What to do what not to do in Uttar Pradesh

Kanpur is the commercial capital of Uttar Pradesh while Lucknow is the administrative headquarters.This state is home to major tourist destinations, a number of historical sites are located in the cities of Allahabad, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, Gorakhpur and Meerut. Agra is one of the most traveled destinations in the country being home to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri – the World Heritage Sites. You can also tour Noida, Ghaziabad and Aligarh. This state is also host to a number of pilgrimage sites. Kushinagar town, Varanasi and Bodh Gaya are few such examples. Uttar Pradesh was also an important seat for education and culture since the rule of the Guptas, Mauryan Empire, the Pala kings and then the Mughals. The Mughal rulers such as Akbar and Shah Jahan built several forts and mausoleums in different parts of the state. Tourists from India and abroad, visit Uttar Pradesh to explore its rich cultural heritage. Indian Holiday offers information on what to do, what not to do in Uttar Pradesh

Things to do in Uttar Pradesh

Check out the places to visit and things to do in the different cities of Uttar Pradesh

Agra – Here you can take a tour of the world famous heritage sites: Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and the Agra Fort. They are outstanding examples of Islamic architecture in India. Taj Mahal, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, is a marble masterpiece constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Agra Fort is the sister monument and is located around 2.5 km from Taj Mahal on the banks of Yamuna. Fatehpur Sikri is located in the outskirts and was the Mughal capital in the 16th century. Other attractions in this city include the Dayal Bagh, Mughal Heritage Walk, Jama Masjid and Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra.

Pilgrimage to Varanasi – One of the holy cities in India, Varanasi is popular among global tourists as a revered Hindu pilgrimage center. It is a drive of around 320 km from Lucknow city. Devotees throng the Vishwanath Temple and the many ghats here every evening for prayers. The aarti at Dasashvemedh Ghat is a grand show. This city is also a famous shopping destination. It is a noted place to buy Benarasi silk sarees, brassware, jewelry and fabric. Chow and Gadauli are the downtown areas and the main shopping districts here. Among the cultural attractions are Jantar Mantar, the Archaeological Museum, Ramnagar Fort and Bharat Kala Bhavan.

Allahabad – The confluence of Ganga, Saraswati and Yamuna gives Allahabad a special place in the Indian map. It is around 205 km from capital city of Lucknow. Sangam is the place for the Kumbh Mela held every 12 years in December-January. This festival attracts millions of pilgrims, tourists and Hindu monks. The New Yamuna Bridge offers a picturesque sight of the city. Tourists also tour the Alfred Park, Allahabad Museum and  All Saints Cathedral. This cathedral is a beautiful building built in Gothic style.

Mathura - A seat for Hindu pilgrimage, thronged mostly by the Lord Krishna devotees. This place is also historically significant to the people in India for being the birth land of Lord Krishna. It is 50 km from Agra via National Highway 2. The Krishna Janma Bhoomi has two different complexes, a prison where the parents of the Lord were kept captive by his wicked uncle, Kansha. The other complex is a temple with Radha Krishna idol. Other sacred places in Mathura include the Gita Mandir, Gayatri Temple and the Jama Masjid. Vishram Ghat is considered the place where Lord Krishna rested after killing his uncle. Daily prayers are held here in the evening.

Ayodhya – An ancient city popular as the birth place of Lord Rama. It is easily accessible from Varanasi, Allahabad and Lucknow. The important places to see in Ayodhya include Ramkot, the Nageshwarnath Temple and the Lakshmana Ghat. You can watch Ramlila performance if you are visiting during Ram Nabami in the month of October. The Ram Nabami mela here also attract thousands in Kanak Bhawan in the month of April.

Camping at the Dudhwa National Park – A major wildlife preservation center in Uttar Pradesh, this national park is situated in the Lakhimpur-Kheri district. November to January is the camping season where adventure tourists can enjoy the surrounding greenery and the cozy jungle tents.
What not to do in Uttar Pradesh

Here is a list of safety measures for travelers to Uttar Pradesh.

• The forest department has no guides and does not offer jeep safari at the Dudhwa National Park, you can hire vehicles on your own. See that you do not pay extra to the bookies 
• There is strict environmental policies at the national park, do not disturb animals with loud music and noise 
• Camp sites should be kept clean with wastes disposed at pits 
•  Tourists should remain vigilant and cautious about their belongings 
• Kumbh Mela is a rush season in Allahabad, make your tour and hotel bookings early

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