Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India. The city of Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal, a huge white marble tomb built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife. Nearby, you’ll find the Agra Fort, a large red-brick palace from the 16th and 17th centuries. The capital, Lucknow, is home to Muslim memorials like the Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara, both known for their beautiful calligraphy. To the southwest, Fatehpur Sikri is an abandoned city built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, with notable landmarks like the Buland Darwaza gate and the Tomb of Salim Chishti. In the southeast, Varanasi is a holy city where Hindus bathe in the Ganges River and perform funeral rituals. One of its most famous temples is Kashi Vishwanath, with its gold-plated spires. Nearby, in Sarnath, is the Dhamekh Stupa, which marks the place where Buddha gave his first sermon.
Places to visit in Uttar Pradesh
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a beautiful white marble tomb on the Yamuna River’s south bank in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 to honor his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after her death. Known for its stunning architecture, the Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It is surrounded by lush gardens and is a symbol of love and loss. The monument’s design includes intricate carvings and precious stones.
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, India, is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the country. It is famous for being home to the Bengal tiger, along with leopards, elephants, and various other animals. The park is rich in both flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The Dhikala zone, in particular, offers the best opportunities for wildlife sightings. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris and nature walks.
Agra Fort
Agra Fort is a massive red-brick fort in Agra, India, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was the primary residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638, when the capital moved to Delhi. The fort has beautiful Mughal architecture, including palaces, gardens, and mosques. It played a key role in the Mughal empire’s defense and administration. The fort is located near the Taj Mahal and offers stunning views of the river Yamuna.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is a major ghat on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India. It is one of the most vibrant and visited ghats in the city, close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The ghat is famous for its evening Ganga Aarti, a devotional ritual with fire offerings to the river. The atmosphere is lively with pilgrims and tourists alike, offering prayers and taking boat rides. It’s a perfect spot to experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi.
Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi
Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi is a revered Hindu temple in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The temple is built around the prison cell where Krishna is said to have been born. The site attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during the festival of Janmashtami. The temple complex is a symbol of faith and devotion for Hindus.
Prem Mandir
Prem Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Vrindavan, Mathura, India. This beautiful temple is maintained by the Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat organization. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, and its architecture is a blend of modern and traditional styles. The temple is known for its intricately carved marble and vibrant lighting, which creates a stunning visual effect at night. It is a peaceful place for spiritual reflection and devotion.
Jhansi Fort
Jhansi Fort is a historic fort located on a hilltop in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by the Chandela rulers in the 11th century and later expanded by the Marathas. The fort played a significant role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, where Rani Lakshmibai famously defended it against British forces. The fort offers panoramic views of the city and is an important symbol of India’s struggle for independence. It is a popular historical site for tourists.
Kashi Vishvanath Temple
Kashi Vishvanath Temple, located in Varanasi, India, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on the banks of the Ganges River and attracts millions of devotees every year. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and is part of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its golden spire and intricate carvings.
Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara is a historical monument located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is famous for its grand architecture. The complex includes a large central hall, an intricate maze known as Bhool Bhulaiya, and beautiful gardens. The Bara Imambara is an important example of Mughal architecture and is considered one of Lucknow’s most iconic landmarks. It is a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture.
Anand Bhavan
Anand Bhavan is a historic house museum located in Allahabad, India. It was the ancestral home of the Nehru family and is now a museum dedicated to the family’s contributions to India’s independence. The museum showcases personal belongings, photographs, and artifacts related to the Nehru-Gandhi family. Anand Bhavan is a significant place in India’s history, as it was also the residence of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.
Top destinations in Uttar Pradesh
Agra
Agra is a city in northern India, famous for the Taj Mahal, a grand white marble tomb built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. The Taj Mahal is known for its massive dome and beautiful carvings. It sits behind a large reflecting pool, surrounded by a courtyard with four minarets. Agra is also home to the Agra Fort, another significant Mughal structure.
Varanasi
Varanasi, located in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the oldest cities in India and a major spiritual center for Hindus. Pilgrims come to the Ganges River to bathe in its sacred waters and perform funeral rites. The city is home to about 2,000 temples, including the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, located near Agra, was founded by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. The city is known for its red sandstone buildings, including the impressive Buland Darwaza gate and Jama Masjid mosque. The Tomb of Salim Chishti and the Diwan-E-Khas hall are other notable sites. The city also features a mix of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles, seen in the Jodha Bai Palace and the Panch Mahal.
Lucknow
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its rich Mughal and Awadhi architecture. The Rumi Darwaza is a grand gateway, and the Bara Imambara is a significant 18th-century shrine with a large hall and a maze of narrow tunnels called Bhool Bhulaiya. The Husainabad Clock Tower, built in the Victorian style, stands nearby as a symbol of the city’s history.
Mathura
Mathura, a sacred city in Uttar Pradesh, is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi temple marks the location where he was born. Mathura is home to many ghats along the Yamuna River, with Vishram Ghat being the holiest. Other landmarks include the 16th-century Sati Burj tower and the Dwarkadhish Temple, which features a black marble idol of Krishna.
Sarnath
Sarnath, located near Varanasi, is an important Buddhist site where Buddha gave his first sermon. The city features the Dhamekh Stupa, which marks this historic event. The Deer Park in Sarnath is where the Buddha taught his disciples. Sarnath is also home to temples dedicated to Jainism, including one built at the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the 11th Tirthankara.
Prayagraj
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is famous for the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. This confluence is considered sacred by Hindus. The city is home to the 16th-century Allahabad Fort built by Mughal emperor Akbar, as well as the Ashoka Pillar and Patalpuri Temple. The Allahabad Museum showcases the city’s rich history.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan, located in Uttar Pradesh, is a holy town where Lord Krishna is believed to have spent his childhood. The town has many temples dedicated to Krishna and his consort Radha. The Banke Bihari Temple is famous for the ritual of opening and closing a curtain in front of Krishna’s idol. The Radha Raman Temple and Prem Mandir are also significant spiritual landmarks in the town.
Jhansi
Jhansi, a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, is known for its fort, which was a key site during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The city is located in Bundelkhand and serves as the administrative headquarters for the Jhansi district. The fort, situated on a hilltop, provides stunning views of the surrounding area. Jhansi is also a gateway to the Bundelkhand region, rich in history and culture.
Meerut
Meerut, a city in Uttar Pradesh, has ancient roots, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The city is known for producing sports goods and musical instruments. Meerut is also famous for being the starting point of the 1857 rebellion against British colonial rule. It is an educational hub in western Uttar Pradesh and is referred to as the “Sports City of India.”
Aligarh
Aligarh, a city in Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its lock industries and is the administrative headquarters of the Aligarh district. It is also home to Aligarh Muslim University, a renowned educational institution. The city is known for its rich history and cultural significance, playing a key role in the region’s development.
Ayodhya
Ayodhya, an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, a central figure in Hindu mythology. The city is a major pilgrimage site, especially for Hindus. Ayodhya was once the capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom and holds great religious significance. It is also the site of the ongoing Ayodhya dispute related to the construction of a Ram temple.
Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot, known as “Teerth of Teerths,” is a town located in the Vindhya range of hills. The city is renowned for its spiritual significance and natural beauty, with forests, streams, and waterfalls. It is a major pilgrimage destination, and its name, meaning “beautiful mountain,” reflects its picturesque surroundings. Visitors come for both its spiritual and scenic charm.
Hastinapur
Hastinapur, located in Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh, is an ancient town with a history dating back to 1100 BCE. It is mentioned in Hindu texts as the capital of the Kuru Kingdom and holds significance in Jain texts as well. Archaeological excavations have uncovered ancient settlements in the area, making it an important site for both history and religion.
Best Time To Visit Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh experiences extreme weather, with very hot summers and cold winters, making it hard to decide the best time to visit. The ideal time to visit is during the winter months, from December to February, when temperatures can drop to around 4°C. Summer, from April to May, is very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 47°C, making it uncomfortable for tourists. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rains, which can make travel difficult due to slippery roads and flooding, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time.
