Places to visit in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh

Bordering on Delhi in the North of India, Uttar Pradesh is the most populated state in India with a population of 241 million. Home to tourist destinations such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri it is also significant for it’s Holy pilgrimages to Varanasi, Sarnath, Mathura and Vrindavan. The villages of Uttar Pradesh are plentiful nestled amongst the fields of sugar cane. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy village life if you do get the chance, there you are sure to reconnect with the seasons and traditions through the Desi food and way of life.

Places to Visit

1. Varanasi

Varanasi (Benares) the ‘Spiritual capital of India’ dates back to the 11th century BCE and is also known by its ancient name Kashi. It is one of the worlds oldest continually habited cities, though many of the temples date to the 16th century when Rajput nobles in the service of the Mughal Emperor Akbar sponsored the building and further enhancement of the major Shiva temple in the city along with other temples. The sights, sounds and smells when wandering along the ghats can be a sensory overload and yet not an experience to be missed as the powerful energy of this city is quite unforgettable.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – regarded as one of the holiest and most important places of worship for Hindus and the first temple was built on this site in 500 BCE though the present day temple was constructed in 1780 by the Maratha monarch, Maharani Holkar of Indore. Inside the temple is the ‘Jyotirlinga’ just one of the 12 places in the world where Lord Shiva resides. After a pilgrimage to this temple one should give up atleast one desire. It is also believed that Lord Shiva blows a mantra of salvation into the ears of anyone who dies naturally at this temple.
Boat ride on the Ganges to Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat – Both are cremation ghats.
Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (Believed to have been built by Brahma to welcome Shiva), and at Panchganga Ghat.
Wander the backstreets by the side of the Ghats and eat at one of the many roof top cafes and bakeries.
Bathe in the Ganges at Varanasi and all your sins will be removed.

2. Sarnath

Sarnath is one of the 4 most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. This is where Buddha gave his first sermon and in 528BCE at the age of 35 taught about the 4 noble truths to his disciples. Today it remains a centre for Buddhist around the world to converge at the many Buddhist monasteries here (Cambodian, Thai, Vietnameses, Sri Lankan, Chinese and Japanese).

Dharmarajika Stupa – Originally in 249 BCE by Emperor Ashoka built a stupa on this site after he embraced Buddhism following the battle of Kalinga, it was made of white Makrana marble and held the remains of Buddha. However the brick built stupa seen today was built in the 5th century.
Japanese Temple (Horinji Temple) – a typical Japanese style, double storey pagoda with beautiful Japanese garden in which to relax and meditate. Built by the Indo- Japan Buddhist Cultural Society

3. Agra

Agra
Places to visit:

Taj Mahal
Agra Fort
Sheroes Hangout
Shopping

4. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri

Places to visit:

Fatehpur Sikri Fort

5. Lucknow

Lucknow –

Places to visit:

Bhool Bhulaiyah

6. Mathura and Vrindavan

Places to visit:

Places to visit in Uttar Pradesh