Uttar Pradesh, located in the northern part of India, is a state with a population of around 200 million, which makes it the highest populous state of the nation.
Created on April 1 1937 as United Province of Agra and Oudh, and renamed as Uttar Pradesh in 1950, this state is a creation of British rule.
Uttar Pradesh is a rainbow state of the country with a lot to offer, covering old time to modern day stories, from iconic stories of love to the tales of great warriors. On your next holiday, you must think of Uttar Pradesh Travel Plan to get detailed information of this land of legends.
The cities of this state have an aura of their own, with each city attracting you with something special to see. Uttar Pradesh is the home to the greatest definition of love- Taj Mahal, to the religious capital of the country- Varanasi, to the birth cities of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna- Ayodhya and Mathura, and so much more.
This colorful state is the epitome of natural beauty and archeological wonders. You need a lot of time and no geographical knowledge to explore this state from head to toe, but when you come to know the state, you will never be able to get it out of your heart.
It is a pretty humongous state with too much to explore, but let me list out some of the must visit places for you and save you some time.
So let us begin with some of the best places to see in Uttar Pradesh-
-
TAJ MAHAL
Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his loving wife, Taj Maal is an ivory white mausoleum carved out of marble. This remarkable structure of marble is renowned as the symbol of love. This piece of art by the Mughals proudly stands as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Located at the southern shore of Yamuna river, Taj Mahal is a beautiful sight and there is also a local market called Haat bazaar in its premises from where one can buy handicraft items and much more. This is one of the most fantastically constructed Muslim architectures in India and is reckoned as world’s heritage
is a must visit spot for everyone who visits the city.
Don’t miss it!
-
MEHTAB BAGH
Located on the bank of Yamuna, just opposite Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh is the last garden constructed by Mughals. Developed by Babur, this crescent shaped garden is known as moonlit pleasure garden.
Opposed to the common misconception, Mehtab bagh was built way before Taj Mahal came into existence and from this garden itself, Shah Jahan choose the right spot to build Taj.
This garden is famous for the Reflection pond which gives the perfect reflection of Taj Mahal. The garden harbors step fountain, sandstone domes, vibrant flowers and green area, making it a perfect place for picnics or romantic walks.
If you are visiting Taj Mahal, then try this place too to get some rest amongst the nature.
-
GHATS OF VARANASI
In the words of Mark Twain, ‘Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together’. Varanasi is the oldest city of the nation and holds a special place in the mythological scriptures and beliefs.
The city is believed to be the abode of Gods and will give you a feeling of spiritual calm.
The city is famous for its Ghats which are around 84 in number including the Manikarnika ghat, Dashaswamedha ghat, Raj ghat and many more.
All these ghats hold fascinating stories which might even give you chills. One such story is about the Manikarnika Ghat and the ear rings. Some say that it is the place where an earring of Lord Vishnu fell which he had made from his Sudarshan chakra, while some folklores support that at this ghat Goddess Parvati hid her earrings and asked Lord Shiva to seek them. Many believe that Lord Shiva asks the departing souls for those earrings.
One of the most popular ghats of the city- Dashashwamedha ghat, is believed to be created by Lord Bhrama himself to worship Lord Shiva.
All this mythical stories and the breathtaking scenes of these ghats are something you must not miss. Who knows, you might even see Lord Shiva in his quest to find the earrings.
-
KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE
A piece of constructive beauty of the 1780s, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a huge sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popularized by the name of Golden Temple for Shiva, this holy structure was created by Maharani Ahilya Devi Hoklar of Indore.
With one of the Jyotirlingas, this shrine has been enlisted in various Hindu mythological scriptures, making it sacred and holy.
The exterior of the temple has intricate stone carvings of the historical era and around 800 kg gold platting.
The interiors of this temple are restricted for eyes only with no phones or cameras allowed inside.
Add this spot to your list as this place might bring you some inner complacency.
-
CHATTAR MANZIL
Chattar Manzil, also known as Umbrella building is prolific piece of architecture flaunting its magnificent gilded umbrella like dome structure. Initially, the architecture was established in the year 1781 by Claud Martin, the building was later owned by Saadat Ali Khan. The ownership then shifted in the hands of Nawab Uddin Haider who started construction on the building.
Once the residence of The Nawabs of Awadh, Chattar Manzil is today the office of Central Drug Research Institute.
One interesting fact about the structure lies in its tehkhana (basement). The basements of the building are known to be build under water of Gomti River to keep them cool.
The matchless architecture and good location make this building an attraction for tourists and photographers.
Try to visit this place on your trip, may be you could find some gripping secrets in the tehkhana!
-
KRISHNA JANAMA BHOOMI MANDIR
Located in the west of Mathura, this shrine is one of the most popular temples of the city Mathura. As the name suggests this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and built around the jail cell where Krishna’s parents were imprisoned by his uncle Kans, and Lord Krishna was born.
It is said that once the holy place had a big gold statue of Lord Krishna but was stolen by Mahmud of Ghazni.
The interior of the sacred temple is loaded with paintings of life of Lord Krishna, Radha and his other beloved wives and family.
This is the perfect spot to visit if you wish to see the life and stories of Lord Krishna.
-
KANS QILA
At the banks of river Yamuna stands the enormous fortress of Lord Krishna’s uncle- Kans. Famous for its mixed Hindu and Muslim architectural design, this fort is ardently visited by the pilgrims and tourists as a part of Lord Krishna’s life story.
This fort of the time of Mahabharat, also known as Purana Qila, is an inexplicable form of architecture holding a lot of historical facts inside its fortified walls for you to discover.
-
FATEHPUR SIKHRI
Founded in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar, today stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is a beautiful blend of Mughal architecture and religious beliefs. It is believed that Fatehpur Sikri was established by Akbar in order to pay an honor to Sheikh Salim Chisti who predicted the birth of a Mughal heir. Made out of red sandstone, this historic creation is the home to- Jodha Bai’s palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, and a Tomb of Salim Chisti, all of which serve as implicit sites of Indian Heritage.
At a distance of 40kms from Agra city, this place is a perfect one day visit to see the enriching creations of the mughals.
-
MAHOBA’S SUN TEMPLE
Against the popular idea that The Konark Sun temple is the oldest Sun temple, Mahoba’s Sun temple is the oldest shrine to worship Sun, developed in 10th century.
Created by Chandela King Rahil Dev Varman, this visual treat is locally known as Rahiliya Temple.
Carved out of granite, this shrine has a garbha grahiya with an image of sun placed at a high platform of ornamental mouldings.
Just like the sun temple of Konark, Rahiliya temple is also a magnificent creation out of stone which astonishes the visitors.
The place is flooded by pilgrims during navratri poojas.
-
CHAUKHANDI STUPA
Dating back to 5th century, this ancient piece of construction marks the reunion of Lord Buddha with the panch vargiya bhikshus (five companions) who separated from him at Rajgir.
The structure standing on the top of a rectangular dais is covered by an octagonal tower constructed by Akbar in 1589 A.D.
The gardens surrounding the stupa are generally filled with pilgrims making prayers to Lord Buddha. It is believed to be a blessing to be able to complete a kora around the stupa.
Some Buddha structures and other statues were excavated from the grounds of this stupa, making them pre historic artefacts.
Add this to your travel list and try your luck in completing circumambulation around the stupa.
MY FINAL WORDS
Uttar Pradesh appears to be a perfect mix of all the things good and worth watching. It is a state that must be on the list of all the travelers and pilgrims because it will satisfy your thirst for inner peace as well as your love for historical structures and stories.
I suggest you to take a stroll around the prestigious cities of this state and then you will agree with the phrase- UP Nhi Dekha Toh Kuch Nhi Dekha!
