The major places of interest in the state of Uttar Pradesh

There are manynatural, historic, and religious traveler’s draws in the state. People from different corners of the world come to see tourist draws like Varanasi, the Taj Mahal, Kaushambi, Piprahwa, Ballia, Kanpur, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Allahabad, Jhansi, Meerut, Unnao, and Mathura. The Kumbh Mela and other cultural and religious festivals make UP a favorite tourist destination in India.

Agra:

Agra is known all over the world for housing one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal to show his love and affection towards his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It has found its place among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Constructed in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal is the most famous memorial in India and it witnesses footfalls of more than 2.5 million travelers annually. You will get to see the wordings from Quran on its four gateways. Other than the Taj Mahal, there are three World Heritage Sites in Agra and they are Sikandra, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. The delicate architecture of Itmad-Ud-Daulah and Akbar’s Tomb will mesmerize you. Other places of interest in and around Agra are Chini Ka Rauza, Taj Nature Walk, Samadh of Swamiji Maharaj, Ram Bagh Mughal Garden, Mehtab Bagh, Mariyam’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Buddha Bihar, Hindu temples, Gurudwaras, churches, and Jain temples.

Varanasi:

Varanasi is known in different names like Benares and Kashi and is regarded as the 2nd oldest settlement in the globe following Jerusalem. Known for its ghats, Varanasi houses the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is one of the holiest sites for the Hindu pilgrims. It is home to the Vishwanath Jyotirling, a top local tourist draw. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is a famous religious site in Varanasi with two Hindu legends related to it. There is an observatory constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh near the ghat, which is known as Jantar Mantar. Don’t miss Gyanvapi, Alamgir Mosque, Durga Temple, Sarnath, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Bharat Mata Temple, and the Fort Museum.

Lucknow:

Lucknow is the biggest and capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Lying on the riverbanks of Gomati, Lucknow is known for its unparalleled architectural wonders, historic mansions, and gardens. The city is a symbol of culture, hospitality, and world-famous Mughlai cuisines. The cultural facets for which Lucknow is known all over the world are its poems, dance, and music. People also come here to indulge in the Royal enchantment of a grand evening, also known as Sham-e-Avadh. You will enjoy the wide streets of this middle age city lined with trees. Lucknow is also visited for the kite flying festival, the various schools or gharanas of classical music, embroidery work, ornaments, and zardozi work. The principal shopping districts in the city are Hazratganj, Aminabad, and Chowk. Don’t forget to visit Bada Imam Bara, Residency, Clock Tower, Rumi Darwaza, Macchi Bhawan, State Museum, Hussainabad, Shah Nazar Zoo, and Botanical Gardens.

Ayodhya:

Ayodhya is assumed to be the birthplace of the famous Hindu God Rama and hence is also known as Rama Janmabhoomi. Lying on the right bank of Saryu,it is also the site of therazedBabari Masjid.It is the hometown of the five Tirthankars or dharma gurus of Jain religion, including Shri Rishabh Dev, the founder of the religion.You will get to see the relics of different Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and Jain religious sites here.

Allahabad:

The city of Allahabad is a sacred site for the Hindus and it is located at the confluence of three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati (mythical). During the famous Kumbh Mela, millions of Hindu religious devotees crowd the place to take a holy dip following every 12 years. At present, Prayag is one of the holiest places in India. The yearly edition of Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Mela is the Magh Mela. It commences at Makar Sankranti (January) and concludes at Maha Shivaratri (February). You will find a spectacular citadel constructed by Emperor Akbar near the sacred ‘Sangam’. Check out the residence of the Nehru family (Anand Bhavan), Khusro’s Tomb, Bhardwaj Ashram, Allahabad Fort, Allahabad Museum and Botanical Gardens.