Uttar Pradesh Tourism

Uttar Pradesh has a rich mythological as well as cultural and traditional importance. The fascinating Uttar Pradesh attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. Uttar Pradesh has riches of monuments, wildlife reserves, picturesque mountains, lakes, pilgrimages and much famed hill stations like Mussoorie and Nainital. The following article presents an overview of the must witnessed tourist spots.

When a tourist visits India he always wishes to see epitome of love- Tajmahal. This wonder of the world monument is situated on the bank of river Yamuna. The marvelous carving of this mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal has always been attraction for the tourist. The architecture of Taj Mahal is the finest example of the Indian Islamic Architecture.

The spiritual city of Banaras or Varanasi is the oldest city which holds a mythological meaning to Hindus. Devotees come to take the holy dip on hundreds of ghats on the bank of river Ganga as they have strong faith that this will absolve one’s sins. People navigate through these ghats and river by taking a boat ride.

Buddha delivered his first sermon at beautiful site, Sarnath. After Enlightenment Buddha set up the first Buddhist sangha or order here, thus it is a popular pilgrim spot. The stupas show the example of Buddhist art.

The pale yellowish-grey sculpture of speckled sandstone has been erected by Emperor Ashoka in third century BC. The pillar has carved four lions back to back gazing towards the four directions. Below, are four wheels, representing dharmachakra, the bull, an elephant, the lion and the horse. This lion capital was chosen as the emblem of the Indian Republic and also for all government documents and even on Indian currency.

The fort stretching to an area of 2.5 Km was built by Shah Jahan in 1628 alongside the Yamuna river. The walls of the fort are made up of red sandstone. The fort has two gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate but the entrance is allowed through Amar Singh Gate. Beautiful carving in marble ceilings is stunning. One special characteristic of the walls of the rooms in the marble pavilions is that they are hollow and are filled with running water to cool off the rooms. You can have sight of Taj Mahal from the fort. It gives the feeling that if Agra fort is constructed to keep a watch on Taj.

Bada Imambara is the historical monument of Lucknow which includes Asfi mosque, the Bhul-Bhulayah and a summer palace with running water. Imambara are the replicas of tombs dedicated to the Holy Prophet and his family members. Non-muslims are not allowed to enter here.

Fatehpur Sikri is a monumental town that has preserved its Mughal Glory and is a case study material for the students of architecture. Buland Darwaza here in Fatehpur Sikri is the massive triumphal arch built in 1575 to celebrate Akbar's conquest of Gujarat. Mughal architecture is the best architecture in India and Buland Darwaza is an example of it.