10 Tourist Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh is one of the states in India with a wide region on the map, a land where religions have evolved deeply, as well as many historical events that have taken place here. While we’re talking about Uttar Pradesh’s historical sites, you’ll find many of them here. Uttar Pradesh is located in northern India and has the “Heartland of Cultures” name. From the delicious Awadhi cuisine to the glorious Ganga, Yamuna and Sarawati sangam, From the town of love, Agra to Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously populated cities, this state literally has it all. With its multitude of historical monuments and memorials, this state continues to uphold the bravery, faith, love and glory that are enough to paint the canvas of anyone’s mind with various hues. It provides them with the perfect blend of history , geography and science with its variety of tourist attractions for all students visiting this state. Of those, here are the top ten.
Agra
Agra boasts the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort and the adjacent Fatehpur Sikri, one of the seven wonders of the world and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For history and architecture lovers, Agra is a delight. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, this mediaeval city is one of the most visited tourist cities in India.
Strategically positioned in the mundane plains between the Ganga and Yamuna in the heart of India, For centuries, Agra had been a religious and commercial centre, but only when the Mughals made it their home did it mature and perfect itself. Not only is Agra famous for its Mughal art and culture, it is also known for its food, chat, and the iconic Panchi ka Petha. The city is visited in large numbers every day, even after becoming one of the country’s hottest cities.
The nightlife may not be worth noting, but the beauty of this old town at night makes you love it and enjoy every bit of it. The hearts of the people here are as grand as the Buland Darwaza, the sight of Taj Mahal is as sweet for the eyes as the Petha, and in the sunny afternoons, shopping on the streets is as chatpata as the famous Daal Moth. Come to the city to discover architectural marvels such as Fatehpur Sikri for a weekend, The feeling of an old city, and to know for yourself what this city is so famous for in Mahabharta, described as a paradise.
Fatehpur Sikri
The Mughal Emperor Jalal-ud – din Mohammad Akbar founded Fatehpur Sikri, a town predominantly in red sand-stone, located at a distance of 37 kms from Agra, in honour of the great Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti; its magnificence and uniqueness offers a fine example of the architectural finesse of the emperor. The buildings at Fatehpur Sikri gave Akbar a tolerant religious view and an interest in literature, architecture and fine arts a charismatic blend of Islamic and Hindu elements in their style and design.
During sunset and sunrise at Fatehpur Sikri, the turrets and domes produce shadows and silhouettes against the red copper sky; which is truly an inspiring scene for the canvas of a painter or the eyes of the tourist.
A 11 km long fortification wall interspersed with various gateways encloses Fatehpur Sikri. The remains of the great city; the Imperial Palace Complex, the intricately crafted marble tomb of the great Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti, and the grand mosque are second only to the Taj Mahal, a benchmark of architectural beauty. A rich imagination is all it takes to transport every visitor to the gold tapestry period, drapes, rich plush carpets, and the Mughal courts’ royalty.
Varanasi
For centuries, one of the world’s oldest living inhabitants, the holiest city of Varanasi or Benaras, nestled on the banks of the holy river Ganges, has drawn pilgrims. “In the last decade of the 19th century, celebrated author Mark Twain, who visited India, described the city as” older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.
Believed to be Lord Shiva’s abode, Varanasi is among the country’s seven holiest cities. In order to add vibrant layers to the atmosphere of Varanasi, which is most spectacularly evident in its ghats (stepped river banks), centuries of history, art and culture have merged. The ghats of the Ganges, an abode of travellers in search of holiness and divine providence, are the highlight of Varanasi ‘s spiritual scene. The Ghats are the site of time-honored rituals that are practised to this day, from the famous Ganga arti (a fire ritual) to cremation ceremonies.
Legend has it that the heavenly Ganga was channelled to earth by Lord Shiva, and that is why the river is considered sacred. As it is believed that taking a dip in the holy Ganges absolves one of their sins, thousands of devotees from all over the world come to bathe in its waters. It is also believed that moksha (salvation) is attained by those cremated here. For several, one of the most important rituals to perform during their lives is the holy Kashi Yatra (pilgrimage to Kashi, as Varanasi was previously called).
The city has been a provider of philosophy, yoga, the ancient medical science of Ayurveda, and astrology in recent years.
Varanasi is also one of Buddhism ‘s holiest locations, as Lord Buddha preached his first sermon in Sarnath, which is situated only 12 km away. Jain literature, too, as it is the birthplace of four Jain tirthankaras (saints), refers to Kashi as a holy region. It is said that Kabir, a mystic poet and saint of the 15th century, was also born in this area.
Mathura
Mathura is Krishna’s birthland, Vishnu’s 8th incarnate, who is also regarded as the ‘Poorna Purushottam’ or the full form of the deity. The city is also one of the cities of ‘Sapta Puri,’ or those seven pilgrimages that must be taken at least once in a lifetime by any Hindu. Mathura is truly like the poetry of the river temples. The tinkles of prayer bells chime in tune with the flow, with the Yamuna river meandering its way through the serene ghats of Mathura. Here, you will enjoy the Yamuna River shayan or evening aarti (considered Shri Krishna’s gatekeeper goddess), temple-hopping, shopping and peace; from Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple (a broken down gaol) to Kesodev Temple and Dwarkadhish Temple, the various markets to sweet shops and sellers of roadside talk.
Visit Vishram Ghat, where nearby markets like Tilak Darwaza and Lal Bazaar shop at the most bustling alights in all of Mathura, eat at Brijwasi sweets and have the time of your life going on languid boat rides in Yamuna.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan, connected to Hindu culture, has an ancient past and is a crucial location for Hindu travel. The Govinda Dev temple, operated in 1590, is one of its most known surviving temples, with the town established about the same time before. Indeed, even the Vrindavan houses define the storeys of the years of yesteryear.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is confident that the quintessence of Vrindavan has been rediscovered by, Those who could find all the vital spots of Krishna ‘s interests in and around Vrindavan through his celestial otherworldly power. Vrindavan, where Krishna spent his childhood, is a visible subject of the Hindu journey, attracting a large number of pioneers from all over the world throughout the year. Vaisnavism is the real custom followed in the region, and it is a focal point of learning and venerating Krishna, and the territory includes places related to Lord Krishna, such as Govardhana and Gokul.
Lucknow
The capital of Uttar Pradesh is dotted with ancient attractions dating back to the British Raj, drawing hordes of visitors to Lucknow. It is India’s largest metropolitan city and the 11th most populous city in the world. It serves as a melting pot of different cultures and is an artistic centre, apart from being a popular travel destination. It was the birthplace of the Nawabs, whose presence can still be traced to the city’s attractive corners. The history of Lucknow is worth learning and so is its prominence. Lucknow boasts beautiful historical landmarks, lush green parks, marble sidewalks and many buildings made of sandstone. It’s a heart-warming city with people who are always welcoming. Lucknow was historically the capital of Awadh, which later came under the East India Company’s control. Lucknow Tours must be used by travellers who are excited to explore this incredible travel destination.
Allahabad
Allahabad is one of India ‘s renowned Uttar Pradesh towns. It is the state’s seventh most populous city. Prayaga or ‘place of sacrifice’ was the original name of the city, as the city is located at the sacred union of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati holy rivers. In 1583, the Mughal Emperor Akbar gave the current name to the city. In the Hindu scriptures, Allahabad plays a crucial part as the second oldest city in India. Interestingly, Allahabad is also known as the “City of Prime Ministers” since 7 out of the 13 Indian prime ministers belonged to Allahabad after independence.
Among India’s oldest and most important pilgrimage centres is Allahabad. There are unique feelings attached to the place for both Hindus and Muslims. The town is said to be sacred, as it is among the Hindus’ four major pilgrimage sites. The place is also primarily popular for its religious tourism.
Sarnath
Sarnath is a small village located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The deer park where Gautama Buddha first preached dharma is its chief claim to fame. It is also the location where the first Sangha was founded. Sarnath is one of the four primary Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in India, considering its deep Buddhist roots.
In reality, the great Indian Emperor Ashoka also commissioned several stupas and the famous Ashoka Pillar here in Sarnath, One of the few remaining pillars that date from his rule. Today, the four lions from this pillar are India’s national emblem. In our national flag, the wheel from the pillar occupies the pride of place.
Since 1907, numerous excavations have been carried out, and several ancient temples and structures that shed light on the birth and development of Buddhism in northern India have been discovered.
Ayodhya
This ancient city is famous for being the birthplace of Lord Rama and Swaminarayan, the Indian mythological gods. The birthplace of the Indian epic Ramayana, this glorious city is given such history and mysteries that it would be madness to miss a trip here! As its Sanskrit name goes, Ayodhya or Saket has many places that we highly suggest you visit. To begin with, you might go to Ramkot, where devotees from all over the world come to Ram Navami for the birthday of Lord Rama. Other places worth visiting are the Temple of Nageshwarnath-said to be built by Khush, the son of Lord Rama, Lakshmana Ghat, Mani Parbat, Kanak Bhawan and Choti Chowni, which is a massive marble temple.
Jhansi
Located in the heart of Bundelkhand, Jhansi is one of Uttar Pradesh ‘s main tourist places. The name Jhansi has become synonymous with Rani Lakshmi Bai, but there are a variety of tourist spots in Jhansi apart from that.
Jhansi is renowned for its forts and palaces on the world map, which remind us of the bravery and struggle of the past. It was in Jhansi during the Sepoy Mutiny that Rani Lakshmi Bai, Tantya Tope and Nana Sahib organised the revolutionary struggle of 1857.
Jhansi Fort is one of the main tourist attractions in Jhansi. Located on top of a rocky hill, it was built in 1613 by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo. The British handed over this fortress to the Scindias in 1858. From the ramparts of the fort, visitors can get an excellent panoramic view of the city of Jhansi. You can visit this Jhansi Fort and learn more about the history of Bundelkhand on your Jhansi trip.
One of the main tourist places in this city is also the Jhansi Museum. This museum, situated in the Fort of Jhansi, gives you an insight into the history of Jhansi and Bundelkhand. In addition, you can also get to know more about the Chandela dynasty who ruled Jhansi during the mediaeval period in this museum. The Jhansi Museum is a storehouse with various objects from the past. Arms, sculptures, clothes and pictures depicting the Chandela dynasty are housed here.
One of the most interesting tourist spots in Jhansi is the Rani Mahal of Jhansi. This is Lakshmi Bai’s palace. The remains of the past period have been carefully treasured by one of Jhansi’s architectural marvels.