Take a step back in history by visiting these destinations in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh might not be one of the most sought-after states for you. But, it certainly has its charm when it comes to historical places and religious experience. The lip-smacking street food adds a dash of scintillating flavour during your visit and helps you create a memorable experience. The festivals celebrated in Uttar Pradesh also have certain fervour to it and provides an indulging trip. Here, I am mentioning my favourite destinations in Uttar Pradesh and why you should also visit these. Most of these destinations are well connected by air and flight ticket booking is a viable option to reach them. Winter would be the best time to visit as the temperature is high in summer.

1. Agra

It may sound cliché, but if you don’t visit Agra and admire the gorgeous Taj Mahal shimmering in the evening sun, then you might miss a lovely sight. Given its fame, you will find a lot of visitors here, but it’s worth navigating through the crowd to get a glimpse of the marble beauty. This gorgeous mausoleum stands tall as an epitome of the historical love Shah Jahan had towards Mumtaz Mahal.  Agra is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in India. But, it also offers a good deal to budget travelers.

You can consider www.hotelsinagra.net to look at some options.

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2. Vrindavan

Lord Krishna’s childhood home, Vrindavan is more of temples and ghats. The Banke Bihari temple is a sight to behold and the Prem Mandir, made of white marble, leaves you impressed. The holy Yamuna River flows gently, passing many ghats and reflecting the city lights after twilight. There are plenty of hotels in Vrindavan suiting a wide budget range. You can engage in the best things to do in Vrindavan when you visit this city.

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3. Varanasi

This historic town, holy for the Hindu religion, has its own charm. The evening prayers offered to the holy river, Ganga, offers a transcendental experience. Abuzz with powerful chants, the evenings and mornings in Varanasi are vibrant with an enthusiasm for devotion. The street food here is also delectable. Enjoying a glass of Lassi is highly recommended. A visit to Varanasi during the Holi festival will offer a great experience of enjoying colors and festivity. Hotels as cheap as Rs 800 per room night are available at Varanasi.

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4. Jhansi

We all feel proud for the torchbearer of India’s independence struggle, Jhansi ki Rani. This historic town still echoes of the contributions given by Rani Laxmibai in the 1857 freedom revolution. The Jhansi fort, located atop Bangira hilltop, offers a lovely view of the town below and stands strong even after centuries. For a history and architecture aficionado, a visit to Jhansi would be very satisfying.

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5. Mathura

Known to be Lord Krishna’s birthplace, Mathura is also considered to be a Holy destination. The history of how Lord Krishna was born amidst adversities is fascinating and worth knowing. Lord Krishna was born at The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, which is the most significant attraction in Mathura. You should also visit the ornate temple of Dwarkadheesh which has a very impressive and vibrant interior. While you are exploring the temples, do make a point to visit Vishram Ghat in evening. Mathura was also a prominent center for Buddhism once and there were as many as 20 monasteries in the town. However, that was a really long time ago.

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Apart from these destinations, you can also consider visiting Ayodhya, Lucknow, and Allahabad. The Triveni Sangam, a confluence of three rivers, is a must visit attraction in Allahabad. The confluence point lets you witness three rivers merging together; Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati.

If you are planning to visit Uttar Pradesh, do check if your dates are coinciding with the Kumbh Mela dates. If so, you can disappear in the crowd of hundreds of holy saints who frequent Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s biggest gatherings.

I hope you like my recommendations. How many destinations have you covered out of these? Let me know your experience in the comments section below. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.