AGRA : The glorious Taj Mahal takes one’s breath away, no matter how many glossy photographs you’ve seen. It’s awesome! The Taj, an edifice of love and ingenuous architecture is almost a synonym of Indian architecture to the world. Taj Nature Walk, Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Sikandara, Radha Swami Samadhi-Dayalbagh, Jama Masjid, Chini-Ka-Roza, Rambagh, Mariyam’s Tomb, Shaheed Smarak, Sur Sarovar, Fatehpur Sikri, Patna bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, etc. are worth visiting.
MATHURA : A long line of picturesque ghats with their steps leading to the water’s edge, arched gateway and temple spires extending along the right bank of the River Yamuna. Dwarikadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat,Sati Burj, Jama Masjid, Yamuna Bagh, Kans Qila, The Government Museum, etc. are important tourist places.
GOKUL : It was here that Lord Krishna was brought up in secrecy by Yashoda, in the pastoral beauty of this village on the banks of the Yamuna. Important sites worth visiting in Gokul include the Gokulnath Temple, Raja Thakur Temple, Gopal Lalji Temple and Morwala Temple, Govardhan, Barsana, Nandgaon, & Radhakund.
VRINDAVAN : The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. Madan Mohan Temple, Banke-Bihari Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Jaipur Temple, Shahji Temple, Rangaji Temple, Govind Deo Temple, Shri Krishna Balram Temple, Seva Kunj, Nidhi Van, etc. are worth worshiping.
VARANASI : Varanasi Or Banaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself... an experience in self discovery... an ethereal oneness of the body and soul. Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world today. The Holy Ganges Ghats, The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, New Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, Alamgir Mosque, Sarnath, Ramnagar are places of interest.
ALLAHABAD : One of the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad bears testimony to the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British crown after the 1857 uprising. Public Library, Muir College, Mayo Memorial Hall, Ewing Christian College, Allahabad High Court, Triveni Sangam, etc. are worth seeing.
CHITRAKOOT : Chitrakoot “the hill of many wonders” is a gift of nature and the gods. A city with more than legendary significance, it was the abode of Lord Ram and Sita for eleven years when in exile, the place where Sage Atri and Sati Ansuya meditated, the divine spot which saw the incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Gupt godavari, Sati Ansuya, Sphtik Shila, Janki Kund, Hanuman Dhara, Kamadgiri, Ram Ghat, Sitapur, Ganesh Bagh, Bharat Koop, etc. shall be visited.
LUCKNOW : The legacy of the imperial splendor of Lucknow has always fascinated people all over the world. the ambience of Avadh has commonly been associated with leisurely habits, etiquette, architecture, food and refinement-the residues of Nawabi culture.The Bara Imambara, Husainabad Imambara, Lucknow Residency, Shah Najaf Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Clock Tower, Jama Masjid, Vidhan Sabha Bhavan, La Martiniere, Husainabad Picture Gallery, Zoo, etc. are places of tourist attraction.
AYODHYA : The ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindus on the banks of river Saryu - Ram Mandir. It is the birth place of Lord Rama
JHANSI : The gateway to Bundelkhand, Jhansi is a city that is linked still with the legend of its fiery queen, Rani Laxmibai. Jhansi Fort, Rani Mahal, State Museum, Baruasagar, are worth visiting
HARIDWAR : Haridwar is associated with both Lord Shiva as well as Lord Vishnu. It is situated on the right bank of the holy Ganga. It is also one of the four venues for the “Kumbha Mela” . It is among the seven sacred cities of India. Hari-Ki-Pairi is most important ghat on the Ganga river, the Ganga Arti performed every evening is a spectacular sight. Bharat Mata Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Shantikunj, Maya Devi Temple, Pawan Dham Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple, Kankhal etc. are worth worshiping.
MUSSOORIE : Mussoorie offers views of both the Himalayan ranges to the north and the Shivalik hills and plains to the south. This erstwhile aristocratic resort is now a popular hill station. Bhadraj Temple, Municipal Garden, Mussoorie Lake, George everest House, Kempty Falls, Surkhanda Devi Temple, Asan Barrage, etc. are attractions for tourists.
NAINITAL : Nainiatal is a beautiful hill district nestled in the lap of the Central Himalayas in the Kumaon region. Naina Peak, Snow-View, Dorothy’s seat, High Altitude Zoo, Khurpatal, Hanumangarhi, State Observatory, Bhimtal, Naukuchiya-tal, Sat-tal, etc. are important sightseeing.
Jim Corbett Naional Park - The Jim Corbett National Park is India’s first national park. Night safaris are available where one can see Tiger, Elephant, Jackol & other wild animals. Elephant rides are also available.
ALMORA : Perched on a hillock at an elevation of 1646 mtr. Almora appears like a large horse shoe. Kalimath, Kasar Devi, Chitai, Katarmal, etc. are places to visit.
RANIKHET : Quaintly ensconced amidst pine trees with a charming background of the snow clad Himalaya, Ranikhet has a breathe taking scenic beauty. Blessed with a healthy climate, its magnetic charm attracts tourists all the year round. Chaubatia, Upat and Kalika, Hairakhan Temple, Tarikhet, etc. are important tourist points.
KAUSANI : Popularly known as the Switzerland of India, Kausani presents an unobstructed view of the long snow ranges of the Himalayas. Several snow clapped peaks stand stride in a stately row of over 300 km. in length. the view of snow clad peaks of Panchchuli, Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nand Ghunti, Chaukhamba and Kedarnath is awe inspiring. Baijnath, Pithorgarh, etc. are lovely view points.
CHARDHAM
BADRINATH : The temple has a black stone idol that depicts Lord Vishnu - the preserver - in a meditative stance with both hands on his lap. Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund, Shesnetre, Neelkanth Peak, Charanpaduka, Mata Murti Temple, Mana Village, Alka Puri, Sato Panth, Govindghat, Joshimath, Auli, Valley Of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, etc. must be visited.
KEDARNATH : Amidst the spectacular mountain ranges of the Garhwal Himalaya stands one of the twelve “Jyotirlingas” of Kedar or Lord Shiva. The temple has a conical lingam - the main idol, a statue of Nandi - the celestial bull, a “garbha griha” for worship and a “mandap” for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old. Kedarnath Temple, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Vasuki Tal, Gandhi sarovar, Sonprayag, Triyuginarayan, etc. are important place to visit.
GANGOTRI : The 6 mtr. high Gangotri shrine is dressed in white granite stone and is situated on the right bank of the river Bhagirathi. The 18th century temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. Gaumukh Trek, Nanadanvan, Tapovan, Uttarkashi, Kedar Tal, Bhairon Ghati, Sat Tal, etc. are worth seeing.
YAMNOTRI : Yamnotri is the source of the river Yamuna, which is the main tributary of the holy river Ganges. Yamnotri was the home of Asit Muni, a famous sage of ancient times. Lakhamandal, Surya Kund, Divya Shila, Jankichatti, Hanumanchati, Sayanachatti are important points. |
