Tourism in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is known for ages for its rich culture and tradition. Its is home to Ayodhya & Mathura birth place of Lord Ram & Lord Krishan, respectively. Uttar Pradesh attracts a large number of both national and international visitors. Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonder's of the world in Agra is also in Uttar Pradesh. There are different places one can visit in Uttar Pradesh. Agra & Jhansi are famous for their Monuments.

Agra

A vast number of tourists visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. Agra is home to three World Heritage Sites in Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & the Fatehpur Sikri. Agra is also home to many other beautiful Mughal buildings like Akbar's Tomb, Itmad-Ud-Daulah etc. Dayal Bagh is a temple built in modern times that many visit. It is still under construction, and would take an estimated one century for completion. The life-like carving in marble is not seen anywhere else in India. The 17th century Taj Mahal in Agra is the most popular monument in India, attracting over 25 Lakhs visitors a year. [ [http://www.india-server.com/news/taj-mahal-attracts-maximum-visitors-in-2529.html Taj Mahal attracts a lot of visitors] ]

Kumbha Mela

Every year thousands gather at Allahabad to take part in the festival on the banks of the Ganges, the Magh Mela. The same festival is organised in a larger scale every 12th year and attracts millions of people and is called the Kumbha Mela. Kumbh Mela (especially the Maha Kumbh Mela) is the most sacred of all the pilgrimages. Thousands of holy men and women (monks, saints and sadhus) attend, and the auspiciousness of the festival is in part attributable to this. The sadhus are seen clad in saffron sheets with plenty of ashes and powder dabbed on their skin per the requirements of ancient traditions. Some called "nanga sanyasis" or 'Dhigambers' may often be seen without any clothes even in severe winter, generally considered to live an extreme lifestyle. This tends to attract a lot of western attention as it is seemingly in contrast to a generally conservative social modesty practised in the country.

Hindhu Religious Sites

Millions of tourists and pilgrims visit the cities of Allahabad, Varanasi, Mathura and Ayodhya, as those are considered to be the holiest cities in India.

*Varanasi is widely considered to be the second oldest city in the world after Jerusalem. It is famous for its ghats (steps along the river) which are populated year round with people who want to take a dip in the holy Ganges River.
*Mathura : Birth place of Lord Krishan
*Ayodhya : Birth place of Lord Ram
*Vrindavan : It has many beautiful temples dedicated to Lord Krishan

Buddhist religious sites

Uttar Pradesh has many sites which are connected to Lord Buddha and hence, are sacred to Buddhists.
*Sarnath : Where he held his first public discourse. Also at Sarnath are the Ashoka Pillar and the Lion Capital, both important archaeological artifacts with national significance.
*Kushinagar : Where he attained Mahaparinirvana (Demise).
*Kapilvastu : Where Prince Siddharth grew up as a child.
*Kaushambi : Where Buddha delivered many a sermons.
*Sankisa : Where he descended after addressing his mother in Heaven.
*Sravasti : His favorite monsoon resort.

Wild Life

Dudhwa National Park is one of the best Tiger reserves in the country. Lakhimpur Kheri is a must see location, and home to the Tiger reserve., In sept 2008, Uttar Pradesh has got another Tiger Reserve area in Pilibhit named Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.Some areas require a special permit for non-Indians to visit. There are many other beautiful Wild life Sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh.

References

External links

* [http://agra.nic.in/ Official Website of Agra maintained by NIC]
*
*
* [http://www.anysubject.com/1/agra-utar-pradesh-india-taj-mahal-guide-to-agra.asp Agra City Guide]
* [http://www.pratheep.com/agra.shtml Agra photo album]
* [http://www.tajmahal.travel/ More history About Taj]