Uttar Pradesh - The Rainbow Land

One of the major states of India, Uttar Pradesh is called the ‘Rainbow Land’ where from the times immemorial the multi-hued Indian culture has blossomed. Historically Uttar Pradesh is one of the most ancient cradles of India culture. Blessed with a unique heritage and rich cultural tradition, Uttar Pradesh has also been graced by a number of luminous personalities including Lord Buddha.

Of course, religion and heritage are the backbone of Uttar Pradesh tourism and they attract millions of tourists every year from across the globe. Besides, the state has a number of natural wonders as well, like the wildlife parks which provide shelter to a variety of wildlife. Fairs and festivals are other attractions of the Uttar Pradesh, and celebrated by the local people with great enthusiasm. Lucknow is the state capital, other important cities of Uttar Pradesh are Allahabad, Kanpur, Agra and NOIDA.

Buddhist Sites in Uttar Pradesh - Also called the ‘Nirvana Land’, Uttar Pradesh is the place where Buddha preached his first sermon, laid the foundation of his order and transformed it into the ‘Cradle of Buddhism.’ Even today the state is home to a number of Buddhist sites which are visited by pilgrims from across the globe. Sarnath, Shravasti, Kaushambi, Sankisa and Kushinagar are some of the important places for Buddhists in Uttar Pradesh.

Forts and Monuments in Uttar Pradesh – Uttar Pradesh is a historic land and ruled by a number of dynasties over the centuries who had build several forts and palaces. Still many of those ancient forts and palaces are in good condition and has became a tourist attraction for tourists. Taj Mahal in Agra is famous worldover and considered as a symbol of love. Red Fort in Agra is another magnificent monument, which was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Other famous forts and monuments of Uttar Pradesh are Fatehpur Sikri (Agra), Sikandra (Agra), Hussainabad Imambara (Lucknow), Bada Imambara (Lucknow) and Jehangir Palace (Agra).

Wildlife in Uttar Pradesh – Uttar Pradesh is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. You can see tigers, swamp deers, sambar, elephants, leopards and many other animal and bird species in the wildlife sanctuaries of the state. Dudhwa National Park is the main wildlife park of Uttar Pradesh which natural habitat to wildlife. Chandra Prabha Sanctuary, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawab Ganj Bird Sanctuary, Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary are other important parks of Uttar Pradesh.

Temples in Uttar Pradesh – As I have mentioned that religion is the backbone of Uttar Pradesh tourism, so presence of temples in the state is obvious. Population of the state is dominated by the Hindus and they have built worship places (temples) all over the state over the centuries. Varanasi is famous as the temple town and it is home to sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Mathura is known for temples related to Lord Krishna. For experiencing the spiritual peace visit the temples of Uttar Pradesh, despite the hymns and chants of priest you will get the heavenly feel inside the temple complexes.

People and Culture Uttar Pradesh – Uttar Pradesh is bestowed with rich culture and it is land where the Hindu civilization and culture reached to its height. People of different faiths live in perfect harmony in Uttar Pradesh and they also celebrate festivals of each other with equal enthusiasm. Holi, Janmashtami, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, Moharram, Taj Mahotsav, Avadh Festival and Kumbh Mela are some of the famous fairs and festival of Uttar Pradesh. Music, Dance, Theatre and Stage plays are main art forms of Uttar Pradesh. Eating habits of the state people varies from region to region, like people in Lucknow love Nawabi cuisine, while in Mathura like milk-based preparations. Some of the specialties of Uttar Pradesh include Kundan Kaliya, Kababs, Nehari Khaas, Nargisi Kofta, Murg Mussallam, Lazeez Lauki, Warqui Paratha, Gobhi Mussallam, Shir Shewai and Chicken Reshmi Kabab.