The grand Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya thrust Uttar Pradesh back into the spotlight just a few days ago. Uttar Pradesh is unique in a variety of ways. Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Lord Buddha once walked among the people, making it the cradle of Indian mythology and civilization. If you haven’t yet discovered Uttar Pradesh’s treasure trove of monuments, architectural wonders, pilgrim centers, spiritual experiences, and wildlife, now is the time to do so. In this article, we’ll show you 10 tourist places to visit in Uttar Pradesh that you simply cannot miss on your trip.
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1. Agra
2. Vrindavan
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Mathura and Vrindavan are often referred to as twin cities because they are only 10 kilometers apart. Vrindavan, one of the oldest cities on the banks of the Yamuna, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Lord Krishna devotees. The city of Vrindavan, which is located along the Yamuna River, is considered his childhood home and is home to hundreds of Lord Krishna and Radha temples. Banke Bihari temple and the world-famous ISKCON temple are the most well-known. The city’s name is derived from the words Vrinda (basil) and Van (grove), which may refer to the two small groves at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. Because Vrindavan is revered as a sacred site, a large number of people flock here to give up their material possessions.
3. Varanasi
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Varanasi is one of the oldest places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges river. Culture, religion, history, art, and education have flourished here for centuries, which is why it is one of the most visited cities in the country. This holy site is associated with Lord Shiva and is considered the holiest place in Hinduism. People come from all over the world to seek nirvana and the Lord’s blessings. A Ganga aarti (Hindu ritual of worship) is required, as is a dip in the Ganges river, which is said to wash away all sins and bring you one step closer to salvation. Visitors can sit on one of the many ghats and observe people from all walks of life, or they can take a boat ride along the shore for a spectacular view of the ghats.
4. Sarnath
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Sarnath, a quiet and spiritual city of historical marvel with numerous Buddhist stupas, museums, excavated ancient sites, and beautiful temples, all adorned with a mystical and serene setting, is yet another holy tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath, one of the four holiest places for Buddhists, is only 10 kilometers from Varanasi and is frequently visited by Buddhists, Jain, and Hindu devotees. It was here that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Ashoka’s Pillar and Dharma Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka, are among the attractions that contribute to Sarnath’s spiritual significance. All of this combines to make Sarnath one of Uttar Pradesh’s must-see and experience destinations.
5. Mathura
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Mathura is one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities, and as such, it attracts a large number of pilgrims from all over the world, making it one of the most visited pilgrims and tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh. The Yamuna Aarti, like the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, is one of Mathura’s highlights. During the two major festivals of Janmashtami and Holi, the town is overrun with tourists and pilgrims. Shri Krishna Janmabhumi in Mathura’s most well-known tourist attraction because it is thought to be the exact location where Lord Krishna was born, and the prison where he was born is now open to the public. The Dwarkadheesh Temple and the Gita Mandir are the other two most important temples in town.
6. Allahabad
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Allahabad, also known as Prayagraj, is known for the Triveni Sangam, or the confluence of three rivers – the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati – and is thus one of the most important tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh. Allahabad, which was built on the site of the ancient town of Prayag, has hosted the world’s largest Hindu gathering on the banks of the Sangam since time immemorial – the Maha Kumbh Mela, which takes place every twelve years and attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world. The city was originally known as Prayag or Prayagraj, but after the Mughal invasion, Emperor Akbar, impressed by the location, renamed it ‘Ilahabas,’ which means ‘Abode of God.’ His grandson, Emperor Shah Jahan, renamed the city Allahabad.
7. Lucknow
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Lucknow, the capital and one of the largest places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, greets visitors with a heartfelt greeting of ‘Muskuraiyein, kyunki aap Lucknow mein hai’ (Smile, for you, are in Lucknow). This city of Nawabs and Kebabs, located on the banks of the Gomti River, is known for its architecture, history, literature, and culture. Rumi Darwaza, the Mughal Gateway in the heart of the capital, separates the old and new parts of the city. While Old Lucknow is known for its bustling streets, authentic mouthwatering kebab and biryani outlets, Lucknowi Chikan (a type of embroidery) market, and wholesale jewelry stores, New Lucknow is a multicultural city that is urban and one of Asia’s most well-planned cities. Lucknow is unquestionably one of the most well-known cities in India, not just in Uttar Pradesh.
8. Fatehpur Sikri
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Fatehpur Sikri, a city built of red sandstone, was founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571. It is 40 kilometers from Agra and is rightfully referred to as the Mughal Empire’s pride. Fatehpur Sikri is a fortified city that served as the Empire’s capital for fifteen years. Fatehpur Sikri is adorned with a unique blend of Indo-Islamic architectural excellence and religious beliefs. The three palaces for Emperor Akbar’s favorite wives – one Hindu (Jodha Bai), one Muslim, and one Christian; Jama Masjid – a stunning mosque that is still in use today; Buland Darwaza; and the tomb of Salim Chisti, among many other famous monuments – are all UNESCO world heritage sites. Fatehpur Sikri appears magical and magnificent, especially at sunset. This is unquestionably one of the best places in Uttar Pradesh to visit.
9. Ayodhya
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Ayodhya, another one of the popular tourist places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, has been in the spotlight for many years, most recently for the grand Bhoomi Poojan of the Ram Mandir that will be built here. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, is one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities, located on the banks of the Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh. Four of Jainism’s 24 Tirthankaras were born in Ayodhya, making it one of the most important tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh for Jains. By the banks of the holy Sarayu river, the religious town is adorned with many serene ghats. Despite the controversy, Ayodhya offers tourists a wealth of color and spirituality to see and experience, and it remains a major pilgrimage destination.
10. Jhansi
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Jhansi is associated with the 18th-century queen Rani Lakshmibai, also known as Jhansi ki Rani, for her bravery and valor. It has temples, forts, and churches that harken back to a bygone era, and a stroll through them is an evocative experience that will captivate you. The Jhansi Fort, Rani Mahal, and Government Museum are all worth visiting.
So there you have it: the top 10 attractive places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. And keep in mind that this isn’t a complete list. Uttar Pradesh is a vibrant bouquet of incredible sights and experiences. Each of these locations is so important in its own right that it has carved out a niche for itself in the tourism industry. It’s high time you planned an Uttar Pradesh tour package if you want to see and experience the real India and walk the land where Gods once walked.