Uttarpradesh

The attractions of Uttar Pradesh or UP as it is more famously known, are as vast as the state itself. Home to a great many places of historical importance, the state offers enough to fill long days of travel. The historic sites in this most populated state of India span many centuries, encompassing both the legendary and the obscure.

UP's wonders are many. Most obviously, the Taj Mahal has long been UP's hallmark. Indeed, it is testament to the awesome achievement of the architects of the great monument that today, in a time of such modernity, visitors still flock to Agra to marvel at Taj Mahal. During your stay in Agra, a tourist may wish to explore the places around the city of Agra.

About 39 km from Agra is the located the ghost town of Fathehpur Sikri, which was built by the greatest Mughal emperor Akbar. It served as the seat of his government from 1571 to 1585. However, the capital was abandoned due to the scarcity of water. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the complex of Fatehpur Sikri is home to Jama Masjid, royal palaces and courts.

UP's tourism is abundantly blessed: beyond the Taj Mahal, visitors can also enjoy remnants of Buddhist structures in Sarnath, near Varanasi, the holiest city in India. Kushinagar is another notable Buddhist site in the state. On the banks of the River Ganges is the sacred city of Varanasi- a centre steeped in tradition, heritage and colour. Mathura, Vrindavan, Ayodhya and Allahabad are other famous pilgrimage sites for the Hindus.

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, was once the capital and cultural hub of the Nawabs of Avadh (Oudh). In a travel to Lucknow, visitors can enjoy the city's colonial architecture, grandiose tombs, beautiful mosques and minarets as well as the aroma of the exquisite cuisines.

Uttar Pradesh is also famous for its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Of these, Dudhwa National Park is the most famous. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary in the Unnao district of the state is noted for its avian population.