Page 46 - Grasshopper Magazine

Katerniaghat, Dudhwa, Sonbhadra, explore the architecture, stone work, blending of west and east. Although
Ramgarh Tal (Gorakhpur), Matatila inlay work, marble embroidery, historically the city is of relatively
and Deogarh. woodwork and other examples of lesser antiquity, it has emerged as
Over the last few years, the man’s artistic ingenuity that has a centre of the evolution of fine arts
state has also seen the emergence gone into its making. and culture. The region is known
of several tourism-specific events as Awadh and evokes memories of
at different places round the Monumental glory an era when the Nawab rulers of
year. These are organised by the Tourists can have a close look this erstwhile province patronised
state Government and also by at magnificent monuments such music, dance, songs, literature,
independent organisations, and as Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula’s cuisine and art. Lucknow is a
have come up as major attractions. tomb, Sikandra and several revered modern urban conglomerate with
Some of these festivals are the temples. Beyond Agra is the famed exquisite monuments of colonial
International Balloon Festival, Taj Braj region where the twin cities of and Islamic architecture. The British
Mahotsav, Uttar Pradesh Travel Mathura and Vrindavan abound made this their provincial capital,
Mart, Travel Writers Conclave, in the legend of Lord Krishna. and even today majestic structures
International Literature Festival and Amidst the mesmerizing temples, of Christian faith adorn the skyline
International Ramayana Conclave. the famous Charkula dance and of this modern city. The serpentine
These events have added a distinct Raasleela the legend of Lord flow of the Gomti river through
charm and edge to the state’s Krishna comes alive. Close to Agra the city gives the city a picturesque
tourism attraction and potential. is Bateshwar, a quaint temple town image with symbols of tradition and
where a cattle fair is being held modernity on both sides.
Heritage Arc every year for 400 years. For the Among the m agnificent
The Heritage Arc is the most nature lover, the National Chambal monuments in Lucknow are Bara
representative route for the visitor Sanctuary provides a fantastic Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Chhota
who wishes to see and understand opportunity to see gharials and Imambara, Satkhanda, Jama Masjid,
this state. It provides an opportunity fresh water dolphins amidst the Residency, La Martiniere and
and facilitation to explore the state rugged ravines of the mighty Dilkusha Bagh. Examples of fine
in all its glory. It signifies heritage Chambal river. western and oriental architecture
in terms of cultural, historical and are a delight for the visitor while
natural aspects. Moving on this arc Capital of fi nesse great delicacies like varieties of
takes the traveller through three The mid-point in the Arc is kababs, biryani, sheermal, pulao,
great cities Agra, Lucknow and Lucknow, the capital of modern- rabri and makkhan malai bring back
Varanasi, besides several exciting day Uttar Pradesh and epitome most visitors. Someone belonging to
destinations along the way. These of grace, finesse and cultural Lucknow is still identified in any
cities define the quintessential Uttar
Pradesh.
For many foreign visitors to Uttar
Pradesh, the touchdown point is
Agra, a few hours from the national
capital Delhi, and arguably the
most famous tourist destination of
India. Agra is on the periphery of
the legendary Braj region, the land
of Lord Krishna. Much later in
history, it was the seat of the great
Mughal empire that eventually
shaped the fate of entire India. The
world knows Agra as the city of the
Taj Mahal. This marble monument
is a tribute to the imagination of a
love-lorn emperor who bequeathed
to the world a symbol of eternal Courtesy: UP Tourism
love. The Taj Mahal gives untold
opportunities to the visitor to
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