Quick Facts
- Capital: Lucknow
- Largest City: Kanpur
- Official Languages: Hindi, Urdu
- Formation: 24 January 1950
- Nicknames: “Heart of India”
- Borders: Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand
- UNESCO Sites: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri
Contents
History & Heritage
Uttar Pradesh, a cradle of ancient civilization, has witnessed the rule of Mauryas, Guptas, Mughals, and British colonial powers.
- Varanasi: One of the oldest cities in the world.
- Mughal Era: Agra and Fatehpur Sikri showcase Mughal grandeur.
- Colonial Period: Played a key role in India’s freedom struggle.
Geography & Climate
Uttar Pradesh lies in the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains, with a subtropical climate.
- Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti, Ghaghara.
- Climate: Hot summers, cool winters, and monsoon rains.
Top Places to Visit (Handpicked)
- Taj Mahal (Agra): Wonder of the world.
- Varanasi: Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Fatehpur Sikri: UNESCO heritage city.
- Ayodhya: Ram Janmabhoomi and temples.
- Mathura & Vrindavan: Krishna temples and Holi celebrations.
- Lucknow: Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza.
- Allahabad (Prayagraj): Sangam and Kumbh Mela.
Forts, Monuments & Architecture
- Agra Fort: Mughal masterpiece.
- Bara Imambara: Architectural marvel in Lucknow.
- Jhansi Fort: Historic fort of Rani Lakshmibai.
Festivals of Uttar Pradesh
- Kumbh Mela: Spiritual gathering at Prayagraj.
- Ram Navami & Diwali: Celebrated grandly in Ayodhya.
- Holi: Famous in Mathura & Vrindavan.
Cuisine – What to Eat
Awadhi, Mughlai, and street food dominate the cuisine.
- Staples: Roti, rice, lentils.
- Specials: Tunday Kababi, Lucknowi Biryani, Jalebi.
Arts, Handicrafts & Culture
- Chikan embroidery of Lucknow.
- Banarasi silk sarees.
- Kathak classical dance form.
Adventure & Wildlife
- Dudhwa National Park safaris.
- River boating on Ganga in Varanasi.
- Wildlife at Katarniaghat Sanctuary.
How to Reach
- By Air: Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra airports.
- By Rail: Major junctions: Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur.
- By Road: Excellent highways from all neighboring states.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best season to visit.
Sample Itineraries
4 Days – Agra & Fatehpur Sikri
- Day 1: Agra Fort & Mehtab Bagh.
- Day 2: Taj Mahal sunrise & shopping.
- Day 3: Fatehpur Sikri excursion.
- Day 4: Local cuisine tour.
5 Days – Spiritual Circuit
- Day 1: Lucknow sightseeing.
- Day 2: Ayodhya temples.
- Day 3: Varanasi ghats.
- Day 4: Prayagraj Sangam.
- Day 5: Return journey.
Famous Personalities
- Tulsidas: Author of Ramcharitmanas.
- Rani Lakshmibai: Iconic freedom fighter.
- Amitabh Bachchan: Bollywood legend.