Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. From ancient temples and monuments to stunning natural landscapes, Uttar Pradesh offers a plethora of experiences for tourists to explore. In this article, we will discuss the top 14 places to visit in Uttar Pradesh.
Top 14 Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh
Taj Mahal, Agra
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No visit to Uttar Pradesh is complete without a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous landmarks in India, known for its breathtaking beauty and rich history. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a symbol of undying love.
Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi is considered the spiritual capital of India. Visitors can explore the city’s numerous ghats, where Hindus gather to bathe in the river and perform religious rituals. Varanasi is also known for its vibrant culture, with bustling bazaars, street food, and traditional music and dance performances.
Allahabad
Allahabad, also known as Prayagraj, is a city located at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. It is considered one of the holiest cities in India and is home to the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering. Visitors can explore Allahabad’s numerous temples, including the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Allahabad Fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
Lucknow
Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and is known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. Visitors can explore the city’s stunning historical monuments, such as the Bara Imambara and the Chota Imambara, both of which are prime examples of Mughal architecture. Lucknow is also famous for its Awadhi cuisine, which is a blend of Mughlai and regional flavors.
Mathura
Mathura is a city located in the western part of Uttar Pradesh and is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The city is home to numerous temples and religious sites, including the Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple and the Dwarkadhish Temple. Visitors can also explore the city’s vibrant bazaars, where they can find traditional handicrafts and local delicacies.
Ayodhya
Ayodhya is a city located on the banks of the Sarayu River and is considered one of the holiest cities in India. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama and is home to numerous temples and religious sites, including the famous Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Visitors can also explore the city’s rich history, which dates back to the ancient Vedic period.
Sarnath
Sarnath is a small town located near Varanasi and is considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. It is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, and visitors can explore the town’s numerous stupas, temples, and monasteries. Sarnath is also home to the famous Ashoka Pillar, which is considered one of the most important historical artifacts in India.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a small town located near Agra and is known for its stunning Mughal architecture. It was founded by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for 14 years before being abandoned due to water scarcity. The town is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh.
Buland Darwaza
Buland Darwaza is the largest gateway in the world and is located in Fatehpur Sikri. It was built by Emperor Akbar in 1601 to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. The gate is 54 meters high and is made of red sandstone and marble. It is intricately decorated with carvings and inscriptions from the Quran.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is a mosque located in the heart of Fatehpur Sikri. It was built by Emperor Akbar in 1571 and is one of the largest mosques in India. The mosque is made of red sandstone and white marble and is decorated with intricate carvings and calligraphy.
Panch Mahal
Panch Mahal is a five-story palace located in Fatehpur Sikri. It was built by Emperor Akbar as a pleasure palace for himself and his family. The palace is made of red sandstone and is supported by 176 pillars, each one different from the others.
Allahabad
Allahabad is a city located in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh and is known for its religious and historical significance. The city is situated at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers and is also the site of the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
Triveni Sangam
Triveni Sangam is the confluence of the three holy rivers – Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati – in Allahabad. The site is considered one of the most sacred places in Hinduism and is believed to wash away all sins of the devotees who take a dip in its waters.
Allahabad Fort
Allahabad Fort is a magnificent fort located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Allahabad. The fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 and has been the site of many battles and sieges throughout history. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and takes place in Allahabad every 12 years. It is a Hindu pilgrimage where devotees come from all over the world to take a dip in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam. The festival attracts millions of people and is a unique cultural experience.
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered the spiritual capital of India. It is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is known for its ancient temples, ghats, and cultural heritage.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous and ancient temples in India and is located in Varanasi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history and is now a major pilgrimage site.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the oldest and most famous ghats in Varanasi. It is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is known for its daily Ganga Aarti ceremony, which is a spectacular ritual involving fire and prayers to the river goddess.
Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park is a wildlife reserve located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide range of animals such as tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, and deer. The park also has a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. Visitors can take jeep safaris or elephant rides to explore the park and spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
Sarnath
Sarnath is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site located near Varanasi. It is the place where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The site has a number of ancient stupas and temples, including the Dhamekh Stupa, which is said to mark the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of Buddhism in India.
Allahabad
Allahabad, also known as Prayagraj, is a city located at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and is the venue for the Kumbh Mela, a major religious festival that takes place once every 12 years. The city has a number of historic sites, including the Allahabad Fort and the Anand Bhavan, the former residence of the Nehru family.
Conclusion
Uttar Pradesh is a state with a rich history and culture, and it offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. From the iconic Taj Mahal to the holy city of Varanasi, the state has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, religion, or nature, Uttar Pradesh has it all. So, if you are planning a trip to India, make sure to include these top 14 places to visit in Uttar Pradesh in your itinerary.
FAQs
- What is the best time to visit Uttar Pradesh?
- Ans: The best time to visit Uttar Pradesh is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
- What are some famous foods to try in Uttar Pradesh?
- Ans: Some famous foods to try in Uttar Pradesh are kebabs, biryani, chaat, and kulfi.
- Which city is known as the “City of Nawabs” in Uttar Pradesh?
- Ans: Lucknow is known as the “City of Nawabs” in Uttar Pradesh.
- What is the significance of the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad?
- Ans: The Kumbh Mela is a major religious festival that takes place once every 12 years in Allahabad. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy rivers during the festival can wash away one’s sins.
- What are some popular shopping destinations in Uttar Pradesh?
- Ans: Some popular shopping destinations in Uttar Pradesh are Hazratganj in Lucknow, Chowk in Varanasi, and Sadar Bazaar in Agra.