Known for its famous ‘Locks’, the city of Aligarh is a historical city in Uttar Pradesh. The city is famous for being the ground for the famous battle of Aligarh which involved the British takeover of the Aligarh fort from the Maratha Confederacy. The city’s famous Aligarh fort is thus a must visit. The city is also famous for the various tombs of the Muslim saints. The Aligarh Muslim University is a famous college established in 1875-78. There are also various marketplaces in this city and should definitely be visited.
Meerut is an ancient city and many of its historical buildings date back to the era of the Indus Valley Civilization. Like most cities in Uttar Pradesh the city was constantly ailed by vicious attacks by various invading armies and many of its structures being demolished. Meerut saw its rise under the rule of the Mughals and was a prominent site during the 1857 revolt. The place is considered to be an important historical town and has plenty of monuments and memorials that can be visited.
Sarnath is yet another important pilgrim center for followers of Buddhism as it was here Buddha gave his first sermon. The place is sacred for Jains as well. Excavations conducted here reveal how this ancient city flourished in the past. Some of the leading attractions in Sarnath include:
Kushinagar is a popular Buddhist pilgrim center. This ancient city gains more importance, as this was where Lord Buddha made his last sermon. The historic significance of the place can be gauged by the archaeological evidences unearthed from here. The place finds a place in Hieun Tsang’s travelogues as well. Here are the top attractions of Kushinagar.
Well-known cities and the lesser-known cities of Uttar Pradesh have a blend of religion, history, natural beauties and architectural excellence and hence you may not be surprised to note that Jhansi has its share in the common trait of the land. This historic city is situated on Pahujor Pushpavati riverbanks. Given below are some of the tourist attractions in Jhansi.
Vrindavan is an important destination for pilgrims belonging to Hinduism, as it is associated with Lord Krishna. Most of the temples found here are ancient. Located near Mathura, these two cities are considered twin holy cities. Given below are some of the leading tourist destinations in Vrindavan.
Ayodhya, the ancient city, is amongst the sacred cities for followers of Hinduism, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. It is also a place of religious significance for followers of Islam as the place was home to Babri Masjid belonging to the 16th century. Given below are some of the important attractions in Ayodhya.
Fatehpur Sikri, the 16th century city, was built by the renowned Mughal emperor Akbar. Though the city was at its glorious height only for a short period owing to scarcity of water, its breathtaking architecture makes the city eternally famous. The palaces found here reflect the architectural brilliance of the bygone era. Here are some top spots that need to be visited on your tour to Fatehpur Sikri.
Mathura is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna and hence it is one amongst the seven sacred cities for followers of Hinduism. This ancient town has a number of temples belonging to various ages. It was earlier a Buddhist center and was home to 20 monasteries before Hinduism rose to prominence. Some of the tourist attractions of Mathura include:
On the banks of the River Ganges lies Kanpur, the biggest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It was earlier called Manchester of the country. Being a major industrial center, Kanpur is now referred to as the commercial capital of Uttar Pradesh. Some of the important tourist attractions in Kanpur include:
For those who follow Hinduism, Allahabad is an important pilgrim center as Lord Brahma, the creator according to Hinduism, landed at this place on earth. The city is located at the confluence of three rivers namely Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswathi. This ancient city, also called as Prayag, witnesses one of the largest gatherings of religious nature during Kumbh Mela once every 12 years.
‘The Religious Capital of India’ as Varanasi is called, is frequented by pilgrims from various parts of the world. Considered one amongst the seven holy spots for those who follow Hinduism, the land attracts those who belong to other faiths too. It lies on the banks of the river Ganges, which adds magic to the atmosphere. Given below are the top tourist spots in Varanasi.
Uttar Pradesh, which is referred to as the ‘Heartland of India’, boasts of a rich cultural heritage. The land offers feast to minds that love to explore – be it nature or history. It is not only gifted by nature but it is also home to some of the best man-made monuments. You need not command much of a geographical knowledge to recall that the majestic rivers Ganges and Yamuna flow through this state. Neither is the need to strain your history brain to remember Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri when Uttar Pradesh is mentioned. The state has more to offer.
Agra
It might sound odd that Agraovertakes Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. It is no wonder, considering the fact that Agra is home to the world famous Taj Mahal. This ancient city has wonderful monuments making you awestruck by the sheer brilliance behind the construction. Here are some top attractions for you to visit in Agra.
The capital of Uttar Pradesh and famously referred to as ‘The city of Nawabs’, Lucknow retains its ancient charm with such authority that you will find yourself in a different world. It was the capital of Nawabs of Awadh. The city enjoyed the generosity of the Nawabs and hence flourished in music, literature, arts and crafts. Given below are some of the important attractions in Lucknow.
The Hauz Khas Complex is a fascinating urban village a little south of New Delhi. In addition to its numerous ancient stone monuments, the entire village is dotted with domed tombs of minor Muslim royalty, who were laid to rest here from the 14th to 16th centuries.
Other highlights include the remnants of an ancient college and the tomb of Firoz Shah, who ruled Delhi in the 14th century, as well as Ki Masjid, a fine mosque built in Lodi style.
Be sure to allow extra time to explore the surrounding neighborhood. This bustling area is safe and popular for locals and tourists alike, for its art galleries, fashionable restaurants, and boutique shops.
Spread across 10 acres, the National Rail Museum houses more than 30 locomotives and several old carriages, most of them quite rare. All told, more than 140 years of Indian railway history has been preserved on this fascinating site, including an engine built in 1885 and the Fairy Queen steam engine from 1855.
Other highlights include several unique items, such as a collection of saloon cars belonging to the country's once powerful Maharajas, including the teak carriage of the Maharaja of Mysore, covered with ivory; the cabin of the Prince of Wales from 1876; and the carriage in which the ashes of Gandhi were carried after his assassination in 1948. The skull of an elephant struck by a mail train in 1894 is also displayed.
For kids, a ride on an excellent narrow gauge steam train is all part of the fun.
The Crafts Museum-officially named the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, New Delhi-displays a wide variety of traditional crafts from across India. Among its many fascinating features is the chance to watch highly skilled craftspeople demonstrate their centuries-old skills, as well as see large collections of textiles, woodwork, and ceramics.
Also of interest are architectural displays of various regional villages, including authentic mud huts and a full-sized wooden haveli (a form of mansion house) from Gujarat decorated with traditional folk art and featuring exquisite woodcarvings, paintings, papier-mâché, and embroidery.
Reputed to be one of the best zoos in Asia, the National Zoological Park was established in 1959 and provides a habitat to some 1,500 animals and bird species. The abundant wildlife on display are representative of all continents, including numerous examples from Africa, Australia, and Asia.
Of particular note are the zoo's numerous chimpanzees, along with hippopotamuses, spider monkeys, zebras, hyenas, deer, jaguars, and tigers. A particular highlight for kids is the underground Reptile Complex, which houses a variety of snakes, including the deadly king cobra.
A fun way to get around the zoo's many attractions is via one of the small electric vehicles that whisk passengers around the park.
If you're able to squeeze just one more temple into your Delhi sightseeing itinerary, make it Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir). It's also one of the newest such sites in the city.
This impressive looking Hindu place of worship was opened by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939 in Connaught Place as a dedication to the goddess of prosperity, Laxmi (shrines dedicated to other faiths are also included on the site, a condition stipulated by Gandhi). Spread across nearly eight acres, the grounds are a delight to explore, and feature lush tropical gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
The galleries of the National Museum, New Delhi-one of the largest museums in India-follow a historical sequence, with all major periods represented. Highlights include archeological finds, along with exhibits of terra-cotta toys, images and pots, jewelry, seals, bronze and copper implements, sculpture, musical instruments, tapestry, tribal masks, swords, and murals.
The most significant gallery is the Central Asian exhibit including silk banners and wall paintings, sculptures, and artifacts related to life along the ancient Silk Route that stretched between Europe and China. Audio guides and guided tours are available.
Other museums worth visiting include the National Science Centre, one of the world's largest science centers, and the impressive National Museum of Natural History with its focus on the country's rich flora and fauna.
Also notable is the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), which houses the country's most important art collections. Opened in 1954, its more than 14,000 artworks include pieces from leading Indian artists from the 1850s onwards.
Another important politician-related attraction is the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, housed in the former residence of this much-revered woman (Indira was the daughter of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and although a friend of Mahatma Gandhi, was unrelated).
Highlights include photos documenting her life and time as prime minister, personal belongings such as the sari she was wearing at the time of her assassination, along with news clippings and letters.
An enclosed garden with mature trees and flowering plants surrounds the building, and its pathway is now a memorial, with the spot where she was assassinated clearly marked. Several rooms have been dedicated to her son, Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1991.
Indira Gandhi's father, Nehru, is the subject of the equally interesting Nehru Museum and Planetarium (Teen Murti Bhavan) set in his former residence. The museum presents the leader's life and works, including interesting items pertaining to the struggle for freedom, with highlights including his bedroom, drawing room, and the study housing displays depicting highlights of his career.
Located near Connaught Place, one of New Delhi's largest and best-known business districts, Jantar Mantar is one of five astronomical observatories constructed by Maharajah Jai Singh I in 1725.
Designed to enable occupants to observe the movements of the sun, moon, and planets, this well-preserved historic site also boasts several other old instruments on display that were once used to track the course of heavenly bodies and predict eclipses. Highlights of this remarkable and architecturally pleasing building include an enormous sundial known as the Prince of Dials.
Numerous references can be found to Mahatma Gandhi throughout Delhi, a testament to the man's legacy. Of the many attractions related to the famed leader of the Indian independence movement, perhaps the best is Gandhi Smriti (Gandhi Remembrance), a museum housed in the property where he was assassinated in 1948.
Highlights include displays and memorabilia relating to both his life and death, including the room in which he stayed, left exactly as it was at the time, as well as the new Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum with historical records detailing his many achievements.
A particular highlight is the chance to stroll the very same gardens where Gandhi once spent so much time (the place where the shooting occurred is marked by the Martyr's Column). Also of interest is the Raj Ghat memorial to Gandhi just a few minutes' walk away on the spot where he was cremated.
Rajpath, also known as the King's Way, is New Delhi's traditional ceremonial boulevard. It runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official presidential residence, past such important city landmarks as Vijay Chowk and India Gate all the way to the National Stadium.
This broad avenue is flanked by trees, grass, and ponds, and comes alive each January 26th during the Republic Day Parade. This special occasion is marked by countless thousands gathering to celebrate the anniversary of the country's independence.
At the western end of Rajpath, the President's Residence-the Rashtrapati Bhavan (once the British Viceroy's residence)-is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent buildings in Delhi. It's an attractive place for a selfie given its eclectic mix of Mughal and European architectural styles that contains some 340 richly decorated rooms.
Of particular interest is the new Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, which offers a glimpse inside the building, along with interesting displays relating to past presidents. Hot Tip: If visiting in February or March, check out the adjoining Mughal Gardens, a splendid display of plantings surrounding the President's Residence.
Although often overlooked, as most tourists head straight for the more famous Red Fort, Purana Qila (Old Fort) is well-worth squeezing into your Delhi travel itinerary. Boasting a past that stretches back some 2,500 years, much of the current impressive edifice dates back to the 1500s, although evidence of earlier structures dating back to the 3rdcentury have been discovered.
The present structure played an important role in the region's affairs for centuries and was particularly influenced by the Muslim religion, as evidenced by building's such as the Qila-i-Kuna Mosque, a single-dome place of worship built in 1541. The site covers an area of two square kilometers, and you'll enjoy exploring its thick ramparts and three large gates, an especially impressive sight during the nightly illuminations.
The 200-acre Mehrauli Archaeological Parkis also worthy of a visit and features numerous important structures, some of which date back more than 1,000 years. Highlights include the old ruins of Lal Kot, along with more recent evidence of occupation by the British during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Although only recently completed (it opened in 2007), the splendid Hindu Akshardham temple looks like it could be centuries old. Festooned with intricate and elaborate carvings, this magnificent building attracts countless visitors for its majestic beauty.
Highlights include the stunning 43-meter-high main monument with its rich carvings of animals, plants, gods, dancers, and musicians, all made from pink sandstone and marble. Of particular note are the 234 ornate pillars supporting its nine domes, as well as a stunning stone tribute to elephants, the centerpiece of which is a massive 3,000-ton statue of one of these beasts.
Other features of interest include a theater showing a movie tracing the building's construction, a fun 15-minute boat ride depicting India's rich history and diverse culture, and the spectacular Yagnapurush Kund, a large musical fountain that is a particular treat when lit up at night.
Set in a lovely, large square garden, Humayun's Tomb is a lofty mausoleum constructed of white marble and red sandstone. It was designed as a prototype of the Taj Mahal in Agra and is an excellent example of Mughal architecture.
Built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum as a memorial to her husband by Humayun's senior widow, the tomb is surrounded by lush formal gardens and other tombs including Humayun's barber and the Tomb of Isa Khan (the architect of the Taj Mahal), a fine example of Lodi architecture and octagonal in shape.
A fun thing to do is to try and catch a glimpse of this spectacular structure after nightfall when it's illuminated.
The Jama Masjid is one of India's largest mosques and was the final architectural feat of Shah Jahan. Completed in 1658, this beautiful structure features three gateways, four angled towers, and two 40-meter-high minarets built using red sandstone and white marble and attractively alternated in vertical stripes.
Visitors can climb to the top of the southern minaret for spectacular views of Old Delhi, and afterwards visit the large central pool used for washing before prayers. Please note: visitors must take off their shoes and be appropriately dressed before entering; non-Muslims aren't permitted during prayers.
Afterwards, be sure to visit Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's massive main thoroughfare and a market area dedicated to shopping and eating. Of particular interest are Naya Bazaar and Gadodial, famous spice markets where you'll see hundreds of items displayed including aniseed, ginger, pomegranate, saffron, lotus seeds, pickles, and chutneys.
Looking a little like the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the equally impressive India Gate is a magnificent stone arch built as a memorial to Indian soldiers killed in WWI. An eternal flame burns beneath the massive structure, and its walls are inscribed with the names of more than 90,000 soldiers who died in the conflict.
Standing on a base of red stone and featuring a shallow domed bowl on top that is occasionally filled with burning oil (usually only on important anniversaries), the structure dominates the parkland around it, an always busy area with crowds of tourists and locals alike enjoying a picnic or simply relaxing.
For a real treat, try to see the India Gate at night, considered one of the top free things to do in New Delhi. It's a spectacular sight when it and nearby fountains are floodlit.
The magnificent Bahá'í House of Worship, also known as the Lotus Temple due to its nine sides and stunning central dome, is an architectural masterpiece. Constructed of white concrete and marble, the entire structure looks as delicate as the flower it resembles. Rising from the surrounding nine pools of water, it almost appears as if it might burst into bloom at any moment.
Built in 1986, the temple has since attracted more than 70 million visitors, making it one of the world's most visited attractions. Interestingly, this remarkable place of worship has no idols, religious pictures, or outward symbols of religion.
Another modern day temple worthy of a visit is the ISKCON Temple, one of the country's biggest Krishna temple complexes.
Delhi's most important Sikh place of worship, the 18th-century Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is located near Connaught Place and is well worth a visit. Highlights include its magnificent pool, the Sarovar, at the heart of this large complex, as well as its famous gold dome and flagpole.
Also of note is the large temple building itself, along with its art gallery and a small museum dedicated to the history of the Sikh religion. Visitors are always welcome here, and an excellent meal is available at no cost in the large Gurdwara Kitchen. All that is asked in return is your hair be covered and shoes removed (free headscarves and shoe storage are provided).
One of the most popular New Delhi parks among locals, the 90-acre Lodi Gardens is well-worth including on your Delhi itinerary. In addition to its lush gardens, the park contains numerous relics from the Lodi period pre-1600s, including a variety of important tombs and ruins.
Architectural highlights include 15th-century mausoleums containing the remains of the Lodi Sultans, as well as a picturesque triple-domed mosque, the Glazed Dome, known for its blue tiles, and the ruins of a huge dome dating from around 1490. Be sure to also look for the Athpula, an eight-pier bridge dating from the 16th century with its attractive columns and arches that span the park's lake.
Lodi Gardens is also known for its flora and fauna, including more than 100 species of native trees, 50 species of butterflies, and plenty of birdlife. It's also home to the country's National Bonsai Park.
While in the vicinity, take the short five-minute walk to the popular Khan Market. This bustling (and very safe) area in fact ranks among the world's most prestigious shopping districts, with luxury brands rubbing shoulders with street vendors selling local delicacies.
Completed in the 12th century, the beautiful Qutub Minar is India's tallest minaret. It's also now a UNESCO Word Heritage Site that attracts many international visitors eager to climb to the top for its breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
This ornate five-story tower rises more than 70 meters and is covered with intricate carvings featuring the history of Qutub along with inscriptions from the Koran. It's also notable for being constructed of a number of different types of stone (the first three stories are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth stories were built with marble and sandstone).
The complex also includes the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, a mosque at the base of the tower; a gateway built in 1310; and the tombs of Altamish, Alauddin Khalji, and Imam Zamin. Also worth seeing is the 2,000-year-old Iron Pillar, the Alai Minar.
Delhi is both a union territory within India, as well as a city, and features two very different worlds: New Delhi and Old Delhi. The former, inaugurated by the British in 1931 to serve as the imperial capital, is the nation's modern capital and seat of government, while Old Delhi is considered by many as the symbolic heart of the greater metropolitan area.
One of the most populous regions in the world – it boasts a population of nearly 20 million people – Delhi is a heady mix of tradition and modernity, and is important as both a religious center and India's busiest international gateway. Its history is as old as the ancient Yamuna River, one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism and a natural dividing line between New Delhi to the west and Old Delhi to the east.
Things to see and do in Delhi and New Delhi are plentiful and include experiencing its diverse arts and crafts industry, its many magnificent monuments, and countless performing arts venues. The area is also well known for its excellent cuisine, which includes delicacies from every corner of India. Delhi is also a shopper's paradise with numerous bazaars and markets, including Chandni Chowk, the country's most famous commercial area.
Find the best places to visit in this bustling, vibrant city with our list of the top tourist attractions in Delhi, India.
The Red Fort
The beautiful Red Fort (Lal Qila) was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and served as the seat of Mughal power until 1857. This stunning structure, with its tall, red sandstone walls covers an area of more than two square kilometers, the entirety of which is crescent shaped and surrounded by a moat.
The impressive main entrance, the Lahore Gate, is so named as it faces towards Lahore in Pakistan, while the even grander Delhi Gate was used by the emperor for ceremonial processions. Entering through the Lahore Gate, visitors reach Chhatta Chowk, a 17th-century covered bazaar where items such as silks, jewelry, gems, and silverware can be purchased, along with souvenirs and food items.
The Naubat Khana within the Red Fort once housed the musicians who played for the emperor, and its fine galleries still contain many interesting musical instruments such as kettledrums, gongs, and cymbals. Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audiences, where the emperor would receive his subjects, is also worth seeing for its stunning white marble.
A great way to see the Red Fort and other popular Delhi attractions is by booking a private full-day tour of Old and New Delhi. Highlights of this nine-hour urban adventure include a personal professional guide and driver who'll take you to such points of interest as Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, as well as Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the famous Lotus Temple. Included with your tour are hotel pickup and a ride in a rickshaw.
Ranikhet is yet another hill station that elevates your spirits to a different plane. At an altitude of 1829 meters, the ‘Queens Land’, as Ranikhet is referred to, is the perfect place to visit to view Himalayas at its best. The amazing richness of greenery and the scenic landscape make this place a dream destination. Here are some places you would not want to miss on your tour to Ranikhet.
