Uttar Pradesh, the heartland of Hindu religion, aura of golden past, rich heritage monuments, vibrant, colourful, vigorous, cosmopolitan, and modern look of India, dominating democratic india by the charm of culture, religions, politics, languages, traditions. Uttar Pradesh is the most charismatic state of India. Where ‘Lucknow’ is the princely city of Navabs of India and ‘Varanasi’ is oldest Hindu city of India.Uttar Pradesh in history known as Avadh is situated in Northern part of India and is surrounded by Nepal and Tibet & in the North, Madhya Pradesh in the South, Bihar in the East, Delhi, Harayana and Rajasthan in the West. Uttar Pradesh has been one of the most dominant and important state of India. Uttar Pradesh has also been the home to a lot of great icons, thinkers, and philosophers, musicians, poets and writers, artistes and artisans, leaders and politicians and intellectuals. Each city of Uttar Pradesh tells its own story and treasured history that keeps on mesmerizing not only Indian,also the tourists from various countries. It was renamed Uttar Pradesh (Northern State) after Independence, and is often known simply as U.P.
Over 2000 years ago, Uttar Pradesh was under regime of Ashoka’s Buddhist Empire. Mughals raids from the north-west during 11th century, and by the 16th century the region was captured by Mughal Empires, they established their capital for some time in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, the nawabs of Avadh rose to prominence and transformed Lucknow into a flourishing city for the arts. Lucknow was established by Nawab (Kings) with the princely court of Oudh in 17th Centaury and then with the British, both traditions lingering on in the city, finest example of that era is the monument is the Bara Imambara.
The city is famous for its architectural monuments that were built by the Mughals rulers during their regime in India. Now this state is one of the fastest growing cities in terms of economy and trade, one amongst the top ten non-metropolitan cities of India. Lucknow is one of the most popular cities in Uttar Pradesh. This city is quite known all over the world for its glorious piece of Mughal architecture, Taj Mahal in Agra, 7th wonder of the world and also known as the symbol of love. This city has remained the retreat of the Mughals for a fairly long period of time and hence is one of the most beautiful cities in Uttar Pradesh. Mughal emperor Shahjahan tried his level best to enrich the splendor of this city by establishing wonderful monuments and splendid gardens.
The Ganges River, which forms the characteristic of Uttar Pradesh, is the sacred river of Hinduism, and four of the religion's seven holy cities are in the state, Most of the pilgrim points of Hindus are located in this erstwhile state, including Varanasi, Varanasi is one of the holiest and ancient of North India, the city holds an important place in Hindu pilgrimage also, quite famous for holy shrine of Lord Kashi Vishwanath here and this enriched by the religious places of Buddhism and Jainism religion. It is believed that those who pass away in Varanasi will be free from the cycle of rebirth. Hindus pilgrim still comes to Varanasi to spend their last days, living in Spartan communes run by a multitude of religious organization and trusts. The worldly famous Kumbh Mela (Fair) held over here. Uttar Pradesh is also a places of key significance to Buddhists for it was at Sarnath, adjoining Varanasi, where Preached his first message of the middle way.
Agra is worldly famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World-the Taj Mahal, the symbol of love., Taj Mahal is the Crown of the Agra City, the elegy in white marble, the poem of dedicated love, Mughal Emperor Shahjahan had built Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, the most magnificent monument in the world for her as the mausoleum. Mumtaz passed away, during the birth to Shah Jahan's child and the love was enduring, still Taj expresses the true love of the legendary couples. Built serenely on a raised marble platform on the shores of River Yamuna, 20 years time had been spent to complete the great monument and the skillful workers and artisans were brought from all over the world, mostly from Central Asia. It is said that about 20,000 workers had been devoted their hard work and skills to built Taj, the key person to behind the architecture of Taj was Isa Khan, he was originally from Shiraz in Iran
Agra is quite famous for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are successor of those who worked under the Mughals arts. The city is also known for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Besides the Taj Mahal the other tourist attractions are Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah, Fatehpur Sikri 40 kms from Agra, once upon the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar for some time. It is said that Agra city name was derived from Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata.
Climate: (deg C)-Summer- Max.45, Min.21.9; Winter- Max.31.7, Min.4.2.,Rainfall: 66 cms (June to September), Best Season: October to March.
Agra Fort,Taj Mahal, Moti Masjid , Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb.
Fatehpur Sikri – 37kms, Mathura - 56kms.
By Air: Agra is well connected with Khajuraho ,Delhi, and Varanasi.
By Rail: Agra is connected by rail with major cities.
By Road: Agra is connected to Delhi- 204 kms, Jaipur- 237 kms, Khajuraho- 395 kms, Mathura- 56 kms, Gwalior- 110 kms, Bharatpur- 54 kms, Lucknow- 257 kms.
Lucknow is the most popular and capital city of Uttar Pradesh, the city is located on the banks of Gomati River. The city is famous for unique archaeological monuments, gardens, ancient buildings. Lucknow is associated and legendary hospitality, culture and mannerism, leisurely colours and moods of life, world known cuisine and exquisite Sham-e-Avadh ( Royal delight of great evening).
Lucknow derives its name Lakshman, brother of God Rama the legend of the Indian epic, Ramayana. Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah appointed Mohammad Amir Saadat Khan In 1732, in position of viceroy of the region known as Avadh, now known as Lucknow was a part. The speedy growth of Lucknow dates from 1755 when the Nawab, Asaf-ud-Daula shifted the capital of Avadh from Faizabad to Lucknow. During this period, Lucknow also established its pre-eminent position in the artistic field of poetry, music, and dance. In 1784, Nawab of Lucknow, Asaf-ud-Daula transformed the city with fabulous monuments, he went on a building spree. The result was a phenomenal number of wonderful monuments, and a completely depleted regal treasury. Even today, when one wanders through the city, one encounters the kind of refined courtesy and classy characteristic that seems to belong to old history. The medieval city that continues to retain its old-world charisma Its once broad and tree-lined lanes now gasp for breath, as smoke-spitting automobiles roll over them.
Lucknow is also worldly famous for its Mughlai cuisine, a aide memoire of Muslim, A kite-flying festival held every year after Diwali, the festival of lights, draws thousands of competitors to the city. Lucknow is also famous for its gharanas, or schools classical music, as well as its bidri (silver inlay work) ware, jewellery, chikan (embroidered cotton) and zardozi (gold or silver thread woven into silk or cotton). The main shopping paradise locations in Lucknow are Aminabad, Hazratganj, and Chowk. During the month of November and December 10 days music, dance and drams festivals is held every year.
Altitude: 123 meters (403 ft. above sea level), Climate: (deg C) Summer- Max 36.6, Min 25; Winter- Max 21.1, Min 11.1., Rainfall: 44 cms (June-Sept), Best Season: October to March.
Residency, Bada Imam Bara, Rumi Darwaza, Hussainabad, Clock Tower, Shah Nazar Zoo, State Museum, Macchi Bhawan, Khurshid Mahal, Botanical Gardens, Picture Gallery.
Chinhat Lake- 13 kms, Kukrail Picnic Spot- 15 kms, Nawab Ganj Bird Sanctuary- 40 kms, Nimsar- 102 kms, Dudwa National Park- 60 kms.
By Air: Lucknow is well connected to Calcutta, Patna, Delhi, Bombay.
By Rail: Well connected with all major towns.
By Road: Agra- 314 kms, Allahabad- 225 kms, Calcutta- 1005 kms, Corbett National Park- 280 kms, Delhi- 514 kms, Kanpur- 79 kms, Varanasi- 314 kms.
Ayodhya is prominently a city of temples. At Ayodhya several religions have grown and prospered simultaneously and also at different periods of time in the past. Remnants of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism can still be found in Ayodhya. On the right bank of the river Ghaghra or Saryu, as it is called within sacred precincts, stands the holy city of Ayodhya, believed to be the birth place of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is an excursion tour from Lucknow – 141 kms.
Hanumangarh, Janmasthan, Kanak Bhawan, Jain Temple, Treta-ke-Thakur, Mani-Parvat Nageshwar Nath Temple, Amawan Temple, Tulsi Chaura, Tulshi Smarak, Brahma Kund etc.
By Air: No direct flight, nearest airport is Lucknow –141kms.
By Rail: Well connected with Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad.
By Road: Lucknow –141kms.
Allahabad is situated at the confluence of the 3 sacred rivers - Ganga, Yamuna & the invisible Saraswati. It is here at the sangam that Hindus Converge for a holy dip especially during the Kumbha Mela, held here every 12 years after. 'Prayag' or 'Allahabad' as it is known today is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centres of India. The Magh Mela is the annual version of the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbha mela which starts every year from Makar Sankranti in January and ends at Maha Shivratri in February. Realizing its strategic importance as a waterway landmark in north India, Akbar built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy 'Sangam'.
Altitude: 322 ft., Climate: (deg C) Summer- Max 46.6, Min 27.2; Winter- Max 25.6, Min 10.5., Clothing: Summer- Cottons/Tropical; Winter- Woollens, Languages Spoken: Hindi, Urdu, English, Best Season: October to March.
Anand Bhawan (Home of the Nehru family), Allahabad Fort, Bhardwaj Ashram, Khusro's Tomb, Patlipuri Temple, Sangam, Swaraj Bhawan, Botanical Gardens, Allahabad Museum.
Kaushambi- 60 kms, Chitrakoot- 132 kms, Ayodhya – 171 kms.
By Air: The nearest airport Varanasi-135 kms.
By Rail: Well connected with all the major cities.
By Road: Agra- 483 kms, Delhi- 612 kms, Lucknow- 227 kms, Lumbini -406 kms, Khajuraho- 294 kms, Varanasi- 127 kms, Bombay- 1,502 kms, Chitrakoot- 128 kms.
Sandwiched between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they join the Ganges, Varanasi takes its name from its location. It is also called Kashi, the city of light, but the British, in an endeavor to simplify matters, had coined their own name for the place—Benaras. Varanasi is the city of a thousand temples. The main object of all devotees is the Kasi Vishwanath Temple. According to Hindu belief, Benaras or Varanasi as it is known, is the cosmic center of the Universe. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."
Altitude: 73.89 sq.km., Altitude:80.71 mts., Climate: (deg C) Summer- Max. 46 Min. 32; Winter- Max. 15.5, Min. 5, Rainfall: 11.1 cm. (June to September), Clothing: Summer- Light cottons, Winter- Woollens, Languages Spoken: Hindi, Bengali, English, Best Season: Throughout the year, but preferably October to March.
River Front, Alamgir Mosque, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple), Vishwanath Temple (Benaras Hindu University), Durga Temple, Sarnath, Archaeological Museum, Sarnath , Fort Museum, Ramnagar, Bharat Kala Bhavan Hindu University.
By Air: Varanasi is well connected to Bhubaneshwar, Lucknow, Agra & Delhi.
By Rail: Varanasi is connected by rail with all the major cities.
By Rail: Agra- 610 kms, Allahabad- 127 kms, Bodh Gaya- 240 kms, Gorakhpur- 215 kms, Khajuraho- 406 kms, Kushinagar- 260 kms, Lucknow- 320 kms, Lumbini- 320 kms, Patna- 270 kms Calcutta- 681 kms, Bombay- 1550 kms, Delhi- 710 kms etc.
Rishikesh, a most tranquil place in northern Uttar Pradesh, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and sluggish Ganges, is often claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World'. It is rightly called the gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri. Situated 24 km upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga, Rishikesh has long been a spiritual centre. It is said that the sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance here and as a reward, God appeared to him in the form of Hrishikesh, hence the name.
The whole place is considered to be sacred, as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. The Riverside is dotted by the ashrams of Sadhus and sages.
Altitude: 11.20 sq.km., Altitude:356 mts., Climate: (deg C) Summer- Max.44.4, Min.29; Winter- Max.32.2, Min.18.3, Clothing: Summer- Cotton & tropical; Winter- Heavy woolen, Languages Spoken: Garwali, Hindi, Punjabi, English, Best Season: Throughout the year.
Bharat Temple, Rishi Kund & Raghunath Temple, Laxman Jhoola , Pushkar Temple , Shatrughan Temple, Muni-Ki-Reti , Swarg Ashram, Gita Bhawan, Parmath Niketan , Lakshman Temple, Sadanand Jhoola, Triveni Ghat, Shivanand Ashram, Kailash Ashram, Academy of Meditation.
Haridwar- 24 kms, Dehradun- 45 kms, Uttarkhand- 144 kms, Kedarnath- 228 kms, Badrinath- 203 kms, Gangotri- 253 kms, Yamnotri- 226 kms, Nilkanth- 16 kms, Mussourie -77 kms.
By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), 35 kms from Haridwar.
By Rail: Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar 24 kms.
By Road: Haridwar- 24 kms, Dehradun- 47 kms, Mussourie- 77 kms, Badrinath- 301 kms (Son Prayag), Kedarnath- 228 kms, Gangotri- 258 kms, Yamnotri- 288 kms (Hanuman Chatti), Srinagar-105 kms, Joshimath- 252 kms.
The Doon Valley is situated between the two most important rivers of India i.e Ganga & Yamuna, is most picturesque having moderate climate, nestling a number of places of tourist interest. It is a most picturesque region at the foothills of the panoramic Shivalik ranges.
Altitude: 640 meters, Climate: (deg C)-Summer- Max 36.6, Min 16.7; Winter- Max 23.4, Min 5.2, Clothing: Summer- Cottons, Winter- Woollens, Languages spoken: Garhwali, Hindi, English, Best Season: Throughout the Year.
Sahastradhara Cold Sulphur Springs, Tapkeshwar (Shiva) Temple, Robber's Cave, Lakshman Sidh, Tapovan, Botanical Garden of Forest Research Institute.
Rajiji National Park- 20 kms, Dhaulkhand Forest Reserve, Dakpathar- 45 kms, Chakrata Hill Resort- 94 kms.
By Rail: Dehradun well connected to major cities.
By Road: Mussourie- 35 kms, Delhi- 235 kms, Haridwar- 54 kms, Bombay- 1927 kms, Rishikesh- 42 kms, Agra- 408 kms, Shimla- 280 kms, Yamnotri- 173 kms, Kedarnath- 268 kms and Roorkee- 67 kms etc.
Gangotri is situated in Uttarakhand at the height of 3,048 meters in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas. The 6 meters high Gangotri shrine is dressed in white granite stone and is situated on the right bank of the river, Bhagirathi. This 18th century temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga who is believed to have descended from heaven as the "stream of life" in response to King Bhagirath's penance.
14 kms from Gangotri is Gaumukh, where the source of the holy Ganges - the Gangotri glacier - is situated. Submerged in the water is the "shivling", the rock on which Lord Shiva supposedly sat to receive Ganga. At the legendary source of the river, Goddess Ganga is worshipped in the form of deity. The trek to Gaumukh is gradual, and several pilgrims undertake the journey to pay homage to the river at its known source.
Altitude: 3140 meters, Climate: Summer- Max.20, Min.5; Winter- Max Subzero, Min.Snowbound, Clothing: Summer- Light woollens, Winter- Heavy woolens, Languages Spoken: Garhwali, Hindi, English, Best Season: May-June and September-October.
Submerged Shivling: A natural Shivling formed of rock, submerged in the river, where according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when the Ganga first descended to earth. The Shivling is visible only when the water is clear in early winter.
Gaumukh Trek (23 Km): Snout of Gangotri glacier & source of the river Bhagirathi, Gomukh is located at an altitude of 4200 meters.
By Air: The Nearest Airport (306 kms) is Jolly Grant.
By Rail: Nearest Railway head are Dehradun -24 kms and Haridwar.
By Road: Rishikesh- 24 kms from Haridwar and 43 kms from Dehradun, Delhi- 472kms.
Yamnotri is the source of the river Yamuna, which is the main tributary of the holy river, Ganges. As the legend goes, Yamnotri was the home of Asit Muni, a famous sage of ancient times. Built in the 19th century, the Yamnotri temple has a black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna. Recently, the temple was destroyed twice by snow and floods but has been reconstructed each time. There are numerous hot water springs near the temple in which pilgrims immerse potatoes and rice tied in pieces of cloth. The meals thus prepared are offered to the deity and then distributed among the pilgrims. Yamnotri, the source of the river Yamuna, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, located on a flank of the Bandarpunch peak. It is said that Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple of Yamnotri in the last decade of the 19th century.
Altitude: 3322 Meters, Climate: (deg. C)-Summer Max 20, Min 6; Winter Max Sub-zero, Min Snow-bound, Clothing: Summer - Light woollens, Winter - Heavy woolens, Languages Spoken: Hindi, Garhwali, English, Best Season: May-June and September-October.
Yamnotri stands in the shadow of Banderpunch Mountain (6315 Meters, Temple of Yamnotri, Surya Kund, hot water spring, Divya Shila. Saptarshi Kund-10 Kms.
By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant.
By Rail: The nearest Railway stations are Dehradun and Haridwar.
By Road: Yamnotri is easily approached from Rishikesh, Saharanpur and Dehradun.
The abode of Lord Vishnu, Badrinath, is situated in the Himalayas (Uttarakhand) at the height of approximately 3,124 meters above sea level. It is on the left bank of the river, Alaknanda. At one time the spot was covered with wild berries ("badris") and was famous as the "Badri Van" (the garden of wild berries)..
Built by the Garwal kings, the Badrinath shrine dates back to more than two centuries. The temple has a black stone idol that depicts Lord Vishnu - the preserver - in a meditative stance with both hands on his lap. Fed by the Badrinath glaciers and the holy Ganges, the sacred river Alaknanda flows by the temple. The temples of Shiva and Vishnu at Kedarnath and Badrinath have been the destination of pilgrims for centuries.
By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun- 335 kms.
By Rail: Nearest Railhead is Haridwar and Dehradun.
By Road: Rishikesh- 293 km, Haridwar- 313 km, Kotdwara-325 km, Joshimath- 42 km. Valley of flowers- 38 km. Delhi- 518 km.
Rishikesh-Deoprayag- 69 kms, Srinagar (U.P)- 105 kms, Rudraprayag- 139 kms, Karnaprayag- 171 kms, Nandaprayag- 92 kms, Chamoli- 202 kms, Pipalkoti- 221 kms, Joshimath- 252 kms and Badrinath- 294 kms.
Rishikesh-Rudraprayag- 139 kms, Agastamuni- 157 kms, Kund- 171 kms, Guptakashi- 181 kms, Phata- 194 kms, Soneprayag- 207 kms, Gaurikund- 212 kms and Kedarnath- 226 kms, Distance between Gaurikund and Kedarnath- 14 kms has to be covered on foot.
Badrinath-Joshimath- 42 kms, Chamoli- 92 kms, Gopeshwar- 103 kms, Guptakashi- 183 kms, Gaurikund- 214 kms and Kedarnath- 228 kms.
Rishikesh-Narendra Nagar- 16 kms, Tehri- 77 kms, Dharasu- 118 kms, Makuri- 137 kms, Uttarkashi-148 kms, Gangnani- 90 kms, Sukhi- 204 kms, Bhaironghati- 238 kms, Gangotri- 248 kms, Bhojwasa- 18 kms, Gaumukh- 4 kms, Distance between Gangotri & Gaumukh- 22 kms has to be covered on foot.
Rishikesh-Dharasu-118 kms, Barkot- 178 kms, Sayanchatti - 206 kms, Hanumanchatti- 213 kms, Jankichatti- 221 kms and Yamunotri- 227 kms. Distance between Janakichatti and Yamunotri- 14 kms has to be covered on foot.
To reach Kedarnath one has to return to Lanka from where there is a road route via Uttarkashi, Tehri, Kiritnagar Srinagar (U.P), Rudraprayag Agastamuni, Kund, Gaurikund.
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