One of the most popular states of North India, Uttar Pradesh delights travellers with its vivid blend of cultures. This land of diverse religions often makes travellers wonder and ponder in disbelief. Visit here to go deep into its historic and religious roots intertwining very delicately into each other.
Places to Visit
Uttar Pradesh brings together some of the most flamboyant cities which let you walk down the memory lanes of India in style. Visit Agra, the city of Taj Mahal. Agra beautifully portrays architecture excellence of the Mughal Era with some unique ancient marvels like Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Itmad Ud Daula, etc. Religious souls must explore Mathura, the land of Krishna. 
The town houses some of the most popular temples of Krishna dotted along the ghats of sacred Yamuna River some of which include Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir, Dwarkadhish Temple, etc. If you are visiting Mathura, then Vrindavan will surely catch your fancy.Here you can pay visit to Govind Dev Temple, Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, Shahji Temple, Ranganathaji Temple, ISKCON Temple, etc. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities of Uttar Pradesh lying on the bank of River Ganges. This holy city sees uncountable pilgrims every year who enjoy the solace of the place by visiting places like Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, New Vishwanath Temple, Kathwala Temple, Kashi Vishwanath/Golden Temple, Manmandir Ghat, etc. For those having inclination for Buddhism, Sarnath is an ideal haven. This is the place where Buddha preached his first sermon. Later Ashoka built many stupas and monasteries here which are still visited by Buddhism devotees today. Some of the most popular gems of Sarnath include Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, Mulgandha Kuti Vihar, Dharmarajika Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Bodhivriksha, etc. Another serene escape for spiritual souls is Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. The city is blessed with some of the most popular temples, including Ram Lall Temple, Kanak Bhavan Temple, Nageshwarnath Temple and Hanuman Garhi to name a few. Known for its Sangam (merger of rivers) and the very popular Kumbh Mela, Allahabad is an important tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh. Allahabad brings to you many British era buildings, ancient Mughal fort and tombs some of which include Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhavan, Patalpuri Temple and Akshaya Vat, Anand Bhavan, Allahabad Museum, etc.
A visit to Uttar Pradesh remains unfulfilled unless you explore Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. This city of Awadhi cuisine houses numerous architectural wonders from the past, including Bada Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Hazratganj, Lucknow Museum, Asifi Masjid, Constantia House and Shah Najaf Imambara to name a few.
Other must visit places in Uttar Pradesh are Bareilly, Kushinagar, Jhansi, Sardhana, Aligarh, etc.
Festivals
Just as its diverse list of attractions, Uttar Pradesh also charms the world with its myriad festivals signifying its rich cultures and prosperous heritage. Holi of Uttar Pradesh is a must experienced festival which turns this state into a colourful paradise. Visit Mathura where Latthmaar Holi is played by local men and women. While men try to put colour on the women, women folk use bamboo sticks to save themselves. Taj Mahotsav is another most popular tourist friendly festival of the state organised in Agra. The festival sees elephants and camels parades, classical artists, drum beaters and splendid list of handicrafts with the backdrop of Taj Mahal. Other significant festivals of Uttar Pradesh are Kailash Fair, Janmashtami, Ganga Mahotsav, etc. ?
Food
Cuisine of Uttar Pradesh brings to you an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. As the state houses diversified cities, one can see a mixed variety of dishes being served here. Banarsi dishes like kachauris, jalebis and samosa make everyone fall for gluttony. Awadhi food remains the most popular enticer in Uttar Pradesh that lets you savour Nawabi dishes like Seekh Kebab, Tunde ke Kabab and Shami Kebab. Also, taste Mughlai food with some lip smacking dishes like Kundan Kaliya (mutton cooked with rich gravy), Shami Kabab (mince meat), Kakori Kabab (mince meat on skewers) and Gulnaar Kababs (chicken cooked in tomatoes and spices). Sweet lovers must taste petha from Agra and khurchan from Mathura.
Shopping
Shoppers get to choose from a variety of handicrafts sold in the state.? Mathura and Varanasi are known for souvenirs with stone carvings. Varanasi remains popular for banarsi saris in silk. Those visiting Lucknow must buy authentic Chikan embroidery textiles.? Also, Moradabad is known for handicraft items, leather goods and stone ware. Do not miss a chance to buy miniatures of Taj Mahal from Agra.
By Air: Uttar Pradesh has four domestic airports in Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi connecting to all other major cities of India
By Rail: Railways is the best way to reach here as the state has a great railway network with junctions in Agra, Kanpur, Faizabad, Allahabad, Mughal Sarai, etc.
By Road: Road connectivity in Uttar Pradesh is also good with availability of numerous private and state run buses.
