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UTTAR PRADESH - Introduction
The wealth of its monuments, mystical call of its mountains and lakes,
and the religious fervour that it evokes, have rendered Uttar Pradesh,
one of the most fascinating states of the Indian Union. Whether one is
on a spiritual quest, or in search of adventure, or just on a curiosity
trip, Uttar Pradesh has something to offer to everyone. Situated in the
northern part of India, it has the distinction of being the most populous
state of India. In terms of area, it is the fourth largest, among all
the states.
It is divisible into three distinct regions geographically; the Himalayan
region on the north, the vast Gangetic plain at the centre, and the Vindhya
Range and plateau on the south. Uttar Pradesh is watered by the mighty
rivers of northern India - Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Gomati and Ghaghara.
Almost all the important towns and trading centres of the state, are clustered
around these rivers. The confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, the two most
sacred rivers of India, at Allahabad, has been a vital pilgrimage site
through the centuries.
Uttar Pradesh offers an endless array of attractions, to the tourist
by way of monuments, health resorts, mountain peaks, a wealth of ancient
temples and viharas, rich flora and fauna, fascinating rivers and captivating
valleys. Agra, Ayodhya, Sarnath, Varanasi, Lucknow, Mathura and Prayag
combine religious and architectural marvels; Nainital, Mussorie, Ranikhet
and Almora are hill resorts of rare charm; Corbett and Dudhwa National
Parks head a long list of wildlife reserves and sanctuaries; Yamnotri,
Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hemkund and the Pindari Glacier, enfolded
wthin the Himalayan ranges, offer a combination of adventure, pilgrim
centres and natural beauty.
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