Uttar Pradesh : Allahabad
Allahabad, or Prayag as it was once called, has been a city of holy pilgrimage for Indians for thousands of years. Here, on the banks of the Ganga at its confluence with the Yamuna and the mythological Saraswati, known as Sangam, a once-in-1 2-years festival - the Kumbha - is staged, the largest bathing event in the world. Spread over a month, the Kumbha Mela is particularly picturesque for the holy men and the crowds it attracts. A lesser event is the yearly Magh Mela, by no means any less impressive. Renowned for its university too, Allahabad has been responsible for giving the country some of its national political leaders and many scholars. A peaceful city, it can be a quiet retreat for those looking for a tranquil holiday.
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Allahabad : City with a Past
Amongst the cities of Uttar Pradesh, and indeed of India, Allahabad has a unique situation. It is not just one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages, or a strategic citadel of medieval times or just a city of fanatic fervour and sacriiice during momentous movements like the fight for independence, or even a city of great personalities, past and present.
It is a city that does not live merely on its past, or, for that matter, on any single dimension. It is, in fact, a historical and religious city that lives in the present, for the future.
Uttar Pradesh : Sarnath
Situated 8 km from Varanasi is Sarnath where Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining Enlightenment at Bodhgaya. At the museum is the Ashok Pillar with its four guardian lions, used as independent India's national emblem.
Uttar Pradesh : Kanpur
Situated 79 km from Lucknow on the banks of the Ganga, Kanpur is a major industrial town. When the British set up a cantonment here the first tannery was set up at Jajmau in the 19th century which led to a proliferation of tanneries which exist till today. A business city, its main trade is in leather and its accessories. Plastic and textiles are other items and the city is continuously undergoing changes, especially with many national corporate* opening factories here. In the field of education too, Kanpur occupies a significant position with the Indian Institute of
Lucknow
Capital of India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow evokes a lifestyle long gone by. Its traces are found in the people's mannerisms and habits. Lucknow was abode of the Nawabs of Avadh. Their regal pastimes and pleasures were legendary. Fond of song and dance, they nurtured Urdu verse as well as the Kathak school of courtly dances. Their monuments excelled in the use of arches, pavilions and domes. British occupation was another chapter in its history and architectural growth. The city, spread on both banks of the Gomti, is undergoing changes, with shopping complexes, residential properties and hotels coming
Mahaban
4 km from Gokul on the road to Sadabad. Krishna is said to have been put in a cradle here. The largest and most sacred temple is that of Mathura Nath. Can be visited by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
