Uttar Pradesh

One of the most culturally rich states of India that finds its mention in the great epic of Ramayana and Mahabharata and stores an integral part of the Buddhist history, Uttar Pradesh is fascinating in all its aspects. It plays host to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which is a must stop in any tourists' itinerary coming to India. Rich in abundant agricultural produce, festivities, tourism sights and architectural wonders etc., Uttar Pradesh is a vibrant hub.

Uttar Pradesh has marked its presence greatly in the Indian history and is a state of great political, cultural, and religious importance. The state IS the land where India's two of the greatest epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, are based. This is the land where the Ganga- Jamuni tehzeeb flourished. The land of Nawabs, Krishna, Rama, two Kathak Gharanas, vibrant festivals, and much more, Uttar Pradesh is a state dripping with allure.

The Heritage Arc covers an area of approximately 700 km, involving three major tourist cities of the state, Agra, Lucknow, and Varanasi. Important cities near these three cities are also included in the arc. Traversing the Heritage Arc by air, rail or road brings alive unforgettable experiences in history, spiritualism, art and nature.

WILDLIFE IN U.P

Uttar Pradesh invokes an image of a beautiful state with magnificent golden wheat fields and royal orchards of mango. Where Uttar Pradesh is a home to many glorious structures like Taj Mahal, it also harbours a rich flora and fauna which is impossible to be ignored. The impressive surroundings of the state are seen breathing with remarkably diverse wildlife, waiting, to be explored by the mature enthusiasts. Abode to many Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks, Uttar Pradesh has a phenomenal sight to offer for all the wildlife lovers.

Wildlife in Uttar Pradesh is well known with Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, but in fact, the state has a lot more to offer. The land is beautifully scattered with all the wildlife and sanctuaries around. Variety of species, extinct in other parts of Northern India like the endangered One-horned Rhinoceros are found in these sanctuaries. Some of the animals that are sighted in the wild life sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh are rarely to be seen elsewhere, as for instance the Gangetic dolphin are seen in the National Chambal Sanctuary in the state. These wildlife reserves and sanctuaries are an integral part of Uttar Pradesh tourism and the state encourages them as adventure destination and welcomes admirers who would like to contribute towards a good cause of conservation.

With its unique flora and fauna and visual treats of species like Tigers and Gangetic Dolphins, a state like Uttar Pradesh also lays its major focus on the importance of wildlife conservation. The wildlife tours to these marvels car) surely offer you an unmatched excitement to explore more of U.P’s roaring wildlife. And associating closely with the state's biota can be one of the unforgettable and mesmeric experiences of your life.

UNIQUE FESTIVALS IN THE STATE

Mango Festival

In Its endeavour to boost the morale of mango producers and mango eaters, Uttar Pradesh chief secretary Alok Ranjan has directed the officials and will be holding a Mango Festival in the region He has directed Lucknow Development Authority to provide free-of-cost space In lndira Gandhi Pratishthan for the organisation of UP Mango Festival-2016. In addition to Uttar Pradesh, he has instructed to invite participants from other states as well to put their stalls in UP Mango Festival.

The progressive farmers would also be invited to the Mango Festival and the best mango exhibits should be rewarded with Rs 11000. There will also be sub-categories of awards.

Mr Ranjan said that the objective of the mango festival would be to make people aware about the latest developments and new technology in mango production. Mango growers would be able to sell as well as display their mangoes. The festival would also facilitate in marketing of mangoes and processed products in other states along with promoting horti-tourism.

Kumbh Mela

Kumbh is the confluence of all our cultures. It is the symbol of spiritual awakening. It is the eternal flow of humanity - the surge of rivers, forests and the ancient wisdom of the sages. It is the flow of life itself.

The Kumbh Mela, believed to be the largest religious gathering on earth is held every 12 years on the banks of the 'Sangam', which is the confluence of three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. The Mela alternates between Nasik, Allahabad, Ujjain and Haridwar every three years.

The one celebrated at the Holy Sangam in Allahabad, called Maha Kumbh, is the largest and holiest of them.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest religious congregation in India, attended by millions. The over a month-long fair is marked by the construction of a massive tented township, complete with cottages, huts, platforms, civic facilities, administrative and security measures. It is organised immaculately by the government, the local authorities and the police. The mela is especially renowned for the presence of an extraordinary array of religious ascetlcs - sadhus and mahants - enticed from remote hideaways in forests, mountains and caves. Once astrologers have determined the propitious bathing time or Kumbha yog, the first to hit the water are legions of Naga Sadhus or Naga Babas, who cover their naked bodies with ash, and wear hair in long dreadlocks. The most recent Maha IKumbh Mela was held in 2013 and the next is due in 2025.

Taj Mahotsav

Taj Mahotsav is one of the most grandly celebrated events in India, which is organized annually at the historic city of Agra. Ever since it was started in 1992, Taj Mahotsav has been organized by Uttar Pradesh Tourism every year with main aim of paying respect to the cultural heritage in State and also to encourage local artisans Indeed, it is the best for all art and craft lovers as magnificent pieces of art and crafts are available here at the most affordable prices. At Taj Mahotsav around 400 legendary artisans get the opportunity of showcasing their work of art at grand level. Taj Mahotsav also organises cultural events that exceptionally depict the cultural aspect of India through magnificent performances by the renowned and state-of-art artists from all spheres.

Ganga Water Rally

The Ganga Water Rally provides an opportunity to tourists to explore scenic beauty along the Ganga River with historical ghats on its bank. It IS an exciting adventure complete with organised in the month of November from Allahabad. The Boat Club Allahabad patronizes this event and the participants coming from all the corners of lndia and abroad use kayaks, canoes or row boats in this sport. The Ganga Water Rally is the first major water sporting events of its kind in the state. Here, the adventurous persons would be taken on a nerve rattling sojourn down the Ganga from Allahabad to Varanasi through Mirzapur and Chunar.