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Uttar Pradesh Travel Guide

Referred to as the cow belt or the Hindi belt, Uttar Pradesh has been the most dominant state in Indian politics and culture since Independence. The Ganges which forms the backbone of the state, is considered sacred by Hindus, and has seven holy towns including Varansi, the holiest of the holies. Uttar Pradesh is also of importance to Buddhists; it was at Sarnath that Buddha first preached his message.

Most of Uttar Pradesh consists of the vast Ganges plain, an area which often floods during the monsoons. In stark contrast to the plains, the scenic north-western corner has hill stations which offers some of the best trekking opportunities. The main languages spoken here are Hindi, Urdu and English.

The highlights of Uttar Pradesh are the Taj Mahal, the Fatehpur Sikri, the ghats at Varanasi, the hill stations and the Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Lucknow, the capital city, is a city rich in culture and history. Built by the Nawabs, it's a city that takes its manners seriously. Here, the Bara Imambara, the Chota Imambara, the Residency and the Rumi Darwaza are the primary draws.

The city of Agra, home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, is a typically north Indian city. The Agra Fort a massive red sandstone structure, begun by Akbar was completed by his grandson Shah Jahan.Known for leather goods and jewelry, the Sadar Bazar is full of emporiums.

As for the Taj, this monument of love, is magical at dawn. Its gateway, long watercourse and minarets make it a thing of eternal beauty.

Mussoorie, Naintal, Ranikhet and Kasauni afford good getaways. Their scenic beauties and cool climate are a welcome respite from the sweltering heat of the plains.

Best time to visit: October to March.

Places to visit:

Taj Mahal - To perpetuate the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz, Shah built the finest sepulchre ever - a monument of eternal love. After 22 years and the combined effort of over 20,000 workmen and master craftsmen, the complex was finally completed in 1648 on the banks of the Yamuna in Agra, the capital of Mughal monarchs.

Agra Fort - The high red sandstone ramparts of this great monument stretch for almost 2.5 km, dominating a bend in the river Yamuna, northwest of the Taj Mahal. The foundation of this majestic citadel was laid by the Emperor Akbar, and it developed as a stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations.

Fatehpur Sikri - 40 kms from Agra, the city of Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the Mughal empire between 1570 and 1586 during Akbar’s reign. But as abruptly as it had been built, it was abandoned.

Sikandra - Four kilometer from Agra is the mausoleum of Akbar. Construction of this beautiful monument was started by Akbar in his lifetime. This structure has a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian , Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. The blending is much like Deen-e-Ilahi, a new religion started by Akbar. But Akbar died before his mausoleum could be completed and his son Jehangir completed it.

Almora - is a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, north of Uttar Pradesh.

Tapkeshwar Temple - This cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is in Dehradun. Here at a Shivling, water falls drop by drop from a rock; hence the name Tapkeshwar. It is 5.5 km from the city bus stand and is situated in the Garhi Cantt. area. A fair is held every year at this temple on the occasion of Shivaratri.

Bara Imambara - Built in the year 1784 by Nawab Asaf ud Daula in Lucknow, it provided food to the famine-stricken subjects of the Nawab. The monument is known for its simplicity of style, sheer proportion and symmetry.

Chota Imambara - of Lucknow is also known as the Hussainabad Imambara, it was built by Mohammad Ali Shah as a mausoleum for himself. It is set inside a beautiful garden with a raised water reservoir in front of it. It is flanked by two replicas of the Taj Mahal inside which are the remains of Ali Shah's daughter and her husband. The main building is a domed structure with many exquisite turrets and minarets.

Krishna Balarama Temple - This beautiful temple was established in 1975 by the ISKON and has now become Vrindavan's most popular temple and has one of the highest standards of Deity worship and cleanliness. Hare Krishna devotees from around the world can be seen here throughout they year, bringing a truly international flavour to this ancient holy city.

Mussoorie - with its green hills and varied flora & fauna, is a facinating hill resort. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and wonderful views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town is a virtual fairyland.

Varanasi Ghat - Pilgrims flock the Ghats to have a ritual bath and perform puja to the rising sun, following centuries old tradition. The Dasashvamedh Ghat offers a splendid view of the river front. This is the ghat of the 10 (Das) horses (shiva) sacrificed (medh)