Saturday, 21 May 2011

More places from Uttar Pradesh

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.

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Mathura-Vrindavan

Mathura is a city in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located approximately 50 km north of Agra, and 145 km south-east of Delhi; about 11 kilometers from the town of Vrindavan and 22 kilometers from Govardhan. It is the administrative centre of Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh. During the ancient period, Mathura was an economic hub, located at the junction of important caravan routes.

Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna at the centre of Braj or Brij-bhoomi, called Shri Krishna Janma-Bhoomi, literally: 'Lord Krishna's birth place'.

The Keshav Dev temple was built in ancient times on the site of Krishna's legendary birthplace (an underground prison). According to the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana epics, Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Kingdom, ruled by Kansa the maternal uncle of Krishna.

Places to See: Mathura

Krishnajanmabhoomi

Jai gurudev Ashram - Naam Yog Sadhna Mandir

Dwarikadheesh Temple

Durvasa Rishi Ashram

Sri Keshavji Gaudiya Matha

Vishram Ghat

Rangeshwar Mahadev Mandir

Bhooteshwar Mahadev Mandir

Mathura museum

Places to See: Vrindavan

A very famous twin-city to Mathura is Vrindavan. As the home of Lord Krishna in his youth, the small town is host to a multitude of temples belonging to various sects of Hinduism proclaiming Lord Krishna in various forms and Avatars. Some of the most famous temples are Banke Bihari Temple, Rang ji Temple and Iskcon Temple.

Govardhan hill

Vrindavan

GARUD GOVIND TEMPLE

Barsana

Nandgaon

Gokul

Baldeo Dauji

Radha Kund

Nidhi Van

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Allahabad: Prayag, Kumbh

Allahabad, is a name given by Mughal kings to the ancient Prayag being the second oldest city of India, in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and administrative headquarters of Allahabad District. Allahabad is one of the fastest growing cities in India at present. It is located 205 kilometres (127 mi) south of state capital Lucknow. The ancient name of the city Prayag (Sanskrit refers to it as a "place of sacrifice") and is believed to be the spot where Brahma offered his first sacrifice after creating the world. It is one of four sites of the mass Hindu pilgrimage Kumbh Mela, the others being Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. It has a position of importance in Hindu scriptures for it is situated at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna, and the ancient Sarasvati River.

Allahabad is home to seven out of fourteen Prime Ministers of India. Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Gulzarilal Nanda, Vishwanath Pratap Singh and Chandra Shekhar were all either born in Allahabad, were alumni of Allahabad University or got elected from a constituency in Allahabad.

Places to See:

Sangam and surroundings

Anand Bhavan

New Yamuna Bridge, Yamuna bank road

Company Bagh,Alfred Park and Allahabad Museum

Allahabad High Court building

All Saints Cathedral

Ewing Christian College

Kumbh Mela

Every year thousands gather at Allahabad to take part in the festival on the banks of the Ganges, the Magh Mela. The same festival is organised in a larger scale every 12th year and attracts millions of people and is called the Kumbha Mela. Kumbh Mela (especially the Maha Kumbh Mela) is the most sacred of all the pilgrimages. Thousands of holy men and women (monks, saints and sadhus) attend, and the auspiciousness of the festival is in part attributable to this. The sadhus are seen clad in saffron sheets with plenty of ashes and powder dabbed on their skin per the requirements of ancient traditions. Some called nanga sanyasis or 'Dhigambers' may often be seen without any clothes even in severe winter, generally considered to live an extreme lifestyle. This tends to attract a lot of western attention as it is seemingly in contrast to a generally conservative social modesty practised in the country.

Architecture of Allahabad

The imprint of the British and Mughals can be seen in buildings, gardens and places in Allahabad. The styles of buildings reflect a good mix of western Gothic and Mughal architectures.

All Saints Cathedral, designed by great English architect William Emerson who also designed Victoria Memorial of Calcutta. This cathedral is the most beautiful building in city. Styled in 13th Century Gothic architecture, building's interior is more beautiful than its exterior with high ceilings and stone Gothic arches.

Muir College (1874), designed by William Emerson, in Indo-Saracenic architecture, an excellent mix of Gothic and Indian architectural elements. Its foundation was laid in 1874 and opened in 1886. It has an arcade quadrangle, which is dominated, by a 200 feet (61 m) minaret tower in cream coloured sandstone from Mirzapur with marble and mosaic floors. The domes of the Indo-Saracenic structure are clad in Multan glazed tiles.

University Science Faculty buildings have classical architectural designs and have strong Victorian and Islamic style architectural influences.

Allahabad High Court (1916) - Chief Justice, Sir John Staley laid the foundation in 1911. It was finally completed in 1916 and opened by Viceroy Lord Chelmsford. Designed by Frank Lishman. this structure is subtly adapted to the climate as is evident from the double roofing with tiles from Allahabad on top to beat the summer heat. Conceived in a grand fashion, it has a domed pediment centre, arcade wings, stone balustrades and engrained arches. It reflects a beautiful synthesis of Eastern and Western architectural styles.

Khusro Bagh - The three sandstone mausoleums within this walled garden, present an exquisite example of Mughal architecture. Public Library (1864)- Standing at Alfred Park it is a beautiful building designed by R.Roskell Rayne. This public library is another remarkable example of Gothic Style. The memorial has a lofty tower and accorded cloisters.

The Old High Court and Public Offices - They are four-storied block. Made of sandstone and ashore these were built by Colonel Pile in I 870 in the classical style. The Minto Park to the west of the ton has a Memorial Pillar enriched with Royal medallions and four lions carrying the Imperial coronet. This was a memorial pillar to the Royal Proclamation of the assumption of rule by the British crown in 1858. The Municipal Museum adjoining the library is yet another colonial structure that is a treasure-trove of archaeological artifacts.

The new Yamuna bridge built jointly by Hindustan Construction Company and Hyundai Engineering and Construction, is India's first cable stayed four lane road bridge in India, representing modern design structure. This large bridge has two pylons made of concrete, which support a large part of bridge deck with the help of attached steel cables............
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Varanasi- Kashi-Banaras: The city of Lord Shiva

Varanasi, also commonly known as Banaras and Kashi is a city situated on the banks of the River Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres (199 mi) southeast of state capital Lucknow. It is regarded as a holy city by Buddhists and Jains, Hindus. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest in India.

The Kashi Naresh (Maharaja of Kashi) is the chief cultural patron of Varanasi and an essential part of all religious celebrations. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the River Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious centre in North India for several thousand years. The Benares Gharana form of Indian classical music developed in Varanasi, and many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians resided or reside in Varanasi, including Kabir, Ravidas their Guru Swami Ramanand, Trailanga Swami, Munshi Premchand, Jaishankar Prasad, Acharya Shukla, Ravi Shankar, Girija Devi, Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Bismillah Khan. Tulsidas wrote Ramacharitamanas here, and Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath located near Varanasi (Kashi).

Varanasi is home to four universities: Banaras Hindu University, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies and Sampurnanand Sanskrit University. Residents mainly speak Hindi and Kashika Bhojpuri, which is closely related to the Hindi language. People often refer to Varanasi as "the city of temples", "the holy city of India", "the religious capital of India", "the city of lights", and "the city of learning."

Transport

Places to See:

Probably due to its unique culture, Varanasi is a major tourist destination for foreign tourists in India. A number of hotels are present in the city, as well as more efficient housing for Western student researchers.

Varanasi is a noted centre for Banarasi silk weaving and brassware. Fine silks and brocaded fabrics, exquisite saris, brassware, jewellery, woodcraft, carpets, wall hangings, lamp shades and masks of Hindu and Buddhist deities are some of Varanasi's shopping attractions. The main shopping areas include the Chowk, Godaulia, Vishwanath Lane, Lahurabir and Thatheri Bazaar, Assi Ghat, a midway point between Godaulia in the heart of downtown and youth culture of Benares Hindu University, is the district where most young, foreign, long-term residents stay.

Jantar Mantar at Varanasi

Jantar Mantar is an observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh, of Jaipur in the year 1737 is situated close to the Dashashwamedh Ghat, overlooking the ghats on the Ganges. Jai Singh was a great admirer of science and technology and he was particularly passionate about astronomy. Before the commencement of construction (of observatories) he sent scholars abroad to study the foreign observatories. The emissaries returned with many manuals on astronomy. The Jantar Mantar at Varanasi was built in line with Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain and Jaipur observatories.

The Jantar Mantar was built to measure the local time, the Sun's declination, altitude, the declination of stars, planets and to determine eclipses The Jantar Mantar at Varanasi has several masonry instruments to record the motion, speed and properties of stars and planets and study astronomy that are accurate and can still be used efficiently today. The Jantar Mantar incorporates multiple structures of unique form, each with a specialised function for astronomical measurement.

Archaeological museum

Archaeological museum, Sarnath is the oldest site museum of Archaeological Survey of India. In order to keep the antiquities found from the site, a decision was taken in 1904 by the Government to construct a site museum adjacent to the excavated site at Sarnath.

There are five galleries and two verandahs on the museum to display the antiquities ranging from 3rd century B.C. to 12th century A.D. found at Sarnath.

Bharat Kala Bhavan

Bharat Kala Bhavan, located inside the BHU campus, is an art and architecture museum and houses a vast collection of paintings, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and other materials of archaeological importance. The Bharat Kala Bhavan was established in the year 1920 A.D. by Rai Krishndas. In the main hall of the Bharat Kala Bhawan, there is a figure of a man standing on one leg and one hand on his hip and lifting a mass of stone above his head, with one hand. The figure is said to be of Lord Krishna, lifting Mount Govardhana. Many images in the Bharat Kala Bhavan confirm to the existence of Krishna cult in Kashi in 15th and 16th century.

Bharat Kala Bhavan also has a great collection of miniature paintings from the courts of Mughals and other Kingdoms and principalities. Some of the important sections in the Bharat Kala Bhavan are Mahamana Malaviya gallery, Nicholas Roerich gallery, Chhavi (Painting Gallery), sculpture gallery, Nidhi (Treasures) gallery, sculpture gallery, archaeological gallery, decorative art gallery and Banaras through ages gallery.

Ramnagar Fort

The Ramnagar Fort lies about 14 km. from Varanasi and is situated on the opposite bank of river Ganges. It is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Maharaja Balwant Singh built this fort-palace in the eighteenth century. The fort is built in red sandstone. The Ramnagar fort has a temple and a museum within the grounds and the temple is dedicated to Ved Vyasa, who wrote Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. Legends have it that Ved Vyasa stayed here for a brief period.

The Ramnagar fort houses a museum displaying the royal collection which includes vintage cars, royal palkies, an armory of swords and old guns, ivory work and antique clocks. The Durga Temple and Chhinnamastika Temple are also located at Ramnagar. A temple of Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman is there. Inside the giant walls of the Ramnagar fort-palace, there is a big clock. This clock not only displays year, month, week and day but also astronomical facts about the sun, moon and constellation of stars. An interesting array of ornate palanquins, gold-plated howdahs and weapons are some of the artifacts on display in the Ramnagar fort-palace museum.

A rare collection of manuscripts, especially religious writings, is housed in Saraswati Bhawan with the Ramnagar Fort. It includes a precious handwritten manuscript by Tulsidas. There are also many books illustrated in the Mughal miniature style, with beautifully designed covers.

Chaukhandi Stupa at Sarnath