Talking
about Uttar Pradesh tourist destinations, one can talk elaborately on the
picturesque sites of the Himalayan foot-hills! Uttar Pradesh tourist
destinations, set amid the beautiful landscape of the Himalayas, is indeed, a
delight to the tourists!
Some of the important Uttar Pradesh tourist
destinations are:
Agra
Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri make Agra
one of most sought-after destinations in the world. Agra is known for its
culture, art, and religious philosophies that have enriched human thought over
centuries.Agra houses one of the seven wonders of the world - Taj Mahal.
Agra provides an exotic locations with some
scintillating monuments and towers. Some of the major spots in Agra are:
- Taj Mahal
- Taj Mahal
Museum - Akbar's
Tomb - Agra Fort
- Fatehpuri
Sikri
Allahabad
According to Hindu mythology, Allahabad was
given the status of the king of all pilgrimage center by Lord Brahma, the
creator god. Allahabad is located at a distance of 128 kilometer from Varanasi
at the confluence of three rivers namely Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. It is one
of the oldest cities of India and a pilgrimage spot. Allahabad is famous for
the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Melas.
Allahabad forms one of the famous Uttar Pradesh
tourist destinations. Among the renowned sights in Allahabad are:
- Sangam
- Allahabad
Fort - Khusrau
Bagh - Allahabad
Musuem - Anand
Bhawan - Swaraj
Bhawan - Univeristy
of Allahabad
Varanasi
Varanasi is an old living city of the world.
Buddhist scriptures as well as the epic Mahabharata contains one of the
earliest descriptions of Varanasi. Its connection with myths, legends and
religion attracts a large number of pilgrims from all over the world.Varanasi's
prominence in Hindu mythology is unquestionable.
Varanasi, aka Benaras, is the vital part of
Uttar Pradesh tourist destinations. The major locations in Varanasi that is
worth seeing are:
- Ghats
- Sarnath
- Ramnagar
- Ashokan
Pillars
Deogarh
Deogarh that is situated in the present Lalitpur
district of Uttar Pradesh.Deogarh is epigraphically and archaeologically a very
importance site of Uttar Pradesh. The name of Deogarh of Uttar Pradesh is
mentioned many times in the chronicles of Indian history. Deogarh is a witness
to many important events in Indian history.Deogarh of Uttar Pradesh has found
mentioned during the reign of the Guptas, Gonds, and during Muslim rule in
Delhi.Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh was also important during British raj.
The Dashavatar Temple of Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh
is a beautiful Vishnu temple of the Gupta period. This hindu temple of Deogarh
at Uttar Pradesh was previously known as the Panchayatan temples of north India
and called the 'Jewel of Deogarh'. The temple is popular for its Rathika Panels
and noted for being the first temple of India with a Shikara or Spire.
Apart from the Dashavatar Temple, Deogarh in
Uttar Pradesh is also a famous Jain Center of India. Today, Deogarh, Uttar
Pradesh, boasts for being the home to nearly 31 remarkable ancient Jain
temples.
Kalinjar
Kalinjar town and fort was of strategic
importance during medieval times. It is located in an integral part of
Bundelkhand, called Jejakbhukti. From the 9th to the 15th centuries, the
Kalinjar fort was a Chandela stronghold and did not lose its importance upto
the time of the Mughals.
Finally,
Akbar conquered it in 1569 and gifted it to one of the "nine jewels"
of his court, Birbal. Later, it went to the legendary Bundela warrior,
Chhatrasal and Hardev Shah of Panna, before being sieged by the British in
1812.
Kalinjar Fort: This fort is situated on the
Vindhya ranges at a height of 700 feet. This fort is accessible by seven
gateways, namely Alamgir Darwaza, Ganesh Dwar, Chauburji Darwaza, Buddha Bhadra
Darwaza, Hanuman Dwar, Lal Darwaza, and Bara Darwaza. There are two palaces -
Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal within the fort. The other prominent parts of the
fort are as follows:
- Sita Sej:
It is a small cave with a stone bed and pillow, which were once used by
hermits. - Buddha-Budhi
taal - Its waters are believed to possess healing qualities. - Mrigdhara:
It is a spring located within an inner chamber of the rampart. - Koito
Birth: It is an important pilgrimage spot, which is believed to cure
lepers.
Kapilvastu
Kapilvastu used to be the ancient capital of
Sakya clan. The Sakya ruler was the father of Buddha. At the age of 29, Buddha
left his palace in Kapilvastu and revisited it 12 years later, after attaining
enlightenment. Kapilvastu consists of several villages including Piprahwa and
Ganvaria. A large stupa at Kapilvastu is said to have housed Buddha's bone
relics.
Kapilvastu Festivals:
Kapilvastu Buddha Mahotsava: The Uuttar Pradesh
Tourism Department organises this festival from 29 December to 31 December.
- Kartik
Poornima/Srawan Mela: It is celebrated in the time period November -
December. It is considered a sacred day when the Varanasi ghats are
illuminated with thousands of brightly lit earthen lamps. A large number
of visitors come to this place at this time to watch this spectacular
event. - Magh Mela:
It starts with Makar Sankranti and ends with Maha Shivratri. Magh Mela can
be termed the annual version of the Kumbh Mela. It takes place at Sangam
in Allahabad. This time is regarded auspicious for taking holy dips in the
Sangam.
- Navratri:
The festival of Dassera is one of the most famous festivals of India. This
festival is celebrated in September or October. On the first nine nights,
goddess Durga is worshipped and therefore, these nights are known as
"Navaratri". The tenth day of the Dassera is dedicated to Durga
Devi.
Mathura
Mathura is famous as the birth place of lord
Krishna. It is located on the western bank of river Yamuna. It is located at a
distance of 145 kilometer to the south-east of Delhi and 58 kilometer to the
north-west of Agra. It is equally treasured by the Buddhists, the Jains and the
Brahmans. Today, Mathura stands as a place of enormous religious and historic
interest.
- Shri
Krishna Janma Bhumi: It is Lord Krishna's birth place. - Vishram
Ghat: Lord Krishna is believed to have rested here after slaying Kansa. - Gita
Mandir: The carving and painting of the temple are its chief attractions.
It is situated on the outskirts of the city. - Dwarkadheesh
Temple: It is the most prominent temple in the town. During Holi,
Janmashthami and Diwali, it is decorated elaborately.
