Uttar Pradesh is the rainbow land where the multi-hued Indian Culture has blossomed from times Immemorial. Blessed with innumerable geographical and cultural diversities, Uttar Pradesh, has been the area of activity of historical heroes like - Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavir, Ashoka, Harsha, Akbar and Mahathma Gandhi. Picturesque mountain peaks reaching out to the skies, rich and tranquil expanses of meadows, perennial rivers, dense forests and fertile soil of Uttar Pradesh have contributed numerous golden chapters to the annals of Indian History. Dotted with various holy shrines and pilgrimages, full of joyous festivals. It plays an important role in the politics, education, culture, industry, agriculture and tourism of India.
Guarded by the majestic Himalayas in the North, garlanded by Ganga and Yamuna the two pious rivers of Indian mythology, Uttar Pradesh is surrounded by Bihar in the East, Madhya Pradesh in the South and Rajasthan. Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana in the West. Since the frontiers of Tibet and Nepal touch the northern borders of Uttar Pradesh. It assumes strategic importance for Indian defense. Its area of 294,411-sq. km. lies between latitude 240 to 310 North and longitude 77' to 840 east.
Areawise it is the fourth largest State of India. In sheer magnitude it is half of the area of France, three times of Portugal, four times of Ireland, seven times of Switzerland, ten times of Belgium and a little bigger than England.
Land:
Uttar Pradesh is embellished with picturesque geographical environs. Nearly one-fifth of the State is under forest cover. Geologically, it is divided into four parts. Almost 14 per cent of the State are hilly area. This part consists of three parallel series of the Himalayas. Famous sites such as Nanda Devi, Kamet, Trishul, Kedar Nath, Badri Nath, Gangotri and 'Valley of Flowers' are situated in the highest Himalayan reaches. Which extend to a height of nearly 7000 meters above sea level and it remains covered with snow for a major part of the year. Alaknanda, Bbagirathi and Yamuna rivers originate from here. In the south of this region lies the beautiful Sivalik-ranges, which is around 1,200 m. high. The Sivalik hills are full of scintillating and breathtaking valleys - known as 'Doons'. Several places of great
natural beauty such as - Nainital, Chakrata, Lansdowne, Ranikhet and Mussoorie are situated in this region.A narrow strip of almost l6, 000-sq. km.of Bhabarand Terai (foothill) area falls between hilly region and the Gangetic plains. In this area one can experience the cardinal features of both the hills and the Plains of Uttar Pradesh. Saharanpur, Bijnor, Bareilly, Nainital, Pilibhit, Kheri. Baharaich, Gonda, Basti and Maharajganj districts of the State are situated in the Terai area. Climatically these places are hot and humid.
Gangetic plain situated between Terai and southern plateau forms two-thirds of the total area of U.P. River Gandak and Yamuna demarcate the eastern and western frontiers of this region. This plain (known as Doab) is the outcome of the alluvial deposits of the holy Ganga and its tributaries. The ancient cities of Agra, Mathura, Lucknow, Allahabad and Varanasi fall within these plains.
Vindhyan Range and the plateau (300 m. high) constitute the southern part of the State. The Western limit of this plateau is the northern part of the plateau of Central India and on the eastern limits are the lower Kaimur hills. This rocky terrain is called Bundelkhand in Jhansi, Banda, Hamirpur, Jalaun and Lalitpur districts and 1, Baghelkhand in Mirzapur and Sonebhadra districts. The Vindhyan Range spreads from Chunar in
Rivers:
A fascinating network of perennial rivers has shaped the culture of the State and nurtured its populace like a loving mother for thousands of years that's why people worship and celebrate most of their festivals on the banks of these rivers. The main rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Gomti and Ghaghra - flow from northwest to southeast. But the rivers coming from the
Southern plateau - Chambal, Betwa, Ken, Tons and Sone flow from southwest to northeast. Chambal, Betwa and Ken flow into Yamuna while Tons and Sone is tributaries to Ganga. The grand confluence of Ganga and Yamuna takes place at Allahabad (Prayaga). Ramganga and Gomti merge with Ganga in Kannauj and Ghazipur districts respectively.
Flora and Fauna
:
Almost 17.7 per cent (51,662-sq. km.) area of the State is under forest cover. Because of the diversity in the climate and variation of terrain, the forests of mountains, plains and plateau vary considerably. On the slopes of high mountains (till 4000 metres) the alpine and temperate forests are found. The trees of these forests are tall and green with pointed leaves. Deodar, Pine, Saal and Sagaun are the most important and high-value trees of these forests. The trees of terai are also very useful. Due to scanty rains and rocky terrain the plateau region is full of thorny trees and bushes, of which - Dhaak, Tesu, Tendu, Kaitha and Babool are the main. Dense forests are rare in the plains. The prominent trees of the Plains are - Mango, Mahua, Sakhu, Sheesham, Neem, Peepal, Banyan, Jamun, (rose apple) and Amla. Apart from timber, the forests of U.P. provide leesa, bamboo, kattha, tendu leaf and mahua. While roaming wild elephants and rhinoceros can be seen in the Terai forests, one can come across panthers, leopards, hyenas, cheetals and Kakars in the forests of Shivalik and Vindhyan ranges. For the protection of rare species of wild animals and birds, U.P. has as many as 7 National Parks, 17 forest reserves and 12 bird sanctuaries. The prominent parks are - Corbett National Park (Nainital), Dudhwa National Park (Lakhimpur Kheri), Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Govinda Forest Reserve (Uttarkashi), and Chandraprabha Forest Reserve (Varanasi) and Rajaji National Park.
Climate:
Due to variations in terrain, magnitude of size and distance from the sea, Uttar Pradesh has various types of climates. Hill areas are colder and they receive heavy rains and snowfall. Sometimes snowfall occurs at the heights of only 2000 metres. But the temper of the climate of the plains is altogether different. The plains of U.P. are neither extremely hot nor cold like Punjab in the West nor hot and humid like Bihar and Bengal in the East. Generally, they remain in between. The coldest months here are December-January and the hottest months are May-June. The temperature varies from 3'C to 1 7'C in winters and 2 7'C to 360C in summers. But, sometimes winter temperature ebbs to 3,C and summer temperature shoots up to 450C.In the summers, which begin from March and last till Mid June - the temperature starts rising and sometimes it reaches 450C. Speedy westerly winds known as 'loo' lash the State in daytime, but the nights are pleasant and cozy. Scattered rains may occur in the last days of May. The weather of the hills becomes pleasant (around this time), and tourists flock to the hill-stations.
After scorching heat - from mid or last of June - a pleasant change in the weather occurs. The southwest monsoon advances and covers the entire State around June end and the rain season begins which goes on till October.
After the recession of the southwest monsoon, the winters descend on the State from 15th October approximately. It continues till the end of February. Though cold winds pierce through in the nights, the days remain bright and warm with a clear blue sky during this period. Apart from few wintry downpours the weather remains dry and friendly.
People:
Physically the residents of Uttar Pradesh are either of average height or tall, healthy and whitish or fair complexioned. The residents of the hilly region of the State are generally fair complexioned with average height. Due to rich agriculture and cuisine the residents of the State are generally healthy. In the evenings, the 'chaupal' (where the villagers of a village meet after the day's hard-work and chit-chat alongwith tobacco- smoking) decorated with 'hookah' (hubble-bubble - an accepted sign of social intercourse in the Indian countryside) and 'chilam' (a conical earthen pot for smoking tobacco) is a common feature of the State's rural life. Folk songs and dances depicting the lifestyle of the people are the main source of enjoyment for its masses.
Population
Total | 13.9 Crores |
Male | 7.4 Crores |
Female | 6.5 Crores |
Rural | 11.15 Crores |
Urban | 2.76 Crores |
Density | 473 / Sq. Km. |
Sex Ratio | 1000:879 |
History:
Du e to its distinct identity as an abode of spiritualism this land came to be known as Brahma Rishi Desh (the land of sages and saints) in the Later Vedic Age. It produced a galaxy of Sages like Bhardwaj, Yajnavalkya, Vashishtha,
Vishwamitra, Jamdagni, Parasuram and Valmiki. The Epic heroes of 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata' Rama and Krishna-belonged to this very land. During 6th century BC Buddhism and Janis evolved over here. Eight of the 16 Mahajanpadas of the grand Mahajanpada Age fell within the present frontiers of Uttar Pradesh.
The whole area of the State was included within the expires of the Great Mauryan Monarchs Chandragupta Mary, Bindusara and Ashoka the Great in 3rd century B.C. The Lion Capital of Sarnath (near Varanasi) erected by Ashoka is the National emblem of India. During the reign of the Gupta Dynasty (circa 3rd A.D.) - the Golden Age of Indian History - this land rose to new peaks of peace and prosperity. When Harshavardhan ascended the throne in 7th century A.D. Kannauj became the nerve center of the then political scenario.
The cultural grandeur of the State acquired new dimensions in the Middle Ages of Indian History. Uttar Pradesh touched a new high during Mughal Period. Efficient administration, brotherhood, art and architecture, music and culture-all touched new peaks of perfection and glory. Agra was the capital of Mughal and Shahjahan here erected the fascinating monument of eternal love, Taj Mal. Renowned saint poets like Kabir, Tulsi, Surdas and Jayasi graced this era.
In 1732 the Subedar of this region Saadat Ali Khan declared himself independent and the central part of the State became the Oudh Province. During the reign of Shuja-ud-daula the third Nawab of Oudh, the East India Company came into contact with the rulers of Oudh and since then systematically the British Company sowed the seeds of disintegration of Oudh. Finally the East India Company through craft and diplomacy annexed the Nawabi of Oudh in the year 1856. The year 18.57 could be termed as the turning point of Indian History. It was in this year that the mutiny of the British sepoys in Meerut against their superiors gradually assumed the form of the First Indian Struggle for Fr6edom. Spreading from Meerut to Ballia and then engulfing nearly the whole of India in its all pervasive fold, this First War of Independence was brutally suppressed by the British but Ran! Lakshmi Bai, Mangal Pande, Begam Hazrat Mahal, Nana Saheb, Maulvi Ahamadullah Shah became heroes of this outbreak and attained martyrdom.
The 'Power to Rule' was transferred to the British Empire in 1858. From 1902 to 1935 the State came to be known as 'United Provinces of Agra and Avadh ' under the British rule. In 1935 it was renamed as 'United Provices' which continued till 1950. The Lucknow Pact between the Indian National Congress and Muslim
League signed in 1916 During the Lucknow Session of the Congress Symbolizes the tradition of ideological harmony for which the State has always been known. In 1919 Gandhiji met Pt. Motilal Nehru and since then the Anand Bhawan of Allahabad became the nerve-centre of lndia's Freedom Struggle for the next 30 years. During the Non-Cooperation and Civil disobedience movements of Gandhiji, Uttar Pradesh set a new example for the country. Against heavy odds and brutal suppression by Britishers, U. P. played a prominent role throughout the Freedom Movement. Heroes like Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru and Madan Mohan Malaya led the Freedom Struggle of India between 1922 and 1947. Uttar Pradesh also became the centrestage for the Indian Revolutionary Movement in the 20's and 30's. In 1925 revolutionaries looted the Government exchequer at Kakori near Lucknow. The main accused Pt. Rama Prasad 'Bismil', Ashfaqullah Khan, Rajendra Lahiri and Roshan Singh were hanged later and Chandrashekhar Azad shot himself when surrounded by the police in the Alfred Park of Allahabad. Around 1928 and later Kanpur, Allahabad and Varanasi became prominent centres of the Revolutionary Movement. At the same time 'Simon Commission' was given a spectacular and unforgettable resistance by the people of U.P. From 1930 Uttar Pradesh was up in arms against the notorious Salt Laws. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru and his daughter lndira Gandhi led this movement. In 1942 the State rose in unison in response to Mahatma Gandhi's call against Britishers to quit India. People made remarkable sacrifices in every part of the State and U.P. became the hottest scene of action during those eventful days. After Independence, in 1950 its name was finally changed from United Provinces to 'Uttar Pradesh'. This State has produced a galaxy of leaders for the Indian Republic. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Rajiv Gandhi, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Chandra Shekhar and Atal Behari Vajpayee - all of them former Prime Ministers of India belonged to Uttar Pradesh.
Administration
Commissionaries | 16 | Nagar Panchayats | 16 |
Districts | 76 | Nagar Nigams | 76 |
Tehsils | 310 | Nagar Palikas | 310 |
Villages | 123950 | M.Ps ( Lok Sabha ) | 123950 |
Gram Panchayats | 58605 | M.Ps ( Rajya Sabha ) | 58605 |
Nyaya Panchayats | 8814 | M.L.As | 8814 |
Blocks | 901 | M.L.Cs | 901 |
Town / Cities | 753 |
| 753 |
The High Court of the State is situated at Allahabad with a Bench at Lucknow. The Secretariat and other important administrative offices are situated at Lucknow but the offices of Public Service Commission, Education Board,
Accountant General's Office and Police headquarters is situated at Allahabad. The State has as many as 5226 Allopathic Hospitals, 2299 Ayurvedic Hospitals and 1149 Homeopathic Hospitals.
Education:
Literacy Rate | 41.6% | Degree Colleges | 487 |
Female Literacy | 25.31% | Universities | 26 |
Male Literacy | 55.73% | Polytechnics | 89 |
Basic Schools | 1.08 Lacs | Medical Colleges | 12 |
Secondary Schools | 6737 | Engineering Colleges | 13 |
Presently the Government of Uttar Pradesh is trying to achieve the target of total literacy in 65 districts of the State. The third largest University of the world. Benaras Hindu University is situated at the ancient centre of education-Varanasi. Allahabad University is one of the four premier Universities of the State which were set up in the mid and late 19th century-
Art and Architecture:
Leading styles of painting, sculpture and architecture evolved in Uttar Pradesh. The architectural relics of Mauryan Age can be observed at Sarnath, Allahabad, Meerut, Kaushambi and Sankissa. The Lion Capital of Sarnath is an excellent example of architecture. The artistic sculptures and architecture of Mathura are the pride of the State. The Agra Fort, Mausoleum at Sikandra and Taj Mahal are the finest examples of the Mughal era. The splendor of Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and Chhatar Manzil erected by Nawab Asaf- ud-daula at Lucknow is just enchanting.
Literature:
The pillars of the rich literary heritage of India - Poet- Laureate Bharavi and dramatist Bhavbhuti belonged to the Uttarakhand region of the State. The literary output of Kalidas and Valmiki has an integral relationship with the historic land of Uttar Pradesh. Ashvaghosa belonged to the Oudh region of the State. The early Rasopoet of Hindi Chandrabardai and renowned poet Amir Khusro wrote their masterpieces on the soil of Uttar Pradesh. Medieval poets like Kabir, Sur, Tulsi, Jayasi, Rahim and Raskhan also belonged to U.P. The poets of the Classical Age of Hindi Poetry extensively used Braj Bhasha associated with the Agra-Mathura region of UP. Some of the greatest Modern Hindi litterateurs like Bhartendu Harishchandra, Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi, Ram Chandra Shukla, Jaya Shankar Prasad, Sumitra Nandan Pant, Nirala, Mahadevi Verma, Premchand, Agyeya. Dharmvir Bharti, Amrit Lal Nagar, Shivani and many others have their roots and origins in this rich land. The prominent Urdu-poets Nazir Akbarabadi and Mirza Ghalib had their association with Agra. Akbar Allahabadi, Firaq Gorakhpuri and a host of other poets have given a new direction to modern Urdu poetry. Ali Sardar Jafri, Jigar Moradabadi, Majaz, Hasrat Mohani and Josh Malihabadi too have brought glory to the name of the State. The State has 2 Doordarshan Centres and 13 All India Radio Centres.
Dance and Music:
Uttar Pradesh has a long and rich tradition of music. Udayan, the king of ancient Kaushambi, was an expert Veena player. Amir Khusro invented another stringed music instrument Sitar. The art of the great musicians Swami Haridas and Tansen
Reached its perfection in U.P. 'Thumari' and 'Dadara' styles of classical singing are the contribution of the Varanasi and Lucknow Schools of Music. Begam Akhtar of Lucknow excelled in the field of Ghazal singing. Whereas three maestro of Varanasi - Ustad Bismillah Khan - (Shehnai), Kanthe Maharaj - (Tabla), and Girija Devi - (the Thumari Queen) have won international recognition for the State. Kathak dance had originated in the courts of Mughals but reached heights of perfection in the courts of the Nawabs of Oudh in modern times. Pt. Birju Maharaj has given it new dimensions. Indian Cinema is also indebted to Uttar Pradesh. Naushad Ali, Nargis Dutt, Amitabh Bachchan and Shabana Azmi belong to this State.
Folk Music and Folk Dances
Birha, Chalti, Sohar (of Eastern U.P.), Rasiya (of Braj region), Alha (of Bundelakhanda), Puran Bhagat, Bhartrahari (of western U.P.) and Jhodha, Rajula, Malushahi (of hills) constitute the famous folk music tradition of Uttar Pradesh, they are sung by the masses on different occasions with their respective regional touch.
Chtiolia, Chhapeli, Tharu, Chauphula are the folk dances of hill region. Paidanda (Bundelkhanda), Charktila and Holi (Braj region), Karmaand Kajari (Mirzapur), Dhobiyaand Nautanki (Bhojpur region) are the other famous folk dances of the State. These dances when accompanied by the enchanting music generated by the instruments like dhol, nagara, ramtula, ranasinga, hurka, manjira and kartal cast a magic spell on the spectator.
Attire:
Almost all the dress-styles of the country are in vogue here. The resident of Uttar Pradesh likes to wear cotton clothes .Men generally wear kurta-pyjama or dhoti and sadari, while the apparels of women vary according to the region. Sari is the most popular attire, but the womenfolk of the hills like to wear angra, Ghaghara and chadara. The rural women of Bundelkhanda wear the sari in Martha style. The influence of Haryana and Rajasthan is clearly visible on the attire of women of Western U.P.
Cuisine
A stunning variety of delicious foods can be experienced through out the State. Various kinds of sweetmeats are the hallmark of Uttar Pradesh. The general food consists of rice, bread, pulses, vegetables and pickles. Puri, pua, nialpua, kheer and rabri are the delicacies of the State. Bati-litti of eastern Uttar Pradesh is also very popular. Exotic non-vegetarian Mughlai cuisine of Lucknow is internationally known.
Language and Dialect
The common languages of this State are Hindi and Urdu. Nine types of Hindi dialect are spoken across the State. In the hill region of the State Kumaoni and Garhawali dialects are spoken. Braj, Kaurvi, Kannauji and Bundeli are spoken around Mathura, Meerut Farrukhabad districts and Bundelkhand areas of the State. Avadhi and Bagheli dialects are in vogue around the region of central U.P. and in Banda, Hamirpur and Fatchpur districts, while eastern U.P. speaks the Bhojpuri dialect.
Rich Agriculture and Horticulture
Almost 78% of the population of U.P. banks upon agriculture. Uttar Pradesh is the top producer of cereals, sugarcane and PLI1ses in the country. It produces around 386.91 lakh metric tones of cereals. For the propagation of agriculture - the State has three Agriculture Universities. The main crops of Uttar Pradesh are - wheat, paddy, barley, gram, maize, millet, black gram, green gram, yellow gram and mustard. Mangoes of innumerable flavours, guavas and apples are the major fruits produced in the State. Numerous varieties of vegetables such as potato, cauliflower, tomato, onion, garlic, pumpkin, brinjal, ribbed gourd, cabbage are grown in the State. In Kannauj, Ghazipur, Varanasi and Ballia districts - floriculture has also developed.
Industrial Environment:
Full of industrial potential, Uttar Pradesh has around 1,500 big and medium industrial units. There are 3.5 lakh small-scale industrial units and 112 sugar mills in U.P. The State possesses an extensive network of roads and offers rich natural resources. Moreover, Uttar Pradesh provides good and thriving market for industrial products. The total installed capacity of the various powers generating units in the State is 5776 MW. The Government of the State has adopted an entrepreneur friendly policy to create a congenial atmosphere to attract the investors. To assist the entrepreneurs the Government of Uttar Pradesh has set up institutions like PICCUP, U.P.S.I.D.C., U.P.F.C. and U.P.S.I.C. For the training of entrepreneurs Udyamita Vikas Samsthan and Khadi Board have extensively conducted entrepreneurship development programmes. NOIDA in Ghaziabad, Satharia (Jaunpur) and Sahjanwa (Gorakhpur) districts have been developed for wider industrial activities. Renowned industrial groups of India like Tata, Birla, Modi, Goenka, Singhania, Sri Ram, D.C.M., Hindustan Lever and Cadburys have their various units in the State. Calcium, dolomite, magnesite, soapstone, gypsum, marble, phosphorite, bauxite and fireclay are the common minerals of the State. Important units for the utilization of these minerals have been set up in Sonebhadra, Lucknow, Dehradoon, Pithoragarh, Almora, and Allahabad and Lalitpur districts.
Handicrafts and Small Industries:
Almost all the areas of Uttar Pradesh have a highly evolved and beautiful handicraft tradition. Terracota of Gorakhpur, copper and brass industries of Mirzapur and Moradabad, silk industry of Varanasi, carpet industry of Bhadohi, chikan and zardozi of Lucknow, lock industry of Aligarh and woodwork of Saharanpur are world famous for their serene artwork. 75 per cent of the Indian woollen carpets are produced in the State. Khadi industry and handloom pervade all the regions of U.P. and they are actively competing with modern textile industries for their cotton produces. These industries employ almost 7.5 lakh people.
Transportation:
Approximately all the important places of India are well connected with the cities of Uttar Pradesh. The main Railway junctions are Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, and Allahabad. Tundla and Mughalsarai. The chief aerodromes are Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, and Varanasi. Agra and Gorakhpur. The air-services of air India, Indian Airlines Modiluft, Sahara, U.P. Airways and Damania Airlines are also available.
Festivals:
Festivals of almost all the religions are celebrated in U.P. The composite culture of the State is famous all over India. Various communities celebrate as many as 40 festivals with gay abandon and complete communal harmony. Sheetala Ashtami, Raksha Bandhan, Vaishakh Purnima, Ganga Dashahara, NaagPanchamil Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesha Chaturthi, Vijay Dashmi, Deepawali, Kartik Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Vasant Panchami, Shivaratri and Holi are the main festivals of the Hindus. I'd, Moharram, Bakr-ld, Barawafat and Shab-e-Barat are the major Muslim festivals. New Years Day, Good Friday, Easter and Christmas are the prominent festivals of the Christians. Buddha Purnima for Buddhists, Mahavir Jayanti for Jainis, the birthday of guru Nanak, Martyr's day of Guru TegBahadur and Vaishakhi are the famous festivals of the people of Sikh faith.
Main regional Fairs (Mela):
The Tourism Department of the State Government has of late laid out a detailed calender of regional tourist festivals. Those festivals provide the tourist an insight into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the various regions of the State.
List of Tourist Festivals for the year 1997 is as follows
International Yog Week - Rishikesh, 2-7 February, 1997
Taj Mahotsava - Agra, 18-27 February, 1997
Jhansi Mahotsava - Jhansi, 28 February-4 March 1997.
Rang Gulal Mahotsava - Mathura, 25-27 March 1997.
Badri-Kedar Mahotsava BadriNath 3-10 June 1997.
Vrindavana Sharadotsava Vrindavan I6- 17 October 1997.
Garhwal Mahotsava Uttarkashi, 11 November 1997.
Ganga Mahotsava Varanasi, 10-14 November 1997.
Kumaon Mahotsava Almora, 4-6 November 1997.
Lucknow Mahotsava Lucknow, 25 November-5 December 1997.
Tourist Places:
Hills:
Gangotri, Yamunotri (Uttar Kashi), Valley of Flowers, Auli, Haridwar, and Badrinath. Nandadevi (Chamoli), Kanvashram (Garhwal), Kankhal (Saharanpur), Chakrata, Kalsi, Rishikesh, Mussourie (Dehradun), Lansdowne (Pauri Garhwal), Nainital, Ranikhet, Pindari Glacier and Almora.
Lakes: Dodital, Vasukital, Devariatal, Roopkunda (Chamoli), Sahasratal (Uttar Kashi), Naini Tal, Bhimtal, Khurpatal, and Naukuchiyatal, Satatal (Nainital).
Western U.P: Hastinapur (Meerut), Gadhamukteshwara (Ghaziabad), Mathura Vrindavana (Mathura), Fatehpur Sikari (Agra), Peeran Kaliyar (Haridwar), Dudhwa National Park, Gola Gokarannath (Kheri), Sankissa, Kannauj, Kampil (Farrukhabad), Soron (Etah), Naimisharanya, Chakratirtha (Sitapur), Shukratal (Muzafrarnagar), Corbett National Park (Nainital), Bithur (Kanpur), Lucknow and Deva Sharif (Barabanki).
Eastern U.P: Gorakhnath Temple (Gorakhpur), Sarnath (Varanasi), Saidpur Bhitri (Ghazipur), Sringverpur and Kaushambi (Allahabad), Chunar (Mirzapur), Devipatan (Gonda) Maghar (Basti), Bhrigu Temple (Ballia), Shravasti (Baharaich), Kushinagar (Padrauna), Chitrakoot (Banda) and Jaunpur.