Rich heritage of the heartland

Uttar Pradesh is a land where diverse cultures have flourished and religions have originated. Uttar Pradesh's most cherished contributions to humanity are the timeless epics, 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata’. Embark on a journey through the state and encounter captivating heritage destinations, beginning with Agra, famously known as the city of the Taj Mahal, where you can explore the breathtaking architecture of Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Sheikh Salim Chisti Tomb, and Itimad-ud-daulah, which are sure to leave you wonderstruck. The city of Nawabs, Lucknow, reveals a unique blend of ancient and modern, boasting historic monuments, forts, and palaces that showcase a captivating fusion of colonial and oriental architectural styles. Noteworthy heritage sites in Lucknow comprise the Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Residency, and Dilkusha.

Hastinapur, the legendary city steeped in the mythological tales of the Mahabharata, beckons heritage enthusiasts with its ancient charm. Meanwhile, in Varanasi, the Ramnagar Fort stands as a testament to grandeur and antiquity, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of this sacred city. As you explore the formidable Jhansi Fort, you'll be transported back to the era of valour and courage, reliving the tales of Rani Lakshmi Bai's indomitable spirit.

Fulfil your spiritual endeavours

Uttar Pradesh is a place of great spiritual and religious significance; it consists of several renowned attractions that serve as a serene pilgrimage site. Starting with the city of Barsana, that provides an opportunity to visit revered pilgrimage sites such as the Shriji Temple, Maan Mandir, Mor Kutir, Krishna Kund (Radha Sarovar), and Sankari Khor with a sense of reverence. Visiting Mathura and Vrindavan brings travellers closer to a land adorned with magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, each depicting various aspects of his life. Prominent temples in these twin destinations include the Govind Dev Temple, Rangaji Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Bankey Bihari Temple, and the ISKCON Temple.

Ayodhya, renowned as the birthplace of Lord Ram, stands as another prime spiritual destination in Uttar Pradesh, offering a plethora of sightseeing opportunities. Visitors to Ayodhya can marvel at the architectural grandeur of temples and mosques coexisting harmoniously. Key attractions in Ayodhya encompass Ramkot, Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi, Mani Parbat, Nageshwarnath Temple, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, and the serene Saryu River.

Seeking wellness and serenity

Visiting Varanasi, one of the world's oldest living cities, offers travellers a profound journey of self-discovery and holistic well-being. This sacred destination is a hub for exploring spirituality, philosophy, yoga, ayurveda, astrology, music, literature, and more. When embarking on a tour in the Varanasi region, you can also venture to other serene destinations within Uttar Pradesh. These include Sarnath, Vindhyachal, Kushinagar, Kapilvastu, and Sravasti, which provide a unique opportunity to delve into the realms of Buddhism and Jainism, enriching the spiritual journey.

Celebrating diversity and tradition through festivities

Apart from the national festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Eid and Makar Sankranti, several cities in Uttar Pradesh host unique and vibrant celebrations. Varanasi, for instance, is renowned for Bharat Milap and Chhath Pooja, which attract tourists nationwide. Chhath Pooja is very popular in the eastern part of the state and it is dedicated to the Sun God. Prayagraj is particularly famous for Kumbh Mela – world’s largest gathering of humans, Magh Mela, and Ardha Mela, each celebrated with great enthusiasm, reflecting the diverse culture of Uttar Pradesh. As one of India's holiest cities, Prayagraj witnesses a massive influx of devotees from around the world during these festivals. The festivities are marked by grandeur and hold significant auspiciousness for Hindu practitioners.

A canvas of art & culture

Art buffs are in for a treat in Uttar Pradesh as the tradition of artistry in the state has an ancient lineage, dating back to prehistoric times. The cave paintings found in Sonbhadra and Chitrakoot reveal a diverse array of scenes, encompassing hunting, warfare, festivals, dances, romantic moments, and depictions of wildlife. The zenith of artistic expression in Uttar Pradesh occurred during the Mughal Era, with the reign of Jahangir serving as its pinnacle. Mughal-style painting, a significant achievement in Asian culture, stands out for its distinctive concept, presentation, and style.

The Bundelkhand region, particularly during the reconstruction of the Keshav Dev temple in Mathura by the King of Orchha, reached the highest level of perfection in painting. Paintings from Mathura, Gokul, Vrindavan, and Govardhan vividly portray episodes from the life of Lord Krishna. Another noteworthy pre-modern painting tradition in UP is the Garhwal School, patronised by the Kings of Garhwal. Chikankari, a delicate and traditional hand embroidery craft, represents a vital facet of Uttar Pradesh's artistic heritage, predominantly practiced in Lucknow. It adorns fabrics like chiffon, muslin, organza, organdie, and silk, giving rise to Chikan saris and Kurtas, ideal for the summer season.

Zardozi embroidery, characterised by three-dimensional stitching, is another distinctive art form, with Varanasi's Zari work being renowned globally. The state also excels in pottery and the creation of exquisite metalware. Uttar Pradesh's contribution to carpet weaving is substantial, catering to 90 percent of the country's demand. The key carpet weaving centres, including Mirzapur, Khamaria, and Bhadohi, are integral to this cultural expression.

Shopping spree in the state

Uttar Pradesh offers a vibrant shopping experience that captures the essence of its rich artistic traditions. As you explore its markets and boutiques, you'll discover a treasure trove of craftsmanship. The state is renowned as India's largest producer of brass and copper items, with each 'lota' or small water-pot bearing the distinct name of its place of origin, like Etawah, Varanasi, Sitapur, and more. Copper ritual articles are also prominent in local markets, showcasing the skilful workmanship of artisans.

Moradabad stands out for its art metalwork, celebrated for its coloured enamelling and intricate engravings, making it an ideal destination for unique souvenirs. In the world of pottery, Khurja, Chunar, and Rampur take the lead, producing glazed pottery with captivating blue and green patterns. The Chunar black clay pottery, inlaid with silver paint in intricate designs, exemplifies the fusion of tradition and artistry. Gorakhpur's terracotta villages craft clay figures of animals and ornately decorated terracotta horses, adding a touch of rustic charm to your shopping experience.

Lucknow is a hub for jewellery and enamel work, where you can find exquisite silverware adorned with patterns of hunting scenes, snakes, and roses. The Bidri and Zarbuland silver works of Lucknow are truly exceptional, gracing items like huqqa farshi, jewel boxes, trays, bowls, cufflinks, and more. Ivory and bone carvings, featuring motifs of flowers, leaves, creepers, trees, birds, and animals, showcase the artistry of local craftsmen, resulting in intricate items like knives, lampshades, shirt pins, and small toys.

For those seeking fragrant delights, Lucknow has been producing 'attars' or perfumes since the 19th century. These attars are a blend of delicate and lasting fragrances crafted from aromatic herbs, spices, sandalwood oil, musk, essence of flowers, and leaves. Popular Lucknow fragrances include khus, keora, chameli, zafran, and agar, adding a sensory dimension to your shopping adventure. Enjoy exploring the diverse shopping experiences that Uttar Pradesh has to offer, where tradition meets innovation in every artisanal creation.

A culinary journey

Uttar Pradesh boasts a rich culinary heritage, with Awadhi and Mughal cuisines taking centre stage, particularly celebrated in Lucknow. The delectable cuisine is a legacy inherited from the Mughal rulers. Notable dishes include Dum Biryani, Dum Gosht, and Nihari, which undergo slow overnight cooking and are sealed in large pots. In northern Uttar Pradesh, encompassing places like Meerut, Moradabad, and Mathura, staple foods comprise kachori, aloo curry, alongside the traditional dal, roti, and rice. Petha, a renowned sweet delicacy, finds its origin in the city of Agra. As for beverages, popular choices include lassi, chaas, and Roohafza.

Come, join us as we unveil the treasures of this enchanting state, where ancient legends meet modern wonders, and every corner is a new chapter waiting to be discovered by curious travellers like you.