Uttar Pradesh is one of the states that aesthetically defines India and its rich history that’s as ancient as the time known. This is the land wherein great sages have emerged, religions evolved and two great epic of India: Ramayana and Mahabharata have been inspired from. With each progressing century, the state has vouched for the secularity of India by giving home to various religions: Hindu, Jainism, Islamic, Buddhist and more. Apart from Varanasi (the spiritual capital of India), Prayagraj, the holy confluence of two major rivers- Ganga and Yamuna flowing in the subcontinent and of course Agra that beautifully preserves the intellectual excellency of Mughal architecture– there are many more destinations here that piques the interest of every traveller and displays every shade of Indian ethnicity. More of which can be explored in special events and festivals that embarks gathering of pilgrims from all across the country and nation’s borders, be it annual the Holi festivals in Barsaana and likewise or iconic Kumbh gathering held once in 12years, at Prayagraj. Travel Uttar Pradesh to explore India's culture and the origin of human beliefs. Mathura-Vrindavan Poised on the banks of the holy River Yamuna, the old city of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most important religious destinations in India. A labyrinth of lanes lined by temples, ancient ghats and numerous stories of Lord Krishna, who is said to be born here, echoing throughout the streets, Mathura invites devotees from far and wide. The city is renowned for several temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is one of the most popular and loved incarnations of Lord Vishnu. They give a peek into the era of the divine, depicted in the phases of Lord Krishna's life. Considered as one of the seven sacred cities in the country, Mathura touches the soul with its rich cultural heritage. It is believed that the son of Mata Devaki and Vasudeva, Lord Krishna was born on this holy land around 5,000 years ago in a prison cell. Mathura finds a mention in the Hindu epic Mahabharata and became a part of the mighty Mauryan empire sometime during the 1st century BC. Under the rule, it flourished, transforming into a primary centre for arts. Stone carving and sculpture-making fall under what is now the Mathura School of Arts, which evolved between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. King Ashoka, the great Mauryan liege, is credited with building several Buddhist monuments in and around Mathura in the 3rd century BC. In fact, the sculptures and carvings created around this time followed a common theme of Buddhism, with a majority of the artworks inspired by and representing Lord Buddha in some form. As the rule of the Mauryans came to a grinding halt, the influence of Buddhism started to disappear, to be replaced by Hindu temples. Prayagraj Positioned along the sacred sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati, the city of Prayagraj (once known as Allahabad), in Uttar Pradesh, is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus. One of the four holy cities that play host to the Kumbh Mela, probably the largest human congregation in the world, Prayagraj attracts devotees, holy men, tourists and photographers from all over the world. Millions of people arrive here during the Maha Kumbh that is held at sangam every 12 years and the Kumbh that is held every six years. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma chose a piece of land to perform Prakrishta Yajna (a fire ritual). The place he chose was where the three holy rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati – merged with one another. Thus, the city, blessed by the gods, was named Teerthraj or Prayag. Prayagraj also had a prominent role in India's fight for independence, a legacy that lives on at two palatial mansions - Swaraj Bhawan and Anand Bhawan - the erstwhile residences of Motilal Nehru, the father of independent India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Swaraj Bhawan was also the site of the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence movement in 1920. Today, both the buildings house museums that showcase invaluable artefacts from that time. Jhansi Nestled between the Betwa and Pahunj rivers, the historic city of Jhansi is synonymous with its courageous queen, Rani Lakshmibai, who valiantly fought against the British forces during the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. The lore and stories of the heroic queen, who was just 22 years old then, echo through the Jhansi Fort and the Rani Mahal, which are the most popular attractions. A fascinating sound and light show at the fort encaptures the gist of the life of the queen in an eloquent rendition and is a must-watch if you're stopping by. The city is strewn with various spiritual sites and lakes that were commissioned under the patronage of the mighty dynasties that held the throne of Jhansi at different points in time. Their beauty and splendour speak of the glories of the day gone by, and tourists can find a treasure trove of history while visiting them. Jhansi was known as Balwant Nagar when it was the stronghold of the Chandela kings, who ruled from the 9th to the 13rd century. Around the 11th century, the city lost importance but in the 17th century, it rose back to prominence during the rule of Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha, who constructed the Jhansi Fort on top of a rocky hill. The city became the capital of Maratha province in the 18th century and later the princely state of Jhansi between 1804 and 1853. Kanpur With spiritual and historic roots that go deep, Kanpur located on the banks of the holy Ganges, is a quintessential Indian city. While a part of the city, boasting a cluster of tanneries, bustles with an active pace of life, one can spot the other part of Kanpur catching up with languid strides, chewing the traditional betel leaves. One of the largest cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur is a shopper's delight, especially noted for its exquisite leather products and cotton fabrics. Dotted with various temples, churches and mosques, the city enjoys a spiritual fervour for the better part of the year. Situated around 80 km from Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur was founded by Raja Hindu Singh of the Sachendi state. The city was originally called Kanhpur. It was also at the heart of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, the first Indian uprising against the British rule. Ayodhya Sprawled along the serene Saryu river, Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the holiest cities of Hinduism and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama, as mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana, the city is dotted with temples, some of which are connected to the ghats (stepped banks of the river) of Saryu. The city looks particularly glorious during Deepotsav, celebrated on the day of Diwali, during which lakhs of earthen lamps are lit. The sight of them floating on the Saryu is mesmerising. The best time to visit the city is during Diwali celebrations when temples are resplendent and streets are in full festive uproar. Ayodhya is said to be the birthplace of four Jain tirthankars (saints) and various shrines scattered across the city and its surrounding areas pay a tribute to them.Located about 135 km from the city of Lucknow, Ayodhya was the erstwhile capital of the Surya dynasty and was known as Kaushaldesa in ancient times. Its twin city, Faizabad, founded by Sadat Khan, the nawab of Awadh, is also a must-visit. Home to beautiful forts, mausoleums and mosques, the city gives one a peek into history. Lucknow Explore Lucknow city and its best places to visit A melting pot of art, culture, cuisine and architecture, the bustling city of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, preserves its essence of grandeur in its kaleidoscopic experiences. From a vibrant culinary scene and exquisite historical monuments to its rich art and culture and vestiges of colonial charm, the city of nawabs, as it is popularly called, is as welcoming as is the warmth of its people. As soon as you arrive at the historically-eminent and gorgeous Charbagh Railway Station, the city of Lucknow starts unfolding, revealing its charm at every turn. In the bylanes of old Lucknow, history whispers lost tales, while in the broad avenues of the newer suburbs, the cosmopolitan heart of the city throbs. From the grand gateways of the popular Bara Imambara to the ornate structure of Rumi Darwaza, inspired by a Constantinople gate, the city's heritage monuments unravel their mystery. While these monuments inspire awe, it's the bustling bazaars and craft galis of the city where its true soul can be found. Complementing this energetic liveliness, lie serene temples, mosques and churches. According to a legend, the city was named after Lord Rama's younger brother Lakshmana, who had a palace in the area. Historically, the city was the seat of the replendant nawabs, who ruled the region for centuries. Most of the credit, however, goes to Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, who moved the capital of Awadh from Faizabad to the banks of the Gomti river in 1775, sowed the seed for Lucknow’s growth. Rising in prominence, the nawabs made Lucknow the epicentre of art, culture and music. They also commissioned some of the most aesthetic buildings in India and artisans flourished. Everyone, from architects who designed the lovely structures of the city, to the chefs who created the kebabs we love so much today, prospered under the rule of the nawabs. During the colonial era, the city of Lucknow was a strategic location. It witnessed many events of the First War of Independence in 1857, such as the Siege of Lucknow and the Kakori train incident involving revolutionaries Ashfaqullah Khan and Ram Prasad Bismil. The rich legacy of Lucknow is still alive in its culture and gives us a peek into the bygone era. Varanasi Explore Varanasi city and its best places to visit One of the oldest living inhabitations of the world, the sacred city of Varanasi or Benaras, nestled on the banks of the holy Ganges river, has been attracting pilgrims for centuries. Celebrated author Mark Twain, who visited India in the last decade of the 19th century, described the city as “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.” Believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is among the seven sacred cities in the country. Centuries of history, art and tradition have conflated to add colourful layers to Varanasi's aura, which is most spectacularly evident at its ghats (stepped banks of a river). An abode of travellers in search of holiness and divine providence, the ghats of the Ganges are the highlight of the spiritual scene of Varanasi. From the famous Ganga arti (a fire ritual) to cremation ceremonies, the ghats are the site of time-honoured rituals that are performed to this day. Legend has it that Lord Shiva channelled the celestial Ganga on earth, and that is why the river is considered holy. Thousands of devotees from all over the country come to bathe in its waters as it is believed that taking a dip in the holy Ganges absolves one of their sins. It is also believed that those cremated here achieve moksha (salvation). For many, the sacred Kashi Yatra (pilgrimage to Kashi, as Varanasi was earlier called) is one of the most important rituals to undertake during their lifetime. In recent years, the city has turned into a purveyor of philosophy, yoga, the ancient medicinal science of Ayurveda, and astrology. Varanasi is also one of the holiest sites of Buddhism, as it was in Sarnath, which is located merely 12 km away, that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Jain literature, too, refers to Kashi as a holy city, as it is the birthplace of four Jain tirthankaras (saints). It is said that Kabir, a 15th-century mystic poet and saint, was also born in this city. The city, believed to date back to 1400 BC, finds mention in the Upanishads (holy Hindu scriptures) as Benaras and is said to have been an important centre of trade and education. It eventually acquired the name Varanasi and came to occupy a special place in the Indian consciousness, especially as a bridge to the old world. Scribes have, for long, tried to capture the essence of Varanasi in books. From the couplets of Kabir to the works of prose writers like DN Khatri, Hazari Dwivedi and Jaishankar Prasad, the city has inspired a vast body of literary, scriptural, poetic and historical works produced by some of the most famous Indian writers over centuries. Famous for silk weaving, the city offers brocade sarees that are a must in most Indian brides' trousseau. The city is also famous for copper ware, brassware, wooden and clay toys, and jewellery. Famous melody-makers, from Mughal court musicians to present-day personages like iconic sitar player Ravi Shankar, shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan and late vocalist Girija Devi have called Varanasi home. Their influence on classical and contemporary music is so strong that Varanasi also features among the ‘Cities of Music’, which has been established by UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Agra Explore Agra city and its best places to visit The city of the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, Agra in Uttar Pradesh is India's most popular tourist destination. Steeped in history, this ancient city is dotted with monuments, architectural wonders and beautifully landscaped gardens, which are remnants of the Mughal reign's majestic legacy. The city also enjoys a vibrant culinary scene while preserving its exquisite arts and crafts. Situated on the banks of River Yamuna, the city, once the capital of the mighty Mughals, stands proudly today with a royal heritage that beckons to one and all. While visitors admire the grand structures here and weave through bustling chowks and bazaars, they can also check into luxurious hotels, shop at malls and plazas, and indulge in contemporary delicacies at upscale restaurants. Agra finds a mention in the epic Mahabharata, where it is referred to as ‘Agraban’ or an integral part of the Braj Bhumi or the land of Lord Krishna. A lot of significant historical events in the city are said to have unfolded during the reign of Raja Badal Singh, a Sikarwar Rajput king, who is believed to have founded the city in 1475. However, it gained political prominence during the rule of Sikander Lodhi (1498-1517) of the Lodhi dynasty. It was given a new lease of life in 1526 AD, under the reign of Mughal emperor Babur. He was a patron of arts and wanted the inhabitants of the city to adopt the finer things in life. This resulted in the city being filled with skilled craftsmen, artists, statesmen, warriors and nobility. Thus began Agra’s golden age. Babur’s legacy was carried forward by his progeny, emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, all of whom added to the city’s grandeur in terms of wealth, patronage and incredible architectural marvels. Agra transformed into a hub of art, culture, learning and commerce. The city’s lip-smacking food, awe-inspiring monuments, and arts and crafts stand as relics of this illustrious antiquity. Its rich repertoire of arts and crafts has seeped into its modern personality too: Agra is a haven for crafts like marble and soft stone inlay work. It is said that Mughal empress, Nur Jahan, personally looked into the development of arts and handicrafts here. It is said that she was an expert in zari embroidery herself. Chitrakoot Poised along the banks of the pristine Mandakini river, the peaceful pilgrim town of Chitrakoot, that spreads over the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, is immersed in the devotion of Lord Rama, who is believed to have spent 11 and a half years of the 14 years of his exile here. According to the epic Ramayana, Chitrakoot is the place where Bharat, brother of Lord Rama came to visit him and asked him to return to Ayodhya to rule the kingdom. Sitting in the shadow of the scenic Vindhya range of mountains, Chitrakoot is speckled with ancient temples, ghats (stepped banks of a river), kunds (sacred ponds) and ashrams, almost all of which echo the tales of the Hindu epic Ramayana and recount legends of the mighty Lord Rama, who lived here with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana. Given a large number of temples here, Chitrakoot is flooded with devotees during festival season, who flock to the town to seek blessings of their God. Due to its location next to the Mandakini river, also known as River Payasvini, several ghats have been built on the water's periphery, allowing pilgrims to bathe in the holy river, and participate in the arti (ritual) that takes place at the ghats in the evenings. The arti infuses the environment with devotional energy, allowing visitors to immerse themselves wholly in the spirit of Chitrakoot. Chitrakoot’s spiritual legacy dates back to several ages. It is said that Goswami Tulsidas, writer of Ramcharitmanas, also spent a long time here. Sage Atri and Sati Anasuya are believed to have meditated in Chitrakoot as well. Many also believe that the supreme Gods of Hinduism (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) took incarnations here. The name Chitrakoot literally translates into a hill of many wonders, and the Chitrakoot Parvat Mala (garland of mountains) includes pilgrimage sites as Kamadgiri, Hanuman Dhara, Janki Kund, Lakshman Pahari, and Devangana.
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