Uttar Pradesh Tourism

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

Rajesh Sharma — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:11:03 +0000

Dudhwa is a 614 sq. km long heaven painted in green. It is one of the finest Tiger reserves in Uttar Pradesh. Dudhwa is filled with beautiful grasslands, dense forests to swampy marshes. We can see several natural diversities in this Tiger reserve. It was declared a Tiger reserve since 1879, in 1979 Dudhwa became a National Park and in 1988 it is listed under Project Tiger. There are around 37 species of mammals and around 16 species of reptiles. As per latest survey they have around 101 tigers and 4 leopards. Dudhwa Tiger reserve is a very popular tourist destination. Don’t miss a chance to have a date with the nature.

Uttar Pradesh has 4 major airports in Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow and Varanasi hence reaching the state by air is never a matter of concern. All these major cities have their railway station as well. There are several hotels and resorts for tourists to stay during their vacation.

Jhansi: The land of the brave

Rajesh Sharma — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:52:23 +0000

Jhansi is a place that lies in the lips of every history enthusiast in India. The name immortalized by the famous princess warrior Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi. Apart from the historical value of the place, Jhansi is famous for its beautiful forts and temples. Jhansi has a rich historic background. It was ruled by the Rajput Chandela, this same land witnessed the fierce battle between Rani Lakshmi Bai, Tantya Tope and Nana Sahib against the despotic British rules. The Jhansi Fort is built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo. The fort gives a bird’s eye view on the beautiful and magnificent city below. Jhansi Museum is also worth a visit. It is the easiest way to get an insight about the history of the place. The weapons, statues, dresses and photographs that represents the ancient era are kept for tourists to admire and learn from the history of Jhansi. The Rani Mahal of Jhansi is also a tourist attraction. It was the official residence of Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi. The building itself is an architectural marvel.

The airport in Gwalior is the nearest one to Jhansi, the distance between Jhansi and Gwalior is 103 kms, and there are cabs as well as bus services from Gwalior to Jhansi. Jhansi is a famous railway junction in the Delhi- Mumbai route. There are also several general resorts in Jhansi for tourists to stay.

Fatehpur Sikri: The city of the Saint.

Rajesh Sharma — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:44:53 +0000

For a short period in the history of Mughal reign, Fatehpur Sikri was raised as the empires capital. Today this silent and ancient city is one of the UNESCO Listed World Heritage Site. Fatehpur Sikri is built by the famous Mughal ruler Akbar. Akbar designed and built an entire city in Persian as well as Hindu architectural style. There are several Palaces, halls, masjids, huge squires etc. in the city. The main landmark buildings in Fatehpur Sikrti are, Buland Darwaza, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Jama masjid, Anup Taloa, Mariam-uz-Zamani etc.

The tomb of Salim Chisti, a white marble tomb is the centre of attraction in Fatehpur Sikri. Devotees believe any wish can be granted if one ties a black thread on the marble screen of the late saint’s tomb, with a promise that the thread will be loosened once the wish is fulfilled. People from distant places visit this ancient city similar to that of China’s Forbidden City.

Agra airport is the nearest one which is mere 9 km away from the World Heritage Site. For those who chose train as a means of travel, still Agra railway station is the best possible stopover to reach Fatehpur Sikri. There are a few hotels and heritage resorts near the tourist site.

Agra Fort : The Red Fort of Agra

Rajesh Sharma — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:06:45 +0000

Agra fort, a World Heritage site is located in Agra. It is also known as Red Fort of Agra or Lal Qila. It is very close to Taj Mahal. The fort is built on banks of Yamuna river and is 2.5 Km long. The walls of the fort are built using red sandstone. There are several buildings inside the fort. The main part of the fort was built during Humayun’s rule and few buildings by Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort is famous for its architecture and marble carvings.

According to legend Shah Jahan who built Taj Mahal was imprisoned by his son Aurangazeb in the Agra Fort. Shah Jahan is believed to have died in Musamman Burj in the Agra Fort which had a beautiful view towards Taj Mahal.

The nearest airport is Delhi international airport and Agra airport. The nearest railway station is Agra railway station. Agra also has good road connectivity with major cities of Uttaranchal with resonabe accomodation options.

Kushinagar Japanese Garden: The land from the past

Rajesh Sharma — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:43:54 +0000

Kushinagar is a land which makes tourist a time traveler. The temples, pillars, viharas and garden silently speak a million stories of its past glory. Kushinagar is located on the border of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the important pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists as Lord Buddha attained Nirvana from here.

The city is filled with beautiful Buddhist relics and dazzling gardens. The most beautiful garden I found was the Japanese garden located in the heart of the city; this is one great attraction which should not be missed at any cost. It is a rock garden built with the finger prints of orient architectural style. Apart from the Japanese garden there are a few more must see attractions in the city like, the Japanese temple, Buddha Vihar, Wat Thai temple, Chinese temple, Meditation park, and Birla temple. Any tourist guide can take you there and help you understand the glory of this great city of the past.

Varanasi is the nearest airport and Gorakhpur is the nearest Railway station both these places are well connected by road to Kushinagar. There are two or three resorts near Kushinagar.

Noida – More Delhi than UP?

Rajesh Sharma — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:49:30 +0000

In its 33rd year of existence, Noida still struggles with its identity crisis. Much like any suburban entity that has grown as fast as its neighbouring big city. In this case New Delhi. So, while Noida is technically in Uttar Pradesh, it is for all intents and purposes like any other colony of Delhi.

A brainchild of Sanjay Gandhi in the mid-70s, New Okhla Industrial Development Authority or Noida started off as a near-inaccessible township for most Delhites. Crossing the Yamuna bridge and heading eastwards, Noida had little connectivity to begin with. Then, as Dilliwalahs figured out the real estate economics, the township grew in popularity, and population.

Today, with the excellent Delhi Metro ready to begin operations to Noida, the National Capital Region (the NCR) is a smaller world now. With time, Uttar Pradesh would get relegated to being an administrative term. It would be more Delhi than UP for Noida in the times to come.

Kumbh Mela, a mass Hindu pilgrimage

Rajesh Sharma — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:39:27 +0000

Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage and is held every three years across the four locations – Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik.

The Ardh Kumbh Mela is celebrated every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad and Purna (complete) Kumbh always takes place at Allahabad every twelve years. The Maha Kumbh Mela (‘Great’ Kumbh Mela) is celebrated after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh Melas’ (for every 144 years) is also held at Allahabad.

Kumbh Mela is being observed since the Vedic times. The gods with an agreement with the demons churned the ocean of milk, to gain amrita (the nectar of immortality). When the Kumbha (urn) containing the amrita appeared, both the parties started fighting for twelve years. During the battle, the celestial bird, Garuda the vehicle of Vishnu flew away with the Kumbha of elixir, and that is when drops of amrita fell at four places on earth: Allahabad (Prayag), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. This is how the Kumbh Mela is observed every twelve years.

Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world

Rajesh Sharma — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:30:21 +0000

Varanasi, also called as “Banaras”, is generally believed to be about 3,000 years old. People often refer to Varanasi as “the city of temples”, “the religious capital of India”, “the city of lights”, “the city of learning” and the “culture capital of India”. Hence, the city is considered as one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the country.

The shrine of Lord Kashi Vishwanath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is situated here. The city is also influenced by other religions like Buddhism, Jainism and Islam.

The city consists of 4 universities Banaras Hindu University, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Central University of Higher Tibetan Studies and Sampoornanand Sanskrit University.

Varanasi is a noted centre for fine silks and brocaded fabrics, exquisite saris, brassware, jewellery, woodcraft, carpets, wall hangings and lamp shades. The main shopping areas include the Chowk, Godaulia, Vishwanath Lane, Lahurabir and Thatheri Bazaar. Varanasi is also famous for Banarasi Pan (betel leaves) and Banarasi Khoa (a milk product).

Mathura, Lord Krishna’s Birth place

Rajesh Sharma — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:36:39 +0000

Mathura city is in Uttar Pradesh. It is at a distance of 145 km from Delhi and 58km from Agra, where Sri Krishna was born and spent his youth. Today little hamlets are still alive with Krishna, the legend. The River Yamuna became famous after Sri Krishna‘s birth.

Many devotees and tourists visit Mathura. It is one of the famous tourist places of Uttar Pradesh. Mathura region includes Vrindavan, Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar, Barsana and Nandgaon.

Many old statues are displayed in Mathura museum. Now, this place has a beautiful temple of lord Krishna.

Kailash Mansarovar: ‘Mountains of Tibet’

Rajesh Sharma — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:14:40 +0000