Uttar Pradesh is one of the few states that best represents India. The continent’s historical and religious roots weave with insight in this land of sacred river savannas. According to legend, Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya and Lord Krishna was born in Mathura. This contrast reveals a lot about the melancholy of the Indian psyche. Apart from the well-known city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh is home to Varanasi, the holiest city in India.
It is famous for its cremation ghats and colorful ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges. The Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi and passed away at Kushinagar, which is now a peaceful place of pilgrimage. While in Lucknow, and of course Agra, the Mughals and Nawabs left their mark, creating architectural and culinary masterpieces. Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, has a lot to excite any traveler.
Nawabs City Lucknow
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a bit sleepy! There’s a lot to see, but it’s often bypassed by tourists. Dotted with Islamic and British era architecture, charming bazaars and famous street food restaurants, Lucknow’s Aadaab, Nawab, Kebab and Shabab aptly reflect Lucknow’s reputation as a city of culture, elegant living and food. The Nawabs of Avadh were prominent patrons of the culinary and other arts, especially dance and music, who built the city’s reputation. Central Lucknow has wide boulevards, grand monuments and several parks and gardens, all of which contribute to the area’s waning grandeur.
Moksha City Varanasi
The India of your imagination is in Varanasi. The city is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Pilgrims come seeking release from the cycle of rebirth, to atone for sins, bury their loved ones, or just follow the Ganges. Most tourists agree that Varanasi is magical, but not for the faint of heart. The intense sights, sounds and smells of the labyrinthine Old Town coexist with communal rituals of death. The City of Light remains one of the most vibrant and fascinating places on Earth. A walk on the ghats or a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges are some of the highlights. Experiencing the authenticity of death rituals first-hand is also a powerful experience.
