Its beauty and symmetry are simply beyond description. On my arrival at the monument, the great white marbled complex lifted against the green canopy, shimmering in the crystal waters of the front pool.
For any individual touring India, Agra and the Taj Mahal are must-visit places that Uttar Pradesh Journey define Mughal design and the grandeur of royal heritage in India beyond comparison.
Agra is definitely not just about the Taj Mahal. The Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is equally grand in its display of Mughal architecture. This palatial fort, which Emperor Akbar constructed, has that whole range of palaces, mosques, and gardens, but beyond all, it possesses a vista of the Taj Mahal in the distance. The I’timād-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, otherwise known as the “Baby Taj,” is yet another offbeat treasure showcasing extensive and delicate marble work, a signature display of Mughal tombs.
From the lavish Agra was a journey now to Varanasi, a city amongst the oldest living towns in the world.
Kashi, probably the most sacred of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, has left indelible impressions on those who have visited it. The ghats of the Ganges river, where bathers come to pray, are quite timeless amid the ever-busy, overstuffed streets, the incense smells, and the ringing of temple bells and chanting that conjures an otherworldly feel inviting you to participate in the rhythm of life in this holy city. Floating down the Ghats of the same early morning hour on a boat is something most probably will not make me forget. I saw his sunrise above the water, where the golden lights bathed the river waters; and I saw the morning rituals where pilgrims and believers flow to the ghats for prayers, where sadhus were sitting on meditation attacking a moment in the serenity of the morning.
Following the spiritual awakening in Varanasi, I traveled to Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh. Famous for its rich past, polished behavior, and Nawabi culture, Lucknow is a city with a mix of Mughal, Awadhi, and British influences. The culinary experience of the city is as famous as its buildings, and I was eagerly looking forward to tasting the iconic Tunday Kebab and Lucknawi Petha.
A visit to Uttar Pradesh would be incomplete without traveling to Ayodhya, Lord Ram’s birthplace, which is one of the most important deities of Hinduism. The town is rich in myth and religious connotations and attracts pilgrims across the globe. The Ram Janmabhoomi, a place considered the birthplace of Lord Ram, is the central hub of religious activity in the city.
Ayodhya experienced renewed interest over the past years, with work on the construction of the Ram Mandir(temple) at the site. The temple, when done, will serve as a testimony to Hindu dedication and worship for Lord Ram. Uttar Pradesh Journey During my trip to Ayodhya, I also visited the peaceful ghats of the Saryu River, where devotees go to conduct rituals and pray to the river goddess.
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