Uttar Pradesh Attractions

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous and fifth largest state in India covering a vast central plain of northern India. With nearly 176 million inhabitants only five countries (the People's Republic of China, India itself, the USA, Indonesia and Brazil) have higher populations than Uttar Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh attracts a large number of tourists, the majority of the them visit the city of Agra and the holy cities that include Kanpur, Allahabad and Varanasi. The most famous icon is the Taj Mahal in Agra but other important attractions include the Agra Fort and the city known as Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Allahabad and Varanasi are considered two of the holiest cities in India and they draw millions of pilgrims and visitors each year.

The state of Uttar Pradesh is also well known for its arts and crafts. Varanasi for its saris and silk, Mirzapur for carpets, Agra and Kanpur for their leather goods, Moradabad for its metalware, Lucknow for clothwork and embroidery, and the entire state of Uttar Pradesh for its pottery.

The Ganges River (or Mother Ganga) is a sacred river that flows through Uttar Pradesh and is believed to have a purifying effect on the soul. Thousands gather for festivals that take place along the banks and for a chance to enter the holy water.