Uttar Pradesh: A melting pot of history, culture and divinity!

Uttar Pradesh, the land where Gautam Buuddha discarded the worldly pleasures and attained Enlightenment, the land where the ancient most civilization dwells on the river bank of the Ganges, the land where the delicacy of the Shia Nawabs can still be seen and the land where Shahjahan’s love gets immortalized with Taj Mahal, is a state where the myriad colors of India get a vibrant touch. The state of Uttar Pradesh, situated in the Northern Province of India, shares its borders with as many as 7 Indian states and with the Democratic Republic of Nepal. The state has harbored a nice blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic and European cultures that yields to visitors’ wishes to a large extent.

Lucknow: The capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow depicts a vibrant fiesta of culture, traditions, music and performing arts before us. The city’s synonym of fane has been its Tehzeeb, its love for leisure, intellect, beauty, grace and gallantry. Bhul Bhlaiya, Bara Imambara, Hussainabad Imambara, Shahnajaf Imambara, Kaiserbagh Heritage Zone and La-Martiniere College are bejeweled examples of Indo-Islamic and European architectural style. The special Awadhi cuisines of Kebabs, Sheermal and Dum Pukht Biryani present a fine blend of philosophy and lifestyle that the people of the city practiced over centuries.

Dum Pukht Biryani

Agra: The city of Agra, situated 363 kilometers west of the state capital Lucknow has been enjoying a venerable position in tourists’ itineraries. Touring across the city is like a walk along the lanes of history; the city is dotted with numerous Mughal monuments like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb, Akbar’s Tomb and many more. Agra is synonymous with the Taj – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. While activities in Agra, for a large segment of visitors revolves around the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, it is also famous for its handicraft items and marble inlay works which are now attempted to be perpetuated through the establishment of Shilpgram near the eastern gate of the Taj. The city celebrates the Taj Mahotsav every winter which is a cultural extravaganza organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of India.

Taj Mahotsav

Varanasi: A name that merges history, culture and divinity into one, Varanasi is believed to be the dweller of the oldest living civilization on earth. It’s a magical town where a million temple bells tinkle together, creating a perfect tone for your rendezvous with spiritual core of India. Here you can discover the roots of one of the world’s greatest cultures and can sail down the Ganges for experiencing the splendors of the city. Along with spirituality, Varanasi has always been a great cultural center, notably in the field of learning of religion, philosophy, Yoga, Ayurveda and astrology. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abound in the art of silk weaving which is cherished as collector’s items across the world.

Varanasi

Like its destinations, the state’s inclination towards culture shows itself in the celebration of different festivals throughout the year. The most popular festivals celebrated in Uttar Pradesh include Navratri, Diwali, Chat, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Govardhan Puja, Muharram Christmas etc.

Uttar Pradesh has a well developed transportation system that makes it easily accessible to the national as well as international visitors alike. Moreover, if you are an urbane nomad who searches for adventurous journey experiences, Maharajas Express train route is the path meant for you. The train has 5 exclusive journeys on its platter, all of which covers the majestic city of Taj, Agra. The Indian Panorama itinerary of the train covers Agra, Varanasi and Lucknow within its journey period of 7 nights and 8 days. Experience, explore and excavate the rich heritage of Uttar Pradesh to delve into the history of human civilization.