks. In terms of the city’s religious topography, these ghats have a unique and important position. People take their morning washes in many famous ghats across the city. These ghats are known as “ghats.” On these ghats, you’ll also see priests performing rituals called pujas for the devotees who are meditating or doing yoga there. Asi, Kedara, Tulsi, Harishchandra, Chauki, Chaumsathi, Dashaswamedh, Man Mandir, and Manikarnika are just a handful of the well-known ghats in Varanasi. Other notable ghats include Manikarnika.
Vishwanath Temple
Originally erected in 1627 as a place of devotion dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ancient Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi was reconstructed in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. The temple is located in Varanasi. The city of Varanasi takes great pleasure in this temple, and the city’s prominence on the map may be directly attributed to the temple’s widespread renown. It is claimed that Lord Shiva may be found in the form of a “lingam” in each of India’s 12 most sacred cities, and Varanasi is one of those cities. During their lifetimes, millions of people make the pilgrimage to this sacred shrine in the hopes of breaking free from the never-ending cycle of ‘birth and death.’
Bharat Kala Bhawan
It was in the year 1920 that construction first began on the Bharat Kala Bhawan, which is today an integral part of Banaras Hindu University. It is a widely regarded museum of ancient art and architecture that has a unique collection of sculptures, miniature paintings, textiles, terracotta and clay things, stone and metal objects, and other types of artefacts. t is thought that the exhibits date back to the period of the Indus Valley Civilization as well as a great number of other ancient dynasties. The Mahamana Malaviya Gallery and the Nicholas Roerich Gallery are two of the galleries that you really must see here. Some other galleries worth checking out include the Chhavi Gallery, the Sculpture Gallery, and the Nidhi Gallery.
Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary extends over an area that is about 500 square kilometres and is located around 130 kilometres from Varanasi. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for a diverse array of plant and animal life, as well as flora and fauna. The Mukha waterfall, which is situated in the natural environment, serves as a flavorful topping for the sanctuary and draws a significant number of visitors every year.
Sarnath Ruins & Temples
Sarnath is located around 10 kilometres to the west of Varanasi and is well-known for its mediaeval temples and old ruins. Because “The First Teachings” of Buddha were given on this sacred area, the location has gained a lot of notoriety throughout the years. The great Ashoka Pillar is the most well-known feature of Chakhandi Stupa, but it’s also known as the location where Buddha met some of his most devoted pupils. Another notable building in Sarnath is the Dhamekha Stupa, which is known as the location of the first sermon given by the Buddha and is considered to be the birthplace of Buddhism. Mulagandha Kruti Vihar and the Sarnath Museum are two further places of interest in the neighbourhood.
Kushinagar
The location where Lord Buddha passed away is known as Kushinagar. At some shape or another, the relics of Lord Buddha may be found in a number of locations across Kushinagar. One of these locations is the Nirvana Stupa, which is home to a statue of Lord Buddha known as the Astha Dhatu. The Nirvana temple, the Mathakuar Shrine, the Chinese Temple, the Japanese Temple, and the Kushinagar Museum are a few of the other noteworthy tourist destinations in Kushinagar.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
It was in 1958 that the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve became officially recognised as a wildlife sanctuary. In 1977, it was designated a national park, and a few years later, it was designated a tiger reserve. The park has a total size of 614 square kilometres and is located in the middle of the border between India and Nepal. It is surrounded by marshes, beautiful meadows, and deep woods on all sides. There are around 38 species of animals, 16 kinds of reptiles, and an uncountable number of bird species that make the park their home. The swamp deers and tigers that make this refuge home have brought it a great deal of notoriety. An additional point of interest is the Frog Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kapilvastu – Piprahwa
The region that was formerly home to Kapilvastu, where Lord Buddha was born, is today made up of many settlements. Siddharthnagar is located around 20 kilometres away from the hamlet of Piprahwa, which is an important village. Piprahwa is well-known among Buddhists all around the world. According to one version of the tradition, this is the location where the ashes of Lord Buddha are said to still be located. The Stupa Complex is a significant archaeological site that was discovered here when excavations were taking place. It points to Kanishka, a famous Buddhist donor, as the source of the information.
Mahoba
Mahoba Mahoba is renowned for being the birthplace of the Chandela people and is located around 140 kilometres from Jhansi. The Madan Sagar Lake in Mahoba is a stunning natural site that has ancient ruins and rocky islands as tourist destinations. Both the Khajuraho-like Kakramath Temple and the Mamaiya Devi Temple, which are both made of granite, can be found in close vicinity to the Madan Sagar Lake. The Kakramath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, while the Mamaiya Devi Temple is dedicated to the holy goddess of the Chandelas. Vijay Sagar Pakshi Vihar, the Sun Temple at Rahila Vihar, Kirat Sagar lake, and Gorakh Hill are some of the other tourist attractions that can be found in Mahoba.
Sravasti
The Gonda district is where you’ll find Sravasti. During the time of the Buddha, this location was the capital of Kosala Mahajanapada. Today, it is home to a monumental collection of shrines and stupas, together referred to as Maheth, and it spans an enormous area of forty acres (16.18 hectares). Stupas from the Kushana era and temples from the Gupta period may be found inside the Saheth religious monastery, which covers an area of 32 acres and is another significant religious site. A well-known temple for the Jain community may be seen at Sravasti; it is called the Shobhanath Temple.
