THE BEST CITIES OF RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE IN UTTAR PRADESH

India is a nation that demonstrates Unity in Diversity with 28 states & 8 union territories. As we already know, India is the second most populated country with almost 139 crores of people. Uttar Pradesh contributes to being the most populous state of India. Tourists from all over the world visit India and glimpse its rich cultural heritage. India is known for its diverse culture, language, cuisine, ritual, monument, and many more. Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh are famous for religious tourism. Therefore, Today we at Travliv360 would like to talk about Uttar Pradesh having the most Religious Importance. Moreover, why it is known for its religious tourism.

UTTAR PRADESH: A HUB OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM

Initially, I would like to state a few statistics about this state. In North India, a state located with Lucknow being its legislative capital & Allahabad being its judicial capital. Nine states such as Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh surrounds being neighbours. Furthermore, it also shares international borders with Nepal. River Ganga originates from the Gangotri glacier, and its tributaries drain over Uttar Pradesh. Hence, making the land fertile for agricultural practices. The Ganga plain formation is by the sediments carried by the river downhill. Ganga, Yamuna and, Saraswati, meet at Allahabad to form the Triveni Sangam.

INDIA IS A COUNTRY IN WHICH EVERY GREAT RELIGION FINDS A HOME

ANNIE BESANT

So, let’s talk about some cities of religious importance in Uttar Pradesh that further makes this state a tourism hub.

AGRA: THE CITY KNOWN FOR TAJ MAHAL

This beautiful city lies on the banks of the river Yamuna, and Sultan Sikandar Lodi founded Agra city in 1504. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most popular places in India just because of the Taj Mahal, a symbol of love. Not only Agra is rich in religious aspects but also national aspects. Moreover, it has its name in the Seven Wonders of the World. Shah Jahan built this monument for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a place of worship for Muslims and attracts millions of people from all over the world. The city of Agra houses three UNESCO world heritage sites – The Agra Fort, The Taj Mahal, and the city of Fatehpur Sikri.

AYODHYA: THE BIRTHPLACE OF LORD RAMA

I don’t think anyone in this country does not know about Ayodhya. However, Ayodhya is famously known as Ram Ki Nagri because it is the kingdom and the birthplace of Lord Ram. It finds its mentions in the Ramayan written by Valmiki. Especially the people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama from the exile of 14 years by lighting diyas & candles and decorating their houses. That led to the origin of India’s biggest festival Diwali. Ayodhya is the birthplace of five Jain Tirthankaras. Therefore, it is a holy place for Jains as well. The presence of Babri Masjid makes it a pilgrimage site for Muslims. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi Temple, Kanak Bhavan Temple, and Sita Ki Rasoi are some of the famous temples of Ayodhya city.

LUCKNOW: NAWABO KA SHEHAR

Being the heart of Uttar Pradesh and famously known as Nawabo ka Sheher. It is also famous for its multicultural aspects, such as monuments of great significance and architectural beauty. The famous Bara Imambara is a historical monument of the 16th century. The British Residency located in this city served as the residence of British Generals being the capital city. The Rumi Darwaza is an Awadhi-style monument. Furthermore, the Husainabad Clock Tower is a 221 feet structure, and it is similar to the Big Ben Clock Tower of London. Indeed, Lucknow is famous for its Chicken Kari embroidery, jewellery, footwear, carpets, and many more.

MATHURA & VRINDAVAN: LORD KRISHNA’S BIRTHPLACE

According to the ancient texts, Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. He was born at Braj Bhoomi, where the Lord Krishna Janmabhoomi temple is situated. Mathura is famous for a few things, such as the Yamuna river, the chat corners and the lip-smacking Mathura Peda. Vrindavan is a small town in the Mathura District. This town is full of devotions where it has many Radha Krishna temples, the Banke Bihari Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Govardhan temple, Prem Mandir, and many more. However, the famous Iskcon temple built of white marble makes it a must-visit place for all tourists. Both the cities have great religious importance in Uttar Pradesh.

PRAYAGRAJ: KNOWN FOR TRIVENI SANGAM

This city is of great historical significance as it has its name in the travel accounts of Hsuan Tang, a Chinese traveller. Additionally, The Mughal emperor Akbar visited this city and named it Illahabad in 1575 but later on, the name changed to Allahabad. This city has played a significant role in the mutiny of 1857. Moreover, the city is famous for the Triveni Sangam of three rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years at four venues such as Ujjain, Nashik, Haridwar, and Allahabad. You can say it is not just the religious capital but also the judicial capital of Uttar Pradesh. Other must-visit places are Khusro Bagh, All Saint Cathedral Church, Allahabad Museum, and many more.

SARNATH: 1ST SERMON OF GAUTAM BUDDHA

Sarnath is situated 13km away from the famous city of Banaras. This small city of Sarnath is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon and taught Dharma at this place. Tourists from Thailand, Japan, Tibet, and Sri Lanka, come to visit Sarnath. Moreover, the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, Shreyasa Nath, was born in the village of Singhpur that is just a mile away from Sarnath. That makes it a famous religious place for Jains as well. Apart from them, the other places to visit are Dhamkesh stupa, Chaukandi Stupa, Ashoka pillar, Buddha statue, and many more.

VARANASI: THE OLDEST CITY OF WORLD

Varanasi is famously known as Kashi & Benaras and the most visited site for Hindus. Undoubtedly, this spiritual city has various ghats to take a holy dip in the River Ganges. People come here in the Shravan month, according to the Hindu calendar. In other words, we can say that it is the holy month of Lord Shiva. Further, the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple is the main attraction for Hindus.

Not only the temple but also The Banaras Hindu University is situated here. It invites students from all over the country to pursue their higher education. Banaras is also famous for its delicacies. For example, the Banarasi pan and Tamatar ki chat. Apart from food Thandai, a milk-based shake made with dry fruits and saffron served with a scoop of Malai make it mouth-watering.

AUTHOR’S LAST NOTE!

So, these are the few cities having religious importance in Uttar Pradesh. Undoubtedly, making it a must-visit state in India. In addition, I would like to inform you that the best time to visit is between October to March. You can use any means of transport all are well developed and well maintained. Tell me in the comments box about the place you would love to visit or your list of places in Uttar Pradesh. So, plan your journey soon!!!

WHEREVER YOU GO, GO WITH ALL YOUR HEART

Confucius

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Story By: Manshi Gupta