It is cent percent accurate - "Choose a place and assuredly it will tell you legends." From natural to man-made wonders, India hosts umpteen places reflecting the priceless and timeless art through its beauty. Uttar Pradesh is one such place which has a been a major volunteer in the progress and prosperity of the nation; the centuries-old culture and millennium-old values are witnesses to its upliftment.
Being the most populous state in India, Uttar Pradesh is home to numerous religions, castes and creeds and hence, it is the best representative of the nation. A perfect blend of all cultures, traditions and values, Uttar Pradesh is definitely a must-visit destination for all travellers.
How about visiting the top 10 places in Uttar Pradesh this season? Read on and get to know about these alluring and charming places in Uttar Pradesh, the quintessential state of India.
1) Agra
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Nestled on the banks of Yamuna river and the former capital of India during Mughal era, Agra is home to innumerable man-made wonders in the form of historical buildings with incredible architecture and artistic work. Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Akbar's Tomb are the exemplary works standing by the epic legends of the city. Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, Jahangiri Mahal, etc. are certain other destinations in Agra where you can find the immortal chronicles of its history.
Best time to visit - October to March
2) Jhansi
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Famous for its queen, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Jhansi is one of the major historic cities of Uttar Pradesh. It has been a major rebellion centre during the uprising in 1857 against the British rule. Since then, the tales of its bravery and survival are amongst the important chapters of Indian history. From Jhansi Fort to Rani Mahal and Government Museum to Jhansi Museum, this place has everything to look forward to.
Best time to visit - November to February
3) Varanasi
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One of the oldest cities in the world and the religious capital of India, Varanasi is home to innumerable Hindu devotees and every year millions of tourists can be seen here, savouring the historical beauty of the city and getting blessings from the sages.
Located on the banks of Ganga river, the enigmatic charm of Varanasi lies in its sacred atmosphere filled with thousands of peoples performing rituals at Ganga to get rid of their sins. Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ramnagar Fort and Chunar Fort are certain places of interest in Varanasi.
Best time to visit - October to March
4) Allahabad
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Also known as the Sangam city as it is located at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, Allahabad is one of the major Hindu pilgrimage centres in Uttar Pradesh. It contributes a major part to the Uttar Pradesh tourism on account of its historical, cultural and religious significance.
Allahabad is also popular for its Kumbh Mela celebration, which is hosted once in every 12 years and tourists come in millions of numbers to catch a glimpse of this grand fair and take bath in the holy waters of Sangam. Allahabad Fort, Allahabad Museum, Triveni Sangam, Khusro Bagh, etc. are some of the important tourist destinations.
Best time to visit - October to April
5) Lucknow
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The capital of Uttar Pradesh and well known for its biryani, kebabs and undoubtedly, the hospitality, Lucknow is one of the most-visited places in Uttar Pradesh. Get yourself here and feel the warmth of this city of Nawabs. It is next to impossible for the travellers and tourists to visit Uttar Pradesh and not savour the age-old beauty of Lucknow, where the actual progress and prosperity of the state started. Major tourist spots here include Bara Imambara, Lucknow Zoo, Museum, Chattar Manzil, Bhul Bhulaiya, etc.
Best time to visit - November to February
6) Ayodhya
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Known as the birthplace of Lord Rama or Ram Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya has been a major sacred place for Hindus since its existence during the ancient era. Despite being the controversial topic since last few decades, Ayodhya still stands showcasing its charm of cultural and religious significance.
If you are willing to explore the golden centuries of the state, then Ayodhya is a must-visit place for you. Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Moti Mahal, Hanuman Garhi, Gulab Bari, Kanak Bhavan, etc. are some of the most-visited tourist destinations in Ayodhya.
Best time to visit - October to March
7) Mathura
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Another religious centre in Uttar Pradesh, Mathura is known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and is one of the seven holiest Hindu cities in India. Dotted with temples and several religious sites, Mathura is home to innumerable sages and pandits. The smell of incense sticks, fragrant colours and devotional tunes everywhere, make this land an idyllic spiritual place.
Places to visit in Mathura include Kusum Sarovar, Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Radha Kund, Dwarkadhish Temple, Museum, etc.
Best time to visit - November to March
8) Fatehpur Sikri
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The city built by Mughal Emperor Akbar is one of the finest cities in India which reflects marvellous artistry through the sketches of its palaces, forts and other buildings. It cannot be denied that this city of victory definitely wins the hearts of its tourists on account of its winsome corridors and never-seen patterns of the buildings. Buland Darwaza, Jodhabai Palace, Diwan-i-khas and Panch Mahal are some of the most-visited destinations in Fatehpur Sikri.
Best time to visit - October to March
9) Chitrakoot
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Apart from historical places, Uttar Pradesh also hosts some of the stoppages for nature seekers. Yes, this is also the place where Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshman, spent few months of his exile. Chitrakoot is one amongst the top 10 places in Uttar Pradesh as it provides its tourists with an unbelievable mix of nature, history and spirituality.
Awaken your conscience at Chitrakoot Falls and find yourself immersed in the spirituality at Ramghat. Certain other places of interests in Chitrakoot include Kamadgiri, Ram Dhara, Janku Kund, etc.
Best time to visit - September to March
10) Sarnath
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Located near Varanasi, Sarnath is an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Buddhism. The history of Buddhism can be traced here through the presence of stupas and ancient, ruined monasteries. Lord Buddha is believed to have preached his first sermon in this sacred town of Sarnath after attaining insight on spiritual knowledge. It has also been a part of Jainism and several Jain temples can also be seen here dispersed across the town.
Major tourists places in Sarnath include Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Chaukhandi Stupa, Thai Temple, etc.
Best time to visit - November to February