7 Best Cities To Visit In Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi. Image credit: Narvikk via Wikimedia Commons

The vast north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh covers a large part of the Ganga-Yamuna river basin, making its land highly fertile for agriculture to flourish and human settlements to grow. So, no wonder the region's history goes back 4,000 years to when the earliest Vedic-era settlements grew up here. Today, the state is the most populous one in the country. Scattered throughout Uttar Pradesh are many cities whose historical and cultural attractions draw visitors from far and wide. If you are visiting the state and thinking of which cities to choose from, here is a list of the seven best.

Varanasi

The Holy city of Varanasi. Image credit: Dennis Jarvi via Wikimedia Commons.

Varanasi, of course! India's holiest city on the banks of the Holy Ganges, with its hundreds of temples, ghats, and historical buildings, must be on this coveted list. While Varanasi might not be really neat and tidy, it is the culture and chaos of the city that wins all hearts. There is something in that city that makes every visitor feel attached to it forever. Maybe it is the spirituality that this city evokes that casts such a spell. Here, people can spend hours strolling along the banks of the river, watching life happen all around. It is the place where people come to celebrate both life and death. Here, people from all walks of life, and bearing a range of emotions in their hearts, come to find solace. Watching the ethereal evening rituals along the river's banks in the evening while seated on a boat is a must-do for all visitors. Also, exploring this ancient city's numerous lanes and bylanes has its own charm. Varanasi is a city that surely must not be missed by any avid globetrotter!

Lucknow

A beautiful mosque in Lucknow. Image credit: Tushar Dayal via Flickr.com.

Talk about regal Nawabs and good etiquette, and Lucknow's name comes up first. This city, the capital of the state, is steeped in history. Be prepared to have your jaws drop at the sight of stunning Mughal-era art and architecture here. The gorgeous Imambaras and the Rumi Darwaza are all waiting for you. Then, there is the lip-smacking Mughlai cuisine that is an absolute must-try in the city. What more? Here, you also have the opportunity to book a tour to enjoy a meal with the royals themselves. Once satisfied with the blended dose of history and culture in Lucknow, head off to the next destination on this list, a five-and-a-half hours' drive away - Pilibhit.

Pilibhit

I Love Pilbhit sign with nature pained below in Pilbhit. Image credit: Voiceofpilibhit via Wikimedia Commons.

Nature lovers are welcome to the town of Pilibhit, surrounded by lush forests, quite close to the Himalayan foothills. The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is only around 40 minutes' drive away from town. The district Pilibhit that shares its name with the town is among the state's most forested regions. The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, established in 2014, serves as a safe home for many species, including the Indian tiger. Jeep safaris are available for visitors to explore the region's spectacular landscapes, flora, and fauna. The many rivers, sal forests, grasslands, and swamps that characterise the landscape of Pilibhit make the place really worth a visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

Jhansi

The Jhansi Fort in Jhansi. Image credit: WikiAffy via Wikimedia Commons.

The historical city of Jhansi is, of course, synonymous with Jhansi ki Rani Laxmibai, the legendary female warrior queen who bravely fought the British forces to protect her kingdom from being seized by them and lost her life fighting the battle. Today, Jhansi's historical sights related to the queen remind visitors of the valour and might of Rani Laxmibai and other rulers who ruled the region for centuries. Some of the chief attractions in and around this city include the 1613-build Jhansi Fort, the Raja Gangadhar Rao ki Chattri, which is the cenotaph built by Rani Laxmibai in memory of her husband in 1853, other historical buildings and ancient temples, and more. Another major attraction is the nearby historical site of Orchha, which has many gorgeous temples and palaces. The nearby Baru Sagar Dam is a great place to unwind after a day full of activities.

Prayagraj

The Kumbh Mela being held in Prayagraj. Image credit: Ninara via Flickr.com.

Parayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is the second most visited city in Uttar Pradesh after Varanasi, primarily because it is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. Near this city is the holy Triveni Sangam, or confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Parayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, has a history stretching thousands of years. It has witnessed the rise and fall of many kingdoms and rulers and served as the capital of many ancient empires. Today, this city is the judicial capital of Uttar Pradesh. Like Varanasi, visitors to this city will get an insight into the Indian culture and religion at the many temples, along the banks of the Ganges, and at the Triveni Sangam. In addition, Prayagraj also offers many historical and architectural attractions like the Allahabad Fort, Khusro Bagh, Anand Bhavan, and more. 

Agra

The Taj Mahal in Agra. Image credit: Joel Godwin via Wikimedia Commons.

Both Agra and Varanasi are the state's most internationally renowned cities. Agra is synonymous with its monument of love, the Taj Mahal. Almost every foreign tourist to India visits this city at least once. Agra is not just about the Taj Mahal, however, as many other historical attractions from the Mughal period that inspire awe with their architectural and artistic beauty also dot the city. Visitors must also walk through the streets of Agra with a reliable guide to taste its local delicacies and shop from the many handicraft stores where ancient art and craft forms come to life. Also, a trip to Agra can be or must be combined with visiting the nearby historical site of Fatehpur Sikri to explore some jaw-dropping architecture and Bharatpur to enjoy the sight of beautiful birds at the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary.

Ayodhya

Sarayu River in Ayodhya. Image credit: रूही via Wikimedia Commons.

The name of this place must be familiar to all those acquainted with the ancient Indian epic of Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama, the ancient Indian hero of Ramayana who is also worshipped as a deity by Hindus, was born here. Ayodhya is also associated with many dynasties that ruled the area and built various palaces, temples, monuments, and mosques over the years to render the city a magnet for history and culture lovers. Besides its beautiful temples, some other attractions in the city include Sita ki Rasoi, an ancient kitchen site believed to be used by Goddess Sita, the wife of Rama; the Tulsi Smarak Bhavan Museum, which is believed to be the place where the ancient Hindu saint and poet Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas; and the ghats along the Sarayu River.

Uttar Pradesh's cities and towns are thus brimming with history and culture and waiting to be explored by all those who take the journey of a lifetime through this state that has borne witness to over 4,000 years of rich Indian history.