1 Jhansi Tourism
The city of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh is a definite addition to every history buff or traveller who sets foot in this state. The city is at the very south in the Bundelkhand region and is built on the banks of the Betwa and Pahunch rivers. It gets its name from the Jhansi Fort built by Raja Bir Singh Deo who named it so as the rulers could only see a shadow atop a distant hill when gazing at the fort. Jhansi was also the seat of the Chandela Dynasties power and became increasingly popular as the place where Rani Laxmi Bai, who is also referred to as “Jhansi Ki Rani”, lived and reigned. These facts and the variety of monuments and essential landmarks down to the streets of the city show that Jhansi has a string of historical evidence which is dug deep into its roots and is one of the main reasons individuals are drawn to this city.
There is a famous story related to the origin of Jhansi. The Raja of Orchha and Jaitpur were two friends who were sitting on a hilltop. The Raja of Orchha asked his friend whether he could recognize the new fort on the Bangara Hill. While answering the question, the Jaitpur Raja said that he could see it ‘Jhainsi’ (meaning- indistinct). The place was called by the same name which later corrupted to Jhansi. The uniqueness of the fort is that it is built on an upraised rock and the whole city surrounds it.
Gwalior is the nearest biggest city to Jhansi, which lies in Madhya Pradesh and at a distance of 99 Km. The National Highway Development Project has given way to the Development of Jhansi, resulting in a real estate boom in the modern day. Currently, it is the 3rd cleanest city in Uttar Pradesh. Jhansi is comprised of 5 tehsils, namely Jhansi, Mauranipur, Tehroli, Garoutha and Moth. Mauranipur is the largest tehsil in India
2 Kanpur Tourism
Situated on the banks of Ganges, Kanpur is the one of the largest City of Uttar Pradesh, and the industrial capital of the state known for its chemical, textile and leather industries. Known for its immense human resource, it has also earned a reputation as the eleventh most populous agglomeration in the country. Kanpur has established itself in the pages of history, being a part of major dynasties and an important British garrison town until 1947. The bloody tale of the capture of Kanpur by various rulers is recorded all over the city in different architectures, museums, books and by the oral legends. It is a city where one finds a perfect blend of history, architecture, commerce and culture. It is a city where one finds exquisite authentic cuisines with a blend of medieval touch, appreciate the marvel traditional theatrical art and witness the amalgamation of two eras running parallely.
Kanpur was believed to have been established by king Hindu Singh Chandel of Sachendi, initially naming it as Kanhiyapur because it was said to be founded on the birthday of the Hindu god, Lord Krishna. Later on, in its way to acquire the name ‘Kanpur’, it was known as Kanhapur, Caunpoore and Cawnpore. Many old texts suggest that it derived its name from the legendary character of Mahabharata, Karna, as it was called Karnapur too.
Having played a significant role in the first Indian war of Independence, Kanpur houses several historical tourists’ spots. Being situated on the banks of Ganges, it serves as a pilgrimage destination too. Apart from this, the IIT-Kanpur is a major educational institute of the region and one of the country’s best.
3 Aligarh Tourism
Nestled in the populous state of Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh has grown as a prominent educational centre as well as a commercial centre in North India. Known as Kol or Koli in the ancient times, the city is said to have been founded by the Dor Rajputs in 372 AD and has housed the famous Aligarh Muslim University since 1875. Aligarh is also famous for its lock industry.
Aligarh, a city that hasn’t received a lot of tourist attention in the past, has but witnessed several important events in history. The region was under a lot of dynasties such as the Lodi Dynasty, The Mughals and the British East India Company. The Aligarh Fort, built during the time of Ibrahim Lodi is one of the main attractions in the city. The Dor Fortress, although in ruins today, throws light on the history and importance of the place. Aligarh has been called the ‘Mecca of Education’ in India and for all the right reasons; The Aligarh Muslim University established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875. Originally called the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College, the college came to be known as Aligarh Muslim University only in 1920. The Maulana Azad Library, one of the largest libraries in India, is also housed in Aligarh. Other notable spots are the Kheereshwar Temple, Teerthdham Mangalaayatan, Sir Syed Academy Museum, Chacha Nehru Gyan Pushp, Hakim Karam Hussain Museum, Baba Barchi Bahadur Dargah and the Shekha Lake that one must visit if in Aligarh.
4 Agra Tourism
Home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra is a sneak peek into the architectural history with other structures such as Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri and hence makes for a must visit for anyone living in or visiting India.
When you talk about Agra, one thing has to stand out – yes, the Taj Mahal. Agra is host to the only one of the Seven Wonders of the World in India, Taj Mahal, which makes the whole country proud. But that’s not the only thing Agra has to boast of. Agra has three UNESCO World Heritage sites and Taj Mahal features in the 50 most popular tourist destinations in the world. History, architecture, romance all together create the magic of Agra which is almost the lifeline of Indian tourism. History fanatics as well as architecture buffs can have a ball here with the sheer expanse of the Mughal art and culture on display. Apart from its monuments, the city also has some exciting stuff for foodies – including the famous Agra ka Petha and amazing chaat and Lassi.
05 Varanasi
A city as old as time itself. A city that has stayed in place and watched as the world has turned and the tides have changed. A city that has stood the test of time for thousands of years. In the words of Mark Twain, “Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, And looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Varanasi, the city that is more than just the spiritual capital of India. The city which can be aptly described as a melting pot where both life and death come together. The city that you only need to visit once for it to stay with you forever.
Varanasi is a very popular pilgrimage point for Hindus, and the older part of Varanasi, which has thrived on the banks of the river Ganga, is an integral part of the very infrastructure of the city, with thousands of people flocking there for salvation and purification. All chaos and noise on the ghats of Varanasi take a pause when the Ganga Aarti takes place in the evening, a ceremony of immense grandeur and opulence, with pandits lining up to perform rituals that are no less than a performance for the senses.
The city in and around the ghats has a certain rhythm to it. Narrow maze-like lanes and by-lanes arouse instant intrigue and fascination, while the street art dotting the stretch alongside the ghats makes for a great outpouring of artistic expression. Varanasi also boasts of a marvelous architectural heritage, as can be seen in the scores of temples dotting the city.
Varanasi has something to offer to everyone who visits the city – be it the clamor of the station, to navigating the mysterious alleyways, to finding serenity on the banks of the Ganges. Varanasi is India in all her glory, as it has been for thousands of years, and as it will be for a thousand more.
06 Vrindavan
One of the oldest cities on the banks of Yamuna, Vrindavan is considered to be one of the most important places of pilgrimage for the devotees of Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishna had spent his childhood in Vrindavan. The name of the city has been derived from Vrinda (meaning basil) and van (meaning grove) which perhaps refer to the two small groves at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. Since Vrindavan is considered to be a sacred place, a large number of people come here to abandon their worldly life.
The city of Vrindavan hosts hundreds of Lord Krishna and Radha temples scattered throughout, the most famous ones being Banke Bihari temple, ISKCON temple. The vibrant surroundings perfectly depict the playful and benevolent nature of Lord Krishna. Located along the waters of River Yamuna, the numerous temples set amidst the thick woods and lush greenery of Vrindavan are the major attractions here. Also known as Vrindavan, this city derives its name from the groves of Brinda and Vana meaning forest.
07 Mathura
India is a country of immense diversity in all fields of life, starting from religious to cultural to historical. Religion has been deeply ingrained into the Indian lifestyle for as far as one can remember, which is why India abounds in cities and towns all across the country which are devoted to fulfilling spiritual desires of people who come to visit these places from far and wide. Mathura is one such place which is considered one of the most sacred lands of India, and is filled to the brim at any point of the year with people looking to pursue spiritual enlightenment. Located around 150 kilometres from Delhi, Mathura is known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and has many sites of both historical and religious significance.
Shri Krishna Janmabhumi is the most famous tourist attraction in Mathura, as this place is believed to the be the exact place where Lord Krishna was born, and the prison where he was born is now on display for tourists to see. Apart from the prison, the Shri Krishna Janmabhumi also has a majestic temple with idols of Krishna and Radha, making this place one of the top places to visit in Mathura.
Mathura has many temples, both big and small, dotting the entire city, with many of these temples being dedicated to Lord Krishna. The two most important temples in town are the Dwarkadheesh Temple and the Gita Mandir. The Dwarkadheesh Temple is an ancient temple that has been standing from the 1800s and boasts of some of the most stunning architecture in and around this region. If you happen to visit Mathura during the festivals of Janmashtami or Holi, the Dwarkadheesh Temple is the place to be in, as these festivals are celebrated on a grand scale in the premises of the temple. The Gita Mandir is a unique temple in India, and it gets its name from the fact that the walls of the temple are filled with inscriptions from the entire Bhagavad Gita.
If you are looking for more than just the standard tourist fare, then the best way to explore Mathura is by taking a walk around the streets of the city. Every nook and cranny of the narrow lanes and bylanes of this place still retains an old-world charm that belies the urbanization the city has kept up with. There is a lot of history to Mathura that you can experience only by exploring the old-fashioned architecture, the crumbling ruins of old houses, and the genial amiability of the locals who are always willing to show you around.
It is not possible to think of a city as old as Mathura and imagine it not having a delicious history of street food! Don’t forget to try out local snacks like kachodis, aloo-puri and chaat, which are available at any and all eateries lining the streets. Jalebis and gulab-jamuns are also very popular local street food items that are available at all shops throughout the day.
08 Lucknow
A city of kebabs and nawabs, of architecture and history, of literature and culture – that is Lucknow in a nutshell for you. The capital and the largest city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, situated on the banks of river Gomti, welcomes you with a heartwarming note of “Muskuraiyein, kyunki aap Lucknow mein hai”. Known as the ‘City of Nawabs’, Lucknow has a charm to it that is hard to resist. While the city itself is rich and opulent, the people of Lucknow also follow an endearing ‘pehle aap’ (you first) culture, which always leaves behind a smile on the faces of its visitors. From a slice of rich colonial history to modernized museums, the ‘City of Nawabs’ beautifully brings together the opulence of a glittering past and the simplicity of a modern city.
Rumi Darwaza, the Mughal Gateway built in the centre of the capital divides Lucknow into the ‘Old Lucknow’ which is ancient, more crowded, and comprises most of the Muslim population, and the ‘New Lucknow’ which is urban and one of the most planned cities of Asia. Old Lucknow is home to the iconic Mughal monument known as the Bara Imambara, where you will find the Bhool Bhulaiya, which is basically a complex, an intricately designed labyrinth with around 500 almost-identical doors and around a thousand passageways connected by multiple flights of stairs. The Bara Imambara is an architectural marvel in and of itself and is an exemplary embodiment of Awadhi architecture and culture. Close by, Husainabad Clock Tower exhibits traces of Victorian architecture, while Moti Mahal serves as an excellent vantage point for bird watching.
Most of Old Lucknow is well-known for its bustling, vibrant streets, its authentic, mouth-watering kebab and biriyani outlets, its lakhnavi chikan market, and its wholesale jewellery stores.
New Lucknow, on the other hand, hosts people of varied cultures and is structurally planned with wide roads, shopping malls and parks built to serve varied entertainment purposes. The most famous among these parks are the Ambedkar Park and the Gomti Riverfront Park, both ideal places for visiting and strolling around with friends and family in the evening. The Ambedkar Park, in particular, is spread across a staggering 107 acres of land, and is a colossal memorial park built entirely out of red sandstone. Despite being a park, the place doesn’t actually have any trees, and the only nature connect you will find here are the beautiful elephant stone statues, which are eye-catching, nevertheless.
The Marine Drive of Lucknow, situated beside the Ambedkar Park, is a beautiful boulevard devoid of transport, and both locals, as well as tourists, come here during the mornings and the evenings for a casual walk or a jog.
Hazratganj, a major shopping area located in the heart of the city, is famous for its ‘chaat’ and ‘kulfi’ eateries, posh Mughlai restaurants, and various shopping complexes. All the buildings in Hazratganj have a distinct Victorian architecture, and you can shop for literally anything you want here – starting from inexpensive accessories and trinkets to high-end clothes, shoes and jewellery.
09 Allahabad
A few kilometres away from Varanasi, Allahabad is reminiscent of all that is spiritual and sacred in Hinduism. The largest city in Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad is famous for being the meeting point of three rivers – the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati. Built on the site of the ancient town of Prayag, Allahabad has, since time immemorial, held the largest Hindu gathering on the banks of the Sangam’ the Maha Kumbh Mela. While Allahabad is often passed over for more travel-friendly cities, there is a lot to Allahabad besides just its religion. The places oozes heritage, history, and stories galore, and once you visit the place, you will definitely have seen Allahabad differently for having travelled to and through it.
Allahabad is most famous for being home to the Triveni Sangam – the spot where the three holy rivers meet and become one. One of the top places to visit in Allahabad if you’re spiritually inclined (and even if you’re not because this place deserves a visit), Triveni Sangam is a place bustling with tourists and locals all year round. The Maha Kumbh Mela is a religious occasion that is held here every twelve years and is attended by millions of pilgrims from all across the globe.
Allahabad is more than just its religion though, and the Khusro Bagh is probably the town’s most appealing surprise element. Named after Khusro Mirza, the son of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the tombs of Khusro Bagh, as well as its wall art and stone carvings, clearly reflect the architecture of the Mughal period. The Allahabad Fort is another monument of historical significance and is heritage site recognized by the UNESCO. Built during the reign of Akbar, this fort is also a fine example of the curation and craftsmanship of the Mughal era.
Other popular places to visit in Allahabad include the Anand Bhavan, the All Saints Cathedral, the Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and the Allahabad Museum.
10 Sarnath
A quiet and spiritual town set amidst the otherwise densely populated state of Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is a city of historical marvel with numerous Buddhist stupas, museums, excavated ancient sites and beautiful temples that prove to be a source of immense wonder and astonishment to tourists due to their mystical and serene setting. Being just 10 kms from Varanasi, Sarnath is often flocked with devotees is the perfect pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus, alike.
A pilgrimage place for Buddhists, Sarnath features a number of temples and completely serene surroundings with its various historically significant, architectural marvels. Being the place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, Sarnath has since been a popular tourist attraction and is well known for its cultural significance as well as the mystical setting. To name a few attractions contributing to the spiritual significance of Sarnath, we have, Ashoka’s Pillar, Dharma Stupa built by Emperor Ashoka and many more
11 Vindhyachal
Vindhyachal is a famous Hindu pilgrimage spot closer to Mirzapur and Varanasi and has several temples in the vicinity with their own interesting stories. This town is situated on the banks of holy river Ganga and people come here to take a dip into it to pray to Goddess Ganga.
The town also sees countless devotees that come here to perform the trikona parikrama which covers three most important temples Vindhyavasini, Ashtabhuja and Kali khoh temples. There is a huge crowd of pilgrims here, all year round and especially during the Navratra when the whole town is decorated with diyas and flowers and hymn of holy chants.
12 Noida
A part of the National Capital Region, Noida, with the inauguration of Budhh international circuit for the formula one racing, Sunburn arena where international artists perform, and upcoming projects of one of the tallest buildings in North India. Noida is just busy running towards faster growth. Noida is a short name for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority.
This beautifully planned city has something for everyone, be it parks, amazing street food, posh restaurants, shopping malls, street-side shopping options, amusement parks, pubs and discotheques or sports complexes. Talking about the climate, it either has really hot summers or really cold winters but between August till November, the weather is mild. People in Noida are usually big foodies and are lively.
Greater Noida is an extension of Noida situated in the Gautam Buddh Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh nestles close to the capital and offers a glimpse of a booming modern city. The name NOIDA stands for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority from where it started its journey to become the next commercial capital. Greater Noida was developed under the UP Industrial Area Development Act in 1976. A flourishing IT and outsourcing hub, it is a part of National Capital Region (NCR) giving the city a silver edge. It is also a favourable hotspot for travellers to experience vibrant high street culture and fast-moving lifestyle.
13 Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot is a small town situated in the north Vindhyan range. Legends have it that Chitrakoot was the place where Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana stayed for eleven and half of their fourteen years of exile.
Chitrakoot is located over the districts of Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh and Satna in Madhya Pradesh. Chitrakoot holds great importance according to Hindu mythology and the epic Ramayana. According to Ramayana, Chitrakoot was the place where Bharata, brother of Ram came to visit Ram and ask him to come back to Ayodhya and rule the kingdom. It is also believed that the principal gods of Hindus, (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) took incarnations here. This divine city is also known as the ‘Hill of many wonders’ and it totally justifies the name. Chitrakoot mountain range has numerous places of great religious importance like Bharat Milap Temple, Hanuman Dhara, Janki Kund and much more. It is indeed the gift of nature and the gods. This is the place where Goswami Tulsidas, author of ‘The Ramcharitmanas’, spent many years of his life. There are many lively fairs which are organized on different occasions and festivals.Not many know that Chitrakoot is also home to the only university in the world specially made for the differently abled, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University. To sum up, Chitrakoot is the rare destination, which will never cease to surprise you. Overall, Chitrakoot is a perfect blend of divinity, serenity, and an exquisite beauty.
14 Ayodhya
Assumed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodahya has been surrounded by controversy since about a decade now but yet, has so much colour and spirituality to see for its tourists taking form of various attractions here including Ram janmabhoomi and various other temples.
Located on the banks of river Sarayu, Ayodhya is a city in Uttar Pradesh with rich history and numerous legends. Former capital of Awadh, Ayodhya plays a critical role in the Hindu epic of Ramayana. According to the epic, Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. Given its association with Hinduism, it is predominantly a religious tourist destination with all its temples and historical significance. Most recently, Ayodhya has been in news for the Babri Mosque dispute. The mosque, which was allegedly built on Ram Janmabhoomi temple, became the bone of contention between Hindus and Muslims. In 2005, Ayodhya witnessed a terrorist attack at the site of Ramlalla temple.
15 Dudhwa National Park
Nestled in the Lakhimpur-Kheri District of Uttar Pradesh on Indo-Nepal border, Dudhwa National Park is all about wildlife, nature and diversity and is a perfect getaway for nature buffs and wildlife lovers.
The place inhabits plethora of rare and endangered species including Tiger, Hispid hare, Swamp deer, Bengal Florican and Leopard etc. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is one of the finest tiger reserves where one can also witness the spellbinding herds of Barasingha in the grassy wetlands. The place is not only home to animals but also varied species of birds nearing 400 that will leave you enchanted. From bulbuls, kingfishers and woodpeckers to owls, barbets, orioles and bee eaters, the place is home to several exotic and migratory birds. With stupefying diversity, this incredible natural abode for birds and animals will be nothing short of bewitching experience.
The national park do have their own arrangements for safari, however you can hire jeeps or mini buses from outside to explore the wilderness and diversity of the area. Elephant ride is another option where elephant mahouts also act as your tour guide.
16 Ghaziabad
Ghaziabad can be best described as the “Gateway to Uttar Pradesh”. Given its proximity to the national capital, the social life of the rapidly developing town is intertwined with that of Delhi. The city has evolved as one of the dynamic industrial centres in the country, and it booms with the urbane culture of the neighbouring metro town. Other than the queuing traffic, bustling markets and the millennial crowd, Ghaziabad also wakes up to increasing number of multiplexes, better-planned roads and surpassing flyovers. Emerging as the industrial hub of India, Ghaziabad is a hotspot for a lot of industries including electric locomotive and EMU trains, bicycles, tapestry, pottery, paint and varnish, metal chains, etc.
The city has evolved as one of the most dynamic Industrial cities in the country. Ghaziabad takes a step towards triumph everyday, be it in the field of infrastructure, education or Industrial developments. Apart from all this Ghaziabad serves its tourist with numerous shopping malls, movie theatres, restaurants and night clubs.
Tourist Places 