Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a popular tourist destination and the capital city is Lucknow situated on the bank of Gomti. It was the seat of a line of nawabs who gave the city its unique identity. It is the most populated state in India with a population of 200 million people and shares its boundaries, the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh towards the northwest, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan on the west, Madhya Pradesh on the south, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to the southeast and Bihar in the east and with Nepal on the north. It is one of the major tourist destinations of India due to the location of Taj Mahal, one of the Eight Wonders of the World, in Agra. It is one of the largest producers of grains and milk in India. Uttar Pradesh ranks 10th among Indian states in rankings based on ease of doing business and 5th in complying with labour regulations, according to a study by The World Bank and KPMG.

Tradition and Culture of Uttar Pradesh:

The culture of Uttar Pradesh is rich and very much alive. The bygone regime of the Nawabs in the city is best remembered for cultural extravagance. The heritage of Uttar Pradesh is a mix of architectural influences from other countries. It is a rich poetic tradition and has been home to some of the most famous Urdu poets. Hindi is the official language of Uttar Pradesh. Urdu and English are also spoken widely. The people of Uttar Pradesh are known for being warm, soft-spoken and courteous which are reflected by their lifestyle. Most of the people are Hinduism. The state is considered as one of the greatest hubs of Muslim culture in India. Lucknow is a foodie’s paradise. Food lovers are mostly welcome to this city. It is also known as the land of Awadhi cuisine. Popular dishes like - TundayKababi, Rahim’s KulchaNahari, Prakash Ki Kulfi, etc. Festivals are celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm.

Fairs and Festivals of Uttar Pradesh:

  • Ganga Mahotsava, Varanasi: Ganges has always been the not only the lifeline of India but also the felicitator and nourishment of the Indian Civilization. The river Ganges, though, considered a thing of reverence by the Hindus has in the course of history defined the psyche of the Indian society as a whole, irrespective of religion. It not only nourishes the population that lives by its kingdom but also give them a sense of separate identity and belonging.
  • Janmashtmi Fair, Mathura: Janmashtmi is one of the major festivals in India as well as Uttar Pradesh to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Although the festival is celebrated all over the Uttar Pradesh but it is the celebrations in the Mathura has a special importance as it is the birth place of Lord Krishna. The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan celebrate the festival of Janmashtmi with great zeal and enthusiasm.
  • Maha Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh, Allahabad: The Kumbh Mela is generally held every three years in rotation at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. Kumbh Mela is organized in the month of Magh according to the traditional calendar, which when converted to Gregorian turns to be Feb-March. The most important among these is the one celebrated at Allahabad. Due to the rotation system, the Kumbha Mela comes to Allahabad every 12 Years.
  • Ramlila, Varanasi: Ramlila, plainly speaking, is a stage representation of the famous Hindu Epic Ramayana. The Ramayana is based on the life, times and values of Lord Rama. Lord Rama is called the Maryada Purushottam or the 'The best among the dignified'.
  • Sardhana Christian Fair, Meerut: Every year on the 1st Sunday of the month of November a large feast is held in honor of Mother Mary. Devotees and history lovers gather in a large numbers to see not only the wonderful shrine but also the fine palaces built in Italian style around the church by Begum Samru. The festival is marked by an Indian style Carnival that has become very popular in recent years. There are lots of traditional performances too
  • Latthmar Holi Mathura: During spring, Holi, the festival of colors is celebrated all over India. The Holi celebrations in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna is spectacular. The Rang Gulal Festival is celebrated for a week with exuberant processions, songs and music.
  • Taj Mahotsava: The Taj Mahotsava is another very popular festive in India and is held annually at Agra is a colorful display of the Arts, Crafts, Culture and Cuisine of the Braj area. Organized by UP Tourism and held as an annual event at the Shilpgram, Taj Mahotsava is a fitting tribute to the legendary skills of master craftsmen of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Yoga Festival at Varanasi & Allahabad: The importance of Yoga is unparalleled in the Indian civilization. This art of meditation and alternative medication has heavily influenced the India and world. The path of yoga is considered to be a perfect way to find peace of mind and solace without corrupting the soul. The movement got popular in the west as a counter-revolution to the Hippie movement.

Must Visiting Places In Uttar Pradesh :

  • Bara Imambara, Lucknow: It is one of the most famous monuments in Lucknow. The name of this monument got after the Nawab of Lucknow known as AsfiImambara. It is said to be the world’s largest unsupported structure. The Imambara is specially known for its incredible maze, known as BhulBhulaiya locally, which is located in the upper floor of the monument.
  • ChotaImambara, Lucknow: The ChhotaImambara is one of the most beautiful and attractive buildings in the old city. It is also known as the Imambara of Hussainabad. The imposing monument lies to the west of Bara Imambara. It was built by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh in 1838. It is also known as palace of lights because of its decorations and chandeliers during special festivals.
  • Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh: Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary was renamed as Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary in 2015. It is one of the many wetlands of Northern India. The sanctuary also houses a deer park, watchtowers and boats. There is a huge lake here that is surrounded by a vast green expanse. It is well known as migratory birds. The birds migrate across Himalayas from Tibet, China, Europe and Siberia during winters.
  • Taj Mahal, Agra: Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra. It is a magnificent monument built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is the major attraction of Agra that is considered to be a heritage place by UNESCO. The intricate carvings and architecture will leave you mesmerized. It draws millions of tourists from all over the world. Taj Mahal is also called as the epitome of love. 
  • Agra Fort, Agra: Agra Fort is another tourist attraction in Agra built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. 4,000 workers worked for the for eight years to finish its construction in 1573.Some of the major attractions in Agra Fort that will leave you mesmerized are structures like the Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, Jehangir’s Palace and Khas Mahal. During the rule of Shah Jahan, Agra fort was renovated. 
  • Aligarh Fort, Aligarh: Aligarh Fort or Aligarh Qila is also known as “bohnechor ka qila”. It was built during the time of Ibrahim Lodi by Muhammad.The fort is one of the strongest in India and is surrounded by a deep moat.It became a fortress of great importance under Madhavrao I Scindia in 1759.
  • The Sangam, Allahabad: The Sangam is one of the most popular tourist destination in the city of Allahabad. It is theconfluence of the three major rivers of India namely Ganges, Yamuna and ancient Saraswati.KumbhMela is held here after every 12 years. It is believed that taking a bath in the holy Sangam is supposed to flush away all of your sins. 
  •  Allahabad Fort, Allahabad: This is an ancient fort in Allahabad built by the great emperor Ashoka. Later, it was repaired by Akbar in 1583. The fort comprises of high watchtowers that guard the 3 galleries in the fort complex. It attracts a lot of tourist and also history lovers.
  • Alakhnath Temple, Bareilly: The Alakhnath Temple is one of the four Shiva temples in Bareilly. The uniqueness of this temple is that it is located in four corners of the city of Bareilly. Many devotees come here to make offerings and prayers. Tourist can find singing some ritual songs which are most devotional. 
  • Sita Temple, Bijnor: Bijnor consists of numerous ancient ashrams and temples that attracts thousands of tourists from all over India. It is also called as ‘Sita Mandir Math’. It is believed that this is the place where the earth toredand Sita jumped into.It is one of the famous and most visited temple in Bijnor.
  • Ahar, Bulandshahr: Ahar is also known as Ahar Mahadev. Ahar is the famous teerth of Hindu muslims and Sikhs. There are twelve mosque and eid gaah in this village. It is also is known for ancient temples of Lord Shiva and Goddess Avantika.
  • Saman Bird Sanctury, Etawah: Saman Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Etawah, located in Mainpuri district, Uttar Pradesh. It was established in the year 1990. Tourist visiting to this site can enjoy variety of birds which can be seen here. There are also some wild species such as Jackal, Hare and Mongoose and different local and migratory birds. Best time to visit this sanctuary is in the month of November & February. 
  • National Chambal Sanctuary, Etawah: It is another major attraction of Etawah.It is also famous as National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary. It was established in 1978. The main attraction consists of Black tailed Terns, Muggar crocodile, Smooth-coated Otter, Striped Hyaena, Indian Wolf. There is a preserved area for endangered Gharial Crocodiles, Ganges River Dolphin and the Red-crowned roof turtle.Best time to visit is from the month of November to March. 
  • Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur: Gorakhnath Temple is also known as Gorakhnath Math. It is one of the most visited place got its name after Gorakhnath,the Mahayogi Guru. It was built in his honour at the location where he practised his austerities.The most attractive place is the Garbha Griha temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also considered to be the most important center for Nath yogis.Prayers are held daily in the morning and evening.
  • Ashtapad, Hastinapur: Ashtapad is areligious place for Jainism. It exists in the high mountain range of Himalayas.The Jains made a replica of Ashtapad in Hastinapur. It is believed that people who visits this place attains salvation. It is a beautiful sight to visit. 
  • Jami Masjid, Jaunpur: Jaunpur city is known for its mosques. Ithas become one of the major Tourist Attractions in Jaunpur due to large arrival of tourist and visitors. Jami Masjid is also known as Jama Masjid or Bari Masjid. This masjid was built in the year 1470. Inside there is a massive rectangular hall meant prayers.
  • Jhansi Fort, Jhansi: Jhansi Fort is one of the important tourist destination in Jhansi situated on a large hilltop called Bangira. This fort was commissioned by Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha. It had stored ample supplies of treasure and magazine. The good collections of sculpture and provides us a detailed information on the history of Bundelkhand.
  • Rani Mahal, Jhansi: Built by Raghu Nath-II of the Newalkar family (1769-96) it is a royal palace in the city of Jhansi. Later, this palace was formed one of the residences for Rani Lakshmibai.The major part of it was damaged by British bombardment during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.The Palace has now been refurbished into a museum that has carefully treasured the remnants of history.
  • Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, Varanasi: It is popularly known as the Golden temple due to the gold plating done on its 15.5 meter high spire. It is one of the 12 jyotirlingas located near the banks of river Ganga. It is one of the oldest temple in India
  • Sarnath, Varanasi: Sarnath is a Buddhist Pilgrimage centre located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi. There is a deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma. According to history, Sarnath has been variously known as Mrigadava, Migad?ya, Rishipattana and Isipatana. The area is a treasure trove of archaeological findings such as Dharmrajika Stupa and MulgandhkutiVihar.
  • Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Complex: It is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that this temple is situated at the place where Lord Krishna was born and the result of many excavations has tried to prove this belief. Small shrines of various gods and goddesses are seen here within the colossal structure.

Cuisines of Uttar Pradesh:

The cuisine of Uttar Pradesh includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian and being a large state, share lot of dishes and recipes with the neighboring states of Bihar, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. Apart from native cuisine, Mughlai and Awadhi are two famous sub types of cuisine of the state.

All Destinations in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh Tour Packages