Uttar Pradesh
also popularly known by its abbreviation U.P., is the
most populous and fifth largest state in the Union of
India. Blessed with a varaity of geographical land and
many cultural diversities, Uttar Pradesh, has been the
area of activity of historical heroes like - Rama, Krishna,
Buddha, Mahavira, Ashoka, Harsha, Akbar and Mahatma
Gandhi. Rich and tranquil expanses of meadows, perennial
rivers, dense forestsand fertile soil of Uttar Pradesh
have contributed numerous golden chapters to the annals
of Indian History. Dotted with various holy shrines
and piligrim places, full of joyous festivals, it plays
an important role in the politics, education, culture,
industry, agriculture and tourism of India.
Tourism
Uttar
Pradesh attracts a large number of both national and
international visitors. There are two regions in the
state where a majority of the tourists go. These are
the city of Agra and the holy cities: the cities of
Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar and Allahabad,
by the sacred rivers — the Ganga and the Yamuna
are all located in the state. The state hosts a Kumbha
Mela every 12 years, where over 10 million Hindus congregate
— the largest gathering of human beings in the
world.
A vast number of tourists visit the
Taj Mahal in Agra. Another important tourist attraction
in Agra is the Agra Fort. Also famous is a 16th century
capital city built by the Mughal emperor Akbar known
as Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Dayal Bagh is a temple
built in modern times that many visit. It is still under
construction, and would take an estimated one century
for completion. The life-like carving in marble is not
seen anywhere else in India.
Millions of tourists and piligrims
visit the cities of Allahabad, Varanasi and Haridwar,
as those are considered to be the holiest cities in
India. Every year thousands gather at Allahabad to take
part in the festival on the banks of the Ganges, the
Magh Mela. The same festival is organised in a larger
scale every 12th year and attracts millions of people
and is called the Kumbha Mela.
Varanasi is widely considered to be
the second oldest city in the world after Jerusalem.
It is famous for its ghats (steps along the river) which
are populated year round with people who want to take
a dip in the holy Ganges River.
About 13 km from Varanasi is the historically
important town of Sarnath. Gautama Buddha gave his first
sermon at Sarnath after his enlightenment and hence
is an important pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. Also
at Sarnath are the Ashoka Pillar and the Lion Capital,
both important archeological artifacts with national
significance.
Places
of Tourist Interest
Western
UP:
Hastinapur (Meerut)
Vrindavana (Mathura)
Mathura
Garhmukteshwara (Ghaziabad)
Agra
Fathepur Sikri (Agra)
Peeran Kaliyar (Sahranpur)
Golagokarannath (Kheri)
Sankissa
Kannauj
Kampil (Farrukhabad)
Soron (Etah)
Naimisharanya
Chakratirtha (Sitapur)
Shukratal (Muzaffaranagar)
Bithur (Kanpur)
Lucknow
Deva Sharif (Barabanki)
Eastern UP:
Gorakhnath Temple (Gorakhpur)
Sarnath (Varanasi)
Saidpur Bhitri (Ghazipur)
Shringverpur (Allahabad)
Kaushambi
Chunar
Vindhyachala (Mirzapur)
Devipatan (Gonda)
Magahar (Basti)
Bhrigu Temple (Ballia)
Shravasti
Ayodhya (Faizabad)
Kushinagar
Chitrakut
Jaunpur etc.
Bundelkhand Region:
This includes all the tourist spots of the Jhansi Division.
Budhist Circuit:
This includes Sarnath, Piparhwa, Samhita, Shrawasti
and Kaushambi.
Arts and
Crafts
Uttar Pradesh is famous
for its arts and crafts. Specific regions such as Varanasi
for its saris and silk, Mirzapur for its carpets, Agra
and Kanpur for their leathercraft, Moradabad for its
metalware, Lucknow for its clothwork and embroidery,
and the entire state for its pottery are not only famous
in India but around the world.
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