Uttar Pradesh

The 'Heartland of India', Uttar Pradesh holds charismatic Mother Nature which is a dream come true for every traveller. The state is a sheer feast for tired souls seeking an escape from the hectic city life. The state’s imposing history, serene landscapes, ancient temples and jaw dropping culture will make you forget about the chaotic city life. 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.

Tourist Attractions:

Allahabad
Allahabad is one of the four sites where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. Triveni Sangam, a sacred place for Hindus, is a popular place to visit in Allahabad. A beautiful district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad is also known as Prayag (Sanskrit for "place of sacrifice"). It has a position of importance in Hindu scriptures for it is situated at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna, and the ancient Sarasvati River.

Lucknow
The capital city of Uttar Pradesh is beautifully placed in the middle of the Heritage Arc. This bustling city is famed for its Nawabi era finesse and amazing food. With a unique mix of ancient and modern, Lucknow has beautifully embraced the modernity, and at the same time is deeply rooted to its cultures and traditions.

Mathura
Mathura is considered as the most sacred city of Uttar Pradesh. The city is known for its culture and heritage. According to beliefs, Mathura has been home to various historical and mythological characters in the past. The ghats and the serene banks of river Yamuna give Mathura a tranquil feel. The festivals celebrated in the city revolve around the life of Lord Krishna. Janmashtami and Holi are celebrated with great zeal.

Sarnath
Gautam Buddha first taught the teachings of Dharma after his enlightenment here in Sarnath. Located 13 kilometers east of Varanasi, Sarnath was initially a deer park which became the birthplace of the Buddhist Sangha, and is one of the major pilgrimage spot for the Buddhist in India. Sarnath means ‘Lord of the deer’ and was established by the King of Benares who created this town as a sanctuary for the deer.

Vrindavan
The various Tourist Attractions in Vrindavan play a huge role in bringing a lot of people to this land round the year. The city is home to about 4,000 temples including Rangaji temple, Govind Dev Temple, Bankey Bihari temple, Madan Mohan temple, Radha Ballabh temple, Nidhi Van temple and the Pagal Baba temple. The name Vrindavan is derived from the words ‘vrinda’ meaning tulsi and ‘van’ meaning grove.

People & Culture of Uttar Pradesh
A land of music, dance, literature, poetry, arts and crafts, Uttar Pradesh is the state that 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. Uttar Pradesh has soaked many cultures in its soils. The locals are both conservative and modern. That’s why the state is divided into two worlds where on one hand sprawling mad made wonders are touching the skies, while on the other people are still involved in old rituals, customary practices and ancient agricultural methods. Hindi and Urdu are the two official languages in Uttar Pradesh.

Food in Uttar Pradesh
The food of Uttar Pradesh reflects the diversity of its cultural scenery perfectly. Authentic Banarasi food like kachauris, jalebis and samosa are a must try here. 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 lovers of non vegetarian 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).

Best Time to Visit
The months from October to March are perfect to plan your holidays to Uttar Pradesh. 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 also acts a significant intersection in the Northern and North-Eastern Railway Zones. Superfast trains are available in abundance connections to Calcutta, Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi.
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.