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Uttar Pradesh attracts a large
number of visitors both national and international. There are two
regions in the state where a majority of the tourists go:
The city of Agra, which gives access to three world heritage sites:
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri and
The holy cities of Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, and Allahabad, on the
banks of sacred rivers Ganga and the Yamuna.
In Agra itself, Dayal Bagh is a temple built in modern times that
many visit. It is still under construction and would take an
estimated one century for completion. Its life-like carvings in
marble are unique in India.
Also world famous is a 16th century capital city known as Fatehpur
Sikri, built by the Mughal emperor Akbar near Agra.
Millions of tourists and pilgrims visit the cities of Allahabad,
Varanasi and Ayodhya, as those are considered to be the holiest
cities in India. Every year, thousands gather at Allahabad to take
part in the festival held on the banks of the Ganges, the Magh Mela.
The same festival is organised on a larger scale every 12th year and
is called the Kumbha Mela, where over 10 million Hindu pilgrims
congregate — the largest gathering of human beings in the world.
Varanasi is widely considered to be the second oldest city in the
world after Jerusalem. It is famous for its ghats (bathing steps
along the river), that remain bustling year round with devotees from
all over India and beyond, who want to take a holy dip in the sacred
Ganges River.
About 13 km from Varanasi is the historically important town of
Sarnath. Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath after his
enlightenment and hence it is an important pilgrimage site for the
Buddhists. Also at Sarnath are the Ashoka Pillar and the Lion
Capital, both important archaeological artifacts with national
significance.
Dudhwa National Park is one of the best Tiger reserves in the
country. Lakhimpur Kheri is a must see location, and home to the
Tiger reserve. Main places to
See. Lucknow - the capital
Agra - home of the Taj Mahal
Aligarh
Allahabad - a holy place where the rivers Ganga and Yamuna meet.
Ayodhya - ancient city and the old capital of Awadh
Ballabgarh
Faizabad
Jhansi - historic city where Queen Laxmibai fought for freedom from
the British in the revolt of 1857
Kanpur - once known as the "Manchester of India", now famous for its
leather works and the IIT
Mathura - birthplace of Krishna
Unnao
Robertsganj
Sitapur
Varanasi - holy city on the Ganges
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