UTTAR PRADESH TOURISM

In 2005, Drizzling Land Water & Amusement Park was launched. No doubt that it is one of the best and amazing water parks located at the 8-km Mile Stone along the Delhi-Meerut Highway. Not only rides and enthusiastic adventure activities, but this amusement park also hosts an in-house DJ. Apart from magnificent pools, fountains, thrilling rides and slides Drizzling Land Water & Amusement Park also has the region's biggest roller coaster ride. The park also has a space reserved for any special bookings such as corporate events, birthdays and other such ceremonies.

The very famous Lakshmi Narayan Temple located in the town of Modinagar in Ghaziabad. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. This Holy Temple is also known as Modi Temple, it houses idols of the Hindu deities Hanuman, Santoshi Mata, Durga, Venkateshwara, Lakshmi Narayan and Gayatri Mata. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built upon the Modi Industry Empire started by Rai Bahadur Gugrmi Modi in 1963. Completely structured in red sandstone, this Kalinga-styled temple also houses two smaller temples dedicated to goddess Durga and Lord Uma Maheshwar. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple also hosts as vast Ramlila stage that hosts regular performances. The temple also has fountains and brass artefacts on its front courtyard embellished in white marble. There are smaller holy sites within this temple such as the Sri Ram Darbar and the Yagyashala.

Located at the ISKCON Chowk on Hare Krishna Road, the ISKCON Temple is Ghaziabad is yet another extension of the famous Krishna-devoted ISKCON society. This temple is a significant attraction especially during the festival of Krishna Janmasthami. The temple houses various idols signifying Lord Krishna and his life. Resonating with constant Krishna songs and Bhajans, the temple carries out regular rituals such as the Govardhan Pooja.

The Augharnath Temple in Meerut, also known as the Kali Paltan Mandir, is the oldest Shiva temple in the city and also the most frequented. The Shiva Linga at this temple is believed to be a Swayambhu (self-manifested), making it a popular attraction among the devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple’s historical significance stems out from the fact that it played an important role during the Freedom Struggle. Apart from the Shiva Linga, there are shrines for Radha Krishna and Goddess Durga at the temple. Being a predominantly Shiva Temple, the Augharnath Temple is flocked by hundreds of devotees on occasions like Mahashivratri and Purnima.

Hastinapur is an ancient town which was the centre of the glorious tales of the epic Mahabharata. Situated on the banks of Ganga near Meerut in UP, Hastinapur is also the birthplace of three Jain Teerthankara, and it has become an important centre of pilgrimage for the Jains. It was the capital of Kauravas and was ruled by the Pandavas after winning the Mahabharata. From that era to this, the city has come along a long way but it is still known as the town of Mahabharata. It is fascinating in its own way and as it has lived through ages, it has also kept the spirit of mythology alive. Being an important part of the epic, every nook and corner of the city has been a part of it in some way and thus the locals have fascinating stories to share.

Gandhi Bagh is one of the oldest parks in Meerut which was set up by East India Company. It is located on Mall Road, not very far away from the city and is famous for the musical fountain show which happens every evening. This famous British spot has lush greenery with mango, mulberry, and bamboo trees. Currently, the place is maintained by the Meerut Cantonment Board who is trying to elevate the park to the next level by adding beautiful children play area, car rides, boat rides, and even camel rides. With a walking trek path, terracotta park, and cricket ground, it is a perfect spot for a family picnic or anyone to spend the day with a green layer.

Righteously said, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” and here, you can witness mind-blowing beauty of Agra Fort. With rich historical background, this majestic fort marks its place in most-visited tourist place in Agra. Sprawling over an area of 94 acres, this fort has four gates namely the Khizri Gate, Delhi, Lahore Gate and, Amar Singh Gate. The mighty structure displays, elegant artistry of Hindu and, Mughal styles and, visiting this fort is one of the best things to do in Agra.

Beautifully built Palace for Akbar’s wife Jahangir Mahal is one of the remarkable places in Agra. Showcasing elegant Islamic architecture, one can take a glance at the exceptional artistry. The major source of attraction of this palace, is the huge bowl carved out of a rock, called the “Hauz-i-Jahangiri”, which was used as the container for fragrant rose water. The majestic palace has extraordinary carvings which will blow off your mind. Visit here and, fall in love with the medieval architectural style.

One of the largest mosques in India “The Jama Masjid” is also famed as the, “Friday Mosque”. Beautifully arched gate supported by pillars will bind you in its charm. Built by Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, who dedicated it to his adorable daughter Jahanara Begum exhibits his love for his daughter. Visiting Jama Masjid is one of the best things to do in Agra.

Counted among the top historical places in Lucknow, Bara Imambara aka Asafi Imambara is a historical monument that dates back to 1784. Built by Asaf-ud-Daula, one of the renowned Nawabs of Awadh, the complex comprises a large mosque (Asfi Mosque), a labyrinth (the Bhul Bhulaiya), and a stepwell with running water (Shahi Baoli). The structure boasts of two large gateways that will lead you to the central hall, which is touted to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world.

If you are an animal enthusiast then a visit to the Lucknow Zoological Garden must feature in your list of Places to visit in Lucknow. This zoo holds historical importance as well because it was built to commemorate the visit of Prince of Wales Edward VIII. The zoo covers nearly 71.9 acres of land and houses more than nine hundred species of animals, birds and reptiles.

The Lucknow State Museum is located within the grounds of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Gardens, in Banarasi Bagh. This museum has an extensive collection of archaeological artefacts, coins and paintings. You will also find a wide collection of ancient weapons and musical instruments in the museum. Similarly, if you want to learn about your country’s history then a trip to this museum must feature on your list of top Places to visit in Lucknow.

Taking excitement to the next level, this amusement park in the nerve of Noida is a great way to kill time while you enjoy forgetting the world outside. Probably, one of the best places to visit in Noida. This theme park is spread over 10 acres of land with an amazing range of rides and water slides. Be it, children, teenagers, or adults, whoever requires delight, the Worlds of Wonder is a place that they will find their perfect fit.

If you like admiring the amazing art then Stupa 18 Gallery is home to some of the finest arts in contemporary and modern arts by Indian artists. Anyone who is an admirer of Indian art must visit this art gallery to witness some of the artworks on the display. One gets to see oil paintings, acrylic paintings, water paintings featuring in different categories. This art gallery is one of the famous tourist places in Noida.

Noida pub exchange is famous for its peppy music, great food, warm hospitality, all of which make for a great night out. It serves continental and Indian food and drinks and has a dance floor which contains a central disk. This is the place to go for a quiet evening to enjoy good food, good music, and relax in a beautiful ambience and is a perfect place to hang out with friends and family. Noida Pub Exchange scores high among the best tourist places to visit in Noida.

One of the top places to visit in Mathura, Dwarkadhish temple is famous throughout the world for its intricate architecture and paintings. Located within the perimeter of the holy gate of the city, close to the Ghats of the Yamuna River, the temple and its surroundings are a hub of many interesting activities. Every day, thousands of devotees come here to pay their obedience. A series of exquisite ceiling paintings showing the different aspects of the life of the Lord and the magnificent architectural designs and carvings of Rajasthani architecture makes the complex look even more magnanimous. The black-coloured god inside the temple encourages love! The Dwarkadhish temple is currently operated by Vaishnava sect followers (started by Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya) and is a centre for many interesting activities throughout the year, particularly during the Shravan months when the Lord’s Idol is put inside a Hindola (a type of swing set).

Previously known as the Curzon Museum of Archaeology, the Government Museum in Mathura is situated at the Dampier Park. The local people simply like to call it the Mathura Museum, and never get tired of acknowledging that it is one of the finest museums in the country housing an enormous collection of ancient relics, sculptures, coins, and paintings. Other than historical relics and artefacts, which makes it one of the most respected Mathura destinations is its display of discoveries made by celebrated archaeologists in and around Mathura.

Visiting this water park is one of the most fun things to do in Mathura. Made on 14 acres of land and full of great thrilling slides and roller coasters, Dolphin Water World inaugurated in 2002 and has been one of the most loved tourist spots in Mathura. It has a play area for kids, locker room facilities and is a great recreational centre for tourists and people native to the city. Not only kids, but adults can also have a blast here as the rides are age-appropriate for all kinds of tourists.

The lively atmosphere of the Dasaswamedh Ghat makes it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. This tourist attraction is a swirling hodgepodge of flower sellers touting bright blossoms, boat operators hawking rides along the Ganges River, and sadhus (holy men) with face paint. You can spend hours people-watching in this area during the day. Hindu priests put on the Ganga Aarti every night at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, starting at around 7 pm. Donning saffron-hued robes, the priests spread out plates of flower petals and other offerings and blow a conch shell to signal the start of the spiritual ceremony. Thousands of tourists gather to watch the priests chant and wave tiered plates of sandalwood-scented incense in intricate patterns for about 45 minutes. It's an extravagant sight that you won't want to miss.

Want to take a piece of Varanasi home with you? Look no further than the Ruchika Art Gallery, just off Ravindrapuri Road. The gallery's namesake owner, Ruchika Mehrotra, has created a warm, delightful shop to display a vibrant collection of paintings that capture the energy of Varanasi and the ghats in a rainbow of colours.

There are few destinations in India without a fort, and Varanasi is no exception. About 14 kilometres from the city centre, you'll find Ramnagar Fort. The 18th-century sandstone fort and palace is no longer used as a defensive structure but instead houses a quirky museum brimming with vintage automobiles, elaborate hookahs, antique weapons, sedan chairs decked out in jewels, and a one-of-a-kind astronomical clock that's more than 150 years old.

One of the most prominent tourist places in Kanpur to have developed over the past few years, Jungle Water Park has got everything to satiate your thirst for adventure. Settled right into the heart of Chiran Gaon, this beautiful park welcomes you with numerous pools and rides which can be enjoyed by both kids, as well as, adults. With a thick lush green cover on all of its sides, the park also forms an ideal spot for relaxation and picnic. Whether you want to set your adrenaline pumping at its elephant and wave slide or steal a leisurely hour to enjoy boating, one can have it all over here. The water park also comes with a musical park and rain dance where you can fleck your adventure with melody.

J K Temple, more popularly known as the Radhakrishna Temple in Kanpur, is noted for its unique architecture, blending a number of ancient Indian and modern traits. Built in the year 1953 under the sponsorship of the Singhania family who owns J K Trust, this temple today is one of the top places to visit in Kanpur. Visit here to witness the beautiful Radhakrishna statue at the center of the temple and the sublime surroundings of lush green lawns and a small lake with lotus flowers.

Created in a natural forest, this zoo keeps its animals in open or moated enclosures, giving them enough space for expressing their innate biological and physical expressions. The attractions inside the zoo include a diversified botanical garden, a large lake, aviary featuring colourful avifauna, a night house, aquarium, life-size dinosaur sculptures, and a toy train. Among mammals, the zoo has leopard, hyena, black bear, grizzly bear, sloth, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, monkeys, langur, baboons, musk deer, zebra, and antelope. There are also a host of chimpanzees and orangutans here. Besides that, the reptiles at the zoo include the Indian Gharial and Comodo Dragon.