Places to visit in Uttar Pradesh
Located at the heart of the country is the state of Uttar Pradesh which is also the most populous state in India, housing nearly 200 million people. Considered as the heritage land of the country, the cities which are located in this state are some of the most ancient cities of the world. It is also considered as the seat of the Buddhist religion and all major festivals are celebrated in its true colors in this state.
The most prominent and well known cities in the state include, Varanasi, Kanpur, Agra, Lucknow etc. This is one of the main reasons why the state is frequently visited by both the domestic as well as the foreign tourists as there is an ideal blend of historic and cultural heritage with modern facilities at major cities.
The various festivals as well as fairs which keep taking place on a regular basis, act as a big captivating factor for drawing such a large portion of tourists to the state. The cuisines served here are among the best in the country and certainly casts a spell on tourists.
Uttar Pradesh has a lot to offer to pilgrims with the presence of the temples such as Siddha Devi and Siddhnath, the state displays its pious edge. The most scenic aspect is the Taj Mahal, which is situated in Agra. The monument which is an epitome of love, has maintained itself amongst the 7 wonders of the world. The Yamuna River which flows through the region, gives a pleasant stage to the tourists who visit the state for a splendid experience.
Agra
The city is known for its historic sites, architecture, and ambiance of being in the Mughal era. Agra is also included in the Golden Triangle circle with Delhi and Jaipur and hence people travelling to the north, usually visit these three cities together.
The city is not only important to the Mughal dynasty but also has its mentions in the Mahabharata, which makes it a strategic location for both Hindus and Muslims in India and in the Indo Aryan Plains. Agra is, thus, full of legacies, history, period horizons and more.
Among the top tourist places in Agra is Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal is showpiece architecture of fine Mughal craftsmanship. It was built under the aegis of Shah Jahan as a memorial for his beloved wife Arjumand Bano Begum. Her body is enshrined in the tomb at the Taj Mahal.
The designs of this structure incorporate Persian and Mughal architecture. The highlight of the structure is the tomb which is a large structure made completely of marble. Another is Agra Fort, also called the Red Fort, this structure dates back to the 16th century.
It is situated near the gardens of the Taj Mahal. Made of red sandstone, Agra Fort has walls that surround for at least two kilometers and more. Inside are many splendid palaces such as Jahangir Palace and Khas Palace. It is over here that you will find the grand hall of audiences called Diwan-i-Khas. Also on the location are a couple of magnificent mosques.
Varanasi
Varanasi, a city that oozes charm and mesmerizing beauty, is amongst the holiest cities in India and arguably in the world. With a massive number of temples, shrines, and ghats, for anyone who seeks the blessings of the almighty, Varanasi, should be at the top of their priority list.
Known as Lord Shiva’s City, this majestic place has a distinct essence in its soothing surroundings, which would certainly leave any visitor spell bounded. Many people from all over India visit the shores of the pious Ganges River and take a holy bath, which is believed to banish all the sins from the body and soul.
If you are visiting Varanasi any time sooner, then boat riding at the holy Ganges river should be at the top of your bucket list. This would be an unforgettable experience of your life as the picturesque views from the rides have a charm of its own.
The stunning panoramic experience of temples and practices of Hindu rituals would harmonize your heart and soul. You should also attend the glorious Aarti sessions at the Ganges River. Spiritual chants and the essence of aromatic surroundings will be an ideal experience if the person wishes for a calm and serene place to cherish.
This divine ceremony is even enhanced in magnitude when witnessed at the Dasaswamedh Ghat. The use of heavy brass lamps for the ceremony makes the experience even more satisfying.
Another important landmark of Varanasi popularly known as Sarnath is renowned as the place where Lord Buddha illustrated Dharma. It is amongst the most prominent Buddhist sites all around the world. You can also witness the humongous pillar of Dharmekh Stupa. Also, the visual brilliance of the Ashoka Pillar would be a treat to your eyes. Varanasi is truly an alluring site that captivates travelers with its holiness and tranquility.
Noida
Noida – the systematically planned city located not very far away from India’s capital is perhaps one of the most developed regions around Noida. Noida is actually short for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority and shot into lime light between the years, 1975 and 1977. This was time when the Emergency Period in India was essentially established and Noida pretty much has to give its existence credits to this particular phase.
Noida is considered to be one of the majorly developed cities due to several reasons. One of the chief reasons being – the city contributes the highest per capita income in the whole of National Capital Region. Moreover, Noida falls in the category of being one of the richest civic bodies in India. Noida is home to approximately 642,381 people as of 2014.
The interesting part about Noida is that even though it is severely developed with gigantic urban and concrete establishments, the city still manages to have at least 50 per cent of the place covered with green. Due to this reason, Noida is also considered one of India’s greenest cities.
Adding to that is its achievement for being the best city in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the best realty destinations and holiday destinations. As far as the tourism industry is concerned, people from all over the world travel to enjoy the great many and varied experiences this location has to offer. There are a plenty of hotels and resorts that ensure a good stay for the tourists.
Bhimtal
If you wish to escape the digital jungle, then Bhimtal should be your topmost choice. Bhimtal is an offbeat replica of Nainital and is an idyllic destination to have a peaceful vacation. It is located at a distance of around 23 kilometres from Nainital, and the tranquil aura of this place makes it the most sought after destination in India. The Himalayan ranges border the northernmost area of this town, and Almora and Pauri Garhwal neighbour it.
Bhimtal is one of the most popular attractions in Uttrakhand that has gained immense popularity among nature lovers as well as the tourists alike. Dense forests of pine, oaks, and shrubs bound this scenic hill station and make it look like a Gateway of heaven on Earth. From picturesque dams to expansive water bodies and eco-friendly conservatories, it is dotted with the alluring vistas of nature.
There are many popular tourist attractions in Bhimtal that make it a must-visit destination for every tourist. Bhimeshwar Temple is revered for being one of the holiest sites over here that offers homage to Lord Bhima. Bhimtal lake is another popular destination over here that enthrals the visitors with its picturesque beauty and offers memorable rides.
Bhimtal offers tons of enthralling activities to visitors for a fun-filled vacation. From paddle boating to scenic walk and bird watching, you can enjoy some of the most mind-blowing activities over here. You can also try trekking and camping over here for an adrenaline-pumping experience. You can also have a glimpse of the tales of the bygone era by visiting Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya over here that is a repository of rare wooden antiques.
Bhimtal experiences temperate and warm climate all year round, and it experiences an average annual temperature of around 15.7 degrees Celsius. During summer, it undergoes a mixture of cold and warm breezes, and during winters, the weather becomes relatively more freezing but not frigid. Monsoon(July-August) makes the entire area covered in lush greenery with constant showers.
Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Vrindavan is a holy city nestled on the bank of the Yamuna River and is considered to be a famous pilgrimage site. Possessing the deity of Lord Krishna, Vrindavan city allures the tourists from around the world who are spiritual and seek contentment and peace.
With a perfect fusion of beauty, religion and history, Vrindavan tourism has grown over the years. With scenic beauty surrounding the elegant architectures made of beautiful white marble, it is a sight you cannot afford to miss. The enchanting beauty of this town will calm your soul and fill your heart with spirituality and joy. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Vrindavan is your go-to for a blissful getaway.
Visit the famous attractions in Vrindavan, including Banke Bihari Mandir, which is one of the major attractions along with witnessing the classic beauty of Prem Mandir. You can also head to the Radha Raman Temple that dates back to 1542 and deity here is known to have self-manifested from the shaligram-shilas and the Iskcon Vrindavan that aims at increasing the awareness about the scriptures and Bhagavad Gita. Sri Ranganatha Temple is another historical temple to visit in this city of temples which is considered to be the largest temple here. There are several other essential temples to be seen while in Vrindavan.
With multiple activities to do in Vrindavan, you should not miss out on the Yamuna Puja on Keshi Ghat, which is a beautiful experience. You can also visit the sacred lake of Kusum Sarovar, a breathtaking sight to feast your eyes on or go shopping in this wonderful town. The weather is perfect for a visit to Vrindavan in winters from September to March for a comfortable experience. It is also ideal for visiting all the places of interest and the admirable view of the temples.
Lucknow
Affectionately termed as the City of Nawabs, Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the major cultural hubs of the country. Its rich heritage, made magnificent by the beauty of Islamic architecture attracts tourists from across the world. The city rose to prominence under the rulers of the Awadhi Nawabs, who were well-known patrons of food, dance, and music.
Lucknow is home to some of the most renowned Mughal architectural marvels dating back to the 17th and the 18th century, including the Bada Imambara, Chattar Manzil, and Rumi Darwaza, among others. The city also houses a number of different parks and recreational centers, such as the Qaisar Bagh, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park, the Ambedkar Memorial, and Janeshwar Mishra Park, which is the largest park in Asia.
Lucknow’s cuisine, handed down from its Mughal emperors, makes the city a gastronomic delight, with its array of delectable biryani dishes and succulent kebabs. The sprawling bazaars of Lucknow, displaying colorful wares, are a massive crowd-puller, and areas like the Chowk or Hazratganj are major attractions of the city for shopping purposes. The city is well-known for its chikankari and zardozi embroidery, and these clothing items are the most popular ones to take away from here.
The city is well connected to most major cities in the country by air, road, and rail, and can be reached easily. The various tourist attractions in the city are also well connected by public transport, and the best way to travel through Lucknow in order to visit them is to avail the public buses. Although a popular weekend destination for dwellers in its neighboring cities, any tourist desiring to properly explore the city and visit all its major attractions would need at least a week to do so in a hassle-free manner.
Coming to the weather, summers in Lucknow are very hot and clammy, while monsoon months experience extremely heavy rainfall. Ideally, the best time to visit the city would be during the winter months between December and February. During this time, the weather remains pleasantly cool and is perfect for sightseeing purposes.
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Chail
If you are looking for a quiet vacation in the mountains, Chail, Himachal Pradesh can be the next destination on your bucket list. The sleepy hamlet lies in the Solan district of the Himalayan state and is a few kilometers uphill from Shimla and Kasauli. Once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala, the village today is an offbeat destination for a weekend break. For those looking to take a break from the bustle of cities and avoid the crowds of Shimla, Chail is perfect for you.
Chail is best known for the Chail Cricket Ground, which is the world’s highest cricket ground and is among India’s famous stadiums. Another highlight of the village is the lavish Chail Palace, which was the summer abode of the Patiala royals from 1893. In fact, it was the establishment of this palace that pushed the hilly village into the global spotlight.
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is another popular attraction here, where you can see unique Himalayan animals and birds in their natural habitat. Those who seek spirituality can visit sacred sites like the Kali Tibba Temple, Stoned Kumbh Shiva Temple, and Gurudwara Sahib Chail. Nestled in the Himachal Pradesh’s Shivalik region, Chail basically is spread across the three hillocks - Sadh Tiba, Pandewa and Rajgarh.
What sets Chail apart from classic hill stations is that there are no hotspots like markets, cafes, or special viewpoints. When you are in the village, you get to experience the Himalayas in their pure form and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Add to your experience by camping under the stars at night and making memories of a lifetime during your Chail vacation.
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Uttar Pradesh Reviews
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