Mathura
Although
almost like a forgotten city after the great cultural, rich enduaring
past it had Mathura has grown in recent years into a multi-faceted
urban sprawl with haphazard industrial development on the outskirts.
The ornate sandstone Holi Gate at the entrance to the old
city is Mathura's major landmark, to the east the riverfront is
minute compared to Varanasi, the bathing ghats are much smaller
,along the river towards the North lie the remains of the Kans
Qila, a fort built by Raja Man Singh of Amber & rebuilt
by Akbar though little is left apart from foundations, no traces
survive of the astronomical observatory constructed by Jai Singh
(as
seen in Jaipur, Delhi, Varanasi).
Kanpur
Kanpur is the largest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is
also a major business and industrial centre on the Ganges. Nestled
on the banks of the eternal Ganga, Kanpur stands as one of North
India’s major industrial centres with its own historical, religious
and commercial importance. Believed to be founded by king Hindu
Singh of the erstwhile state of Sachendi, Kanpur was originally
known as `Kanhpur’.
Varanasi
Varanasi city, situated on the west bank of the holiest of all
Indian rivers, the Ganga or Ganges, is considered to be one of
the oldest living cities in the world. The Ganga is believed to
have flown from heaven to wash away the worldly sins of the human
race. The life and activities in the city revolves around the
holy river.
Gangotri
Gangotri which is situated in the district of Uttarkashi at 10200
ft above sea-level ,is a wellknown pilgrimage site for it is the
source of the holy river Ganga. Gangotri is one of the 'Char Dhams'
of Uttarakhand.
Yamnotri
One of the four sacred dhams of Uttarakhand, and revered in Hindu
mythology, Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna. The Yamunotri
shrine stands on the western flank of the Bandarpunch peak (20,731
ft). The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The origin of
the river Yamuna is the Champasar Glacier near Yamunotri.
Nainital
Nainital is 306 km. north-East of New Delhi. It is a beautiful
place nestled in the lap of the central Himalayas in the Kumaon
region.
Agra
Agra hosts some of the world famous landmarks that are epitome
of love and beauty. In terms of ambience, it is still associated
with its memorable Mughal period. As visitors walk down the narrow
bustling streets, they can't help but wonder if the man contentedly
smoking a hookah is a direct descendent of some bygone Mughal.
Even the most modern areas of the town, such as the cantonment,
date back over a hundred years.
Fatehpur
Sikri
37 kms. south-west of Agra lies the deserted capital of Moghal
emperor Akbar. No visitor should leave Agra without seeing the
ruins of Fatehpur Sikri.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is said to be Queen of hills and promises a variety
of entertainment throughout the year. Mussoorie offers views of
both the Himalayan ranges to the north and the Shivaliks and plains
to the south.
Ayodhya
Just 6 km from Faizabad, Ayodhya is a popular pilgrim centre.
This town is closely associated with Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation
of Lord Vishnu. The ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the
Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindu.
Lucknow
Lucknow is the capital city of the Nawabs of Oudh during the mid-eigteenth
century.Situated on the banks of the river Gomti, Lucknow is popularly
called the city of Nawabs & Kababs, both of which are famous here.
Jhansi
Jhansi, situated 101km south of Gwalior, is actually just across
the border in Uttar Pradesh, but for convenience we've included
it here. Although Jhansi has played a colourful role in Indian
history, most visitors to the town today go there simply because
it's a convenient transit point for Khajuraho.
Almora
Almora is situated at an elevation of 5400 feet, in the Kumaon
Hills and is known for its healthy climate. It was established
by King Balo Kalyan Chand in 1563 and at that time was the capital
city of the Kumaon region.
Kausani
This small picturesque hill town of Kausani is located 53 km to
the north of Almora and is famous for its lovely surroundings
and tranquail atmosphere . From here one can have a spectacular
300 km-wide view of the Himalayas. Kasauni is also called the
Switzerland of India.
Haridwar
India is most fortunately beautified by the holy city of Haridwar.
Kingdom of Gods is obtainable through this 'Door of Gods' (Hari-dwar),
also the Gateway to paradise. From this gateway not only Himalayas
begins but also people can go to heaven after having achieved
spiritual salvation.
Kushinagar
Kushinagar, one of the principal centre of Buddhist pilgrimage,
is the place where Lord Buddha left his corporeal self and attained
Mahaparinirvana.
Rishikesh
God rewarded the severe penance of sage Raibhya Rishi here by
appearing in front of him by the name Hrishikesh, and hence the
name. Rishikesh, situated 24 Km upstream from Haridwar, at the
confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga is surrounded by thick
green woods that add to the beauty of the place. It is also the
headquarters of saints and sages.
Pittorgarh
Pithoragarh, the eastern most district of Kumaon, is bordered
by Tibet on the north and Nepal on the east. The town is situated
in a small valley 2 Km by 5 Km. Popularly known as the Soar Valley,
it lies at the centre of four hills - Chandak, Dhwaj, Thal Kedar
and Kundar.
Badrinath
Badrinath is considered the holiest of the four main shrines of
Uttarakhand. The town, situated on the left bank of the Alaknanda,
is equidistant from the twin mountains of Nara and Narayan. Badrinath
is on the itinerary of every devout Hindu.
Allahabad
The city of Allahabad is 135km west of Varanasi at the confluence
of two of India's holiest rivers - the Ganges and the Yamuna.
The mythical Saraswati River (said to be underground - there is
even some scientific research being carried out on that front),
the River of Enlightenment, is also believed to join them here.
The confluence, known as the 'sangam', is considered to have great
soul-cleansing and sin-wiping powers thus making it a popular
pilgrimage centre.
Kapilavastu
Identified today with ancient Kapilvastu, modern Piprahwa lies
at a distance of 20 km from Siddharthnagar. Kapilvastu was the
ancient capital of the Sakya dynasty whose ruler was the father
of the Buddha, for which reason the Buddha is also referred to
as the Sakyamuni. The Sakya domain was one of the sixteen independent
principalities of the 6th century BC.
Ranikhet