Uttar Pradesh attracts a large number of visitors, both national and international; with more than 71 million domestic tourists (in 2003) and almost 25% of the All-India foreign tourists visiting Uttar Pradesh, it is one of the top tourist destinations in India. There are two regions in the state where a majority of the tourists go, viz. the Agra circuit and the Hindu pilgrimage circuit.
 |
| The pillar of Ashoka |
The historically important towns of Sarnath and Kushinagar are located not far from Varanasi. Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath after his enlightenment and died at Kushinagar; both are important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Also at Sarnath are the Pillars of Ashoka and the Lion Capital of Ashoka, both important archaeological artifacts with national significance. At a distance of 80 km from Varanasi, Ghazipur is famous not only for its Ganges Ghats but also for the Tomb of British potentate Lord Cornwallis, maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.
 |
| Tomb of Lord Cornwallis |
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, has several beautiful historical monuments such as Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara. It has also preserved the damaged complex of the Oudh-period British Resident's quarters, which are being restored.
 |
| Bara Imambara |
 |
| Chota Imambara |
Jhansi, is a historical city of India. Jhansi is the administrative headquarters of Jhansi District and Jhansi Division. The original walled city grew up around its stone fort, which crowns a neighboring rock. This district is on the bank of river Betwa.
 |
| This is supposed to be real picture of the Queen of Jhansi, Rani Laxmibai, photographed by British Photographer Hoffman, some 159 years ago. |
Rani Laxmi Bai, The Rani (Queen) of Jhansi (c.19 November 1835 – 17 June 1858), known as Jhansi Ki Rani, was one of the leading figures of the First Freedom Struggle of India, and a symbol of resistance to British rule in India. She has gone down in Indian history as a legendary figure, the firebrand who began the Indian Revolution against British Colonialism and for Indian independence. The Muslim governors of the Mughal empire were constantly making incursions into the Bundela country. In 1732 Chhatrasal, the Bundela king, called in the aid of the Hindu Marathas. They came to his assistance, and were rewarded by the bequest of one-third of the Maharaja's dominions upon his death two years later. The Maratha general developed the city of Jhansi, and peopled it with inhabitants from Orchha state. In 1806 British protection was promised to the Maratha chief. In 1817, however, the Peshwa in Pune ceded all his rights over Bundelkhand to the British East India Company. In 1853 the Raja of Jhansi died childless, and his territory was annexed by the Governor-General of India. The Jhansi state and the Jalaun and Chanderi districts were then formed into a superintendency. Rani Lakshmibai, widow of the Raja, protested the annexation because she was not allowed to adopt an heir (as was customary), and because the slaughter of cattle was permitted in the Jhansi territory.
The Revolt of 1857 accordingly found Jhansi ripe for rebellion. In June a few men of the 12th Native Infantry seized the fort containing the treasure and magazine, and massacred the European officers of the garrison along with their wives and children. Rani Lakshmi Bai put herself at the head of the rebels and died in battle in Gwalior. It was not until November, 1858 that Jhansi was brought under British control. It had been given to the Maharaja of Gwalior, but came under British rule in 1886 as the result of a territorial swap.
Jhansi was added to the United Provinces, which became the state of Uttar Pradesh after India's Independence in 1947.
The fort standing in the hilly area shows that how the North Indian style of fort construction differentiated from that of the South.
Places to See:
Jhansi Fort
Rani Mahal (Queen's Palace)
U.P. Govt. Museum
Panchkuian Temple - An old traditional temple, Rani Lakshmi bai used to worship here
Ganesh Mandir
Siddheshwar Temple
Parichha Dam
St. Jude's Shrine attracts huge masses of pilgrims and tourist especially in the month of October for St. Jude's feast. It's also known for its serene ambience and beautiful architecture.
Sakhi ke Hanuman, a Hanuman temple of Jhansi though temples of other God and Goddesses are also there in its Campus.
Orcha - Historical town, 15 km from Jhansi
Some of the main natural protected areas in Uttar Prdesh are:-
Dudhwa National Park is one of the best tiger reserves in the country.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve – home to the Tiger Reserve.
Sandi Bird Sanctuary(Chilka Lake) - houses about 20,000 migratory birds annually.
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary – the most concentrated sanctuary in India with a large population of tigers as well as leopards – situated in Bahraich and bordering Nepal is also worth a visit.
No comments:
Post a Comment