With a perfect mélange of cultures, Uttar Pradesh reflects the vivid hues of traditions. Uttar Pradesh is the land of Lord Krishna, Rama, Buddha and Taj Mahal. Known as the ‘Heartland of India’, Uttar Pradesh is a sheer feast for tired souls seeking an escape from the hectic city life. Get enthralled by the imposing history of the state, and calm your senses amidst the serene landscapes, ancient temples and jaw dropping cultures. From the tales of Lord Rama who lived in Ayodhya to the stories of Lord Krishna echoing in the gardens of Mathura, from awe-inspiring love story of Shah Jahan buried in Agra to the fables of legendary Maharajas of Lucknow – Uttar Pradesh is an ideal place to walk down the memory lanes.
People & Culture
Uttar Pradesh is a land of music, dance, literature, poetry, arts and crafts. The state features a prosperous tradition of craftsmanship where you can spot artists indulging in delicately woven carpets, gold sewing, expensive hand woven Banarasi silk sarees and chikankari or shadow embroidery. Soaking many cultures, the locals of Uttar Pradesh are both conservative and modern. On one hand, the man made wonders of the state are touching skies; on the other hand people are still rooted to their old rituals and traditions. Hindi and Urdu are the two official languages in Uttar Pradesh.
Historical Attractions
Uttar Pradesh is blessed with attractions that reflect the regal past of the state. The graceful city of Lucknow has witnessed many glorious days under the rule of Nawabs who savoured literature, music, dance and the arts and crafts. Some of the prominent historical edifices in Lucknow are Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, British Residency, Constantia House, Rumi Darwaza and Begum Hazrat Mahal Park.
History lovers can also visit Agra that houses the beautiful Taj Mahal, which is considered as the epitome of love. Agra has been ruled by many legendary rulers in the past; hence, the city houses some royal forts including Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula and Chini Ka Rauza.
Kanpur is another city that played a major role in the history of Uttar Pradesh. Clutching the banks of the Ganges River, Kanpur is home to many well-known historical relics, including Bithoor and Jajmau.
Adventure in Uttar Pradesh
Gushing rivers with mesmerizing mountain peaks make Uttar Pradesh a perfect hub for thrill seekers. From trekking to white water rafting, kayaking, mountaineering, rock climbing and skiing –the state offers all kinds of adventure activities under one horizon. Rivers like Ganga, Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Tons, Yamuna etc ideal option for white water rafting. For trekking enthusiasts, the snow blanketed peaks, the flower-covered meadows, thick forests and uneven rocks are available in abundance.
Wildlife
Home to some of the most spectacular wildlife animals, Uttar Pradesh houses a number of wildlife attractions in its abode. Dudhwa National Park & Tiger Reserve is one of the most popular national parks of the state. Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its scenic waterfalls like Rajdari and Devdari where Blackbucks, chital, sambhar, nilgai, wild boar, porcupine and Indian gazelle can be spotted. For bird lovers, National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is a heaven. The reserve is home to 8 rare turtle species out of the 26 found in India.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve & Wildlife Sanctuary is a destination for the ones who wish to spot royal tigers. Apart from these, the beauty of the Martyr Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary is also a sheer delight where both migratory and indigenous birds dwell in abundance.
Other popular wildlife hubs that deserve a visit by every wildlife as well as nature enthusiast are:
Religious Destinations
This famous pilgrimage destination of India is flooded with devotees every year. One of world’s oldest living cities, Varanasi remains soaked in spiritual powers. The view of various temples beside the holy river Ganga, with bells and prayers, is a divine sight to capture. The Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh ghat is a not to be missed experience. Also, the Kashi Vishwanath temple, one of the twelve jyotirlingas in India, holds great importance for Hindus.
Mathura-Vrindavan is another religious hub famed for the tales of Lord Krishna. No religious trip to Uttar Pradesh can ever be complete without a visit to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. The Hanuman Garhi temple is a must visit place to witness the display of Ganga-Jamuni culture.
Sarnath is another spiritual destination which is believed to be the place where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Food and Cuisines
Taste authentic Banarsi food like kachauris, jalebis and samosa, merging sophistication with style. Awadhi food lets you experience the Nawabi culture with dishes like Murgh Mussallam (marinated chicken cooked in rich spices), kababs, Korma (cooked meat), etc.
Mughlai food also remains popular among the non-veg lovers. Dishes such as Kundan Kaliya (mutton prepared with gravy), Shami Kabab (mince meat), Gulnaar Kababs (blending of tomatoes with spices and chicken) and Shab Deg (cooked with whole turnips, Kashmiri ver, mutton balls and spices) are among the popular Mughlai dishes.
Other than this, sweets like Agra ka Petha and Mathura ka Peda are to die for.
Fairs & Festivals
The fairs and festivals of Uttar Pradesh reflect the state’s multiculturalism. Lucknow Mahotsav celebrated in the month of January is a great event that underlines the richness of Lucknow's lively culture. Taj Mahotsav is another treat to experience the zeal of the locals towards their tradition.
Barsana Holi is another must attend festival that takes place in the month of March.
Apart from this, Bateshwar Fair is another famous festival of Uttar Pradesh. With 108 temples dedicated to various gods, Bateshwar remains immersed in spirituality all year long. Other famous fairs & festivals that add vibrant colours to the skies of Uttar Pradesh are:
Weather Conditions
If touring Uttar Pradesh is next on your list, then the months from October to March are perfect to plan your holidays. The months from April to June can be extremely hot, confining you to your hotel rooms during day time. July to September bring monsoon showers in the state which is not considered ideal for sightseeing tours.
How to Reach
By Air – Uttar Pradesh has four domestic airports located at Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi.
By Train – Lucknow acts as a significant intersection in the Northern and North-Eastern Railway Zones. Another popular railway station that lures travellers from all over the country is Agra.
By Road – Those planning to visit the Uttar Pradesh via road can opt for government or private buses. Hiring a car is also a great option for those seeking a private travel experience.