Explore Uttar Pradesh- It has its own beauty and charm
Located in the northern India, Uttar Pradesh is often tagged as ‘The heartland of India’ due to its geographical location. But if we take a deep look, it is indeed the heart of India. Be it culture, history or tourism, UP is probably the most shining star in the map of India. Without a mention of UP, no chapter of India can be completed.
Holding the pride of being the birthland of Lord Ram, Krishna, and Buddha and housing the most splendid monuments of India, UP is a tourist’s hub in the country that offers an unending list of historical places in Uttar Pradesh. After serving as the origination point of Hinduism and Buddhism in ancient history, the state witnessed the Muslim rule at its peak in medieval history.
Thus today, it is an unmatched fusion of different cultures packed with man-made architectural marvels as well as natural wonders. Set in the lap of an awe-inspiring landscape of Himalaya, UP has treasured a rich history within. So, let’s explore the heartland of India and the history associated with it.
Historical places in Uttar Pradesh
Agra
Even if you ask an alien what he knows about UP, the first thing he would say Agra. Lucknow is of course the state capital but when it comes to tourism, Agra rules, not only in UP but in whole India. And you obviously know the reason. After all, it is the home to one of Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal. Being the sneak peak of architectural style, Taj Mahal allures the millions of worldwide visitors monthly.
In front of the charm and romantic history of Taj Mahal, the other monuments of Agra get eclipsed sometimes. When you’ll see the other monuments, you’ll wonder which one to be ranked first and which one to be last. Akbar’s Tomb, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, all built by Akbar, are the other major tourist attractions in Agra that render the sheer brilliance of architecture.
Being the royal capital of Mughals for more than 100 years, Agra is today entwined with the stellar monuments constructed in Hindu-Muslim architectural style. It boasts many historical places in Uttar Pradesh. Being the home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, Agra is an absolute delight for the history and architectural lovers. If you want to learn about Mughal history, architecture, culture, and governance, head over to Agra.
Mathura
Soaked into the vibes of holy love, Mathura has its own definition of tourism. Once you have landed in this holy land of Lord Krishna, you’ll feel inner peace and a love for all human beings. The vibrant life of Mathura always entices me the most. Extremely rich in history and even more vivid in lifestyle, Mathura should definitely be in your must-to-visit list.
Located on the bank of sacred Yamuna River and packed with many old age temples, Mathura is one of seven holy cities of India. The city was also a major center of Buddhism and had 20 monasteries but like other Indian cities, it too faced some destructive invasions that left the city in ruins.
However, now the Hindu pilgrimage spots have been renovated. Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura Museum, Kusum Sarovar, Dwarkadish Temple, and Goverdhan Hill are a few must-visit places of Mathura. On your visit to Mathura, don’t forget to visit Vrindavan, a small town near Vrindavan. It is the gist of Mathura.
Varanasi
If you want to see the innocence and pure devotion of human beings, no place can be better than Varanasi. Glorified by the soaring waves of Ganga and many glorious temples, Varanasi is the oldest city in India according to the Vedas. Not only this, the city is one of very few places of the world that has been continuously inhabited since thousands of thousands years ago.
The abode of Lord Shiva is mainly known for prehistoric Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the majestic Ganga River but it has a lot more to offer you. This is a place where Indian culture, religion, education, art, and history found their root in a real sense.
Varanasi is one of the most popular historical places in Uttar Pradesh. Being a pilgrimage spot, it’s all about spirituality and divinity. But if you want to have a thrilling experience in Varanasi, head over to Chunar Fort. The intriguing and abnormal tales associated with the fort would really make your day.
Sarnath
About 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the most revered pilgrimage places of Buddhist but is a must-visit place for all beliefs. The best thing about visiting Sarnath is that you can spend some quality time amid the transcendent serenity of the place.
This place is away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Dotted with many consummate Stupas and temples, Sarnath is believed to have had existed since 2500 years ago. According to legend, Gautam Buddha preached his first sermon here in Sarnath that’s why this is held in high reverence in Buddhism.
The great emperor Ashoka was an ardent follower of Buddhism, so the most of Stupas are credited to be built by him. Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath Museum, Dharmarajika Stupa, and Dhamek Stupa are the real beauty of Sarnath.
Jhansi
As we read the word ‘Jhansi’, the first thing that hits the mind is the name of ‘Rani Lakshmi Bai’. This city is predominantly known for its fearless queen Lakshmi Bai and her heroic deeds that can instil a feel of self-respect in any lady.
Earlier, Jhansi was not a big name in Indian history but when Rani Lakshmi Bai came in the regime, she eclipsed the entire history and set her own definition of heroism and governance. Jhansi was the home of Maratha Empire before it was captured by the British during the first war of Independence in 1857. The sublime aura, moving history, and the unmatched architecture of Jhansi are the reasons that entice the millions of visitors.
The rundown forts of Jhansi would surely evoke the feel of patriotism in you and the heroism of Rani Lakshmi Bai will touch your heart. Jhansi Fort, Rani Mahal, Maharaja Gangadhar Rao ki Chhatri, Mahalakshmi Temple, and Government Museum are the major catchment of eyes in Jhansi and historical places in Uttar Pradesh.
Lucknow
Tagged as ‘The city of Nawabs’, the state capital has really a touch of royalty in everything. Even today, you can feel the grandeur of Nawabi style in the language dialect, attires, culture, cuisines and of course historical monuments of Lucknow.
Located on the bank of Gomati River, Lucknow was also once ruled by the Mughals and the remnants are still seen. Being home to many striking monuments, the city is extremely rich in culture and literature.
Here, culture, architecture, art, music, history, and politics flourished altogether. Maybe, this is the reason that today it holds the honor of being the state capital. Bada Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Hazratganj Market, Lucknow Zoo, Rumi Darwaza, and clock Tower are some of the noticeable places of Lucknow. When you visit Lucknow, don’t forget to go on a shopping spree in Chowk Market.
Allahabad
Here comes my favorite city in UP. I’m emotionally attached with this city. Anyways, earlier known as Prayag, Allahabad is yet another pilgrimage spot of Hindus in India. If you have enjoyed Varanasi, the mighty waves of Ganga will surely drag you to Allahabad too because Varanasi and Allahabad are known for the same kind of tourism.
Like Varanasi, Allahabad also gave root to India to flourish. The city has been existed even before the era of Lord Ram and holds a very comprehensive description in Ramayana. The Ganga River of Allahabad is considered to be the most pious in India because here it meets River Yamuna and Saraswati. This confluence is known as ‘Triveni Sangam’ which is the central reason of Allahabad’s tourism.
People from all over the country flock Allahabad to take a dip in Triveni Sangam. Apart from this, Allahabad Fort, Aanand Bhawan, Moti Mahal, Khusro Bagh, and Allahabad Museum are the major tourist attractions of the city. Allahabad is also hugely known for the ‘Kumbh Mela’ that takes place once in every 12 years.
Ayodhya
Here comes one of the most popular historical places in Uttar Pradesh. Being the birthland of Lord Ram, Ayodhya is a revered place for Hindus. Packed with many significant temples, it is a great place to take a plunge into the sea of devoutness. The spellbinding waves of Saryu River and the enigmatic aura of spirituality can urge anybody to admire the beauty of this pleasing place.
But I feel today, the city and its tourism are not as famous as it should be. Today Ayodhya has become just a political agenda over Ram Mandir and Babar Masjid. However, millions of devotees visit the city annually. Except for Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, there are many other tourist spots too.
Best time to visit UP
Uttar Pradesh can be visited all-year round. The state is mainly known for spiritual and historical tourism, so no matter when you visit, it remains almost same in all seasons. UP receives a heating summers, moderate rainfall, and extremely chilly winters.
In winters, the temperature can go up to 4-5°C and in summers, it can rise up to 45°C. So, plan your trip accordingly. Like other states and Indian tourist destinations, visiting Uttar Pradesh between the months of September to November is also considered the ideal time.
During this time, weather remains pleasing and also some of the most popular festivals like Dussehra, Nav Ratra, and Diwali fall in between.So, this festive aura accentuates the allure of the state millions times more.
How to reach UP
Uttar Pradesh is a vital state of India from every aspect. Be it education, art & culture, politics, economics, tourism, or technology, the state has always contributed immensely to the country. So today, it is highly developed and accessible from all part of the country and with all modes of transportation. Having a top-class airways service, UP has four domestic airports namely Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Agra that connect it to the other states and cities of India.
If we talk about railways, this is undoubtedly the best way to explore entire UP without any hassle. Uttar Pradesh is well-connected by the rail network throughout the country. From anywhere and anytime, you can get a train going to or going from Uttar Pradesh. Now comes the road network. The all major cities of UP are linked with each other through the national highways. And from a particular city, you can easily get the local vehicles to explore the tourist places of the city.
From numerous magnificent historical monuments to countless holy pilgrimage spots and from colorful culture to the modern-age vibrancy, UP is undoubtedly a jewel in the crown of India. Adorned with some of the most revered and splendid cities of country, it is a place that you can never get enough of. This article is just a glimpse of historical places in Uttar Pradesh, the state has much more to offer you. So, pack your bags.
