Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh: The Land of Legends

Uttar Pradesh is a state that comes alive in moments of beauty and history. The curve of sunlight over the Taj Mahal, the gentle lap of the Ganga on the banks of Varanasi, the saffron hues of a sadhu’s cloth during the Kumbh Mela, the muted red glow of Fatehpur Sikri – these are the small but powerful snapshots that make up the larger-than-life tapestry of Uttar Pradesh.

This is a land where legends were born, were spirituality and secularism blend seamlessly. From rivers and mountains to thick forests and historic monuments, Uttar Pradesh holds moments and memories for every traveler.

Uttar Pradesh: A Quick View of the State

• Capital: Lucknow
• Official Language: Hindi, Urdu
• Dial Code: 0522
• Population: 221.468 million (as of 2018)
• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
• Time Zone: UTC+05:30 (IST)
• Area: 243,286 square kilometers

Highlights: Tales as Old as Time

Heritage

Uttar Pradesh has a unique way of blending the past with the present. At every corner, you’ll encounter heritage buildings that played prominent roles in history. Start with the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Then, explore further: the red brilliance of the Red Fort, the grandeur of Jhansi and Allahabad forts, the majestic Kashi Vishwanath temple, the towering Buland Darwaza, the serene Sarnath Stupa, and the lush grounds of All Saints Cathedral. Each location holds stories of centuries past.

Worship

Religious diversity and spiritual fervor weave through the state. Varanasi, with its sacred ghats and the holy Ganga, radiates spirituality. Explore its many temples, including the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. In Vrindavan, devotees of Lord Krishna will find solace in places like Banke Bihari Mandir, Prem Mandir, and Radha Raman Temple. Uttar Pradesh is also home to stunning mosques like Alamgir Mosque, Humayun Mosque, Jama Masjid, and Moti Masjid. For followers of Buddhism, sites like Kushinagar, Piprahwa, Sarnath, and Shravasti are significant spiritual landmarks.

Shopping

Uttar Pradesh is a treasure trove of culture, creativity, and commerce. Wander through the bustling markets and discover arts and crafts unique to the region, such as the delicate Chikankari embroidery of Lucknow, the regal Zari embroidery in Banarasi saris, intricate glasswork, Persian carpets, hand-printed fabrics from Farukhabad, and artistic metalware. Shopping here is an experience that reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Wildlife

Uttar Pradesh is more than its cities, monuments, and places of worship. A walk on the wild side reveals towering mountains, verdant meadows, thick forests, and stunning rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna. Hidden within these landscapes is a diverse range of wildlife, including swamp deer, wolves, leopards, hyenas, wild boars, crocodiles, chinkara, and the rare Gangetic dolphin. Nature enthusiasts can explore its national parks and sanctuaries, such as Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandra Prabha Sanctuary, and Okhla Bird Sanctuary.

Festivals

Uttar Pradesh celebrates festivals on a grand scale. From Holi, Diwali, Maha Shivratri, to Janmashtami, every festival is an explosion of joy and color. The state is also home to the world-renowned Kumbh Mela, the largest peaceful gathering in the world, drawing millions of pilgrims and tourists to its sacred banks.

Cuisine

Uttar Pradesh’s cuisine tells a story of dynasties, cultures, and spices that have shaped its culinary heritage. Strong Mughlai and Awadhi influences are evident in dishes like Aloo Paratha, Kachori, Pakora, Samosa, Galouti Kebabs, Chicken Biryani, and Tehri. The state is also famous for its chaat, a delightful explosion of flavors. Satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional delicacies such as Pedha, Balushahi, Halva, Jalebi, and Ras Malai. Every dish has a tale waiting to be explored.

Interesting Facts About Uttar Pradesh

• The Parijaat trees found in UP are believed to have been brought down from Heaven by Lord Krishna.
• It is the most populous state in India and the most populous country subdivision in the world.
• The Ganga and Yamuna rivers meet at Prayagraj (Allahabad) and flow as the Ganga further east.
• Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of nine Indian Prime Ministers.
• UP’s GDP of about USD 150 billion is higher than that of many countries, including Iceland, Monaco, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Location: Fourth and First

Uttar Pradesh is bordered by Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to the northwest, Haryana and Delhi to the west, Madhya Pradesh to the south, Rajasthan to the southwest, Bihar to the east, and Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to the southeast.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Uttar Pradesh is during the winter, from October to March, when the weather is cooler, and a thick fog envelope the state, adding to its mystical charm. Summers can be scorching, and the monsoon season brings heavy downpours, so caution is advised when planning travel during those periods.

How to Get to Uttar Pradesh: Highways to Heaven

• By Road: Uttar Pradesh has an extensive road network with 35 National Highways and 83 state highways, making it well-connected to major cities. State and private buses, as well as taxis, are readily available for intercity travel.
• By Rail: The state is well connected by rail, with important railway stations in cities like Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Faizabad, Prayagraj, Moradabad, and Gorakhpur. From these hubs, you can easily access taxis and buses to reach your destination.
• By Air: Uttar Pradesh has four domestic airports (Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, and Varanasi). Lucknow and Varanasi also serve as international airports, offering flights from various major cities.

History: Legendary Lore

Uttar Pradesh has a long, illustrious history dating back to the Middle, Upper Palaeolithic, and Mesolithic periods. It witnessed the rise and fall of the Indus Valley Civilization, the Vedic Period, and the Iron Age. It is also the legendary birthplace of Lord Ram (Ayodhya) and Lord Krishna (Mathura). The epic Kurukshetra War of the Mahabharata is believed to have unfolded in the land between Upper Doab and Delhi.

The state has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Rashtrakutas, the Delhi Sultanate, and the mighty Mughals. In more recent history, Uttar Pradesh became a focal point of the Indian independence movement against British rule. In 1920, the capital was shifted from Allahabad to Lucknow. Post-independence, the United Provinces were officially named Uttar Pradesh (“Northern Province”). In 2000, the northern districts of the state were carved out to form Uttarakhand.

Let the rich history of Uttar Pradesh guide your journey as you explore the treasures of this legendary land.

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