Uttar Pradesh: Explore The Heart Of India & Land Of Epics!

In India, Uttar Pradesh is the largest state on the basis of population and one of the topmost 5 states in terms of area. Lucknow is the state capital of Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow is home to different historical monuments and museums.

The history of the state is much more colorful and richer that dates back thousands of years. Uttar Pradesh is known for its rich cultural heritage and proposes different tourist attractions, from historical monuments to natural beauty. 

Uttar Pradesh motivates natural curiosity because it is home to some of the most excellent manufactured structures and natural wonders. Throughout the state, there are most tourist destinations accessible.

With this list of destinations to visit in Uttar Pradesh, tourists can plan a visit to one of India’s most spiritually and culturally imperative locations in Uttar Pradesh. The best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh state are described below. 

Agra

In the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is nearly 380 km west of the state capital, Lucknow is nearly 200 km south of the national capital, and 58 km south of Mathura.

In Uttar Pradesh, Agra is one of the most populous cities and the 24^th most populous around India. Owing to its different Mughal-era buildings, Agra is a foremost tourist destination, most notably the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and Agra Fort, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Agra is involved in the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Jaipur and Delhi, and the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc, a tourist circuit of UP state, along Lucknow the capital of the state, and Varanasi. 

Fatehpur Sikri

Built by Emperor Akbar as part of his plans to construct a grand capital for his empire, the World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri is nearly 40 km away from Agra. From 1571 to 1585, It served as the Mughal capital.

Fatehpur Sikri had royal palaces, halls for private and public audiences, the zenana or the quarters for women, grand avenues, and courtyards. Additionally, Akbar constructed this city and Jama Masjid, an astonishing mosque that is still in use now.

He also undertook the construction of 3 popular palaces for each of his favorite wives, one a Hindu, one a Christian, and one a Muslim. 

Mathura

Mathura is Lord Krishna’s birthplace and has immense religious significance among Hindus. It also has one ancient historical record. Even in the epic Ramayan, Mathura is mentioned there are several places of historic and religious importance in Mathura and its neighboring places.

As the home of Krishna in his youth, the small town is host to a multitude of beautiful temples belonging to different sects of Hinduism proclaiming Krishna in different avatars and forms. 

Varanasi

In the world, Varanasi, or Banaras is one of the oldest living cities. In Hindu mythology, the prominence of Varanasi is virtually unrevealed. Varanasi is bigger than tradition, rich and older than history, even older than legend, and looks twofold as old as all of them put together.

The land of Varanasi has been the ultimate pilgrimage sight for Hindus for ages. Hindus suppose that one who is embellished to die on the land of Varanasi would accomplish salvation and liberty from the cycle of re-birth and birth.

The origins of Varanasi are yet to be not recognized but it is the residence of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is whispered that Ganga in Varanasi has the supremacy to wash away the immoralities of mortals.

Ganga – A Never Ending Poetry…#Repost : @cleanganganmcg #Kashi #Varanasi #UttarPradesh #SaturdayMorning #TravelGanga #IncredibleIndia pic.twitter.com/akRd0SL9KM

— Department of Culture, UP (@upculturedept) March 6, 2023

Varanasi is also popular for its commerce and trade, particularly for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days. 

Prayagraj

Prayagraj is situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ganga, Saraswati, and Yamuna. The city draws the attention of pilgrims and heritage admires from all over the globe as it opens that visitor to a universe of mythological and spiritual wonders.

Prayagraj is a synthesis of religion, sanctity, traditions, architecture, and history, which proposes varied experiences from historical to religious. It is one of the great places which hold the significance of Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest congregation of supporters.

It also became a popular administrative hub for the British era, and for the Mughals, the city had an enormous strategic significance in controlling their empire, and it also became a prevalent administrative hub during the British period. Moreover, the city has been defined in ancient scriptures as “Teerthraj”, the most divine pilgrimage center, and is undeniably a great destination to have a soulful escape. 

Shravasti

Shravasti has been recognized with the remains at Saheth-Maheth located on the banks of the river Rapti. It was the capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdome and is a holy place to the Buddhists owing to it is here that Lord Buddha functioned as the supreme of his miracles to confound the Tirthika heretics.

These miracles involve Buddha creating several pictures of himself, which has been a prime theme of Buddhist art, and it is well-linked with good roads under the Buddhist Circuit. Besides, Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary carries accurate nature trail choices to visitors and pilgrims alike.  

Vrindavan

In the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Vrindavan is located around 151 km south of Delhi. Vrindavan is nearly 10 km off Mathura, and it is the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood.

In Vrindavan, one of the most imperative and vibrant temples is the Bankey Bihari Temple, where one can predict to witness devotees engaged in simple acts of worship such as ecstatically clashing small cymbals altogether as they shift in time to ancient rhythms.

Most of the beautiful temples found here are ancient. Situated near Mathura, these two destinations are considered twin holy cities. 

Kushinagar

Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh is the destination where Gautam Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana and one among the 4 Buddhist pilgrimages linked with Lord Buddha’s life. Located 53 km from Gorakhpur, the town is prevalent for its history, temples, and stupas.

The town is prevalent as it is the last resting destination of Lord Buddha. The prevalent attraction is the Mahanirvana stupa. It is the location where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. The beautiful Wat Thai temple and Ramabhar Stupa are the other foremost attractions of the town. 

Sarnath

Nearly 15 km from the city of Varanasi deceits the serene city of Sarnath. Home to Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist temples, Sarnath is one of the most popular pilgrimage places in India. It is primarily known to be the place where Buddha initially taught Dharma.

Next to Sarnath is Singhpur where the 11^th Trithankara of Jainism, Shreyansnath took birth. In India, it is one of the oldest cities and one of the must-visit pilgrimage destinations for Jainism and Buddhism. 

Ayodhya

It is believed to be one of the 7 most sacred destinations in India and is the birthplace of Lord Rama. In ancient times, Ayodhya was pronounced Saket. Ayodhya finds mention in different legends and stories involving the epic Ramayana.

Diwali, India’s greatest and supreme festival, can be traced back to Ayodhya when the complete city glittered with clay lamps to welcome the victorious Rama who returned home after slaying Ravana. 

Best Time to Visit Uttar Pradesh

Situated around the Northern Plains of India, Uttar Pradesh is easily reachable throughout the year. However, to visit Uttar Pradesh, the best time is during the winter season. Owing to its geographic location, the state witnesses extreme temperatures throughout the summer season and a descent waterfall, making winter one of the most foreseeable seasons. The agreeable temperature assists the day tour, making winter months the best time to visit the destination.

Winter Season: The best time to visit Uttar Pradesh, the winter season is moderately pleasant around the state. Starting during the month of October and lasting until early March, the winter season witnesses temperature ranging from 8°C and 24°C. The temperature goes as low as 4℃ throughout the month of December and January. However, the enjoyable days confirm great excursion tours.

How to Reach Uttar Pradesh? 

By Air: In Uttar Prades, the international airports are Chaudhary Charan Singh Aiport across Lucknow and Lal Bahadur Shashtri Aiport in Varanasi. Apart from them, there are domestic airports around Agra, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Prayagraj (Allahabad), and Kanpur.

By Train: One of the best routes to arrive at Uttar Pradesh is by railway. With a total of more than 430 working railway stations in the state, arriving at tourist destinations across the state via train is convenient. Some of the greatest railway stations around the state are Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, and Mathura.

By Road: One of the easiest ways to arrive at Uttar Pradesh is via roads. There are different National Highways and expressways in the state such as Yamuna Express Way, Agra Expressway, NH 34, NH 19, NH 30, and NH 21. The state highways are also well-preserved and Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation functions buses on all foremost routes around the state.

Conclusion 

With one visit to Uttar Pradesh, you cannot predict to take in all that is proposed by the land. All tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh are astonishing; be it its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, overgenerous palaces, monuments, or just anything here.

It is also not possible to effort to cover all the imperative destinations here. We would be glad to hear from you about the sites we have not comprised here.

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