G.B. International ::- Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh also popularly known by its abbreviation U.P., is the most populous and fifth largest state in the Union of India. Blessed with a varaity of geographical land and many cultural diversities, Uttar Pradesh, has been the area of activity of historical heroes like - Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira, Ashoka, Harsha, Akbar and Mahatma Gandhi. Rich and tranquil expanses of meadows, perennial rivers, dense forestsand fertile soil of Uttar Pradesh have contributed numerous golden chapters to the annals of Indian History. Dotted with various holy shrines and piligrim places, full of joyous festivals, it plays an important role in the politics, education, culture, industry, agriculture and tourism of India.
Uttar Pradesh attracts a large number of both national and international visitors. There are two regions in the state where a majority of the tourists go. These are the city of Agra and the holy cities: the cities of Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura and Allahabad, by the sacred rivers — the Ganga and the Yamuna are all located in the state. The state hosts a Kumbha Mela every 12 years, where over 10 million Hindus congregate — the largest gathering of human beings in the world.
A vast number of tourists visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. Another important tourist attraction in Agra is the Agra Fort. Also famous is a 16th century capital city built by the Mughal emperor Akbar known as Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. 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.
Excursions
AllahabadThe city of confluence of the great rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. The confluence known as sangam is believed to have great soul cleansing powers. According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, the creator chose a piece of land on earth, for the 'Prakrishta Yagna', now where these rivers flow in a confluence. The land, blessed by the gods come to be known as 'Prayag'.
Varanasi
Known formerly as Kashi or Benares, this ancient city set on the banks of the river Ganga, is one of the holiest cities in India. This enchanting city is said to have been founded by Lord Shiva. Being one of the oldest living and most holy city's in India, Varanasi attracts a lot of tourists, who come to absorb the over 2000-year old history of learning and civilisation that the city has to offer. It was at Sarnath, only 10 km away from Varanasi, that the Buddha, first preached his message of enlightenment, 25 centuries ago.
Agra
Agra is the one of the prominent destinations of the World Tourism map with three heritage monuments - The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri. It is more just a dacadent city of graveyards and stones, but it is a vibrant centre of Culture, Art and Religious philosphies that have enriched mankind and shaped humen thought over centuries.
A pleasant town with comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soastone by craftsman who are descendant of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.
Agra was once the capital of the Mughal empire and even today it seems to linger in the past . Not surprising , for the Mughal emperors with their passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world . It is very easy to slip away here through the centuries into the grandeur and intrigues of the Mughal court .
Lucknow
Lucknow, the Golden city of the east is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and is popularly called the city of Nawabs and Kababs. Though it is rapidly modernising, it still has kept its past glory and is known for its cultural refinement. It is also associated with legendary hospitality, leisurely moods of life and world-renowned cuisine. The city offers plenty of places of historical interest to tourists. The popular Parsi theatre originated from the Urdu theatre, and the Tabla and Sitar were first heard on the streets of Lucknow.
Sarnath
Sarnath is a major Buddhist centre in the world. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha, the 'Awakened One', delivered his first sermon here.It was the sixth century then, when he also set in motion the wheel of law, the Dharmachakra. This dwelling place of the rishis, it was also known as 'Rishipatana'( the place of the Rishis or sages). Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park where he initiated his first five disciples into Buddhist monkhood. Buddhism found its roots in Sarnath, the birthplace of this way of life.
Kushinagar
The Buddha is believed to have breathed his last in this land with pastoral surrounding, the small hamlet of Kushinagar, 53 km west of Gorakhpur. The land is venerated as the site of the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana, his death and cremation, that marked his final liberation from the cycles of death and rebirth.
Ayodhya
The ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindus. For centuries it was the capital of the decendants of the Surya Vansh of which Lord Rama was the most celebrated king. Ayodhya during ancient times was known as Kosaldesha. The Atharvaveda describes it as "a city built by gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself". The illustrious ruling dynasty of this region were the lkshvakus of the Surya Vash. Accoridng to tradition lkshvaku was the eldest son of Vaivasvata Manu, who established himself at Ayodhya.
How to Reach
By AirThe state has four domestic airports in it, namely: Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Varanasi. So all major destinations have own airport near it. They are connected by regular flights of important public and private airlines to cities like Delhi, Mumbai.
By Rail
Notable tourist destinations in the state, viz: Agra, Varanasi, Lucknow are conveniently networked by Railways with the rest of the country. Many express, super-fast and passenger trains service these stations on a regular basis.
By Road
An extensive road network covers the state thoroughly. National Highways 2, 25, 26, 27, 29, and 45 and a number of State Highways run through the state. Agra, the most famous destination in Uttar Pradesh is nearly 4 hours drive from Delhi.