Uttar Pradesh

Known as UP since the Raj days of the United Provinces, Uttar Pradesh, or “the Northern State”, is the heartland of Hinduism and Hindi, dominating the nation in culture, religion, language and politics. A vast, steamy plain of the Ganges, its history is very much the history of India, and its temples and monuments – Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim – are among the most impressive in the country.

Not far from Delhi, in the west of the state, Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) and deserted Fatehpur Sikri stand as poignant reminders of the great Mughals. Nearby, somehow sheltered from successive waves of Muslim conquest, the much-mythologized Hindu land of Braj – centered on Mathura and Vrindavan – was the childhood playground of the God Krishna.

Famous Cities in Uttar Pradesh

Highlights of Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal : The highest expression of Mughal culture, and one of the most stunning buildings in the world.

Akbar's mausoleum, Sikandra : The great Mughal's tomb looks just as it does in old miniatures, with tame monkeys and deer wandering in its ornamental gardens.

Fatehpur Sikri : An awesomely grand deserted palace complex, straddling an arid ridge near the Rajasthani border.

Kalinjar Fort : Remote fortifications in UP's dusty badlands, far from the tourist trail.

Varanasi : Take a boat on the Ganges before dawn to watch the sun rise over India's most ancient and sacred city.

Sarnath : Evocative ruins on the site where the Buddha gave his first sermon.