New Delhi – Emerging from the majestic Himalayas, the holy River Ganga enters the plains of Uttar Pradesh, nurturing thoughts and human endeavours for centuries, transforming this land into the cradle of modern Indian civilisation.
Myriad of people including Greeks, Turks, Mughals and British have come and made this ancient land their home, getting immersed in its culture, traditions and wisdom and in turn, leaving an indelible impact of this confluence on its culture and landscape.
Shaped by an intricate weave of spiritualism, history and social dynamics down the ages, this land showcases its rich and varied splendour through The Heritage Arc. The Heritage Arc delineates its magnificent sprawl over the heart of Uttar Pradesh encompassing three distinct regions: Agra, Lucknow and Varanasi.
The resplendent Heritage Arc seamlessly embraces the panorama of some of the most dynamic epochs of Indian history, heritage, art, culture, traditions and cuisines. This journey traverses through the Mughal architectural splendour in Agra and the love of Lord Krishna for his devotees in Braj, moving on to the Nawabi ways of Lucknow along with its colonial heritage. It then takes one along the Ganga to the land of Buddha and the Ghats of Varanasi where the quest for spiritual enlightenment has continued unabated.
AGRA
For all who have come to gaze upon it, the legacy of Agra’s Mughal splendour is mirrored in the magical nuances of that glorious paean to love — the Taj Mahal. It mesmerises us in all its moods, from the first ray of sun to the moonlight.
However, Mughals’ architectural might continue to amaze the visitor in Agra beyond Taj, through the daunting facade of Agra Fort, intricate marble inlay work on Itmad-ud-daula’s Tomb, the architectural epitomy of religious confluence at Akbar mausoleum and red sandstone arches of the Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned capital of Akbar.
Even today the bylanes of Agra are home to master craftsmen who have kept alive its legacy of pietra-dura, zardozi work, carpet weaving and marble carving. Head out for the nearby twin towns of Mathura and Vrindavan – stepping into the world of eternal love of Radha and Krishna.
Rewind to the tales of Krishna, the naughty toddler stealing butter behind his mother’s back, the exuberant celebrations of Lathmar Holi, unique to the villages of Barsana and Nandgaon where Radha and her friends mockfight Krishna and his friends with sticks. Take time to explore Mathura Museum with its exhibits of works from the great school of sculpture (Mathura School of Art) which flourished for 1,200 years.
LUCKNOW
The capital of Uttar Pradesh has been the cultural hub of this region for centuries. Known for its tehzeeb (etiquette), Lucknow is today a vibrant city where tantalising flavours of Awadhi cuisine in narrow lanes of the old city lead to bazaars filled with unique embroidery work (chikan), perfumes (ittar) and pottery.
Lucknow is home to (Top to bottom) Lucknow Residency is a historical landmark; beautiful River Gomti; Succulent kebabs–Lucknow’s pride (Right) Bada Imambara is a popular monument grand architectural feats of the nawabs with certain quarters which still remind of its British colonial heritage.
Bara Imambara, Asfi Mosque, Bhulbhulayah, Satkhanda and ornamental Rumi Darwaza are some prominent landmarks. You can indulge in traditional Awadhi dinner of kebabs, curries, biryanis, traditional breads, desserts and paan.
Catch a Kathak dance performance or an evening of classical Indian music, then wake up at dawn to take a slow boat ride down River Gomti. Every morning, heritage walks are organised in the city to take you through the past and present of its enthralling landscape.
VARANASI
The timeless appeal of Varanasi is steeped in myth and spiritualism. This ancient city of Lord Shiva rises every day to sing His praises and light lamps that signify celestial light in which he has bathed the city. A visit to its temples and river banks (ghats) at dawn takes you on a unique spiritual journey.
Every evening, the city’s grateful residents pay homage to the holy river through Ganga Arti, a mesmerising site to witness the bond between man and Nature. Close to the holy city is Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
The Dhamek Stupa stands tall as testimony to this great turning point in human spiritual and intellectual journey. The Heritage Arc while catching the essence of Uttar Pradesh is a showcase to the grand bouquet of historical, cultural and spiritual heritage this state has to offer.
Important Information
STD Code: Agra 0562, Lucknow 0522, Allahabad 0532, Varanasi 0542
Summer: March to June
Monsoon: July to September
Autumn: October to mid-November
Winter: November-February
Main Language: Hindi, Urdu, English
Contact India Tourism Offices in Uttar Pradesh
- 15b, The Mall Varanasi 221002, Uttar Pradesh, Ph: +91 542 2501784 indiatourvns@hotmail.com
- 191 The Mall Agra 282001, Ph: +91 562 2226378, email: indiatourismagra@gmail.com
Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh
- Rajarshi Purushottam Das Tandon Paryatan Bhava, C-13, Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (Postal Code: 226010)
Ph: +91 522 2308017/+91 941 501 3041; Fax: +91 522 2308937
Email: mdupstdc@gmail.com
Contact India Tourism Office, Singapore
#01-01, United House, 20 Kramat Lane, Singapore 228773
Tel: +65 6235 3800/6235 8677
Fax: +65 6235 8677
Email : info@indiatourism.com.sg
Website: www.incredibleindia.org
