Uttar Pradesh remains at the heart of much of India's religious and cultural life: the cradle of Hinduism and the cultural heartland of Indian Islam, a double identity symbolized by the presence of such contrasting sites as the Taj Mahal and the Mughal forts at Delhi and Agra, and the bathing ghats at Varanasi Allahbad which attract millions of pilgrims. The state offers a wide variety of landscapes and historic monuments.
The main attractions of the state are:
1. Agra
The seat of the imperial Mughal court during the 16th and 17th centuries, the beautiful city of Agra, is strategically located on the banks of the Yamuna and along the Grand Trunk Road. The city flourished under the patronage of the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, attracting artisans from Persia and Central Asia, and also from other parts of India, who built luxurious forts, palaces, gardens and mausoleums. Of these, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Akbar's abandoned capital of Fatehpur Sikri have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Beside these the city has lot to offer including Jami Masjid, St John's College, Roman Catholic Cemetery, Fort Railway Station, Agra fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb and the Firoz Khan Khwajasara's Tomb.
2. Mathura
Mathura on the west bank of Yamuna is one of the most sacred cities of Hinduism dating back to 600 BC. A dark, cell-like room in the rather modern Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, on the periphery of the city, is reputed to be the actual site of the birth of one of India's most popular gods, Lord Krishna. Further away; along the river front, Mathura's 25 ghats form a splendid network of temples, pavilions, trees and stone steps leading down to the water. Other major places in the town are the Jami Masjid, Church of the Sacred Heart and the Government Museums.
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3. Brindavan
An important pilgrim centre, Brindavan ("Forest of Fragrant Basil") is situated along the Yamuna River. It mainly attracts Hindu devotee who believe that the young Krishna once lived here as a humble cowherd and romanced the beautiful milkmaid Radha. Brindavan's numerous temples, ashrams and ghats were mainly built by Hindu kings and rich merchants. Interesting places in the town are Govindeoji Temple, Ranganathji Temple, Seva Kunj, Madan Mohan Temple, Banke Bihari Temple and the 16th century Jugal Kishore Temple.
4. Varanasi
India's holiest Hindu city with a spiritual and religious legacy that goes back nearly 3,000 years, Varanasi is situated on the west bank of the Ganges and is also known as Kashi ("the City of Light") or as Benares. This eternal city, where religion is an integral part of daily life, has drawn saints, poets and pilgrims through the ages. The 90 or so ghats along the river define the life and identity of Varanasi. Stretching from the southern Asi Ghat to the northern Adi Keshava Ghat, close to the Malviya Bridge, the ghats cover more than 6 km (4 miles). Other places of interest in the city are the Vishwanath Temple, Jnana Vapi Well ("Well of Wisdom"), Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and the Ramnagar Fort.
5. Allahbad
Today, Allahbad is a quietly prosperous provincial centre, the broad, tree-lined avenues of the Civil Lines area contrasting with the congested bustle of the old city. Allahabad's sacred location at the confluence (sangam) of three rivers – the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati – has given it a cultural, political and religious importance for nearly 3,000 years. The places deserving a visit are the Allahbad Fort, Akshaivata, Khusrau Bagh, Anand Bhavan, Muir College, and the Allahbad Museum.
6. Lucknow
In Kipling's Kim "no city – except Bombay, the queen of all – was more beautiful in her garish style than Lucknow, famous for its silks, perfumes and jewellery. The capital of the state, the city sprawls along the banks of the Gomti River in the heart of Uttar Pradesh. In the heart of the old city traditional craftsmen continue to produce the rich gold zari work, delicate chikan embroidery and strong attar perfume. The places to visit in the city are Qaiser Bagh Palace, Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan, Sikander Bagh, Chattar Manzil ("Umbrella Palace"), The Residency and the Bara Imambara.
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