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. Tourism
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, Haridwar 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 lifelike carving in marble is not seen anywhere else in India. Millions of tourists and piligrims visit the cities of Allahabad, Varanasi and Haridwar, as those are considered to be the holiest cities in India. 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. 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. About 13 km from Varanasi is the historically important town of Sarnath. Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath after his enlightenment and hence is an important pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. Also at Sarnath are the Ashoka Pillar and the Lion Capital, both important archeological artifacts with national significance. Places of Tourist Interest
Western UP:
Hastinapur (Meerut)
Vrindavana (Mathura)
Mathura
Garhmukteshwara (Ghaziabad)
Agra
Fathepur Sikri (Agra)
Peeran Kaliyar (Sahranpur)
Golagokarannath (Kheri)
Sankissa
Kannauj
Kampil (Farrukhabad)
Soron (Etah)
Naimisharanya
Chakratirtha (Sitapur)
Shukratal (Muzaffaranagar)
Bithur (Kanpur)
Lucknow
Deva Sharif (Barabanki) Eastern UP:
Gorakhnath Temple (Gorakhpur)
Sarnath (Varanasi)
Saidpur Bhitri (Ghazipur)
Shringverpur (Allahabad)
Kaushambi
Chunar
Vindhyachala (Mirzapur)
Devipatan (Gonda)
Magahar (Basti)
Bhrigu Temple (Ballia)
Shravasti
Ayodhya (Faizabad)
Kushinagar
Chitrakut
Jaunpur etc. Bundelkhand Region:
This includes all the tourist spots of the Jhansi Division. Budhist Circuit:
This includes Sarnath, Piparhwa, Samhita, Shrawasti and Kaushambi. Arts and Crafts
Uttar Pradesh is famous for its arts and crafts. Specific regions such as Varanasi for its saris and silk, Mirzapur for its carpets, Agra and Kanpur for their leathercraft, Moradabad for its metalware, Lucknow for its clothwork and embroidery, and the entire state for its pottery are not only famous in India but around the world.
Write about Uttar Pradesh
If you are Uttar Pradesh insider or had been to Uttar Pradesh recently, then we request you to contribute to our site. Share your knowledge and experience today with fellow visitors of this website! To submit your travelogue (Travel Story) Click Here | 
