Vrindavan-The Land of Lord Krishna

 Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna was born. It is the place where Lord Krishna performed his divine activities and played tricks with the gopis (the milkmaids).The presence of Lord Krishna is something you will instantly grasp from the very moment you step foot into Vrindavan. From the walls to the gardens, to the roads, everything here feels as if it has been touched by Lord Krishna. The name 'Vrindavan' is a derivative of the term 'Vrinda', which is akin to Tulsi plant that grows profusely throughout the length and breadth of the city. Legend says that the entire surroundings were a tulsi coppice at one time. Some others believe that the term Vrindavan stands for Vrinda Devi, one among the milkmaids. Lets explore some of the places and temples to visit in this spiritual and peaceful place-

1.Prem Mandir-Radha & Krishna Sita & Ram the epitome of eternal love and unfathomed devotion! Prem Mandir Vrindavan is an ode to their celestial love, reflecting unprecedented beauty and marvel. The beautiful Prem Mandir emanates exactly what it is named as. Love or Prem, this temple is located on the outskirts of Vrindavan. The temple is a true delight for Lord Krishna’s followers, exhibiting supreme power and devotion. The magnificent abode of love is a must visit on your tour to Vrindavan.

2.Banke Bihari Mandir-Banke Bihari temple is one of the most revered temples of Vrindavan. Banke Bihari, the presiding deity, means bent in three places. The idol of Lord Krishna at this temple can be seen standing in a unique posture, justifying the naming of this temple.Swami Harida installed this idol in Nidhivan an he was also the Guru of iconic singer Tansen. It was later brought to Banke Bihari Temple.. It is believed that the idol was handed over to Swami Haridas by Lord Krishna himself!

3.ISKCON Vrindavan-The first popular temple is the ISKCON (International Society on Krishna Consciousness) Temple was built on the orders of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. In the open hall outside the sanctum sanatorium, a number of foreigners and Indians wearing saffron and white clothes are enjoying the high of Hare Rama Hare Krishna kirtan that goes on for 24 hours a dayopen hall outside the sanctum sanatorium, a number of foreigners and Indians wearing saffron and white clothes are enjoying the high of Hare Rama Hare Krishna kirtan that goes on for 24 hours a day.

4.Nidhivan-As the name says Nidhivan, is a block of the thick forest where Lord Krishna used to do Raas Leela with Radha and Gopis.It is believed by the devotees and people that not only Lord Krishna visits this place but also performs Ras Leela with the Gopis here every night. This is the reason why after the evening Aarti at 7pm, the doors of Nidhivan shut down for the devotees as well as priests. Even it is believed, the animals and birds that are sighted here all through the day also leave the premises in the evening. Truly, Nidhivan is one mysterious place that catches the attention of all kinds of travellers from around the world. Though, it seems impossible to learn more about this place, it is still one destination that awaits more exploration.

5.Shri Shri Krishna Balram Temple-the impressive temple of Krishna Balram ISKCON temple enveloped in a rarified air of stillness that seems to radiate off its beatific white marble structure. The main temple hall has 3 altars, each enshrining beautifully decorated deities of Gaura Nitai, Krishna Balram and Radha Shyamsundar in their most beautiful form. Do visit this temple to take a look at this beautiful place.

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Interesting facts of Uttar pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a land of culture, tradition, history, festival, agriculture, cuisines, and tourist spots. From ancient temples to national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, historic places, spectacular architectural marvels, massive forts, and scenic beauty, the state is rich in every sense.It has many ancient temples,Historic places, monuments,scenic beauty and also is home to one of the seven wonders of the world.Uttar Pradesh is a place of worship and sacred ghats where millions of pilgrims come to take a bath every year.Let us know some interesting facts about Uttar Pradesh.

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1.Birth Place of Gods-

The Kingdom of Kosala, one of 16 Mahajanapadas was located within the modern boundary of Uttar Pradesh.Lord Rama was born here in Ayodhya.Lord Krishna was born here in Mathura,and also spent his childhood in Vrindavan here.

2.A Tree from Heaven

Parijat Tree is usually 10-15ft tall.Also known as the Coral Jasmine Tree,some people also refer to it as Kalpa Vrishk or Kalpa Taru-Wish Granting Tree.It is interesting to note that the Parijat tree blooms at night and the flowers fall on the ground by themselves, making it the only flower that can be offered to the deities after picking them from the ground.Some people are of the view that Lord Krishna brought the tree for his wives Rukmini and Satyabhama from heaven (Indraloka) to his kingdom in Dwarka.

3.First Human Settlement in this State-

The first recorded human settlement in Uttar Pradesh took place around 70 or 80 thousand years ago. They lived as hunter-gatherers and spread all across the state.

4.Most Populated State of India-

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India with over 200 million population. It makes up about 16.6% population of India. If Uttar Pradesh were a country, It would be the 6th most populous country in the World. 

5.One of the largest economies in India-

It is the 4th largest economy in the country after Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka. In terms of purchasing power parity, it is the second largest economy in India after Maharashtra. Agriculture and Service sector contribute most to the state’s economy.

6.Rich Flora And Fauna-

Forests account for 12.8% of the total land of Uttar Pradesh. The forests near the Vindhya mountain range, there grows dhak, teak, mahua, salai, chironji and tendu. Uttar Pradesh is also rich in Fauna. A variety of fauna is found here including Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Stag, Wild Bears, Sambhars, Chital, Jackals, Jungle cats, Porcupines, Crocodile, Gharial, Hares, Squirrels, Monitor Lizards, Foxes, etc. The common birds include crow, dove, pigeon, black partridge, jungle fowl, house sparrow, peafowl, blue jay, parakeet, kite, Sarus crane, mynah, quail, bulbul, kingfisher, and woodpecker.

 7.State of Legendary Artists-Uttar Pradesh has been home of many legendary artists such as Naushad Ali, Begum Akhtar, Talat Mehmood, Anup Jalota, Baba Sehgal, Bismillah Khan, Shubha Mudgal, Ravi Shankar, Amitabh Bachchan, Vikash Maharaj, Kishan Maharaj, Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Gopal Shankar Misra, Siddheshwari Devi, Gopal Shankar Misra, Girija Devi, etc.

8.Worlds' Largest Gathering Takes place Here-The world's largest gathering Kumbh Mela takes place here after every 12years in Allahabad.Millions of pilgrims come here to take a holy bath in the river Ganga from all over the world. Allahabad is one of the four holy pilgrimage sites where the Kumbha Mela is organised. In 2013, Allahabad Kumbh Mela registered 12 crores or 120 million human visits which is the largest human gathering in history.

9.Unique Holi of Barsana- Holi the festival of colors is celebrated with a great deal of fervor and enthusiasm throughout the state of Uttar Pradesh. But differences mark the way in which they are celebrated. The small town of Barsana located at a distance of about 42 km from Mathura is well known for its distinctive manner of celebrating Holi. Barsana, the birth place of Radha, Lord Krishna’s beloved attracts a large number of visitors each year when it celebrates Holi.

Cuisines of Uttar Pradesh

 Divided into 65 cities, Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in India in terms of population. Home to over 204.7 million people, Uttar Pradesh is so diverse in terms of languages, attire, cultures, and food at best. It is also known as the “Heartland Of India” for its rich culture & traditions.Uttar Pradesh has something to tantalize your palate. Everything from chat, samosas, ras malai and kebabs are part of the cuisine. enormity and sheer diversity prevalent across the length and breadth of its vast territory.The main genre of Uttar Pradesh cuisine is Awadhi, and the cooking patterns of the state are similar to those of the rest of Northern India. The Awadhi cuisine of Uttar Pradesh bears similarities to those of Kashmir and Punjab.

1.Batti Chokha-Bati Chokha is one of the best dishes of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Batti is made from wheat dough and baked in a mud oven, and chokha consists of potatoes, tomatoes, and brinjal. It is served with green chutney, chaat masala, and desi ghee.

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2.Varanasi Ki Lassi-Varanasi Ki Lassi is the most popular Lassi all over India. It is served in Kulhads with some pistachio and cream. It is usually taken in summer to feel cool and fresh. 

3.Galouti Kebabs-This dish is a delectable minced meat kebab that is mixed with a variety of spices. The kebabs dissolve as soon as you place them inside your mouth and leave you craving more. The nawabs were known for feasting on Galawati or Galouti Kebabs which was a royal delicacy at the time.

4.Aloo Rasedaar-This is most liked breakfast choice of Uttar Pradesh people. As the name tells, the dish is the combination of crispy and spicy aloo sabzi with deep fried wheat chapattis.

5.Lucknow Biryani-nation-wide favourite, Lucknawi Biryani is prepared with cashew nut paste, saffron, curd, mace powder and star anise. Awadhi cuisine is incomplete without this star dish where the meat(mutton or chicken) is cooked on a slow fire. Biryani served at Baba’s in Swaroop Nagar is an all-time favourite of the locals.

6. Basket Chat-One of the famous foods of Uttar Pradesh, Basket Chat, is originally known for its unique serving style and making. It’s a heavenly platter for chat lovers loaded with sev, curd, coriander, and other items.

7.Banarasi Paan-Unlike other famous foods of Uttar Pradesh, Banarasi Paan is an exotic combination of areca nuts, gulkand, kattha, and many other ingredients wrapped in a fresh betel leaf.Ingredients contain gulkand, cherry, tutti fruity, and some flavored substances. Paan is of many types like chocolate paan, dry ice paan, Meetha paan, etc. The best time to eat Banarsi Paan is after a meal as it acts as a mouth sweetener.

8.Shahi Tukda-ShahiTukda is a famous sweet dish of the Oudh region. Shahi Tukda is a type of bread pudding made up of bread, milk, saffron, cashew, green cardamom, and sugar. It is a very delicious dish to eat.

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Lucknow- 6 famous tourists places

 

What defines the city of Lucknow is its past that converted into a great present – which later laid foundations for the future – The NOW! The city gained prominence in the 18th century Mughal rule and flourished under the Nawabs. We are talking about a culture that has survived over the years and one that has clearly left a mark at all the places to visit in Lucknow.This large capital city nestled in the heart of the north-central state of Uttar Pradesh is a multicultural metropolis that boasts over 2.8 million residents. Sometimes referred to as the City of Nawabs because of the city’s history as the seat of power for the honorific title in the 18th and 19th centuries.As you travel to Lucknow, you will realize that the city is a true amalgamation of old traditions and modern ideas. It is world-famous for its culture and the way people deal with warmth and are courteous. The people of Lucknow have stayed true to their roots and live by the morals taught ages ago.

10 toursits places to visit in Lucknow are:

1.  Bada Imambara-Bada Imambara is one of the major attractions of Lucknow that pulls massive crowds from all over the world. The architectural brilliance of Bara Imambara aka Asfi Mosque is a living example of the best gravity-defying structures, not only in India but the entire world.Bara Imambara was designed by Kifayat-Ullah who was the relative of Ustad-Ahmad Lahori, the main architect of The Iconic Taj Mahal. As the meaning of Bara Imambara suggests, ‘Bara’ is big and ‘Imambara’ signifies a shrine, there are a lot of elements to be discovered in this huge monument of Lucknow.

2.Choto Imambara-If the Bara Imambara in Lucknow ws about the brilliance of the dark,twisted passenges of the crypt-Bhool Bhulaiya ,then visiting its younger cousin was all about a glittering jewel of the night.The actual name for Chota Imambara is Hussainabad Imambara, but most know it by its colloquial name. The complex not only consists of the Imambara, but has many other places to see as well. 

3.British Residency:Another popular spot to visit in Lucknow is the British Residency of Lucknow. The Residency, also known as the Residential Complex served as headquarters for the generals of the British East India Company.During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, when the Indians revolted against the rule of the British East India Company, the British residential complex acted as the British refugee camp till the unsettling hours came to a halt. 

4.Rumi Darwaza-Rumi Darwaza is a remarkable sixty feet tall gateway that can be witnessed in the old city of Lucknow. The monument lies exactly between the Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara, hence can be easily spotted while you tour the other two prominent monuments of Lucknow.The actual reason behind the building of this Darwaza was for charity purposes.

5.Indira Gandhi Planatarium:The Saturn shaped building is situated at Surajkund Park and is one of the major tourist attractions in Lucknow.Indira Gandhi Planetarium building is in unique Saturn shape with its five rings. The 21 meter diameter spherical building of the planetarium rest on platform, which is especially designed to give an idea of crater formation on celestial bodies. The platform is surrounded by waterpool with fountains.

6.Husainabad Clock Tower-An interesting attraction during a sightseeing tour in the city of Lucknow, is Hussainabad Clock Tower. Located near Rumi Darwaza, Husainabad Clock Tower was erected by Hussainabad Trust in the year 1881. The construction of this architectural marvel was started by Nawab Nasir-ud-din.The dial of the clock if designed in the shape of a 12-petalled flower with bells around it. Surrounding the clock tower, are lush green gardens and from here, you can even steal glimpses of the Bada Imambara there.

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Lucknow- The city of Nawabs

 If Benaras is the holiest city of in India and is the jewel of Uttar Pradesh then Lucknow would be the crown in which the jewel is encrusted.As the city flourished in leaps and bounds during the eighteenth and nineteenth century, it soon became the artistic and cultural centre of India under the leadership of the Nawab of Awadh.Lucknow is the heart of the art, cuisine, dance, culture and music of North India. It was the cradle of the Hindu-Muslim-Sikh symbioses that made India great. Lucknow is the home of Urdu, Hindustani and Hindi languages.The city has been given various other names too, such as The Constantinople of India, Shiraz-i-Hind and the Golden City of the East.

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History

The history of Lucknow is as wonderful as its defination.. it was the capital of Awadh Pradesh and was administered by the Delhi Sultanate during Mughal rule. In the later stages, it was given to the Nawabs of Awadh.After Lord Clive defeated the armies of the Nawab of Bengal, Nawab of Awadh as well as the Mughals, it went under the rule of the East India Company. In the year 1857, it went into the hands of the British Empire.

With the support of Maulana Abdul Bari of Firangi Mahal Lucknow, the Khilafat movement gained a lot of momentum and formed a solid footing in the city. In the year 1920, Lucknow was declared the provincial capital of the United Provinces, later known as Uttar Pradesh.

Handicrafts and arts-

Any cotton-embroidered article that comes from Lucknow" might be the most satisfactory definition of Chikan today.Chikan, in the literal sense means ’embroidery’. This traditional embroidery style is one of Lucknow’s most ancient and well-known art forms, believed to be introduced by the Mughals.One of the most prominent features of the Lucknow chikankari work is the stitches. Each and every stitch is done to perfection and the neatness in the work is hard to find elsewhere. The delicate and artfully done hand embroidery gives the garment a look of richness and skillfulness.Lucknow chikan embroidery enjoys popular public attention. Apart from being a traditional, go-to garment for most religious gatherings and festivals, the art also found its way to the Indian ramp and glamour world. One of its first and most famous appearances on the Bollywood screen was in the Indian film Anjuman, starring Shabana Azmi and Farooq Shaikh. The movie is set in Lucknow and deals with exploitation of women and the problems that the local chikan embroidery workers face.

Famous Cuisines of lucknow

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-The Land of Nawabs and Awadhi cuisine, Lucknow is a total foodie's paradise.You have a wide range of kebabs, parathas, brilliant naans, mouth-watering kachoris, creamy kulfis and many more scintillating preparations like kormas, kaliya, nahari-kulchas, sheermal, roomali rotis and warqi parathas to appease your taste buds.If you are a lover of non-veg dishes, Lucknow can be nothing less than a treat for you. From delicious kebabs to mutton, Lucknow has everything that you can think of.

How to reach Lucknow-

By AIR-Both domestic and international flights can enter Lucknow via Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO). Located about 13 km away from the centre of the city, this air gateway services a good number of airlines, GoAir, IndiGo, Air India, Oman Air and SriLankan Airlines being some of the most frequently operated ones.

By Railway-Lucknow Railway Station at Charbagh is the main railway station. It links Lucknow with rest of India via a good number of mail and superfast trains. Passenger trains from nearby cities also ply to and from Lucknow. Several other railway stations like Alamnagar, Gomti Nagar, Aishbagh junction etc. also serve the city.

By roadway-Lucknow is on the intersection of National Highways 24, 25 and 28 running east, west and south. It is well connected with major cities like Agra (363 km), Allahabad (225 km), Calcutta (985 km), Delhi (497 km), Kanpur (79 km) and Varanasi (305 km.

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Azamgarh - Uttarpradesh

 Founded in the 17th century by Azam, a descendant of the Gautam Rajputs of Mehnagar, Azamgarh is an important town of historical significance in Uttar Pradesh.Azamgarh acts as a gateway to other historically important cities like Ayodhya, Kanpur, and Bareilly.

Area-4054sq.km

Population-46,12,000

Villages-4101

Located on the banks of the river, the Azamgarh fort was built during founder Azam’s time, and attracts many tourists. Azamgarh is filled with old monuments, ancient temples and cultural fairs, greatly enhancing its appeal. Stop over at the city to explore its rich culture, before heading out of this beautiful city.

Some of the places to visit in Azamgarh:

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1.Krishna Botanical Garden-In Azamgarh, this park is well known by all and this park enjoys a high status in the category of parks.If you want to spend some quality time with peace in Azamgarh then this is the place you should visit.

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2.Nizamabad-It is a small town that is known for its culture and heritage and attracts hundreds of travellers from far-off places to this land. Apart from this, the town is widely popular for its black clay pottery, which is known to have a dark shiny body with engraved silver patterns. 

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3.Avantikapuri(Awank)-It is known for its chronicled significance.The convention say that Raja Janmejai has composed Yagya for murdering the all snakes on the earth.The sanctuary and lakes of this place is celebrated, the general population come here to take a sacred plunge in the lake.

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Religious Places of Uttar Pradesh

 Uttar Pradesh is one of the most religious tourists destinations in India.It has a great history and religion to satisfy the hearts and minds of every person visiting there. 

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The spiritual backbone of the country in places like Varanasi ( the spiritual capital of India), Allahabad (the most auspicious of the four Kumbh Mela sites) and Mathura and Vrindavan (home to Lord Krishna) or visit Sarnath where Buddha preached his first gospel gives peace to every visitor there.However, your pilgrimage tour in Uttar Pradesh is not confined to just Hindu temples, Monasteries, Churches or even Mosques, all can be found in abundance in the state to make it amongst the finest pilgrimage destinations in India.From being home to the Hindu Gods like Rama and Krishna to that of five Jain Teerthankaras to place where Buddha gave his first sermon, and also breathed its last, Uttar Pradesh glows with a spiritual aura that can one witness on their pilgrimage tours here.With each progressing century, the state has vouched for the secularity of India by giving home to various religions: Hindu, Jainism, Islamic, Buddhist and more.

Let us together get acquainted to a different and vital side of the country and learn about these fascinating religious tourism places in India:

1.Vrindavan

2.Mathura

3.Varanasi-

4.Ayodhya-

5.Allahabad-

6.Chitrakoot-

7.Fatehpur Sikri-

8.Kushinagar

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9.Sarnath-

10.Agra-

11.Shravasti-

12.Sardhana-

Almost every alley and valley of Uttar Pradesh speaks of religion and mythology. And all of it is tucked amidst beautiful backdrops. So, no matter if you are looking to explore the religious richness of India or you truly are a deep believer of religion, Uttar Pradesh and the pilgrimage sites located here await you with open arms.

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