It is only in this state where you can transition from a devotee to an avid historian and then to a food blogger. It is because of the diverse experiences that the destination offers. So, let’s explore the best tourist places in Uttar Pradesh for a diverse getaway.

10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh Are – 

1. Agra

Who doesn’t love to witness the glorious Taj Mahal? Home to the Seven Wonders of the World, Agra is one of the top-rated places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. What makes it a beautiful place is the feature of inclusivity!

The place offers a fun time for history lovers, nature lovers and solo wanderers. From the Mughal monuments to lively bazaars and narrow streets full of food, this city has it all! Moreover, one can now easily book one of the affordable hotels in Agra for a nice getaway. 

Places to Visit in Agra –Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula, Mehtab Bagh, Tomb of Akbar, Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal, Samadh Soamiji Maharaj, Chini Ka Rauza and Jama Masjid. 

Things to Do in Agra

• Enjoy a soothing boat ride on the Yamuna River with your partner or family.
• Do not forget to take home delicious petha (sweet dish) available in multiple colours.
• If lucky, you can attend traditional age-old marble workshops to learn the art.
• Enjoy the views of the Taj Mahal from a rooftop cafe.
• Visit local markets to buy handicrafts, leather goods and miniatures of different monuments.

Best Time to Visit Agra –October to March 

2. Varanasi 

Here’s one of the finest places to visit in Uttar Pradesh for a divine journey. Known for its massive ghats and sacred places, Varanasi attracts travellers from all walks of life. It is best known for its narrow lanes where you hear the soothing chantings and aartis of the temples around. 

Additionally, the ghats here truly teach you the meaning of life and death with their unique narratives. So, make sure to book pocket-friendly hotels in Varanasi for a great time with your loved ones.

Places to Visit in Varanasi –Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Ramnagar Fort, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Chaukhandi Stupa and Kaal Bhairav Temple.

Things to Do in Varanasi

• Go for an early morning boat ride on the holy Ganga River and take photographs.
• Try Banarasi street foods, including kachori, tamatar chaat, jalebis and paan.
• Attend the sacred Ganga aarti as the sun sets.
• Join meditation or yoga groups near the ghats for a soothing time.
• Check out the local markets for unique souvenirs like Banarasi sarees, artistic paintings and holy books.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi –October to February

3. Mathura

The small district of Mathura is enough to encircle you in the devotion of Lord Krishna. It sure is one of the highly recommended places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Also known to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, you can find multiple temples here. 

Even the locals have beautiful stories to share! Experiencing the divine energy, connecting with the lord and learning about the mythology makes it one of the great tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh. So, book the best hotels in Mathura for an affordable stay.

Places to Visit in Mathura –Shri Dwarkadhish Temple, Shri Krishna Janmasthan, Vishram Ghat, Government Museum, Shri Raman Bihariji Mandir, Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, Shri Dauji Maharaj Temple and Potra Kund.

Things to Do in Mathura

• Visit the city on Janmashtami to witness a divine celebration with cultural dance and music.
• Attend a theatrical act to best understand the Ras Leela of Lord Krishna.
• Try the famous peda (a sweet dish) and take it home for your loved ones.
• Visit local ashrams for meditation in silence.
• Shop for Krishna-themed pottery, accessories and vibrant paintings.

Best Time to Visit Mathura –October to March

4. Fatehpur Sikri

Introducing an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site on your list of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Fatehpur Sikri gains all the love due to Mughal-era buildings and a blend of architectural styles. 

This place is truly for the history buffs, as every corner takes you back in time. The fusion of inspiring craftsmanship and cultural performances makes it a heritage place of beauty. Even though it is a small town, there are multiple tourist places in Uttar Pradesh right here!

Places to Visit in Fatehpur Sikri –Buland Darwaza, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Hazrat Salim Chishti, Diwan-E-Khas, Hiran Minar, Birbal’s Palace, Khwabgah, Pachisi Court and Tansen’s Baradari. 

Things to Do in Fatehpur Sikri

• Admire the glorious sunset from the Panch Mahal and do not forget to click pictures.
• Notice intricate carvings and Mughal-era monuments.
• If you have time, attend a Qawwali performance and enjoy the Sufi music.
• Be a part of heritage walk tours to fully explore the city.
• Take home unique Mughal miniature paintings.

Best Time to Visit Fatehpur Sikri –November to March

5. Vrindavan

Yet another awe-inspiring location associated with the legends of Lord Krishna. Steeped in spirituality, Vrindavan is one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Every temple here narrates the life stories of Lord Krishna, his battles and his love for animals too.

The entire city is celebrated for the mystical love of Radha and Krishna! With countless devotees, you are likely to experience a lively atmosphere. For a comfortable stay, it is best to book budget-friendly hotels in Vrindavan near famous tourist attractions.

Places to Visit in Vrindavan –Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, ISKCON Temple, Nidhivan, Radha Raman Temple, Radha Damodar Temple, Keshi Ghat, Govind Dev Temple, Shahji Temple and Rangaji Temple.

Things to Do in Vrindavan 

• Attend evening aartis where you can sing Krishna bhajans (divine music) and witness the sacredness.
• Try local sweet delicacies including pedas and lassi.
• Take a calming morning walk across the ghats for the ultimate soothe.
• Watch Radha-Krishna-themed plays and cultural performances.

Best Time to Visit Vrindavan –October to March and on the day of Janmashtami

6. Lucknow

Popularly known as the City of Nawabs, Lucknow is one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. It is the place where colourful embroidery, age-old recipes and timeless traditions blend well. You get an opportunity to step into the old-world charm. Even the locals are popular for their hospitality and etiquette.

What’s more? The fusion of art and culture helps you appreciate the historic craftsmanship. Serene gardens, museums and modern-day advancements make this a place of beauty. So, make sure to book affordable hotels in Lucknow to enjoy comfort just like the Nawabs!

Places to Visit in Lucknow –Bara Imambara, Chota Imambada, Rumi Darwaza, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial, The Residency, Janeshwar Mishra Park, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, Gomti Riverfront Park, State Museum Lucknow, Chhatar Manzil, Sikandar Bagh, Clock Tower Hussainabad and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park. 

Things to Do in Lucknow

• Explore the food streets for delicious Awadhi cuisine, including kebabs and biryanis.
• Discover the age-old Aminabad market to buy handicrafts and jewellery for your loved ones.
• Attend a Chikan embroidery workshop to learn this artistic skill.
• Engage in wildlife safaris at the Lucknow Zoo.
• Attend a classical Kathak dance performance for a wonderful time.

Best Time to Visit Lucknow –November to March

7. Noida

One of the economically growing places to visit in Uttar Pradesh is definitely Noida! Known for its booming infrastructure and multiple industries, the city attracts business guests and travellers from all over the globe. Being one of the famous tourist places in Uttar Pradesh, its well-maintained glory is reflected in every corner. 

With a blend of lush greenery, massive malls and entertainment hubs, Noida truly encapsulates the essence of living. You can also be a part of art, photography and business exhibitions. If you are looking for a wonderful stay, book affordable hotels in Noida for a lovely getaway.

Places to Visit in Noida –Worlds of Wonder, The Great India Place Mall, DLF Mall of India, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Botanical Garden, Noida Golf Course, Snow World, KidZania, Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal and Buddh International Circuit.

Things to Do in Noida

• Enjoy the serenity of lush green parks as you walk through well-manicured lanes.
• Dive into the city’s food streets to try momos, aloo tikki, samosa and kathi rolls.
• Be a party animal and visit one of the famous nightlife spots in the city.

Best Time to Visit Noida –November to February 

8. Ayodhya

You simply cannot leave the state without visiting this holy destination. Ayodhya is one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh for a lovely journey. Being home to the famous Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya attracts a great number of tourists throughout the year. It is the fusion of divinity and spirituality that elevates your time here. 

From walking in the narrow lanes to buying religious souvenirs from India for your loved ones, there is so much you can do. So, make sure to add this place to the list of the best tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh. Also, it is ideal to book pocket-friendly hotels in Ayodhya for a comfortable time.

Places to Visit in Ayodhya –Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhavan, Treta Ke Thakur, Saryu River Ghat, Nageshwarnath Temple, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, Guptar Ghat, Moti Mahal, Dashrath Mahal, Suraj Kund, Vibhishan Temple, Lakshman Qila and Saket Mahal.

Things to Do in Ayodhya

• Attend spiritual aartis, bhajans and religious discourses during the evenings.
• Take a walk through the local markets for the best sweets, including pedas and laddoos.
• Go on a boat ride on the Saryu River, especially during early mornings.
• Interact with local artisans and try being a part of artistic workshops.
• Take part in devotional meditation sessions with other devotees.

Best Time to Visit Ayodhya –October to March and on the days of Ram Navami and Sita Navami.

9. Prayagraj

Get ready to witness something that looks exactly otherworldly! Prayagraj is one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh for all the right reasons. The city is where you get to see Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. 

It is also popular for the Kumbha Mela festival. Additionally, the city embraces past glory and the present influences pretty well. While it is more about places of worship and divinity, you can definitely find your solace amidst the melodious prayers.

Places to Visit in Prayagraj –Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Khusro Bagh, Akbar Fort, Anand Bhawan Museum, Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Museum, Alop Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth Temple, Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir, Swaraj Bhawan, New Yamuna Bridge, Shri Nagvasuki Temple and Sri Akshayavat Temple Patalpuri.

Things to Do in Prayagraj 

• Experience the powerful and extraordinary confluence of the three rivers.
• Be a part of the divine Ganga aarti along the ghats. 
• Indulge in yummy foods of the city, including pyaaz kachori, jalebis and samosas.
• Attend art exhibitions or poetry recitals to deeply understand the city’s culture.
• Visit local markets to buy handicrafts, textiles and various mementoes.

Best Time to Visit Prayagraj  –November to February 

10. Sarnath

Situated near Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the top-rated places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Known for its significance in Buddhism, all you experience here is tranquillity. Every corner of the city narrates different stories about Buddha and his journey towards enlightenment. 

What’s more? The place is specifically known for meditation and mindfulness practices. Here, you can see values of compassion, love and understanding reflected in people. Being one of the famous tourist places in Uttar Pradesh, it also attracts foreign tourists on self-discovery journeys.

Places to Visit in Sarnath –Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Archaeological Site, The Mahabodhi Society Temple, Thai Temple, Ashoka Pillar and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.

Things to Do in Sarnath 

• Meditate in the calming surroundings of the Buddhist monastery.
• Attend Buddhist teaching workshops to gain more knowledge.
• Witness local festivals and rituals that take you back in time.
• Sit quietly and indulge in self-reflection practices to cleanse your mind.

Best Time to Visit Sarnath –October to March 

Mapping the State of Uttar Pradesh!

The diverse state offers experiences that fit travellers from all walks of life. Whether it is wandering across the famous Taj Mahal or discovering an underrated destination, you can do it all here. The best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh truly transport you into different realms. Let’s say, one minute you are strolling in a massive park and the next minute you are dining in a high-end restaurant. The experiences are indeed endless!

The post Places to visit in Uttar Pradesh: Best Locations, Things to Do and Best Time to Visit appeared first on Treebo Blog.

Kalinjar Fort is more than a relic or a construction from the bygone era. It has endured wars, stopped invasions, and protected the people of the country. It won’t be wrong to say that the Kalinjar fort is the guardian of our history and every stone here has a tale to tell. 

If you are planning to visit the Kalinjar Fort soon, we have all the deets you need to know to appreciate the place better. Read on to find out more about this astonishing structure whose origins are still shrouded in mystery. 

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Where is Kalinjar Fort?

Kalinjar Fort is present in the Tarahati village of Bandra district in Uttar Pradesh. The entire region where the fort is present is also referred to as the Kalinjar village, named after the fortification. It is hard to miss the magnificent construction when you reach the area. It stands mighty tall on an isolated hill at the extreme end of the Vindhya mountain range. Once you climb up to the highest point in the fort, you can see the entire region of Bundelkhand, one of the most important administrative regions during the rule of the Rajputs.

 It is said that the Kalinjar fort was built sometime during the 3rd to 5th centuries but no one is sure about its origins. It is possible to get a 360-degree view of the surrounding areas from the Kalinjar Fort, so it is quite evident why this place served as an important advantage for the ruling king’s soldiers. 

Mention in the Hindu Mythology

Samudra Manthan is a very important event that was narrated in the Vishnu Purana. After the deities lost all their powers because of the disrespect Lord Indra’s mount, Airavata, caused sage Durvasa, the celestial beings were paranoid. The asuras or demons, led by Bali, won the war and took over the three worlds – earth, ocean, and the skies. The deities asked the help of Lord Vishnu and he suggested they approach the issue diplomatically. With no powers, fighting a war will only invite doom. 

The deities and demons decided to engage in Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean. The agreement was that the winner of Samudra Manthan would get to consume the eternal elixir, Amrit, that would emerge during the churning.

When the deities and demons began churning the ocean, they noticed that a blue poison emerged before the ‘Amrit’ could. They couldn’t stop the Manthan but also had to escape the ill effects of the dangerous liquid. It was then that Lord Shiva appeared and consumed the poison. He stopped the poison from entering his gut and stored it in his throat. His neck immediately started turning blue and that earned him the name of Neelkanth or the one with the blue neck. 

It is said that Lord Shiva came to the Kalinjar Fort and this was where he defeated death. The poison no longer troubled him and the fort became an auspicious place. Kalinjar literally translates to the ‘defeat of death’ – kaal meaning ‘time or death’ and jar meaning ‘defeat’. Seeing how the fort proved to be a defence advantage, we can say that it defeated death several times to save kingdoms, kings, and their armies. 

History of Kalinjar Fort

Many kings ruled the region where Kalinjar Fort is present. The prominent dynasties include the Guptas, the Vardhanas, the Rewa, the Mughals, the Marathas, and finally the British. However, the Chandelas are the ones who are often remembered for their rule over the Kalinjar Fort. 

The Chandelas ruled during the 9th to 13th Century. The kings of this dynasty were also famously referred to as ‘Kalanjaradipati’ or the ‘Lord of Kalinjar’. This fort was successful in keeping Mahmud of Ghazni out of the kingdom during the 11th century, that too twice! Even Qutubbudhin Aibek, the general of Muhammed Ghori, couldn’t capture the fort or the kingdom it protects. Eventually, the fort came under the rule of the Mughals and in the time of Akbar, it was gifted to his favourite Navratans, Raja Birbal.  After Aurangzeb, the fort came under the control of King Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand. It was in 1812 CE that the fort became a part of British jurisdiction. 

The Kalinjar Fort never failed its rulers, as if it indeed fought with death to save the people who relied on it. The Britishers were not as generous to the fort as our ancestors had been. They did not understand the spiritual significance or the importance of the structure. That is why, in 1866, they destroyed a part of the fort which remains in ruins. 

Main Attractions and Architecture of Kalinjar Fort

One of the best parts about the Kalinjar Fort is that a large part of the fort is concealed by the dense forest. The intruders or attackers cannot get a full view of the place because of the green cover. The outer rampart of the fort is about 45 metres tall and any cannonball thrown at the fort would bounce back to return toward the attackers. Sher Shah Suri experienced this first-hand when his cannonball bounced back and landed on his stack of explosives. He had to sustain multiple third-degree burns that eventually led to his death!

There are six entrances to the fort, namely, the Alamgiri Gate, the Ganesh Gate, the Chandi Gate, the Hanuman Gate, the Buddhabadra Gate, Laal Darwaza, and Bada Darwaza. The bastions offered a perfect view of the enemy and also served as the right spots for launching our attack. These bastions also had religious significance and were named after Hindu Gods. They include the Neelkant Mahadev Bastion, the Ganesha Bastion, and the Hanuman Bastion. 

The fort also houses mosques, temples, palaces, and stepwells. Some of the palaces are in total ruins while the others still show us a glimpse of the Mughal’s regal era. You will be surprised to see that the tanks and water storage systems here are so well-developed for the time. There are several artillery and military installations, and places to keep the weapons, and all of these sites have beautiful intricate carvings that depict Indian culture. You will also find Sher Shah Suri’s tomb in the fort premises. 

Neelkant Temple in Kalinjar Fort

The Neelkant temple is the main attraction in the Kalinjar Fort. As Lord Shiva defeated death on this very same land, the temple was built to hail his supremacy. Inside the shrine, you will see Lord Shiva in the ‘Neelkant’ form – serene and tranquil. Outside, there is a huge sculpture of Kaal Bhairav. He is believed to be the most fierce form of the God whose body is jet black which signifies anger. Kaal Bhairav is the ferocious form of the deity that can defeat death and conquer time in a snap. The intricate artwork has 18 arms and a garland made of skulls around the neck. 

Adjacent to the Kalinjar fort, there is a pond that is believed to have miraculous healing powers. Even the King of Chandela, Kirti Singh, who suffered from a skin ailment was able to cure his illness by taking a dip in the waters. It is also said that taking ‘three’ dips in the pond can give you the merit of donating a thousand cows. Among Hindus, donating a cow is considered auspicious because the animal signifies life, prosperity, and blessings, and is believed to be the ‘mother’ of mankind. 

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Best time to visit Kalinjar Fort

The Kalinjar Fort is one of those destinations that you can visit anytime during the year. It remains open all year round and tourists come here on all days. However, the season you want to visit depends on your personal preferences and the fort offers something exciting in every season. 

Winter 

The winter season starts in October and ends in March. This is a great time for sightseeing because the weather is pleasant with cool breeze blowing. It is the perfect time to explore the entire fort without getting tired and the surrounding forest is also at its full bloom. The temperature during the day can be anywhere between 10 to 25 degrees celsius. People of the region celebrate Mahashivratri with viguor in the month of February/March. Try to coincide your trip accordingly. This year in 2024, it falls on 8th March. The Neelkant and Chandidevi temples on the premises light up with celebrations during Mahashivratri.  

Summer 

The summer months are scorching hot in Kalinjar village with the morning temperatures going beyond 35 degrees Celsius. However, the greenery around the fort and the entire compound looks much brighter and glorious during these months. Tourists usually visit from April to June, seeing how it is an off-season and you can have the entire place for yourself. If you are planning to come here in the summer, do not forget to bring a bottle of water and rehydrating electrolyte drinks. 

Monsoon

Monsoons are absolutely gorgeous at the Kalinjar Fort. The whole environment turns welcoming and the showers wash away the heat of the summer. You will also find the stepwells, kunds, and the holy Kalinjar pond filled with water. Devotees usually come here in the monsoon months to take a dip in the pond from July to September. The maximum temperature remains between 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. However, the village receives moderate to heavy rainfall during the peak monsoon months. You might find the roads to Kalinjar Fort slippery. Trekkers have to be very careful while climbing up. 

How to Reach Kalinjar Fort?

By Air

The closest airport to Kalinjar Fort is at Khajuraho which is about 100 km away from the fort. However, only limited flights and private jets land on the runaway here. Alternatively, you can also choose to land at the Kanpur airport which is well connected with other metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai.  Kalinjar Fort is about 175 km away from Kanpur airport. 

You can reach Kanpur first, book your overnight stay at Hotels in Kanpur to rest, and head out toward Kalinjar Fort the next day. The 5-hour journey from Kanpur to the fort can be tiring so it is best to rest the day you land in Kanpur.  

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Kalinjar Fort is in Atarra which is on the Banda-Satna rail route. Atarra is about 40 km away from the fort. 

By Road

Chitrakoot, Banda, Allahabad, and Khajuraho have inter-city bus stations that are well connected with other metropolitan cities. Once you reach these regions, it is possible to find buses or private transport to Khalinjar Fort. 

From the fury of the Gods to the stumped attempts of foreign invaders, Kalinjhar Fort has seen it all and still stands strong in the 21st Century. This marvellous tourist place lets you tap into history, discover new things, and also relax amidst the glory of nature. It offers breathtaking views of the surroundings and will take you down memory lane. Without any further delay, plan your trip to Khalinjar Fort and we are sure your vacation time will be very eventful! 

The post Kalinjar Fort: Explore The Untold Stories of a Fortified Legacy! appeared first on Treebo Blog.