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Uttar Pradesh
"I had been to other countries - in Europe, Asia
and the Middle East - but none of them had provided
even half as much variety, or so much to see and experience
and remember, as this one State in northern India. You
can travel from one end of Australia to the other, but
everywhere on that vast continent you will find that
people dress in the same way, eat the same kind of food,
listen to the same music. This colourless uniformity
is apparent in many other countries of the world, both
East and West. But Uttar Pradesh is a world in itself."-
Ruskin Bond.
Uttar Pradesh is the rainbow land where the multi-hued
Indian Culture has blossomed from times immemorial.
Blessed with a variety of geographical topographies
and many cultural diversities, Uttar Pradesh, has been
the hub of activity of historical and religious heroes
like - Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira, Ashoka, Harsha,
Akbar and Mahatma Gandhi. 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 pilgrimage places, full of
joyous festivals, it plays an important role in the
politics, education, culture, industry, agriculture
and tourism of India.
Garlanded by the Ganga and Yamuna, the two pious rivers
of Indian mythology, Uttar Pradesh is surrounded by
Bihar in the East, Madhya Pradesh in the South, Rajasthan,
Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana in the west and
Uttaranchal in the north and Nepal touch the northern
borders of Uttar Pradesh, it assumes strategic importance
for Indian defence.
The British East India Company came into contact with
the Awadh rulers during the reign of the 3rd Nawab of
Awadh. There is no doubt that the history of Uttar Pradesh
has run concurrently with the history of the country
during and after the British rule, but it is also well-known
that the contribution of the people of the State in
National Freedom Movement had been significant.
Area wise, 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. The administrative and legislative
capital is Lucknow and the judicial capital is Allahabad.
Other notable cities include Agra, Aligarh, Ayodhya,
Varanasi (Benares), Gorakhpur, Kanpur.
For further information log on to http://www.up-tourism.com/
Agra
Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders
of the world-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour
of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid
remainder of the capital in the 16th and early 17th
centuries.
While its significance as a political centre ended
with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by
Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its
place on the international map.
A pleasant town with comparatively slow pace, Agra
is known for its superb inlay work on marble by craftsmen
supposedly the descendants of those who worked under
the Mughals on the Taj. The city is also famous for
its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.
Agra was once the capital of the Mughal Empire and even
today it seems to linger in the past. Not surprising,
for the Mughal emperors with their passion for building,
endowed the city with some of the finest structures
in the world. It is very easy to slip away here through
the centuries into the grandeur and intrigues of the
Mughal court. Agra is an old city and it is said that
its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest that finds
mention in the epic Mahabharata. In more recent times
Agra came into prominence when Sikandar Lodhi made it
his capital city in 1501. The Lodi rule was to end very
soon and Agra passed into the possession of the Mughals.
It was during the time of the third emperor Akbar that
Agra came into its own. He embarked on the construction
of the massive Agra Fort in 1565. Though Akbar was diverted
into building a new capital at Fatehpur Sikri not far
away.
Agra continued to retain its importance and Shah Jehan,
Akbar's grandson ornamented the city with that masterpiece
of Mughal architecture - the Taj Mahal and built several
other beautiful buildings within the Agra fort.
So overwhelming is the exquisite beauty and presence
of this marble mausoleum that centuries later today,
even the very land where it has been located - Agra
- has been immortalised as the City of the Taj. Yet,
it doesn't take much for the roving eye to discover
that there's more to Agra than just the fabled Taj Mahal.
The city is a virtual gateway to a world of discovery…
a freeze-frame from a resplendent era that's long since
gone by.
Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence
even today, in the haunting presence inside the monuments,
the majesty of the buildings, the exquisite arts and
crafts and not to forget, the lure of an exceptional
cuisine… all, cherished as priceless legacies of a nostalgic
past. The older city of Agra has impressively retained
much of its resplendent history… captivating every visitor
with fond memories to take back home. Today, luxury
and modern convenience also exist adjacent to tradition
- luxury hotels, shopping malls and plazas, wide avenues
and a superb choice of venues for recreation, business,
sports, pleasure, education and the arts.
General Information
Population 11,11,086 (Urban, as per 1991 Census)
Altitude 169 Metres above sea level
Area 82 sq. km.
Temperature : Summer Max. 21.9 Deg C Min. 45.0 Deg C
,Winter Max. 4.2 Deg C Min. 31.7 Deg C
Clothes Summer Cotton Winter Light Woollens
Telephone Access Code ++ 91 562
Accessibility
Air: Agra is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Khajuraho,
Varanasi etc. Kheria airport is 6 km from Agra town.
Indian Airlines, Hotel Clarks Shiraz, 54, Taj Road,
Tel : (0562) 2226801, 2226821
Jet Airways, Hotel Clarks Shiraz, 54 Taj Road, Tel :
(0562) 2226259, 2226527Rail: Agra is connected to the
major cities of India and lies on the main Delhi-Chennai
North South railway route Agra Cantt. Railway Station,
is a major station on Indian Railways
Road: Agra is well-connected to the following cities
by road : Mathura, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Lucknow,
Varanasi, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, etc. Agra's distance by
road, from the main cities is as follows : Delhi 203
km, Khajuraho 393 km, Gwalior 118 km, Jaipur 237 km,
Kolkata 1287 km, Varanasi 657 km, Mussoorie 417 km,
Mumbai 1204 km.
UPSRTC Bus Stand, Idgah, Enquiries, Tel : (0562)2366588
UPSRTC Bus Stand, Opp. Power House, Enquiries, Tel :
(0562)2364557.
City Bus Service : UPSRTC operates city buses
to and from the main archaeological sites.
Taxies : Air Conditioned/non air-conditioned taxis are
available, without meter, at the railway stations, airport,
hotels and Partap Pura.
Other transport : Un-metered auto-rickshaws, tongas
and cycle rickshaws are available, rates of which are
negotiable.
Accommodation
Deluxe/Standard Hotels
Hotel Atithi Fatehabad Road, Ph: (0562)2330879, 2230040
Hotel Jaypee Palace, Fatehabad Road, Tel : 2330800-20
Welcome group Mughal Sheraton, Fatehabad Road, Taj Gaj,
Tel : (0562)2337018
Clark Shiraz, 54, Taj Road, Tel : (0562)2226121-32
Agra Ashok, 6-B, Mall Road, Tel : (0562)2361223-4-5
Taj View, Fatehabad Road, Tel : (0562)2232400-18
Mumtaz, 181/2, Fatehabad Road, Tel : (0562)2361771-75
Amar, Fatehabad Road, Tel : (0562)2331885-39
Grand, 137, Station Road, Agra Cantt. Tel : (0562)2364014,
2364320
Novotel, Fatehabad Road, Tel : (0562)2368282
Agra Deluxe, Fatehabad Road, Tel : (0562)2360110.
UPSTDC Tourist Bungalow, Station Road, Raja-ki-Mandi,
Tel: (0562)2150120, 2151720
Taj Khema, Eastern Gate Taj Mahal, Tel : (0562)2230001
UPSTDC Gulistan Tourist Bungalow, Fatehpur Sikri, Tel
: 05613-282490
Hotel Man Singh Palace, fatehabad Road Ph: (0562)2331771-5
Hotel Trident, Fatehbad Road Ph : (0562)2331818,2331800
Hotel Haward Park Plaza, Fatehabad Road, Ph : (0562)2331870-78
Hotel Kant, Fatehabad Road, Ph: (0562)2331332
Budget Accommodation
Jaiwal, Taj Road, Sadar Bazar, Tel : (0562)2363152
Neel Kanth, Fatehabad Road, Tel : (0562)2362039
Kim, Fatehabad Road, Tel : (0562)2369412
Vandana, Fatehahad Road, Tel : (0562)2261232
Chakra view, Vibhav Nagar, Tel : (0562)2365609
Badshah, Fatehahad Road, Tel : (0562)2269738
Basera, Ajmer Road, Tel : (0562)2363641
Safare, Shamshabad Road, Tel : (0562)2360013
Rose, 21 Old Idgah Colony, Tel : (0562)2369786
Sunrise, Shamshabad Road, Tel : (0562)2360315
Imperial, M.G. Road, Tel : (0562)2361500
Sapna, M.G. Road, Tel : (0562)2151520
Amar Palace, Rajpur Chungi, Tel : (0562)2267705
President Hotel, M.G. Road, Tel : (0562)2364266
Shilaza Hotel, Delhi Gate, Tel : (0562)2360070
Amba Inn, Delhi Gate
Swami Sofitel, Delhi Gate, Tel : (0562)2351444
Sheetal Tourist Home, Idgah, Tel : (0562)2369420
Panch Ratan, Sanjay Place, Tel : (0562)2350442
Anjuman, by Pass Road, Tel : (0562)2381233
Park View, Fatehabad Road, Tel : (0562)2360079
Vaishali, by Pass Road, Tel : (0562)2351490
J.K. Hotel, by Pass Road, Tel : (0562)2352379
Tourist Rest House, BaluGanj, Tel : (0562)23514903,
2363961
Hotel Dharmalok, Raja ki Mandi, Ph : (0562)2261377
Hotel Sahil, Baluganj, Ph : (0562)2261794
Hotel Diamond, Sarai Khoja
Hotel Akbar, 196, Field Marshal Cariappa Road, Tel :
(0562)2363312.
Camping Sites
UPSTDC Taj Khema, Eastern Gate Taj Mahal, Tel : (0562)2330140.
Highway Inn, Vibhav Nagar, Shamshabad Road, Tel : (0562)2360458.
Hotel Akbar Inn, 21 Mall Road, Tel : (0562)2363242
Lauries, Partap Pura, Tel : (0562)2361019
Mayur Tourist Complex, Fatehabad Road, Tel : (0562)2360302,
2360310
Supplementary Accommodations
Youth Hostel, Sanjay Place, M.G. Road, Tel : (0562)2365812.
District Board Guest House, Baluganj, Agra. Tel : (0562)2363065
PWD Inspection Bungalow, M.G. Road, Agra Cantt.
Railway Retiring Rooms, Agra Cantt. Railway Station,
Tel : 131
Railway Retiring Rooms, Agra Fort Railway Station, Tel
: (0562)2364163.
Archaeological Survey Rest House, Fatehpur Sikri Campus.
Places of Interests
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal Sheer poetry in marble. Majesty and magnificence,
unrivalled. The Taj Mahal, the one and only one of its
kind across the world. The monumental labour of love
of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate
realisation of Emperor Shah Jehan's dream. From 1631
A.D., it took 22 years in the making. An estimated 20,000
people worked to complete the enchanting mausoleum,
on the banks of the Yamuna. For a breathtaking beautiful
view of the Taj Mahal, see it by moonlight.
Open : 6 days a week (Closed on Fridays), Sunrise -
7.30 p.m.
The Agra Fort
The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction
of the Agra Fort in 1565, A.D. although additions were
made till the time of his grandson Shah Jehan. The forbidding
exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There
are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid
- a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-
Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shah Jehan
died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal and
Shish Mahal.
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Chini Ka Rauza - This was constructed by Afzal
Khan - a high official in the court of Shah Jehan. Decorated
by glazed tiles on the fa?ade, the structure clearly
depicts the Persian influence in architecture.
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Ram Bagh - One of the earliest Mughal gardens,
it was laid out by Emperor Babar - the founder of the
Mughal dynasty. It is said that Babar was temporarily
buried here before being permanently interred at Kabul
in Afghanistan.
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Sikandra - The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar represents
his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best
of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative fusion.
Completed in 1613 A.D., it is a well-preserved monument.
Open : Sunrise to senset.
Itmad-ud-daulah - This exquisite marble tomb
was got constructed by Emperor Jehangir's queen, Nurjahan,
for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg during 1622 - 1628 A.D.
The craftsmanship at Itmad-ud-Daulah foreshadows that
of the Taj Mahal. It was here that 'Pietra Dura' the
inlay work on marble - so characteristic of the Taj
- was first used.
Open : Sunrise to sunset. Entry Fee Rs. 10.50
Mariyam's Tomb - This unique tomb in red sandstone
was built in 1611 A.D. in memory of Emperor Akbar's
Goan-Christian wife - Mariyam. The tomb has some exceptional
carvings.
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Jama Masjid - This building, with a rectangular
open forecourt was constructed in 1648 AD by Shah Jehan's
daughter, Jehanara Begum in memory of the famous Sheikh
Salim Chishti and his grandson Islam Khan. Of particular
importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian
architecture.
Radha Saomi Samadhi, Dayalbagh - The headquarters of
the Radha Saomi sect. On the sprawling lawns here, is
a beautiful marble temple under construction for almost
100 years now. Open : 8.am to 7 pm. (Entry free upto
15 years age and free for all on Fridays). These monuments
are open to visitors everyday throughout the year)
Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Centre - TheSanaskritik
Natyashala is an attempt to present the enriched cultural
legacy of our country. This meeting point of culture,
historical values and technology at its best. The center
presents"Mohabbat-the -Taj" a series of play
depicting the saga of love of Sahajan for his beloved
wife ,Mumtaj Mahal.for more informationwww.sanskritiknatyashala.com
Excursions
Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake) 23 km.
A scenic lake, located within the Surdas Reserved Forest.
The Sur Sarovar is a tranquil spot, ideal for a relaxed
outing. A wide variety of fish and water-birds add to
the lake's natural charm and beauty.
Fatehpur Sikri (39 km.) - An epic in red sandstone.
A city of yesteryears, today lost in the mists of time.
Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar
during 1564 A.D. A sonless Akbar had gone to Sikri to
seek blessings of a muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chishti.
When his son was finally born, he in gratitude constructed
his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later,
due to shortage of water and unrest in the north-west,
Akbar had to abandon this city. The beautiful marble
tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti attracts thousands who
seek blessings of the revered saint. Other renowned
places are Diwan-I-Am, diwan-I-Khaas, Buland Darwaza,
Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai's Palace and Birbal Bhavan.
Open: Sunrise to sunset. Entry fee Rs. 0.50.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary 54 Km or Keoladeo Ghana National
Park -- Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park,
India's most renowned water bird sanctuary lying in
the neighboring state of Rajasthan, is the winter home
of the rare Siberian Crane. Approachable from Agra by
road, a variety of accommodation is available, within
and outside the National Park. (Season - October to
February)
Kaitham Lake 23 Km -- This 2.5 sq. km lake, surrounded
by the Surdas Reserve Forest, harbors a variety of fish
and water birds and is popular picnic spot. Bus services
are available up to Runkata 3 Km away.
Mathura 54 Km -- Mathura, on the banks of the River
Yamuna, is celebrated as the birthplace of Krishna.
The groves and ghats of nearby Vrindavan with its thousands
of shrines and temples still echo with stories and songs
that recount the exploits of this charming god, Lord
Krishna.
Van Vihar Widlife Sanctuary 60 Km -- It is situated
50 km from Agra and spreads over an area of 52 square
km. It harbors many species of animals and birds. It
can be approached from Agra by taxi or bus or by train
upto Dholpur. Accommodation is available in Forest Department
rest houses within the sanctuary itself.
Bateshwar 70 Km -- A temple town, whose presiding deity
is Lord Shiva. A huge cattle fair is organized from
mid-October to mid-November. It is also a pilgrimage
center for Jains.
Firozabad (44 Km) -- An important handicrafts and industrial
center renowned for glassware, especially glass bangles.
Conducted Tours
1. Fathehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal 1015 Hrs-1800 Hrs Rs.1600/-(Foreigner)
UPSTDC
Agra fort. Rs.300/-
The tour starts & terminates at
Agra Cantt railway station Hotel Taj khema,
Eastern gate of Taj Mahal
Tel: 2330140
2. FathehpurSikri
(includes guide& entrance fee) 1015 Hrs-1330 Hrs
Rs.175/- UPSTDC
Tour starts at Agra Cantt Rly. Station & terminates
at Hotel Taj Khema
Pick up point: - Indiatourism Office, 191, The Mall
Agra at 0930 Hrs
CLUB
In the compound of Circuit House. Please contact:-
The Secretary , Agra Club Ltd., 191-The Mall, Agra.
Allahabad
Allahabad is among the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh.
Hindu mythology has it that for the Prakrishta Yagna,
Lord Brahma, the creator God of the Trinity, chose a
land on earth, on which the three rivers would flow
in to a quiet confluence. Brahma also referred to it
as "Tirath Raj" or the "king of all pilgrimage
centres". Recorded evidence also exists in the
revered scriptures - the Vedas and the grand epics,
the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as also in the Puranas
- of this holy place formerly called Prayag. Allahabad
stands at the confluence of two of India's holiest rivers,
the Ganga and the Yamuna. Sangam, as the confluence
is called, is the venue of many sacred fairs and rituals,
and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year.
This number swells to millions during the world-famous
Kumbh Mela. A third mythical Saraswati river, believed
to flow underground towards the Sangam, gives the confluence
its other name "Triveni".
Emperor Akbar founded this city in 1575 and called
it by name of "Illahabas", which has now become
modern Allahabad. The monarch realized its strategic
importance as a waterway landmark in North India and
also built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy
Sangam.
Over the centuries that followed, Allahabad remained
on the forefront of national importance - more so, during
the days of the Indian independence struggle. The city
being an important cantonment during the British Raj
has some beautiful remnants of colonial architecture.
In the early 20th century, Allahabad University was
the foremost center of learning in the country.
Allahabad, today is an important city where history,
culture and religion create a confluence much like the
sacred rivers that caress this God-graced land. Allahabad
is also famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Melas held
every twelve and six years respectively.
These are attended by the largest congregation of saints,
believers and followers of Hindu religion in India and
from across the world. Allahabad is also known for its
annual Magh Mela (mini Kumbh Mela) and colourful Dussehra
festival. 'Prayag' or 'Allahabad' as it is known today
is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centres of India.
General Information
Area : 63.07 Sq. km.
Altitude : 98 meters above sea level.
Season : November - February
Clothing - (Summer): Cottons, (Winter): Woollens
Language : Hindi, English, Urdu
Festivals : Magh Mela, Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh Mela,
Dussehra
Local Transport : Taxis, Buses, Rikshaws
Telephone Access Code : ++91 532
Access
Air - There is no air link to Allahabad. Nearest Airports
are Varanasi (147 km) and Lucknow (210 km).
Rail - Allahabad is well connected by trains with all
major cities, viz. Kolkata, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow and
Mumbai. Some of the important trains providing access
to Allahabad are :
2311/2312 Kalka Mail (Kalka/Delhi-Kolkata)
2381/2382 & 2303/2304 Air Conditioned Express (Amritsar-Delhi-Kolkata)
2815/2816 New Delhi-Puri Express
3007/3008 Udyan Abha Toofan Express (Shri Ganganagar
/ Delhi-Kolkata)
3011/3012 Howrah Express (Kolkata-Delhi)
2321/2522 North East Express (New Delhi-Guwahati)
2391-2392 Magadh Vikramshila Express (New Delhi-Patna)
2417/2418 Prayag Raj Express (New Delhi)
Road - Allahabad, on National Highways 2 and 27, is
connected to all parts of the country by good roads.
Some important road distances are:
Agra (433 km) Jaipur (673 km) Nagpur (618 km) Ayodhya
(167 km) Jhansi (375 km) Patna (368 km) Chitrakoot (137
km) Khajuraho (294 km) Varanasi (125 km) Delhi (643
km) Lucknow (204 km)
Other Accommodation
Circuit House, Hasting Road,
YMCA, 13 Sarojini Naidu Road,
YMCA, Kamla Nehru Road, Tel: (0532) 2650209.
Railway Retiring Room, PWD Inspection House & Dharamshalas
are also available
Places of Interest
Sangam - Around 7 km from Civil Lines, overlooked by
the eastern ramparts of the fort, wide flood plains
and muddy banks protrude towards the sacred Sangam.
The sacred Sangam is the confluence of three of the
holiest rivers in Hindu mythology - Ganga, Yamuna and
the mythical Saraswati. At the Sangam, the waters of
the Ganges and the Yamuna can be distinctly seen to
merge into one. It is during the Kumbh/Ardh Kumbh that
the Sangam truly comes alive, attracting the devout
from all across the country. At the point at which the
brown Ganges meets the Greenish Yamuna, pandas (priests)
perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist
the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow
waters. Boats to the Sangam, used by pilgrims and tourists
alike, can be rented at the ghat immediately east of
the fort. On the way to the Sangam, aquatic salesmen
loom up on the placid waters selling offerings such
as coconuts for pilgrims to discard at the confluence.
Once abandoned, the offerings are fished up and sold
on to other pilgrims - a blatant if efficient form of
recycling.
Kumbh Mela - Hindus traditionally regard river confluences
as auspicious places, more so the Sangam at Allahabad,
where the Yamuna and the Ganges meet the River of Enlightenment,
the mythical Saraswati. According to legend, Vishnu
was carrying a kumbh (pot) of amrita (nectar), when
a scuffle broke out between the gods, and four drops
were spilled. They fell to earth at the four tirthas
of Prayag, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain. The event is
commemorated every three years by the Kumbh Mela, held
at each tirtha in turn; the Sangam is known as Tirtharaja,
the "King of Tirthas", and its Mela, once
every twelve years, is the greatest and holiest of all.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest religious fair in
India (probably in the whole world), attended by literally
millions of rejoicing the vast floodplains and river
banks adjacent to the confluence are overrun by pilgrims,
tents, organized in almost military fashion by the government,
the local authorities and the police. The mela is especially
renowned for the presence of an extraordinary array
of religious ascetics - sadhus and mahants - enticed
from remote hideaways in forests, mountains and caves.
Once astrologers have determined the propitious bathing
time or Kumbhayog, the first to hit the water are legions
of Naga Sadhus or Naga Babas, the ferocious-looking
members of the "snake sect" who cover their
naked bodies with ash, and wear hair in long dreadlocks.
The sadhus, who see themselves as guardians of the faith,
approach the confluence at the appointed time with all
the pomp and bravado of a charging army.
Allahabad Fort - The massive fort built by emperor Akbar
in 1583 A.D., stands on the banks of the Yamuna near
the confluence site. In its prime, the fort was unrivalled
for its design, construction and craftsmanship. This
huge, majestic fort has three magnificent galleries
flanked by high towers. At present is used by the army
and only a limited area is open to visitors. The magnificent
outer wall is intact and rises above the water edge.
Visitors are allowed to see the Ashokan Pillar and Saraswati
Kup, (a well believed to be the source of the Saraswati
River) and Jodhabai Palace. The Patalpur temple is also
here. So is the much-revered Akshaya Vat or immortal
Banyan tree.
Patalpuri Temple - Within this underground temple,
inside the fort, lies the Akshaya Vat - or the immortal
tree. Believed to have been visited by Lord Rama, the
temple was also seen by the famous Chinese traveler
and writer Hiuen Tsang during his visit to this place.
Ashoka Pillar - This gigantic Ashoka pillar, of polished
sandstone stands 10.6 meters high, dating back to 232
B.C. The pillar has several edicts and a Persian inscription
of Emperor Jahangir inscripted on it, commemorating
his accession to the throne.
Akshaya Vat - The immortal tree within the Patalauri
temple, has found mention in the description of several
ancient scriptures, writers and historians. The tree
stands in a deep niche above an underground shaft, which
is said to lead to Triveni. Visitors need permission
to visit the Fort, Patalpuri Temple, Ashoka Pillar and
Akshaya Vat from Commandant, Ordinance Depot, Fort,
Allahabad.
Hanuman Mandir - Near the Sangam, this temple is unique
in North India, for its supine image of Hanuman. Here
the big idol of Lord Hanuman is seen in a reclining
posture. When the Ganga is in spate, this temple gets
submerged.
Shankar Viman Mandapam - 130 feet high with four floors,
it has the idols of Kumaril Bhatt, Jagatguru Shankaracharya,
Kamakshi Devi (with 51 Shaktipeethas around), Yogsahastra
Sahastrayoga Linga.
Mankameshwar Temple - Situated near Saraswati Ghat,
on the banks of Yamuna, this is one of the famous Shiva
Temples of Allahabad.
Minto Park - It is situated near Saraswati Ghat, it
has a stone memorial with a four-lion symbol on top,
the foundation of which was laid by Lord Minto in 1910.
Swaraj Bhawan - The old Anand Bhawan, which in the
year 1930 was donated to the Nation by Moti Lal Nehru,
to be used as the headquarters of the Congress Committee.
Moti Lal Nehru renamed it as Swaraj Bhawan. Late Prime
Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi was born here.
Visiting hours: 09:30 am to 01:00 pm and 02:00 pm to
05:30 pm. Closed on Monday's.
Anand Bhawan - The erstwhile ancestral home of the
Nehru family. Today it has been turned into a fine museum.
Here, many momentous decisions, events, related to the
freedom struggle took place. The main building houses
a museum, which displays the memorabilia of the Nehru
family.
Visiting hours: 09:30 am to 05:00 pm. Ticket: Rs.2.00.
Closed on Mondays and Government holidays.
Jawahar Planetarium - For a celestial trip of the scientific
kind, visit the Planetarium.
Visiting hours: 11:00 am to 04:00 pm. Ticket: Rs. 5.00.
Closed on Mondays and 4th Thursday of the month.
Allahabad University - One of the most famous universities
of India, it has a sprawling campus, graced by fine
buildings in Victorian and Islamic architectural styles.
Allahabad Museum - The museum has a good collection
of sculpture, especially of the Gupta era.
Muir College (1874) - Designed by William Emerson, this
is an excellent mix of Gothic and Indian architectural
elements. Commenced in 1874 and opened in 1886, it has
an arcade quadrangle, which is dominated, by a 200 feet
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.
Chandra Shekar Azad Park - Adjacent to the museum,
this splendid park was once known as Company Bagh. It
has some fine colonial Buildings, including a public
library.
All Saints Cathedral (Patthar Girjaghar) - This magnificent
cathedral was designed by Sir William Emerson in 1870
and consecrated in 1887, is the finest of Anglican Cathedral
in Asia is faced in White Stone with red stone dressing.
No one visiting the cathedral can fail to be impressed
by the beauty of the marble altar with intricate inlay
and mosaic work.
Khusro Bagh -A large garden in which tombs of Khusro,
son of emperor Jahagir and Shah Begam are located.
Public Library (1864) - Standing at Chandra Shekhar
Azad Park, the memorial has a lofty tower and arcaded
cloister. In 1879, the library was shifted to the present
premises. It has about 75,000 books, besides a treasure
trove of manuscripts and journals.
Mayo Memorial Hall (1979) - Situated near the Thornhill
and Myne Memorial, this large hall has a 180 feet high
tower. The interior of this memorial hall was ornamented
with designs by Professor Gamble of the South Kensington
Museum, London. Completed in 1879 this hall was meant
for public meetings, balls and receptions in commemoration
of the assassinated Viceroy.
Excursion
Kaushambi (60 KM) - According to tradition, the birth
of Kaushambi is ascribed to the Pandava brothers and
Arjuna`s grandson, King Parikshit. Gautam Buddha visited
Kaushambi in the 6th and 9th year after his enlightenment
and delivered several discourses, elevating the city
to a great centre of Buddhism. A wealthy merchant of
the city built the monastery of Ghositarama. A large
number of architectural and sculptural remains, terracotta
figurines and other relies reflect the high aesthetic
and technical attainment of the people of Kaushambi.
Chitrakoot (132 KM) - While travelling in forests during
his exile Lord Ram stayed here. Places of Interest in
Chitrakoot include Kamadgiri, Ramghat, Janki Kund, Hanuman
Dhara, Gupt Godavari and Sati Ansuiya Ashram.
Ayodhya (167 KM) - The ancient city of Ayodhya, according
to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver
of the Hindus. For centuries it was the capital of the
descendants of the Surya dynasty, of which Lord Rama
was the most celebrated king.
Shringverpur (40 KM) - This ancient site with its Ramchaura
is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama stayed a
night before being taken across the river by Nishadraj.
Kara (69 KM) - On the banks of the Ganga, it was a
provincial capital of Mughals with ruins extending up
to 3.5 km. Other attractions are Sheetla Mata Mandir
and Kalashwar Mahadevji.
Sita Marhi (72 KM) - Believed to be the place where
Sita spent her exile at Valmiki Ashram and gave birth
to two sons, Luv and Kush.
Upardaha Lake (44 KM) - One of the protected lakes
of Uttar Pradesh.
Arail (11 KM) - 11 kms across Yamuna river, it is a
religious center with many temples. One can reach by
Road/Boat.
Lakshgriha (45 KM) - At present a big mound, it was
originally believed to have been made of lac to burn
the Pandava brothers of epic Mahabharata.
Bhita (20 KM) - An archaeological site with remains
dating back to 300 BC.
Jhusi (9 KM) - Old Pratisthanpur has many temples and
temple-caves. Approachable by road or by boat.
Ayodhya
Ayodhya is situated on the right bank of the river
Ghagra or Saryu, as it is called within sacred precincts,
on latitude 26o 48' north and longitude 82o 13' east
in north India. Just 6 km from Faizabad, Ayodhya is
a popular pilgrim centre. This town is closely associated
with Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana,
was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindu. For
centuries, it was the capital of the descendants of
the Surya dynasty of which Lord Rama was the most celebrated
king. Ayodhya during ancient times was known as Kaushala
Desa.
Skanda and some other Puranas rank Ayodhya as one of
the seven most sacred cities of India. Today it is pre-eminently
a temple town, Ayodhya is also famous for its close
association with the epic Ramayana. It is a city of
immense antiquity full of historical significance and
sacred temples. The Atharva Veda described Ayodhya as
"a city built by Gods and being prosperous as paradise
itself". Ayodhya is pre-eminently a city of temples
yet, all places of worship here, are not of the Hindu
religion alone. At Ayodhya several religions have grown
and prospered simultaneously and also at different periods
of time in the past. Remnants of Hinduism, Buddhism,
Jainism and Islam can still be found in here. According
to the Jain tradition, five Tirthankaras were born at
Ayodhya, including Adinath (Rishabhadeva) the 1st Tirthankar.
General Information
Area : 10.24 Sq. km.
Population : 40642 (1991 census)
Altitude : 26.90 meters above sea level.
Season : October - March.
Clothing (Summer) : Cottons
(Winters) : Woollens
Language : Hindi, Avadhi and English
Festivals : Shravan Jhoola Mela (July-August), Parikrama
Mela (October-November), Ram Navmi
(March-April), Rathyatra (June-July), Saryu Snan (October-November),
Ram Vivah (November),
Ramayan Mela.
Local Transport : Taxis/Tongas/Tempos/Buses/Cycle-Rikshaws.
Telephone Access Code : ++91 5276
Access
Air - For Ayodhya the nearest airports are Amausi Airport
(Lucknow-134 km), Bumrauli Airport (Allahabad - 166
km)
Rail - Ayodhya is situated on the broad gauge Northern
Railway line on Mughal Sarai - Lucknow main route. Ayodhya/Faizabad
are connected to various parts of the country by the
following trains :
2167/2168 - Saket Express (Bombay/Faizabad)
3307/3308 - Doon Express (Calcutta/Dehradun)
3151/3152 - Jammu Tawi Express (Calcutta)
3283/3284 - Ganga Yamuna Express (Bhiwani/Delhi-Varanasi/Danapur)
2449/2450 - Saryu Yamuna Express (Delhi/Varanasi)
9165/9166 - Sabarmati Express (Varanasi/Ahmedabad)
Road - Connected by road to several major cities and
towns. Some of the major road distances are: Lucknow
(134 km), Gorakhpur (132 km), Jhansi (441 km), Allahabad
(166 km), Sravasti (109 km), Varanasi (209 km) and Gonda
(51 km).
Accommodation
Sri Ram Hotel
Near Dant Dhawan Kund. Phones: 232512, 232474.
Ram Dham Guest House
Nnear Railway Station Road. Phone: 232791
Ram Anugsah Vishram Sadan
Chhoti Chhawani Marg. Phones: 223142, 223146.
Kanak Bhawan Dharamshala
Phone: 232024
Birla Dharamshala
Bus Station. Phone: 232252
Gujrat Bhawan Dharamshala
Near Bus Station. Phone: 232075
Jain Dharamshala
Rai Ganj. Phone: 232308
Janaki Mahal Trust Dharamshala
Naya Ghat. Phones: 232022, 232151
Pandit Banshidhar Dharamshala
Naya Ghat
Ram Charit Manas Trust Dharamshala
Hotel Krishna Palace
Phone: 221367-70
Hotel Shane Awadh
Civil Lines, Faizabad. Phones: 223586, 222075
Tirupati Hotel
Civil Lines, Faizabad. Phones: 223231/222448
Hotel Alka Raje
Rekabganj, Faizabad. Phone: 222027
Abha Hotel, Moti Bagh
Faizabad. Phones: 222930, 222550
Avantika Hotel
Civil Lines. Phone: 220472
UP Tourism Accommodation
Pathik Niwas
Saket, near Railway Station, Ayodhya. Phone: 232435
(Run by U.P. State Tourism Development Corporation)
UPSTDC Yatri Niwas
Naya Ghat, Ayodhya
Places of Interest
The Hanuman Garhi - Situated in the centre of the town,
this temple is approachable by a flight of 76 steps.
Legend has it that Hanuman lived here in a cave and
guarded the Janambhoomi or Ramkot. The main temple contains
the statue of Maa Anjani, with Bal Hanuman seated on
her lap. The faithful believe that all their wishes
are granted with a visit to this holy shrine.
A massive structure in the shape of a four sided fort
with circular bastions at each corner houses a temple
of Hanuman and is the most popular shrine in Ayodhya.
Kanak Bhawan - This has images of Sri Rama and Sita
wearing gold crowns. It is also known as Sone-ke-Ghar.
Ramkot - The chief place of worship in Ayodhya is the
site of the ancient citadel of Ramkot, which stands
on an elevated ground in the western part of the city.
Although visited by pilgrims throughout the year, this
sacred place attracts devotees from all over India and
abroad, on `Ram Navami', the day of Lord's birth, which
is celebrated with great pomp and show, in the Hindu
month of Chaitra (March-April).
Swarg Dwar - According to mythology, Lord Rama is said
to have been cremated here.
Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat - The first of these
ancient earth mounds is identified with a stupa built
by the Emperor Ashoka, while the second is believed
to be an ancient monastery.
Treta ke Thakur - This temple stands at the place where
Rama is said to have performed the Ashvamedha Yajnya.
About 300 years ago the Raja of Kullu built a new temple
here, which was improved by Ahalyabai Hokar of Indore
during 1784, at the same time the adjoining Ghats were
also built. The initial idols in black sandstone were
recovered from Saryu and placed in the new temple, famous
as Kaleram-ka-Mandir.
Nageshwarnath Temple - The temple of Nageshwarnath
is said to have been established by Kush the son of
Rama. Legend has it that Kush lost his armlet, while
bathing in the Saryu, which was picked up by a Nag-Kanya,
who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee of Shiva,
Kush erected this temple for her. It is said that this
has been the only temple to have survived till the time
of Vikramaditya, the rest of city had fallen into ruins
and was covered by dense forests. It was by means of
this temple that Vikramaditya was able to locate Ayodhya
and the sites of different shrines here. The festival
of Shivratri is celebrated here with great pomp and
splendour.
Other Places of Interest
Rishabhadeo Jain Temple, Brahma Kund, Amawan Temple,
Tulsi Chaura, Laxman Quila, Angad Tila, Shri Rama Janaki
Birla Temple, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, Ram ki Paidi, Kaleramji
ka Mandir, Datuvan Kund, Janki Mahal, Gurudwara Brahma
Kund, Ram Katha Museum, Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan, are
among other Places of Interest in Ayodhya.
Bithoor
The quiet and beautiful township of Bithoor is situated
on the Kannauj Road, 27 km from Kanpur. Situated on
the banks of the Ganga, this tranquil spot is of considerable
historical and religious importance. According to Hindu
scriptures Lord Brahma came to Utpalaranya, as it was
known then, for the creation of mankind. The place,
which first witnessed the creation of mankind, came
to be known as Brahmavarta or the seat of Brahma. Later
Brahma installed a Shivalinga, which is still worshipped
as Brahmeshwar Mahadeva at the principal Ghat of Bithoor,
The Brahmavarta Ghat. A nail of a horseshoe, considered
to be of Brahma's horse, while going for Ashwamedha
Yajna which is embedded in the steps of the ghat, is
an object of special reverence for devotees. On the
completion of the Yajna, the forests of Utpalaranya,
became known as Brahmavarta, from which the popular
name, Bithoor is derived. In later centuries Brahmavarta
flourished as the capital of the kingdom of Utpalaranya,
over which ruled the emperor Uttanpad. His son Dhruva
committed penanced here in order to please Brahma. The
place is pointed out to be Dhruva Teela.
There is a small pool inside Valmiki Ashram, famous
as Sita-Kund. Sita 'Rasoi' is still preserved, near
which stands 'Swarga Naseinee' or Deep Malika Stambha,
studded with niches all around for illumination. The
tower has about 48 steps leading to its top which is
surmounted by a cupola, from where one can have a panoramic
view of the entire area. The existing Valmiki temple
is said to have been rebuilt by Baji Rao Peshwa in the
19th century.
Bithoor was the capital of the Pargana from 1811 to
1819. After the departure of the courts, the place was
assigned as a residence to Baji Rao, the deposed Peshwa.
The palace of Nana Sahib was reduced to rubble by the
British in 1857 and the only traces remaining of it
are some large wellheads and broken palace walls.
The historic town of Bithoor, once famous by the name
of 'Bavan Ghaton ki Nagri', (city of 52 Ghats) today
left with only 29 Ghats.
Access
Air - Nearest airport is Chakuri Airport, Kanpur which
does not have many scheduled flights. Lucknow is the
nearest airport with regular flights to Delhi.
Rail - Kalyanpur is the nearest station, but serviced
only by passenger trains, Kanpur Junction is the most
suitable station for Bithoor. Some important trains
that pass through Kanpur central railway station.
Road - Major road distances are : Kanpur - 22 km, Lucknow
- 109 km, Agra - 308 km, Kannauj - 103 km, Sankisa -
166 km, Delhi - 430 km, Allahabad - 224 km, Ayodhya
- 252 km.
Accommodation
UP Tourism Accommodation
Tatyaganj (12 km) Tourist Motel, Ph: (05112)-282117
Fatehpur Roshnai (Rania) 24 km Tourist Bunglow, Ph:
(05111)-240455
Places of Interest
Valmiki Ashram - This ashram is located at a height
and accessible by a flight of stairs known as the "stairway
to heaven". A panoramic vie of Bithoor can be enjoyed
from this ashram.
Brahmavart Ghat - This is considered the holiest ghat
of Bithoor. Devotees of Lord Brahma pray at the altar
of the "Wooden Slippers" after a ritual dip
in the Ganga.
Patthar Ghat - Tikait Rai, a minister of Awadh State,
laid The foundation stone of this red sandstone ghat.
There is a massive temple her dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The shivlinga in the temple is made of "Kasauti"
or the philosopher's stone.
Dhruva teela - This marks the place where the child
Dhruva meditated single mindedly as he stood on one
leg. As a reward, God granted Dhruva the divine boon
to shine for all time as a star.
Other Places of Interest include Ram Janki temple,
Luv-Kush temple, Haridham Ashram and NanaRao Smarak.
Chitrakoot
Celebrated in ballads and the scriptures for its natural
beauty and closely associated with the epic Ramayana,
Chitrakoot or "the hill of many wonders" is
a hallowed centre of pilgrimage. It is believed to be
the place where Lord Rama and Sita spent their 14 years
of exile and where the Sage Atri and Sati Anasuya meditated.
The holy town is set in sylvan surroundings on the banks
of the River Mandakini,also known as the Payaswaini
river. The riverside is lined with ghats and the town
dotted with temples dedicated to several deities of
the Hindu pantheon.
General Information
Area: 38.2 sq. km.
Altitude: 207 mtrs. above sea level.
Season: July-March
Clothing (Summer): Light Cottons (Winter) : Woollens
Language: Hindi, Bundeli, English
Local Transport : Cycle Rickshaw during fairs and festivals,
taxis also ply between Chitrakoot,
Rajapur and Karvi.
Telephone Access Code : ++91 519
Access
Air - Chitrakoot the nearest airport is Khajuraho :
185 km.
Rail - The nearest railway station for Chitrakoot is
Karvi : 8 km.
Road - Chitrakoot is well connected by road. There
are regular bus services to Banda, Allahabad, Jhansi,
Varanasi, Chhatarpur, Satna, Kanpur, Faizabad, Lucknow,
Agra, Maihar, etc. Some Road distances are : Allahabad
- 125 km. Satna - 75 km. Lucknow - 285 km, Mahoba -
127 km, Kalinjar 88 km, Jhansi 274 km.
Accommodation
Pramod Van (Anand Ram Jaipuria Smriti Bhawan) Ph :
(0519-765) 22221
Kamad Giri Bhawan (MP) Ph : (0519-865) 2357
Annapurna (Vinod Lodge) (MP). Ph : (0519-865) 2301
MP State Tourism Bungalow. (MP). Ph : (0519-865) 2326
Roopali Lodge, (Near Dharmshala)
Mata Shri Chitrakoot Dam Karvi Rly. Stn.) Ph : (0519-765)
23024
UP Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Bungalow (UPSTDC). Ph : (05198) 224219, 222218
Yatri Niwas 'Chitrakoot' (UPSTDC) - offers affordable
accommodation for groups and is specially
designed with facilities for cooking.
Places of Interest
Kamadgiri - A forested hill of prime religious significance,
this is believed to be the original Chitrakoot. The
Bharat Milap Temple is located here. Pilgrims perform
a ritual circumambulation of the hill to seek blessings.
Sphatik Shila - Two immense rocks mark this picturesque
spot. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama
and Sita feasted their eyes on the beauty of Chitrakoot.
Hanuman Dhara - Located on a steep hillside, it is
approachable by a flight of 360 steps. Here, the waters
of a natural spring cascade over an image of Lord Hanuman.
Ram Ghat - On the banks of the River Mandakini, and
centre of ritual activity, this ghat is the most frequented
in Chitrakoot. The "Aarti" performed in the
evening is particularly beautiful.
Janki Kund - An unusual cave over the Mandakini. Said
to be the place where Sita bathed.
Excursions
Gupt Godavari (19 km) - This is a tiny rivulet which
flows into tanks at the end of an underground cave.
The source of this rivulet remains unfathomable. Two
natural throne-like rocks in the cave have led to the
belief that Lord Rama and his brother Laxman held court
here.
Bharat Koop - To attain Salvation, the pilgrimage to
Chitrakoot is incomplete without a visit to this hallowed
place of worship. It is said that, to crown Lord Rama
as the king of Ayodhya, his brother Bharat, collected
the waters of all sacred rivers to anoint him with.
On the advice of Sage Atri, the waters were later poured
into a deep well popularly known as Bharat Koop. A temple
dedicated to Lord Rama is also found here.
Sati Anasuya (13 km) - It was here that Atri Muni,
his wife Anasuya and their three sons meditated. An
ashram in Anasuya's name is located here. It is believed
that the Mandakini River emerged as a result of Anasuya's
meditation.
Rajapur (38 km) - The birthplace of Goswami Tulsidas,
who wrote the world famous Shri Ram Charita Manas.
Ganeshbagh (11km) - On the Karvi-Devangana road near
Bankey Siddhapur village, is located Ganeshbagh, where
a richly carved temple, a seven storeyed baoli and ruins
of a residential palace still exist. The complex was
built by Peshwa Vinayak Rao as a summer retreat and
is often referred to as a mini-Khajuraho.
Kalinjar (88 km) - From Chitrakoot lies the invincible
Fort of Kalinjar. Once desired by kings & dynasties,
it houses within itself the Nilkanth temple, Swarga
Rohan Kund, Vakhandeshwar Mahadev Temple, Shivasari
Ganga & Koti Tirth. Other interesting spots within
the fort area are Sita Sej, Patal Ganga, Pandu Kund,
Budhi-Tall, Bhairon Ki Jharia and Mrigdhara.
Sitapur - Lying on the left bank of Payaswani about
8 km. From Karvi, it is intimately connected with the
sacred hills of Kamtanath, which is 2 km to its south
- west. Pilgrims first bathe in payaswani at Sitapur
and then move on to do the Parikrama of Kamtanath hill.
Originally known as Jaisinghpur, it was given to Mahant
Charandas by Aman Singh Raja of Panna, who gave it the
new name Sitapur in honour of maa Sita. There are twenty
four Ghats and several temples along the river, which
add to the glory of the town.
Rajapur - 42 km from Chitrakoot, this place is believed
to be the birth place of Goswami Tulsidas. A Tulsi Mandir
is situated here.
Marpha - 4 km from Gupt Godavari is Marpha, famous
for its natural beauty alongwith waterfalls, Jal Mochan
Sarovar, Shri Balaji mandir, 5 faced statue of Lord
Shankar and ruins of a fort, believed to be built by
Chandel Rajas.
Deogarh
123 km from Jhansi, Deogarh is situated on the right
bank of the Betwa River, at the western end of the Lalitpur
range of hills. Deogarh is of great antiquarian, epigraphical
and archaeological importance and has been integral
to the history of the Guptas, the Gurjara-Pratiharas,
the Gondas, the Muslim rulers of Delhi, the Marathas
and the British. It possesses the remains of a fine
Vishnu temple dating to the Gupta era, and several Jain
temples. The architecture and sculpture of these temples
display a high level of craftsmanship.
General Information
Area : 5 sq. km.
Population : 553 (1991 census)
Altitude : 211 mtrs. above sea level.
Season : August - March
Language : Hindi, Bundeli
Festivals : Jain Mela and Gajath Mahotsav
Local Transport : Buses/Private Jeeps/Private Cars
Telephone Access Code : ++91 2904.
Access
Air - Nearest airport is at Gwalior (M.P): 235 km.
Rail - The nearest railway station is Jakhlaun 13 km,
which can be reached by Jhansi-Babina Passenger train,
whereas Lalitpur is the most convenient railhead, (23
km).
Road - Deogarh is connected by bus to all important
centres in the region. Some of the major road distances
are : Lalitpur-23 km, Matatila Dam-93 km, Jhansi 123
km.
Accommodation
Sri Digambar Jain Dharamshala, Deogarh.
Hotels are available at nearet town Lalitpur :
Good Luck Hotel. Ph: 274548.
Hotel Akash. Ph: 272371, 272428.
Hotel Lalit Palace. Ph: 273624.
UP Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Bungalow, Deogarh (UPSTDC).
Places of Interest
Dashavatar Temple - This fine Gupta temple dedicated
to Lord Vishnu is the earliest known Panchyatan temple
in north India. The terraced basement above the high
plinth is decorated with sculpted panels. The figures
of Ganga and Yamuna adorn the carved doorway leading
to the sanctum sanctorum. Three large carved panels
along the side walls-the Gajendramoksha panel, the Nar
Narayan Tapasya and the Anantshayi Vishnu-depict scenes
from Vaishnava mythology. Only the lower portion remains
of the spire, which was the most important part of the
temple.
Jain Temples - These 31 Jain temples are somewhat later
in origin that the Vishnu temple, but are no less remarkable.
They are situated inside the fort of Kanali on the hills
overlooking the Betwa. The site was a Jain centre from
the 6th to the 17th century. The temples abound in panels
depicting scenes from Jain mythology, Tirthankara images,
votive pillars, votive tablets, Jain images visible
from all sides and pillars carved with a thousand Jain
figures.
Deogarh Archaeological Museum - The site museum has
a fine collection of sculpture, discovered from the
surrounding.
Excursions
Chanderi - This town in M.P. is famous for its gossamer
- like saris, also has fine examples of Rajput and Sultanate
architecture. A magnificent Mughal fort dominates the
skyline. Among the interesting sites are the Koshak
Mahal, the Badal Mahal Victory arch, the Jama Masjid
and ancient Jain temples.
Dudhwa
Situated on the Indo-Nepal border in District Lakhimpur-Kheri
of Uttar Pradesh, the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve with an area
of 614 sq. Km is one of the finest, of the few remaining
examples of the exceedingly diverse and productive tarai
eco-systems. The northern edge of the reserve lies along
the Indo-Nepal border and the river Suheli marks the
southern boundary. It is home to a large number of rare
and endangered species which includes Tiger, Leopard,
Swamp deer, Hispid hare, Bengal Florican, etc.
The Kishanpur Sanctuary located about 30 km from Dudhwa,
is the other constituent of the reserve. Spread over
about 200 sq. km it lies on the banks of the River Sharda
and is surrounded by Sal forests of the adjoining reserved
forests.
The grasslands of the reserve are the habitat of the
largest kind of Indian deer-the Swamp deer or the Barasingha,
so called because of their magnificent antlers (bara-twelve;
singha-antler). Decline in their habitats led to a drastic
decline in numbers and a small area named Sonaripur
Sanctuary was set aside in 1958 for the conservation
of this rare species of deer. Later, it was upgraded
to cover an area of 212 sq. km and was renamed the Dudhwa
Sanctuary. In 1977, the area was further extended to
include over 614 sq. km and was declared a National
Park. Eleven years later, in 1988, when Dudhwa became
a part of Project Tiger, the area of the Kishanpur Sanctuary
was added to create the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. About
1800 Barasingha are to be found in the reserve and majestic
herds are especially seen in the grassy wetlands of
the Sathania and Kakraha blocks.
Wild Life at Dudhwa
The Reserve has a range of fascinating wildlife. Included
the are sloth bear, ratel, civet, jackal, the lesser
cats like the leopard cat, fishing cat and jungle cats;
varieties of deer - the beautiful spotted deer or chital,
hog deer and barking deer. The hispid hare, a dark brown
animal with bristly fur - last seen in the area in 1951
and believed to have become extinct, was rediscovered
in 1984 to the great interest of conservationists. The
short nosed crocodile - the mugger and otters can be
seen along the river banks as well as pythons and monitor
lizards.
A bird watchers' haven, Dudhwa is also noted for its
wide variety-about 400 species. Its swamps and several
lakes attract varieties of waters fowl. Being close
to the Himalayan foothills, Dudhwa also gets its regular
winter visitors - the migratory water birds. The Banke
Tal is perhaps the most popular spot for bird watchers.
There are egrets, cormorants, heron and several species
of duck, geese and teal.
Noted for the variety of storks that make their home
here, Dudhwa has the crane-elegant in its grey and red
livery, black necked storks, white-necked storks, painted
storks, open billed storks and adjutant storks. Raptors
like the grey headed fishing eagle, Pallas fishing eagle
and marsh harriers can be seen circling over the lakes
in search of prey - creating pandemonium among the water
fowl as they swoop low.
An extraordinary range of owls is also to be found
at the Reserve. These include the great Indian horned
owl, the brown fish owl, the dusky horned owl, scoops
owl, jungle owlet, the brown wood owl and tawny fish
owl. Colourful birds - varieties of woodpeckers, barbets,
bulbuls, kingfishers, bee eaters, orioles, drongos and
hornbills are all part of its rich bird life.
Dudhwa has also the ideal kind of terrain for the Indian
rhino. Once found here in large numbers, they had been
hunted down and had completely disappeared from this
area by 1878. More lately, it was feared that epidemics
and disease would wipe out the existing populations
of rhino on Assam, West Bengal and Nepal and a decision
was taken to distribute some in other suitable areas.
In an exciting experiment, one male and five female
rhinos were relocated here from Assam and Nepal, in
1985. Now well-settled in Dudhwa, their numbers have
increased. At present, tourists are not allowed in the
rhino area.
General Information
Area : 614 sq. Kms.
Year of establishment : 1977
Altitude : 150-183 metres
Nearest Town : Palia (10 km)
Temperature : (Summer) 400 -200C; (Winter) 300 - 40C
Season : Nov. 15th to June 15th.
Clothing (Summer) : Cotton; (Winters) : Light woollen.
Access
Rail - Dudhwa, on North-Eastern Railway's metre guage
section is connected via Mailani to Lucknow & Nainital.
Nearest Railway Station : Dudhwa (4 km), Palia (10 km),
Mailani (37 kms.)
Nearest Airport : Lucknow, Dhangarhi, Nepal (35 km).
Road - Dudhwa is connected by metalled road to other
parts of the state. Important road distance are;
Lucknow 238 km;
Bareilly 260 km;
Delhi 430 kms;
Palia 5 kms.
Coaches and jeeps can be hired from national park office
at Dudhwa for travelling upside the Park. Elephants
are available for wildlife viewing at Dudhwa only.
Bus - UPSRTC and private bus services link Palia to
Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Delhi etc.
Buses ply frequently between Palia and Dudhwa.
Accommodation
The Forest Department has set up various rest houses
within the park area to accommodate visitors :
Forest Rest House, Dudhwa.
Forest Rest House, Sathiana.
Forest Rest House, Bankatti.
Forest Rest House, Sonaripur.
Forest Rest House, Kila.
Tharu Huts, Dudhwa.
Private Accommodation
A number of middle range private hotels are available
at nearest town Paliya.
Hotel Sharda, Palia.
Hotel Rain Basera, Nighasan Road, Palia.
Bharat Lodge, Palia, Lakhimpur.
Hotel Mor,A.N. Jha Marg, Palia.
Hotel Mahendra, Dudhwa National Park Road, Palia.
Hotel Basera, Station Road, Palia.
Fatehpur Sikri
Perched ato a rocky ridge 37 km west of Agra, Fatehpur
Sikri came into being four centuries ago when the Emperor
Akbar, not yet 28 years old, created the first planned
city in Indo-Islamic style. The city was actualised
with great energy, but was completely abandoned a little
more than a decade later.
In 1568, Akbar was secure and powerful but he had no
son and heir. His search for blessing for the birth
of a successor brought him to the Sufi mystic Shaikh
Salim Chisti, who lived in Sikri village. The saint
prophesied the birth of three sons and soon after was
born Prince Salim, later to become Emperor Jehangir.
In gratitude for the blessing Akbar decided to create
imperial residences in Sikri, which would function as
a joint capital with Agra. As a mark of his faith and
his recent victories, he named his new city Fatehpur
Sikri. Akbar was a keen builder and the plan of Fatehpur
Sikri reveals an architectural mastermind at work. Research
has proved that it was planned on a definite mathematical
grid.
The siting of the Jama Masjid marked the actual beginning
of the city, which came up around it. The palace courts
were laid out parallel to the cardinally aligned mosque
and the sequential order of the palaces were emphasised
by change in level. The most public space was at the
lowest level, while the royal harem was at the highest.
Fatehpur Sikri is built in red sandstone, and is a
beautiful blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements.
The sandstone is richly ornamented with carving and
fretwork. Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned 14 years after
its creation. A shortage of water is believed to be
the reason. Today it is a ghost city, its architecture
is in a perfect state of preservation, and wandering
through the palaces it is easy to imagine that this
was once a royal residence and a dynamic cultural centre.
General Information
Area : 8.0 Sq. km.
Altitude : 230 meters above sea level.
Season : October-March
Clothing (Summer) : Cotton (Winter) : Light Woollen
Language : Hindi, English and Urdu
Local Transport : Buses, Cycle-rickshaws, Tongas/ Taxis.
Telephone Access Code : ++91 5619
Access
Air - Kheria Airport at Agra - 40 km.
Rail - Agra Cantt Railway Station 40 km (see Agra for
rail connections)
Road - Fatehpur Sikri is connected to Agra and neighbouring
centres by regular bus services of UPSRTC.
Accommodation
Hotel Sher-E-Punjab, By-Pass Road.
Prince Tourist Lodge, near Bus-Stand.
Archaeological Survey of India Guest House. For Reservation,
contact: A.S.I. Office, 22, Mall Road, Agra.
UP Tourism Accommodation
Gulistan Tourist Complex (UPSTDC). Phone: (05613)282490.
Places of Interest
Diwan-I-Am - The first enclosure of the palace is a
vast courtyard in which the emperor gave daily public
audience and dispensed justice.
Diwan-I-Khas - The Diwan-I-Am gave access to the second
enclosure, a large quadrangle which contained all the
major functions of the palace, and the finest buildings
of Fatehpur Sikri. At the northern end is the Diwan-I-Khas.
Also referred to as the Hall of Private Audiences, it
is an astonishing chamber dominated by a massive carved
pillar, which supports a fantastic capital above, which
is a balcony.
Pachisi Court - The paving of this courtyard is laid
out to resemble the cruciform board on which the game
Pachisi (an earlier form of Chess) is played. It is
believed that Akbar used live pieces for the game.
Private Living Quarters - These are at the southern
end of the quadrangle, clustered around a pool, the
Anup Talao. The structures here include Akbar's library,
the scene of his intellectual activity. A window overlooked
the Daftarkhana, or record office. Above this is the
Khwabgah, `the palace of dreams' or Akbar's bedroom.
This whole space was warmed or cooled by water channels.
Nearby, the Turkish Sultan's Palace is an exquisite
pavilion, carved with Persian, Turkish and even Chinese
motifs.
Mariam's Palace - The women's quarters lie to the east
of the `male zone'. A small doorway leads to Mariam's
Palace, the residence popularly ascribed to Akbar's
Gaon wife. Till even as late as the 19th century, its
interiors were richly embellished with gold.
Jodhabai's Palace - The largest of all the palaces,
it housed Akbar's queens. Here stylistic elements of
Gujarat, Mandu and Gwalior are blended with traditional
Islamic designs. Its blue tiled roof is the only splash
of colour in Fatehpur Sikri.
Hawa Mahal - A small-screened wind tower attached to
the women's palace.
Birbal's Palace - This ornately carved palace is ascribed
to Birbal, the legendary wit and Akbar's favourite courtier
though it is unlikely he lived in the women's quarters.
Panch Mahal - This is an extraordinary 5-storied columnar
structure set in the corner and female zones of the
palace. A pleasure pavilion, it was used by Akbar for
his special consorts. Commands a grand view of the palaces
below.
Jama Masjid - The first, largest and highest building
in Fatehpur Sikri, is entered by the Badshahi Darwaza
in the east. The prayer chamber is splendidly painted.
Salim Chisti's Tomb - The white marble, jewel-like
tomb of the saint lies in the courtyard of the mosque.
Its interior is ornamented with mother-of-pearl, lapis
lazuli and topaz. It has become a popular shrine to
people of all faiths.
Buland Darwaza - When Akbar returned to Fatehpur Sikri
after successful campaign of Gujarat the victory arch
was constructed. The southern entry to the mosque was
remodelled into a stupendous, 15 storied high gateway.
Jaunpur
Jaunpur was of great importance during medieval times.
It was founded in the 14th century by Feroz Shah Tuglaq
to in the memory of his cousin Sultan Mohammad whose
real name was Jauna. Later, around 1394 AD, it became
the centre of the independent Sharquie kingdom of Jaunpur
founded by Malik Sarvar. They were great patrons of
art and architecture and constructed many fine tombs,
mosques and madarsas. These have a distinctive style
which bear influences of later Tughlaq architecture.
Jaunpur was also an important centre of Islamic studies.
While its architectural heritage speaks of its illustrious
past, the city is known today for its Jasmine oil, tobacco
leaves, raddish and imarti, a sweetmeat.
General Information
Area : 11.2 sq. km.
Altitude : 79.80 mtrs. above sea level.
Season : October-March
Clothing : Summer - Cottons; Winter - Woollens
Language : Hindi, Urdu
Local Transport : Taxis/Auto Rikshaws/Cycle Rikshaws
Telephone Access Code : ++91 5452
Access
Air - Babatpur Airport (Varanasi) : 38 km
Rail - Located on the Lucknow Varanasi : Mughal Sarai
section of Northern Railway, Jaunpur is serviced by
the following trains : 3283/3284 Ganga Yamuna Exp (Delhi-Varanasi
/ Danapur); 4649/4650 Saryu Yamuna Exp (Delhi-Varanasi);
2427/2428 Varanasi Lucknow Varuna Exp. 3483/3484 Farakka
Exp. 2401/2402 Shramjeevi Express.
Road - Accessible by road. Some of the major road distances
are Varanasi - 58 km. Ayodhya - 142 km, Allahabad -
110 km, Lucknow 228 km, Gorakhpur - 166 km.
Accommodation
Hotel Amber, Manik Chowk, Ph : (05452)263201
Manoj Lodge, Chauharsu Chauraha, Ph : (05452)262412
Rajendra Rest House, Olandganj, Ph : (05452)262059
Shri Ram Lodge, Olandganj, Ph : (05452)262075
Anand Rest House, Station Road. Ph : (05452)262133
New Shriz Hotel, Chauharsu, Chauraha. Ph : (05452)262876
Hotel Lokesh, T.D. College Road. Ph : (05452)263876
Raj Rest House, T.D. College Road, Ph : (05452)263814
Arohi Rest House, Ph : (05452)262658
Hotel Pathik, Olandganj.
Secular Hotel, Sabzi Mandi.
Nearest UP Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Bungalow, Parade Kothi, Cantt. Varanasi
Places of Interest
Atala Masjid - Started in 1377 but completed only in
1408 in the reign of Ibrahim Sharquie. This mosque represents
the earliest and finest example of Sharquie architecture,
and conforms to the general plan of the orthodox mosque.
Its most distinguishing feature is the original treatment
of the facade of its prayer-hall composed of three large
ornamental archways, the central one of which soaring
to 23 mts, is gigantic.
Jami Masjid - The last great mosque of Jaunpur and
also its largest, the Jami Masjid was built by Hussain
Shah in 1458-78. In plan and design it is a larger version
of the Atala Mosque. The imposing structure, raised
on a high plinth, encloses a courtyard 66 mtr by 64.5
mtr. A lofty dome tops the interior of the prayer hall.
Lal Darwaza Masjid - The construction of this mosque,
said to have taken place around 1450, is attributed
to Bibi Raji, the queen of Sultan Mahmud Shah. It is
built on a much smaller area than the Atala Masjid.
Khalis Mukhlis Masjid - This was constructed by Malik
Mukhlis and Khalis in 1417.
Shahi Bridge - Constructed by Munim Khan in 1568 this
picturesque old bridge spans the Gomti river.
Shitla Choukiya Dham - This famous, ancient temple
of Jaunpur is dedicated to Shitla Mata.
Yamdagni Ashram - A religious centre, this ashram is
closely associated with the life of sage Parashuram.
Other Places of Interest include Shahi Qil,
Khwab-gah, Dargah Chishti, Pan-e-Sharif, Jahangiri Masjid,
Akbari Bridge and the tombs of the Sharquie Sultans.
Jhansi
Jhansi, the gateway to Bundelkhand, was a stronghold
of the Chandela kings but lost its importance after
the eclipse of the dynasty in the 11th century. It rose
to prominence again in the 17th century under Raja Bir
Singh Deo who was a close associate of the Mughal Emperor
Jahangir. However, its greatest claim to fame is its
queen Rani Laxmibai, who led forces against the British
in 1857, sacrificing her life to the cause of Indian
Independence. A new dimension has been added to this
historic city with the introduction of the Jhansi Festival,
held every year in February-March. It offers a fine
opportunity to enjoy the arts, crafts and culture of
the region.
General Information
Area : 14 Sq. km.
Altitude : 211 meters above sea level.
Season : October-March.
Clothing (Summer) : Cottons ; (Winters) : Woollens
Language : Hindi, Bundeli & English.
Local Transport : Taxis, Tempo-rickshaw, Tourist Cabs.
Telephone Access Code : ++91 517
Access
Air - Nearest airport is Gwalior - 98 km.
Rail - Jhansi is well connected by an excellent railway
network. Shatabadi Express (2001/2002) is one of the
fastest luxury trains in India, provides the easiest
access to the Jhansi from important stations between
Delhi and Bhopal. Other important rail services to Jhansi
are :
2137/2138 Punjab Mail (Firozpur/Delhi-Mumbai)
1057/1058 Dadar-Amritsar Express (Mumbai)
4677/4678 Jhelum Express (Jammu Tawi-Pune)
2627/2628 Karnataka Express (Delhi-Bangalore)
4067/4068 Malwa Express (New Delhi-Indore)
1449/1450 Mahakaushal Express (New Delhi-Jabalpur)
2615/2616 G.T. Express (New Delhi-Chennai)
2621/2622 Tamil Nadu Express (New Delhi-Chennai)
2723/2724 A.P. Express (New Delhi-Secundrabad)
6687/6688 Navyug Express (Jammu Tawi/Delhi-Mangalore)
4309/4310 Dehradun-Ujjain Express
7021/7022 Delhi-Hyderabad Dakshin Express
1107/1108 Bundelkhand Express (Varanasi-Gwalior)
1015/1016 Kushinagar Express (Mumbai-Gorakhpur)
Road - Jhansi, on National Highway No. 25 and 26, is
linked by a good network of roads. Some major road distances
are :
Agra - 221 km.; Khajuraho - 176 km.; Datia - 28 km.;
Shivpuri - 100 km.; Kalpi - 142 km; Gorakhpur - 563
km.; Lucknow - 297 km.; Kanpur - 220 km.; Lalitpur -
93 km.; Delhi - 414 km.
Accommodation
Sita Hotel, Shivpuri Road. Phones: (0517) 2444691
Jhansi Hotel, Shastri Marg. Phone: (0517) 2470360
Prakash Guest House, Civil Lines. Phone: (0517) 2443133
Fax: 2441976
Raj Palace Hotel, Shastri Marg. Phone: (0517) 2470554
Kanika Hotel, Kanpur Road. Phone: (0517) 2471703
Hotel Rishabh, Shivpuri Road. Phone: (0517) 2445106
Aparna Guest House, Civil Lines, Ph. (0517) 2441196
Budget Hotels
Kanika Hotel, Ph. (0517) 2441800
Hotel Highway, Ph. (0517) 2441717
Samrat Hotel, Ph. (0517) 2444943
Central Hotel, Ph. (0517) 2440509
Krishna Hotel, Ph. (0517) 2441857
Hotel Bhawana, Ph. (0517) 2441440
Chanda Hotel, near Laxmibai Park, Ph. (0517) 2450014,
Fax: (0517) 2450027
U.P. Tourism Accommodation
Hotel Veerangana (UPSTDC), near Exhibition Ground.
Phone: (0517) 2449473
Places of Interest
Jhansi Fort - The 17th century fort was founded by
Raja Bir Singh on top of a hill as an army stronghold.
The Karak Bijli tank is within the fort. There is also
a museum, which has a collectiion of sculpture and provides
an insight into the history of Bundelkhand.
Government Museum - Weapons, statues, dresses and photographs
that represents the Chandela dynasty and a picture gallery
of the Gupta period are the highlights. There are also
terracottas, bronzes, manuscripts, paintings and coins.
Closed on Mondays and second Saturday of every month.
Rani Mahal - The palace of Rani Laxmi Bai has now been
converted into a museum. It houses a collection of archaeological
remains of the period between 9th and 12th centuries
AD.
Other Places of Interest - Laxmi Tal, Gangadhar
Rao-Ki-Chhatri, Shri Kali Temple, Laxmi Bai Park.
Kalinjar
Located in the ancient land of Jejakbhukti, an integral
part of Bundelkhand, this fort and town were of strategic
importance during medieval times. The Kalinjar fort
was a Chandela stronghold from the 9th to the 15th centuries
and remained invincible upto the time of the Mughals.
Akbar finally conquered it in 1569 and gifted it to
Birbal, one of the "nine jewels" of his court.
From Birbal it went to the legendary Bundela warrior,
Chhatrasal and thence to Hardev Shah of Panna before
being captured by the British in 1812.
Ramparts pierced by four gateways, only three of which
remain today - Kamta Dwar, Panna Dwar and Rewa Dwar,
also-once protected the township of Kalinjar. Dotted
with remnants of the past, this historic fort is well
worth a visit.
General Information
Area : 25 sq. km.
Altitude : 381.25 mtrs. above sea level.
Season : Year round except for the summer months of
April, May, June
Clothing : Summer - Cottons; Winter - Woolen
Language : Hindi, English, Bundeli
STD Code : 0519-70
Access
Air - Nearest airport is Khajuraho - 130 km.
Rail - The nearest railway station is Atarra : 36 km,
on the Banda-Satna route, 57 km. from Banda Station.
Some of the important trains are : 1107/1108 Bundelkhand
Exp. 1449/1450 Mahakaushal Exp., 5009/5010 Chitrakoot
Exp.
Road - It is linked by road to all important centres
in the region with regular bus services. Some of the
major road distances are : Chitrakoot-78 km, Banda-62
km, Khajuraho-130 km, Allahabad-205 km.
Accommodation
Kalinjar today is a small village, all modern amenities
including hotels restaurants, banks are available at
Banda or Chitrakoot. The best place to stay while visiting
Kalinjar is Chitrakoot Tourist Bunglow (UPSTDC), or
Mahoba.
Places of Interest
Kalinjar Fort - Situated at a height of 700 ft. on
the Vindhya ranges, this fort is accessible through
seven gateways-the Alamgir Darwaza, Ganesh Dwar, Chauburji
Darwaza, Buddha Bhadra Darwaza, Hanuman Dwar, Lal Darwaza
and Bara Darwaza. Within the fort are two palaces-the
Raja Mahal and the Rani Mahal, as well as several other
Places of Interest. These include Sita Sej, a small
cave containing a stone bed and pillow once used by
hermits; a reservoir known as Patal Ganga; Pandu-Kund,
where water trickles from the horizontal crevices of
stratified rocks; Buddha-Budhi taal, whose waters are
believed to possess healing qualities; Bhairon-ki-Jharia
or Manduk Bhairon; the Mrigdhara or Antelope's spring
situated within an inner chamber of the rampart, and
Koito Birth, which is an important place of pilgrimage
where lepers are believed to be cured.
Neelkanth Temple - The Chandela ruler Parmardi dev
built this temple. In a niche by the rock-cut Swagger
Roan pool, stands a colossal 18-armed image of Al Bhairav,
the fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva.
Vankhandeshwar Mahadev Temple - Located at the source
of the Shivasari Ganga, this temple is also worth a
visit.
Kanpur
Nestled on the banks of the eternal Ganga, Kanpur stands
as one of North India's major industrial centres with
its own historical, religious and commercial importance.
Believed to be founded by king Hindu Singh of the erstwhile
state of Sachendi, Kanpur was originally known as `Kanhpur'.
Up to the 1st half of the 18th century Kanpur continued
to survive as an insignificant village. Its fate, however,
took a new turn soon after. In May 1765, the British
defeated Shuja-ud-daula, the Nawab Wazir of Awadh near
Jajmau. It was probably at this time that strategic
importance of the town of Kanpur was realized by the
British. European businessmen had by this time gradually
started establishing themselves in Kanpur. In order
to ensure protection to their lives and property the
`Awadh local forces' were shifted here in 1778. Kanpur
passed into British hands under the treaty of 1801 with
Nawab Saadat Ali Khan of Awadh. This forms a turning
point in the history of Kanpur. Soon Kanpur became one
of the most important military station of British India.
It was declared a district on 24th March 1803.
Kanpur was soon to become the epicenter of the outbreak
of 1857, as some of the leading luminaries of the War
of Independence hailed from her, namely - Nana Sahib,
Tantiya Tope, Azimoolah Khan and Brigadier Jwala Prasad.
The three strategic events of the 1857 war at Kanpur
were the fight at `wheeler's entrenchment', the `massacre
at Sati Chaura Ghat' and the `Bibighar massacre'. Nana
Sahib had declared independence on the 7th of June 1857
at Kanpur. The British under Commander Hugh Wheeler
retreated into a shallow earth entrenchment in the cantonment
area, later known in history as `wheeler's entrenchment'.
The English garrison surrendered in the last week of
June 1857 on terms of safe passage to Allahabad. But
when on the morning of 27th June, the soldiers along
with the women and children were about to embark into
the boats at Sati Chaura Ghat, fighting broke out and
most of the men were killed. The survivors, women and
children were rescued and were imprisoned into the Savada
Kothi and later shifted to Bibighar in the `cantonment
magistrates' compound. But when it became clear the
relieving forces under General Havelock were nearing
the city and defeat was inevitable, the captives-all
women and children were massacred and their dismembered
bodies buried in the well of the compound on 15th July
1857. The Bibighar was dismantled by the British and
after the reoccupation of Kanpur a `memorial railing
and a cross' raised at the site of the well. The well
is now bricked over. Only remains of a circular ridge
survive, which can be still seen at the Nana Rao Park.
The Kanpur Memorial Church - `The all soul cathedral'
was raised in honor of the fallen at the north-east
corner of Wheeler's entrenchment in 1862 by the British.
The marble gothic screen with famous `mournful seraph'
was transferred to the churchyard of All Souls church
after independence in 1947, and in its place a bust
of Tantiya Tope installed as Nana Rao Park.
After 1857, the development of Kanpur was even more
phenomenal. Government Harness and Saddler Factory was
started for supplying leather material for army in 1860,
followed by Cooper Allen & Co. in 1880. The first
cotton textile mill, the Elgin Mills were started in
1862 and Moiré Mills in 1882.
Today besides being the most industrialized region
of the state, Kanpur is also an important educational
centre, with institutions like Harcourt Butler Technological
Institute, Agricultural College, Indian Institute of
Technology, G.S.V.M. Medical College, National Sugar
Institute and Government Textile Institute being located
here. Apart from playing a stellar role in the development
of the country as a whole, Kanpur has also been instrumental
in making an unforgettable contribution to the Indian
freedom struggle. A favorite centre of activities of
stalwarts like Nanarao Peshwa, Tantiya Tope, Sardar
Bhagat Singh and Chandra Shekhar Azad among others,
Kanpur is also the birth place of Shyamlal Gupta `Parshad',
composer of the famous patriotic ditty `Vijayee Vishwa
Tiranga Pyara'. The propagation and popularization of
Hindi also owes much to this city, with great Hindi
literary figures like Acharya Mahavir Parasad Dwivedi,
Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, Pratap Narain Mishra, Acharya
Gaya Prasad Shukla `Sanehi' and Balkrishna Sharma `Navin'
having hailed from here.
General Information
Area : 1040 Sq. km.
Altitude : 126 meters above sea level
Season : November-February
Clothing (Summer) : Cottons; (Winter) : Woolens
Language : Hindi & English
Local Transport : Buses, Taxis, Tempos, Auto-Rickshaws
Telephone Access Code : ++91 512
Access
Air - Chakeri Airport, Kanpur, has become operational
since January 1996 and is serviced by, Archana Airways
and other private airlines. Apart from this the nearest
airport is Amausi, Lucknow, 65 km.
Rail - Connections to all the major stations of the
country by express, super-fast and passenger trains.
Some of the important trains that pass through Kanpur
Central are ;
2003/2004 Shatabadi Express (Delhi-Lucknow)
2301/2302 Rajdhani Express (New Delhi/Calcutta)
2381/2382 A/c Express (Amritsar/Calcutta)
2303/2304 A/c Express (Amritsar/Calcutta)
8475/8476 Neeelanchal Express (New Delhi/Puri)
3007/3008 Udyan Abha Toofan Express (New Delhi/Calcutta)
2521/2522 North East Express (New Delhi/Guwahati)
3007/3008 Magadh Vikramshila Express (New Delhi/Patna)
2554/2554 Vaishali Express (New Delhi/Barauni)
2419/2420 Gomti Express (New Delhi/Lucknow)
4163/4164 Sangam Express (Meerut/Allahabad)
2133/2134 Pushpak Express
Prayagraj Express (Delhi/Allahabad)
Road - Kanpur is connected by road with all the major
cities of the country. It is situated on National Highway
No. 2 on the Delhi-Agra-Allahabad-Calcutta route and
on National Highway No. 25 on the Lucknow-Jhansi-Shivpuri
route. Distances from some destinations in the region
:
Lucknow - 79 km.
Allahabad - 193 km.
Varanasi - 329 km.
Khajuraho - 398 km.
Agra - 269 km.
Jhansi - 222 km.
Accommodation
The Landmark Hotel, 10, The Mall. Phone: (0512)2305305.
Meghdoot Hotel, The Mall. Phone: (0512)2311999. Fax:
(0512)2310209. Telex: 0325-2282 A/B
MAGT IN, Cable: Meghotel.
Sarvodaya Plaza, 3-A,Sarvodaya Nagar. Phone: (0512)2217126,
2217127 & 2217128.
Meera Inn, Opp. Reserve Bank of India, The Mall. Phones:
(0512)2319972, 2319973, 2319974,
2319975, 2319976, 2319978 & 2319979.
Geet Hotel, 18/174-175, Opp. Phool Bagh, The Mall. Phone:
(0512)2311042-46.
Hotel Bliss, near Gomti No. 5, Gurudwara, 111-A/5, G.T.
Road. Phone: (0512)2291703, 2291738.
Hotel Gaurav, 18/54, The Mall. Phone: (0512)2318531-35.
Hotel Ganges, 51/50, Naya Ganj. Phones: (0512)2352853
& 2352965.
Hotel Deep Mayur, 11/274, Sutar Ganj. Phone: (0512)2210645.
Hotel Swagat, 80 Feet Road. Phones: (0512)2541923 &
2541900.
Hotel Holiday Inn, 118/16 3-B, Bomber Road, Gumti No.
5, Kanpur. Phone: (0512)2219852.
Anand Guest House, 122/729, Shastri Nagar. Phone: (0512)2220496.
Hotel Aryawat, 51/104, Collector Ganj. Phone: (0512)2363132.
Hotel Ashoka, 24/16, Birhana Road, Kanpur. Phones: (0512)2312742
& 2316572.
Hotel Basera, 70/39, Sutar Khana. Phone: (0512)2355398.
Hotel Bliss, Near Gumti No. 5, Gurudwara, 111 A/5, G.T.
Road. Phone: (0512)2291703.
Hotel Deep, 124-C/243, Govind Nagar, Kanpur. Phones:
(0512)2218136 & 2298789.
Hotel Gem, 40/69 B, Hospital Road, Parade. Phone: (0512)2361421.
Fax: (0512)2318514.
Hotel Kesar Palace, 110/189, R.K. Nagar, G.T. Road,
Kanpur. Phones: (0512)2540467 & 2546218.
Hotel Mahadev Regency, 14/124, Parade, The Mall. Phone:
(0512)2319943.
Hotel Natraj, 71/150, Sutarkhana. Phone: (0512)2364231.
Hotel Raj Mahal, 112/1B, Arya Nagar. Phone: (0512)2292134.
Hotel Caravan, Civil Lines. Phones: 2306691 & 2306601.
There are also a number of other hotels, guest houses,
lodges and dharamshalas in the city.
UP Tourism Accommodations
Rahi Motel, Tatya Ganj - 12 km. Phone: (05112)-282117.
Rahi Motel, Fatehpur Roshnai, Rania - 24 km. (05111)-240455
Priyadarshini Motel, Nawabganj, Distt. Unnao. Phones:
(05143)-240050 & 240360.
Places of Interest
Jajmau - The mound of Jajmau, on the eastern end of
the city occupies a high place among ancient cities
of the region. Excavations of the mound were undertaken
during 1957-58 which unearthed antiquities ranging from
600 BC to 1600 AD.
Jajmau,known as Siddhapuri in ancient times, is supposed
to have been the kingdom of Yayati, the Pauranic king
and the high mound overhanging the Ganga is known as
the site of his fort. Today, Jajmau houses the Siddhnath
and Siddha Devi temples and the mausoleum of Makhdum
Shah Ala-ul-Haq, the famous Sufi saint, built by Firoz
Shah Tughlaq in 1358. A mosque built by Kulich Khan
in 1679 also stands here.
Shri Radhakrishna Temple (J.K. Temple) - Beautifully
constructed, J.K. temple is a boon to the devotees.
Built by J.K. Trust this architectural delight is a
unique blend of ancient architecture with the modern.
Among the five shrines that the temple has the central
one is consecrated to Shri Radhakrishna and the other
are adorned with idols of Shri Laxminarayan, Shri. Ardhanarishwar,
Shri Narmadeshwar and Shri Hanuman.
Jain Glass Temple - It is situated in Maheshwari Mohal
behind the Kamla Tower. It is a beautiful temple highly
decorated with glass and enamel work.
Allen Forest Zoo - The Kanpur Zoo was opened in 1971
and ranks among one of the best zoos in the country.
It is an ideal place for outdoor life and picnics amongst
picturesque surroundings. Ph: 2543678.
Kamla Retreat - Lies to the west of the Agricultural
College in immediate neighborhood of the Allen Forest.
It is under the possession of Singhania family and is
a beauty spot of the city. There is a swimming tank
with equipment for producing artificial waves and suitable
arrangement for lighting. Besides parks and a canal
with facilities for boating, a zoo is also maintained.
Kamla Retreat also houses a museum which has a good
collection of historical and archaeological artifacts.
Visitors are allowed only with prior permission from:;
Deputy General Manager (Administration), Kamla Tower,
Kamlanagar, Kanpur, UP. Phone: 2311478 & 2311479.
Phool Bagh - It is a beautiful park in the heart of
the city on the Mall Road. In the centre of the park
is a building known as Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial.
After the first World War there was an Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Hospital in this building. It is now known as Ganesh
Udyan.
Nana Rao Park - To the west of Phool Bagh is located
the Nana Rao Park. It is the site of the `Bibighar'
of 1857. The Park was renamed as Nana Rao Park after
independence.
The Kanpur Memorial Church (All Soul's Cathedral) -
The Kanpur Memorial Church was built in 1875, in honor
of the British who lost their lives in the war of 1857.
The Church was designed by Walter Granville, architect
of the east Bengal Railway. The complete Church in Lombardic
gothic style is handsomely executed in bright red brick,
with polychrome dressings. The interior contains monuments
to the mutiny, including several memorial tablets. In
the separate enclosure to the east of the church is
the Memorial Garden, approached through two gateways.
Here the handsome carved gothic screen, designed by
Henry Yule, stands. Its centre is occupied by the beautiful
carved figure of an angle by Baron Carlo Marochetti,
with crossed arms, holding palons, symbol of peace.
Originally the statue and the screen stood in the Municipal
Gardens in the centre of the city, over the site of
the Bibighar well. The memorials were relocated here
after independence in 1948. The Military Cemetery on
the edge of the cantonment contains a number of interesting
graves from the late 19th century. Within the city the
king Edward VII memorial hall is noteworthy and Christ
Church building, built in 1840.
Harcourt Butler Technological Institute - The Harcourt
Butler Technological Institute was established in 1920
at Kanpur and is engaged in imparting technical training
and industrial research. Phone: 294851, 294852, 294853,
294854 & 294855.
Indian Institute of Technology - One of the five IIT's,
set up in 1959 at Kanpur, it provides education in the
fields of engineering, technology, science and humanities.
Phones: 250151 & 257878.
Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture &
Technology - Established in 1957 to provide education
of agriculture, animal husbandry and veterinary science
for the benefit of rural people.
Among other sites worth visiting at Kanpur are the
Hanuman temple-Panki, Anandeshwar temple, Jageshwar
temple, Dwarikadhish temple, Prayagnarayan temple, Kailash
temple, Buddhadevi temple, Kherepati temple, Varahidevi
temple, Bhairav temple and Tulsi Upvan (Moti Jheel).
Excursions
Bhitargaon - 59 km. Situated in Ghatampur tehsil, Bhitargaon
houses a unique architectural specimen - a brick temple
belonging to the Gupta era. The very first shrine with
a shikara, it dates back to 600 AD.
Musanagar - 65 km from Kanpur, the ancient site of
Musanagar with innumerable mounds deserved mention on
account of the ancient temple of Muktadevi, which is
said to have been built in Treta-Yug by Raja Bali. A
large fair is held at Muktadevi temple on occasion of
Kartik Poornima. Musanagar is also a rich archaeological
site and has yielded a large number of artifacts and
specimens of the post Harrapan, Shunga, Maurya and Kushana
periods. The Muktadevi temple also offers an excellent
view of the surrounding landscape. One can climb the
roof of the temple dharamshala, from where can be seen
the meandering Sengar river meeting the Yamuna down
below, in a beautiful natural setting.
Kannauj - 80 km. Situated on the banks of the river
Ganga, Kannauj was the 7th century capital of Emperor
Harshavardhana's empire, which encompassed the entire
region between the rivers Sutlej and Narmada and eastern
Bengal. While all traces of this past have vanished,
Kannauj is famous for its manufacture of essence (ittar)
used in perfumes.
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary - 43 km from Lucknow, along
the Lucknow-Kanpur highway near Unnao, is the Nawabganj
Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary attracts rare Siberian
migratory birds during winters, the main bird species
being Pintain, Pigeon, Common teal, Shoveller, Pochard,
Coot, Purple Moorhen and others. The ideal season for
bird watching is between December and March. The Priyadarshini
Motel of U.P. Tourism provides good boarding and lodging
facilities at the sanctuary.
Kapilvastu - Piprahwa
Identified today with ancient Kapilvastu, modern Piprahwa
lies at a distance of 20 km from Siddharthnagar. Kapilvastu
was the ancient capital of the Sakya clan whose ruler
was the father of the Buddha, for which reason the Buddha
is also referred to as the Sakyamuni. The Sakya domain
was one of the sixteen independent principalities of
the 6th century BC.
Prince Gautam, as the Buddha was then known, left his
palace in Kapilvastu at the age of 29, and revisited
it 12 years later, long after he had attained enlightenment.
Today, Kapilvastu Comprises of Several villages, chief
among them being Piprahwa and Ganvaria. A large stupa
stands at the ancient site, which is said to have housed
the bone relics of the Buddha. An ancient Brahmi inscription
discovered at Piprahwa testifies the presence of these
relics. The ruins of the palace are spread over a large
area.
General Information
Area : 06 sq. km.
Population : 3000 (1991 census)
Altitude : 100 mtrs above sea level
Season : October-April
Clothing : Summer - Cottons; Winter - Woolens
Language : Hindi, English
Local Transport : Tempo/Tonga/Rickshaw
Telephone Access Code : ++ 91 5544
Access
Rail - Siddharth Nagar (Naugarh) railway station :
20 km from Kapilvastu.
Road - Some of the major road distances from Kapilvastu
are : Gorakhpur-97 km, Kushinagar-148 km, Varanasi-312
km, Lumbini-86 km, Sravasti-147 km, Lucknow-308 km.
Accommodation
Rahi Motel, UPSTDC Hotel Shakya. Phone: 261489
Places of Interest
Stupa Complex - This is the main archaeological site
which was discovered during excavations in 1973-74.
The seals and inscriptions over the lid of the pot discovered
read "Om Deoputra Vihare Kapilvastu Bhikschu Mahasanghasa"
and "Om Deoputra Vihare Kapilvastu Bhikschu Sanghasa".
The title Deoputra refers to Kanishka, a great patron
of Buddhism who built the biggest Vihara at Kapilvastu
and renovated the main stupa here.
Palace Site - Excavations carried out by Dr. K.M. Srivastava
indicated the ruins of the palace of King Shuddhodhan,
the father of Prince Gautam (Lord Buddha). It is said
to be the place where Lord Buddha spent the first 29
years of his life.
Sri Lankan Temple Dharamshala - The Royal Retreat (Heritage
Hotel) Mohana-Shohratgarh Route (14 km from Kapilvastu).
Phone: 261219.
Kushinagar
Kushinagar, one of the principal centres of Buddhist
pilgrimage, is the place where Lord Buddha left his
corporeal self and attained Mahaparinirvana.
The credit for bringing this ancient site to light
goes to General A. Cunningham and A.C.I. Carlyl, who,
after excavating the site in 1861, established its antiquity
for the first time. Later, between 1904 and 1912, several
excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of
India at Kushinagar confirmed its identity.
The monuments of Kushinagar are situated in three distinct
groups comprising the main site of the Nirvana Temple,
the central stupa and surrounding monasteries, the Mathakuar
shrine to the southwest, and the Ramabhar Stupa a kilometre
to the east.
General Information
Area : 6.00 sq. km.
Altitude : 400 mtrs above sea level
Season : October-April
Clothing : Summer - Light cotton; Winters - Woollen
Language : Hindi, English
Local Transport : Cycle-rickshaw
Telephone Access Code : +91 5564
Access
Rail - Nearest railway station is Gorakhpur : 51 km,
which is the headquarters of North Eastern Railways
and linked to important destinations. Some important
trains to Gorakhpur are Bombay-Gorakhpur-Bandra Exp.,
New Delhi-Barauni-Vaishali Exp. Cochin-Gorakhpur Exp.,
Shaheed Exp, Amarnath Exp, Kathgodam Exp, (Kushinagar
does not has a Railway Station, one has to go to Gorakhpur
from where Kushinagar can be reached by road).
Road - Situated on National Highway No. 28, with frequent
bus services, Kushinagar is well connected with other
parts of the state. Some major road distances are: Gorakhpur-51
km, Lumbini-173 km, Kapilastu-148 km, Sravasti-254 km,
Sarnath 266 km.
Accommodation
Hotel Nekko Lotus. Ph.: (05563)271139
International Guest House. Ph.: 271164
Hindu Birla Buddha Dharamshala. Ph.: 271217
Burmese Nepali Dharamshala Ph.: (05563)271035
Chandramani Bhikshu Dharamshala
Hotel Royal Residecy. Ph.: 272338, 272339
UP Tourism Accommodation
Pathik Niwas (UPSTDC), Kushinagar. Ph: (05564)271038,
272038
Places of Interest
Nirvana Stupa - This huge brickwork stupa, exposed
by Carlyl in 1876, stands at a height of 2.74 mtr. A
copper vessel was unearthed at this site. It bore an
inscription in ancient Brahmi, which stated that Lord
Buddha's remains had been deposited here.
Nirvana Temple - This houses the over 6 mtrs long statue
of reclining Buddha. The image was unearthed during
the excavations of 1876. Carved from Chunar sandstone,
the statue represents the dying Buddha reclining on
his right side. An inscription below dates the statue
to the fifth century AD.
Mathakuar Shrine - This shrine lies about 400 yards
from the Parinirvana stupa. A black stone image of the
Buddha in the bhumi sparsha mudra was recovered here.
The last sermon by Lord Buddha was given here.
Ramabhar Stupa - About 1 km away, this large stupa
rises to a height of 49 ft. It marks the site where
the Lord Buddha was cremated. In ancient Buddhist texts
this stupa has been referred to as Mukut-Bandhan Vihar.
Chinese Temple - Here the special attraction is a beautiful
statue of Lord Buddha.
Japanese Temple - A beautiful Ashta Dhatu (eight metals)
statue of Lord Buddha, which came from Japan, can be
seen here.
Kushinagar Museum - The Buddha Museum contains finds
from excavations at the site.
Timings : 10:30 am. to 4:30 pm. Weekly off: Monday.
Other Places of Interest include Pawanagar (Fazilnagar)
and the Sun Temple at Turkpatti.
Lucknow
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, extends along
the banks of the River Gomti. The creator of Lucknow
as it is today was Nawab Asaf ud Daula. The city became
known as a centre for Urdu poetry and courtly diction,
and reached its zenith during the reign of Wajid Ali
Shah who was a connoisseur of music and poetry. It was
during his reign that the British appropriated Awadh.
Today, the city is dotted with remnants of its rich
historic past.
Lucknow is also known for its elaborate cuisine and
'Chikankaari' or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on
fine muslin cloth.
General Information
Area : 79 sq. km.
Altitude : 123 mtrs. above sea level.
Season : October - March
Clothing (Summer) : Cottons Winter : Woolens
Language : Hindi, Urdu, English
Local Transport : Bus/Tempo/Auto-rickshaw/Taxi Tonga/Cycle-rickshaw
Telephone Access Code : ++91 522
Access
Air - Amausi Airport, Lucknow is directly connected
with Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, Mumbai and Varanasi by direct
flights.
Rail - A major railway junction, Lucknow is conveniently
connected to many cities. Some of the important trains
are :
Shatabadi Exp
Nainital Exp
Sabarmati Exp
Vaishali Exp
Awadh-Assam Exp
Neelanchal Exp
Ganga-Yamuna Exp
Lucknow Mail
Gomti Exp
Kashi-Vishwanath Exp
Nauchandi Exp
Mumbai-Gorakhpur Exp
Kochi-Gorakhpur Exp
Road - Lucknow is connected by road with all the major
cities of the country. Some of the major road distances
are : Agra - 363 km, Allahabad - 210 km, Ayodhya - 135
km, Kolkata- 985 km, Corbett National Park - 400 km,
Delhi - 497 km, Dudhwa National Park - 238 km, Kanpur
- 79 km, Khajuraho - 320 km, Varanasi - 305 km.
Accommodation
La Palace Park Inn 6, Shahnajaf Road. Ph: 2282201-4,
2211557.
Gemini Continental 10, Rani Lakshmibai Marg. Ph: 2271356,
2272008.
Sagar International. Ph: 2206601, 2206605.
Hotel Maharana Mahal, Hussainganj. Ph: 2638181-84.
Presidency Inn, 3, Sapru Marg. Ph: 2211341, 22110701.
Grand Hotel, 4, Lalbagh. Ph: 2214022.
Taj Mahal Hotel, Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar, Ph : (0522)2393939,
2391201-03.
Hotel Clarks Awadh, 8, M.G. Marg. Ph : (0522)2260131-3,
2216500-9.
Arif Castles, 4 , Rana Pratap Marg. Ph : (0522)2211313-7.
Hotel Deep Awadh, Naka Hindola, Aminabad Road, Ph :
(0522)2682522, 2682023.
Deep Hotel, 5, Vidhan Sabha Marg. Ph : (0522)2636441-8.
Hotel Charan International, 16, Vidhan Sabha Marg. Ph
: (0522)2220410, 2220469.
Capoors Hotel, 52, Hazrat Ganj, Ph : (0522)2227262,
2202120.
Mohan Hotel, Charbagh, Ph : (0522)2635642, 2635797.
Ram Krishna Guest, House, 4A, Park Road. Ph : (0522)2218898.
Hotel Tulsi, Pandariba, Charbagh. Ph : (0522)2455425,
2451626.
UP Tourism Accommodation
Hotel Gomti (UPSTDC). 6, Sapru Marg. Ph : (0522)2212291,
2214708, 2220624. Fax: 2612659.
Places of Interest
Hussainabad Imambara - Near the Rumi Darwaza, this
structure houses the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah, its
builder, and of his mother. Built between 1837 and 1842,
it is also called the Chhota Imambara. It is approached
through a fine garden. The Imambara has a white dome
and numerous turrets and minarets. The walls of the
mausoleum are decorated with verses in Arabic. Chandeliers,
gilded mirrors, colorful stucco, the King's throne and
ornate tazia or replicas of the tombs at Karbala adorn
the interior.
Shah Najaf Imambara - This white-domed structure derives
its name from the town of Najaf, about 200 km south
of Baghdad where the saint Hazrat Ali is buries. It
is situated on the right bank of the Gomti, In this
mausoleum are buried the remains of Ghazi-ud-din Haider
and his wives, including Mubarak Mahal, his European
wife. The entrance leads to a beautiful garden. The
silver tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haider lies in the centre
of the building and is flanked by the more imposing
silver and gold tomb of Mubarak Mahal on one side, and
another tomb on the other.
Hussainabad Imambara - Near the Rumi Darwaza, this
structure houses the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah, its
builder, and of his mother. Built between 1837 and 1842,
it is also called the Chhota Imambara. It is approached
through a fine garden. The Imambara has a white dome
and numerous turrets and minarets. The walls of the
mausoleum are decorated with verses in Arabic. Chandeliers,
gilded mirrors, colorful stucco, the King's throne and
ornate tazia or replicas of the tombs at Karbala adorn
the interior.
Shah Najaf Imambara - This white-domed structure derives
its name from the town of Najaf, about 200 km south
of Baghdad where the saint Hazrat Ali is buries. In
this mausoleum are buried the remains of Ghazi-ud-din
Haider and his wives, including Mubarak Mahal, his European
wife. The entrance leads to a beautiful garden. The
silver tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haider lies in the centre
of the building and is flanked by the more imposing
silver and gold tomb of Mubarak Mahal on one side, and
another tomb on the other.
Residency - Built for the British Resident in 1780-1800,
it was originally a very extensive and beautiful building,
It was a scene of dramatic events during the War of
1857. The scarred ruins tell the story of the British
community besieged by the rebels. The main house overlooks
the river and is surrounded by terraced lawns and gardens.
Asafi Imambara - Also known as the Bara Imambara, it
was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is one
of the architectural highlights of the era. The central
hall is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the
world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there
is no woodwork used in the structure. A staircase from
outside leads to a series of labyrinths which visitors
are advised to visit only with authorized guides. Within
the compound of the Imambara is a grand Asafi mosque.
Rumi Darwaza - This colossal, ornate gateway is said
to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople.
It was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, to create
employment during the terrible famine of 1784.
Kaiserbagh Palace Complex - The construction of the
Kaiserbagh Palaces was started in 1848 by Nawab Wajid
Ali Shah and completed in 1850. They were built to create
the eighth wonder of the world. The yellow buildings
on three sides of the quadrangle, now the property of
Taluqdars, once provided quarters for the ladies of
the harem. In the centre stands the Baradari, a picturesque
white stone edifice which was earlier paved with silver.
National Botanical Research institute - Located at
Sikandarbagh, where pitched battles took place during
the Mutiny of 1857, the institute garden is open to
the public from 6 AM to 5 PM.
State Museum / Zoo - A favorite spot for recreation,
Lucknow, Museum houses a large collection of artifacts
and memorabilia and is located at Banarasi Bagh, within
the zoo premises. The zoo has a large collection of
animals, Museum timings : 10.30 AM to 4.30 PM Weekly
holiday : Monday. Zoo timings : 5 AM to 7 PM.
Other Places of Interest include Chhatar Manzil,
Maqbara Saadat Ali Khan, Moti Mahal, Dilkusha Garden,
La Martiniere, Alambagh Palace.
Excursion
Kukrail Reserve Forest - A picnic spot developed by
the Forest Department, it has a deer park and crocodile
nursery. A variety of birds and deer can be seen in
their natural habitat.
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary - 43 km. Situated on the Kanpur
highway, this sanctuary attracts Siberian migratory
birds. The best season to visit is between October and
March. Accommodation is available at U.P. Tourism's
Priyadarshini Motel.
Deva Sharif - 25 km. The tomb of Syed Haji Waris Ali
Shah, known as Deva Sharif, is revered by both Hindus
and Muslims. Devotees throng the shrine in October/November
when the annual urs of the saint is held.
Naimisharanya - Misrikh 94 km. An important religious
centre with the temples of the goddess Lalita, Dadhichi
Kund, Vyas Gaddi, Chakratirth and Hanuman Garhi.
Mahoba
Mahoba is 140 km from Jhansi and associated with the
Chandela kings who ruled over Bundelkhand between the
9th and the 11th centuries. The Chandelas, who are best
remembered for the now world-famous temples they built
at Khajuraho, were also great warriors. At Mahoba, the
impregnable hilltop fort and the lakes they created
are considered engineering feats and their water management
systems can still be seen. Mahoba was also a great cultural
centre. Ballads praise its days of glory and narrate
the inspiring saga of Alha and Udal, two brothers who
sacrificed their lives for the honour of their land.
Today, the town is known for its fine betel leaf cultivation
and granite rocks. There are many places of historical
and archaeological interest as well as scenic lakes
dotted with rocky islets. The temples of Mahoba are
built in the same style as the Khajuraho temples. There
are also a number of Buddhist and Jain shrines at Mahoba.
General Information
Area : 8.1 sq. km.
Season : October-February
Clothing : Summer - Cottons; Winters - Woolens
Language : Hindi, Bundeli
Festivals : Sawan Kajali Mela
Local Transport : Cars/Jeeps/Auto-rickshaws/Cycle-rickshaws/Tempo
Telephone Access Code : ++91 5281
Access
Air - Nearest airport is Khajuraho - 65 km.
Rail - Mahoba is connected by broad gauge railway lines.
1107/1108 Bundelkhand Exp (Gwalior- Varanasi); 1449/1450
Mahakaushal Exp (Delhi-Jabalpur); 1069/1070 Chambal
Exp.
Road - Mahoba is connected by road to all major cities.
State Highway No. 44 also passes through Mahoba. Some
major road distances are : Chitrakoot - 125 km. Kanpur
- 155 km, Jhansi 165 km, Allahabad - 245 km, Lucknow
- 240 km, Khajuraho - 65 km, Banda - 52 km and Kalinjar
- 130 km.
Accommodation
Atithi Hotel, Alha Chowk, Ph: 255111.
Shivam Hotel, near U.P. Roadways Bus Stand,
Paras Hotel, Near Udal Chowk, Ph : (05281)244181
Trishul Hotel, Near Khank Bazaar.
UP Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Bungalow, Khajuraho Road, Mahoba. Ph : (05281)244108
Places of Interest
Kakramath Temple - This well-preserved granite temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the Madan Sagar,
Its basic plan is similar to the temples of Khajuraho.
the Madan Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu stands nearby.
Vijay Sagar Pakshi Vihar - 5 km from town, this picturesque
bird sanctuary has been developed on the shores of Vijay-Sagar,
built by Vijay Pal Chandela (1035-1060 AD).
Sun Temple at Rahila Sagar - This 9th century granite
Sun Temple lies to the west of Rahila Sagar, built by
Chandela ruler Rahila who ruled between 890 and 910
Ad. Though in a ruined state today, it still stands
as the finest example of early Pratihara architecture
in the area.
Manaiya Devi Temple - This is the temple of the tutelary
deity of the Chandelas and stands on the shores of Madan
Sagar, near the fort. In front of it is a monolithic
granite, pillar, 18 ft. high and 1.75 ft wide at the
base. The shrine of Pir Mubarak Shah, a Muslim saint
who came from Arabia in 1252 AD, is nearby.
Lakes - Kirat Sagar, built by Kirtivarman between 1060
AD and 1100 AD, has fine embankments with granite steps.
Madan Sagar, built by Madan Verma between 1128 AD and
1165 AD, is very picturesque. Other lakes include Kalyan
Sagar, Vijay Sagar and Rahila Sagar.
Gokhar Hill - This is the hill where Guru Gorakhnath
resided with his disciples. It has dramatic granite
rock formations, with caves and waterfalls. The spot
is ideal for climbing and picnics.
Other Places of Interest include the Jain and
Buddhist shrines, the Alha Udal Chowk, Barichandrika
Devi Temple, Ram Kurd, Suraj Kurd and Shiva Temple at
Katheswar. The Betel Research Centre at Chhattarpur
Road, a branch of NBRI Lucknow, is interesting as Betel
farming can be viewed in various stages of development
here.
Sarnath
Buddhists worldwide look upon India as the land of
the Buddha and a visit to this country means a pilgrimage
to those places sacred to the memory of the Enlightened
One.
After the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya
he came to Sarnath. Here in the Deer Park, he delivered
his first sermon, or in religious language, set in motions
the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra Pravartan.). On
the day before his death Buddha included Sarnath along
with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places
he thought to be sacred to his followers.
The Emperor Ashoka, who spread Lord Buddha's message
of love and compassion throughout his vast empire, visited
Sarnath around 234 BC, and erected a stupa here. Several
Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the
3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it
presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on
the Buddhist trail. Sarnath is 10 km from the holy city
of Varanasi, and is an exceedingly tranquil place. The
ruins, the museum and temple are all within walking
distance.
General Information
Area : 2.80 sq. km.
Altitude : 80.71 (1991 census)
Season : October-March
Clothing : Summer - Cottons; Winter - Woolens
Language : Hindi and English
Festivals : Buddha Purnima (Full Moon, April-May), Anniversary
of First Sermon (Full Moon, July-August)
Local Transport : Buses/Cycle-Rickshaws/Taxis
Telephone Access Code : +91 542
Access
Air - The nearest airport is Babatpur, Varanasi : 30
Km.
Rail - Sarnath is directly connected by Varanasi -
Gorakhpur Exp. 0549/0550 and Varanasi - Bhatni - Varanasi
Exp. 0551/0552.
Road - Sarnath, 10- km from Varanasi, is well connected
by road to other destinations of the state.
Accommodation
Forest Rest House, Sarnath. Ph. (0542) 2386635, 2386636
Mahabodhi Society Dharamshala, Sarnath.
Jain Dharamshala, Sarnath.
UP Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Bungalow, (UPSTDC), Sarnath.
Places of Interest
Chaukhandi Stupa - Chaukhandi is the first monument
one encounters as one enters Sarnath. It is a lofty
mound of brick - work whose square edifice is surrounded
by a Octagonal tower. Originally said to be built by
Emperor Ashoka.
Dhammek Stupa - The most remarkable structure at Sarnath,
is the cylindrical Dhamek stupa, 28 mts. in diameter
at the base and 43.6 mts. in height, built party of
stone and partly of brick. The stone facing the lower
part is adorned with delicate floral carvings of Gupta
origin.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar - This modern temple has been
erected by the Mahabodhi Society. It has excellent Frescoes
made by Kosetsu Nosu, Japan's foremost painter and is
a rich repository of Buddhist literature. The ancient
Mulagandha Kuti Temple is among the brick ruins of Sarnath.
Sarnath Museum - Sarnath yielded a rich collection
of Buddhist sculptures comprising numerous Buddha and
Bodhisattva images. Considered amongst the finest specimens
of Buddhist art, these have been housed at the museum,
adjacent to the site. The museum is open from 10 AM
to 5 PM, and closed on Fridays. Apart from the above
the other objects of Interest at Sarnath are the Dharmrajika
Stupa, the magnificent Lion capital that has been adopted
as India's National Emblem at Sarnath Museum, the Saddharmachakra
Vihar's at excavated ruins.
Sravasti
Sravasti, capital of the ancient Kosala kingdom is sacred
to Buddhists because it is here that Lord Buddha performed
the greatest of his miracles to confound the Tirthika
heretics. These miracles include that of the Buddha
creating multiple images of himself, which has been
among the favourite themes of Buddhist art.
Sravasti was an active centre of Buddhism even in the
Buddha's lifetime. The Buddha himself spent many summers
here, and delivered important sermons. It was here that
Ananthapindaka built, in the garden of Prince Jeta a
large monastery for the reception of the Buddha. Later,
several shrines and other monasteries arose at this
sacred spot.
Sravasti has been identified with the remains at Saheth
- Maheth on the borders of the Gonda and Bahraich districts.
It is situated on the banks of the River Rapti. Srarvasti
also claims the glory of being was born, brought up
and attained enlightment. Jain devotees visit Sravasti,
during the month of Kartik (Oct - Nov) the birthday
of Lord Sambhavnath, when a large Jain mela is held.
General Information
Area : 2019 sq. km.
Altitude : 185 mtrs. above sea level.
Season : October - February / March
Clothing : Summer - Cottons; Winter - Woolens
Language : Hindi and English
Festivals : Buddh Purnima Mela (April-May) and Jain
Mela
Local Transport : Private Taxis, Taxi, Tonga, Ekka
Telephone Access Code : ++91 5263
Access
Air - Nearest Airport is Lucknow - 176 km, from where
Sravasti can be reached by rail upto Balrampur via Gonda.
Rail - Nearest railway station is at Balrampur : 17
Km. The rest of the route can be covered by road.
Road - Bus services are available from all major neighboring
centres . Sravasti is - 119 km from Basti and - 17 km.
from Balrampur.
Accommodation
Inspection Bungalow, PWD.
Burmese Temple. Rest House.
Chinese Temple Rest House.
Jain Dharamshala.
UP Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Bungalow, Katra Sravasti, Distt Bahraich.(Run
by U.P State Tourism Development
Corporation)
Places of Interest
Maheth - This covers an area of about 400 acres, and
has been identified with the remains of the city proper.
Excavations have exposed the massive gates of the city,
ramparts and also the ruins of other structures which
testify to the prosperity of ancient Sravasti. The Sobhanath
Temple is located here. Pakki Kuti and Kacchi Kuti were
probably Buddhist shrines before they were converted
into Brahmanical temples.
Sobhanath Temple - Believed to be the birthplace of
Jain Tirthankar Sambhavnath. It is revered by Jain pilgrims.
Saheth - Saheth, covers an area of 32 acres, and lies
about a quarter of a mile to the south - west of Maheth.
This was the site of the Jetavana monastery. It became
an important place of pilgrimage, adorned with numerous
shrines, stupas and monasteries. The stupas belong mostly
to the Kushana period, while the temples are in the
Gupta style. The remains date from the Mauryan era (3rd
century BC ) to the 12th century AD . One of the earliest
stupas. probably dating to the 3rd century BC contained
relics of the Buddha . A colossal statue of the Buddha
was also found here which is now preserved in the Indian
Museum, Calcutta . The Emperor Ashoka visited Jetavana,
and the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen- Tsang mentions two Ashokan
pillars at Sravasti. Other Places of Interest
include the Swarnagandha Kuti.
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the
world. Many names have been given to Varanasi, though
its recently revived official appellation is mentioned
in the Mahabharata and in the Jataka tales of Buddhism.
It probably derives from the two rivers that flank the
city, the Varana to the north and the Asi to the south.
Many still use the anglicized forms of Banaras or Benares,
while pilgrims refer to it Kashi, first used three thousand
years ago to describe the kingdom and the city outside
which the Buddha preached his first sermon; the "City
of Light" is also called Kashika, "the shining
one", referring to the light of Shiva. Another
epithet, Avimukta, meaning "Never Forsaken",
refers to the city that Shiva never deserted, or that
one should never leave. Further alternatives include
Anandavana, the "forest of bliss", and Rudravasa,
the place where Shiva (Rudra) resides.
Varanasi's associations with Shiva extend to the beginning
of time: legends relate to how, after his marriage to
Parvati, Shiva left his Himalayan abode and came to
reside in Kashi with all the Gods in attendance. Temporarily
banished during the rule of the great king Divodasa,
Shiva sent Brahma and Vishnu as his emissaries, but
ultimately returned to his rightful abode protected
by his loyal attendants Kalabhairav and Dandapani. Over
350 gods and goddesses, including a protective ring
of Ganesha form a mandala or sacred pattern with Shiva
Vishwanatha at its center.
While the boundary of Kashi is delimited by the circular
Panchakoshi Road, Varanasi is the main city, extending
from Asi Ghat and circling around to the confluence
of the Ganges and the Varana. Yet a smaller area, defined
as Avimukta, starts at Kedara Ghat in the south and
ends at Trilochana Ghat. Most important of all is Antargriha,
the "Inner Sanctum" around the Vishwanatha
Temple, which encompasses Dashashwamedha Ghat, Surya
Kund, the lingam of Bharabhuta, and Manikarnika Ghat.
Another, later, interpretation suggests three sectors
of khandas in the form of Shiva's trident, each centered
around a temple - Omkara to the north, Vishvanatha in
the centre and Kendra to the south.
A city which, since it is both an exalted place of
pilgrimage and a centre of faith, has been likened to
Jerusalem and Mecca. According to the historians, the
city was founded some ten centuries before the birth
of Christ. The city is mentioned in Holy Scriptures
like 'Vamana Purana', Buddhist texts and in the epic
'Mahabharata'. Mark Twain,the English author and littérateur,
who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras,
once wrote:"Banaras is older than history, older
than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice
as old as all of them put together."
Varanasi's prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually
unrivalled. For the devout Hindu the city has always
had a special place, besides being a pilgrimage centre,
it is considered especially auspicious to die here,
ensuring an instant route to heaven. The revered and
ancient city Varanasi is the religious centre of the
world of Hindus. A city where the past and present,
eternity and continuity co-exist.
The city of Varanasi is situated on the west bank of
the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga or Ganges.
The relationship between the sacred river and the city
is the essence of Varanasi - 'the land of sacred light'.
The Ganga is believed to have flown from heaven to wash
away the worldly sins of the human race of mortal's
.The life and activities in the city centre around the
holy river. Life on the banks of the Ganga begins before
dawn when thousands of pilgrims - men, women and children
- come down to the river to wait for the rising sun
when immersion in the sacred river will cleanse them
of their sufferings and wash their sins away.
Along the water's edge, there are the burning ghats.
The most sacred one is Manikarnika, associated with
Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva's wife. The major shrine
is the Vishwanath Temple the abode of Lord Shiva, the
most important of the trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara,
the Lords of this universe. Around this temple evolved
the spiritual identity of Varanasi .The holy city within
Banaras is thus called, Kashi, the luminous one or the
city of the light.
It is beside the holy waters of the Ganga that the
activities for which Banaras is held sacred are performed.
Everyday thousands of residents and pilgrims bathe,
offer prayers to the elements, to the rising sun, and
to their dead ancestors who have been carried away by
these waters. What draws people to the river is an ingrained
belief that these waters can absolve the sins of many
generations.
Everyone has their own way of celebrating the ritual
contact with the holy Ganga: some bathe; others dip
themselves entirely into the water once, thrice or any
number of times; some drink the water; other make water
offerings to the sun; while others fill their pots with
holy water to take back to their homes to perform rituals
and purification. The offerings to the sacred waters
vary. Pilgrims give flowers, fruits, lamps and their
respectful prayers. On festival days and religious occasions
the riverside is thick with their colorful bobbing up
and down on the waters.
The land around Varanasi is also held sacred since
Shiva is believed to have lived here. There are thousands
of temples at Varanasi dedicated to different gods and
goddesses, particularly to the deities of good fortune
and prosperity-and to the sun and the planets. The most
important are those that honor the diverse manifestations
and attributes of Shiva. The major shrine at Varanasi
is the Vishvanatha Temple, devoted to Shiva, the Lord
of the Universe.
The appearance of the pillar of light is said to have
occurred at the site of Vishvanatha Temple. The holy
city within Varanasi is thus called Kashi "The
Luminous One' or the 'City of Light'. Light in Hindu
philosophy has great meaning for it exemplifies the
wisdom that destroys the darkness of ignorance. Sin
and evil are understood to be the acts of ignorance.
When wisdom is acquired, evil will disappear. Sin cannot
be washed away by water or prayer but only by wisdom.
Immorality is also reached through wisdom and understanding.
So the City of Light is the City of Eternal Wisdom as
well. To die in the city beside the river of life is
to die with a promise of redemption, a promise to be
liberated from the endless cycle of life and death and
reincarnation, and to gain moksha or eternal absolution.
So for centuries thousands of people have come to Banaras
to die and thousands have brought the ashes of the dead
here to immerse them in the holy waters.
Varanasi has always been associated with philosophy
and wisdom. A place of learning for many years, the
Banaras Hindu University carries on this tradition.
The University campus, to the south of the city, was
built at the beginning of this century. Pundit Madan
Mohan Malviya was instrumental in founding it. On campus
is the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which originated from
the private collection of Rai Krishnadasa.
The Banaras region was administered by Hindu rulers
for several hundred years until the 17th century, when
it fell into the hands of the Mughals. As was the practice
many buildings of the previous rulers and the religious
structures of the Hindu and Buddhists were demolished
during the wars of the conquest.
In Vaaranasi, we find many places where a temple once
stood and where now mosque or some other structure stands.
However, there is a little known farman, or royal decree,
in the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, which claims that
Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal ruler, ordered his
administrators to abstain from destroying any more temples.
In succeeding years as Varanasi continued to grow, the
temples that were destroyed, were rebuilt or relocated.
Since Varanasi is a pilgrimage centre, revered and
honored throughout India, pilgrims come from all parts
of the country to visit it. Some travel 2,000 kilometers
to bathe in the Ganga and to honor their dead. Earlier
pilgrims used to walk to Varanasi on foot, and along
the way visited other holy places. The antiquity of
Varanasi is known not just by the archeological remains
but also by the diverse and varied literature of India.
The inflow of pilgrims developed Varanasi as a trade
centre. Besides traders, crafts people also settled
in Varanasi. Today the city is renowned for its silk
weavers, who prepare the finest types of woven silk
fabrics. A Banaras silk sari or shawl is traditionally
a single colored textile with motifs and patterns woven
in gold or silver threads. The technique is intricate,
the procedure complex and demands great expertise. As
the warp and the weft are interwoven on the loom, small,
often minute shuttles with gold thread are introduced
to form the motif. When the design of the motif is completed,
a knot is made and the gold thread cut. The weaving
continues until the next design. The smaller the motif
or the more intricate the design, the more complex the
weaving skills required.
Silk weaving in Varanasi is a cottage industry and
in many areas of the city, especially the Muslim quarters,
one can see looms at work all day. Entire families are
involved; Children often pick up the art from the elders
at an early age. There are shops in Varanasi, and throughout
India that sell these fine silk fabrics.
General Information
Area : 73.89 sq. km.
Altitude : 80.71 mtrs. above sea level
Season : October - March
Clothing : Summer - Cottons; Winters - Woolens
Language : Hindi and English
Festivals : Shivratri, Dussehra, Ganga Festival, Bharat
Milap, Dhrupad Mela, Hanumat Jayanti,
Nakkatyya Chetganj, Nag Nathaiya Panch Kroshi Parikrama.
Local Transport : Buses, Cycle-rickshaws, Auto-rickshaws
STD Code : 0542
Access
Air - The nearest airport is at Babatpur, 22 km from
Varanasi and 30 Km from Sarnath. Direct flights for
Varanasi are available from Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho,
Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhuvaneshwar airports.
Rail - Varanasi and Mughal Sarai (one of the main railway
stations of Varanasi) are the important rail junctions,
with train connections to all major cities of India.
Some important trains are: Rajdhani Exp (Howrah - Mughal
Sarai - New Delhi); Toofan Exp (Howrah - Mughal Sarai
- Delhi); North East Superfast Exp (Delhi - Mughal Sarai
Guwahati) ; Magadh Exp (Delhi - Mughal Sarai Patna)
; Mahanagari Exp (Varanasi - Mumbai) ; Pawan Exp (Varanasi
- Mumbai) ; Sabarmati Exp (Varanasi - Ahmedabad); Ganga
Kaveri Exp (Varanasi - Chennai) ; Poorwa Exp (Howrah
- Varanasi - Delhi) Himgiri Exp (Jammu - Varanasi -
Howrah) ; Sealdah Exp (Varanasi - Jammu Tawi).
Road - Varanasi, on NH 2 from Kolkata to Delhi, NHZ
to Kanya Kumari and NH 29 to Gorakhpur is well connected
to the rest of the country by good motorable roads.
Some of the major road distances are : Agra - 565 km,
Allahabad - 128 km, Bhopal - 791 km, Bodhgaya - 240
km, Kanpur - 330 km, Khajuraho - 405 km, Lucknow - 286,
Patna - 246 km, Sarnath - 10 Km.
Accommodation
Hotel Taj Ganges, Nadesar Palace Grounds, Cantt. Ph
: (0542)2345100-118,
Hotel Varanasi Ashok ( ITDC) , The Mall, Cantt. Ph :
(0542)2346020 - 30
Hotel Clarks Varanasi, The Mall, Cantt. Ph : (0542)2348501-10
Hotel Hindustan International, C-12/3, Maldahia. Ph
: (0542)2351484-90
Hotel De Paris, The Mall, Cantt. Ph : (0542)2346601-8
Hotel Diamond, Bhelupur. Ph : (0542)2310696 - 700
Hotel ideal Tops, The Mall. Ph : (0542)2348091 - 92
Hotel Pallavi International, Hathwa Market, Chetganj.
Ph : (0542)2356939 - 43,
Hotel Ganges View, Assi Ghat. Ph : (0542)2313218
Hotel India, 59 Patel Nagar, Cantt. Ph : (0542)2342912,
Fax : (0542)234832
Hotel Malti, V.M Road Ph: (0542)2351395
Radiant YMCA Tourist Hostel, 28 A, Sampoornanand Nagar,
Mahmoorganj Sigra road. Ph : (0542) 2363928, E-mail
: radiantymca@hotmail.com
UP Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Bungalow, Parade Kothi, Opp. Cantt Railway
Station. Ph : (0542) 2208545, 2208413.
Fax: (0542) 2206638
Places of Interest
River Front (Ghats) - The great river banks at Varanasi,
built high with eighteenth and nineteenth-century pavilions
and palaces, temples and terraces, are lined with an
endless chain of stone steps - the ghats - progressing
along the whole of the waterfront, altering in appearance
with the dramatic seasonal fluctuations of the river
level. Each of the hundred ghats, big and small, is
marked by a lingam, and occupies its own special place
in the religious geography of the city. Some have crumbled
over the years; others continue to thrive, with early-morning
bathers, brahmin priests offering puja, and people practicing
meditation and yoga. Hindus regard the Ganges as amrita,
the elixir of life, which brings purity to the living
and salvation to the dead; skeptical outsiders tend
to focus on all-persuasive and extreme lack of hygiene.
Ashes to the dead, emissions from open drains and the
leftovers from religious rites float by the devout as
they go about their bathing and ceremonial cleansing.
For centuries, pilgrims have traced the perimeter of
the city by a ritual circumambulation, paying homage
to shrines on the way. Among the most popular routes
is the Panchatirthi Yatra, which takes in the Pancha,
(five) Trithi (crossing) of Asi, Dashashwamedha, Adi
Keshava, Panchganga and finally Manikarnika. To gain
merit or appease the gods, the devotee, accompanied
by a panda (priest), recites a sankalpa (statement of
intent) and performs a ritual at each stage of the journey.
For the casual visitor, however the easiest way to see
the city is to follow a south-north sequence either
by boat or on foot.
Asi Ghat to Kedara Ghat - At the clay-banked Asi Ghat,
the southernmost in the sacred city, at the confluence
of the Asi and the Ganges, pilgrims bathe prior to worshipping
at a huge lingam under a peepal tree. Another lingam
visited is that of Asisangameshvara, the "Lord
of the Confluence of the Asi", in a small marble
temple just off the ghat. Traditionally, pilgrims continued
to Lolarka Kund, the Trembling Sun", a rectangular
tank fifteen metres blow ground level, approached by
steep steps. Now almost abandoned, except during the
Lolarka Mela fair (Aug/Sept), when thousands come to
propitiate the gods and pray for the birth of a son,
Lolarka Kund is among Varanasi's earliest sites, one
of only two remaining Sun sites linked with the origins
of Hinduism. Equated with the twelve adityas or divisions
of the sun, which predate the great deities of Modern
Hinduism, it was attracting bathers in the days of the
Buddha. Much of the adjacent Tulsi Ghat - originally
Lolarka Ghat, but renamed in the honour of the poet
Tulsidas, who lived nearby in the sixteenth century
- has crumbled. Continuing north, above Shivala Ghat,
hanuman Ghat is the site of a new temple built by the
large south Indian community. Considered by many to
be the birthplace of the fifteenth-century Vaishnavite
saint Vallabha, who was instrumental in the resurgence
of the worship of Krishna.
Harishchandra Ghat - Named for the legendary king said
to have almost lost everything in a fit of self-abnegation,
Harishchandra Ghat, one of the Varanasi's two cremation
or burning ghats, is easily recognizable from the smoke
of its funeral pyres.
Kendra Ghat - Further north, the busy Kendra Ghat is
ignored by pilgrims on the Panchatirthi Yatra. Above
its steps, a red-and-white-striped temple houses the
Kedareshvara lingam, an outcrop of black rock shot through
with a vein of white. Mythologically related to Kedarnath
in the Himalayas, the ghat becomes a hive of activity
during the sacred month of Sravana (July/Aug), the month
of the rains.
Chauki Ghat to Chaumsathi Ghat - Northwards along the
river, Chauki Ghat is distinguished by an enormous tree
that shelters small stones shrines to the nagas, water-snake
deities, while at the unmistakable Dhobi (Laundrymen's)
Ghat clothes are still rhythmically pulverized in the
pursuit of purity. Past smaller ghats such as Mansarovar
Ghat, named after the holy lake in Tibet, and Narada
Ghat, honouring the divine musician and sage, lies Chaumsathi
Ghat, where impressive stone steps lead up to the small
temple of the Chaumsathi (64) Yoginis. Images of Kali
and Durga in its inner sanctum represent a stage in
the emergence of the great goddess as a single representation
of a number of female divinities. Overlooking the ghats
here is Peshwa Amrit Rao's majestic sandstone haveli
(mansion), built in 1807 and currently used for religious
ceremonies and occasionally, as an auditorium for concerts.
Dashashwamedha Ghat - Dashashwamedha Ghat, the second
and business of the five tirthas on the Panchatirthi
Yatra, lies past the plain, flat-roofed building that
house the shrine of Shitala. Extremely popular, even
in the rainy season when devotees have to wade to the
temple or take a boat, Shitala represents both both
benign and malevolent aspects - ease and succour as
well as disease, particularly smallpox. Dashashwamedha
is Varanasi's most popular and accessible bathing ghat,
with rows of pandas sitting on wooden platforms under
bamboo umbrellas, masseurs plying their trade and boatmen
jostling for custom. Its name, "ten horse sacrifices",
derives from a complex series of sacrifices performed
by Brahma to test King Divodasa: Shiva and Parvati were
sure the king's resolve would fail, and he would be
compelled to leave Kashi, thereby allowing them to return
to their city. However, the sacrifices were so perfect
that Brahma established the Brahmeshvara lingam here.
Since that time, Dashashwamedha has become one of the
most celebrated tirthas on earth, where pilgrims can
reap the benefits of the huge sacrifice merely by bathing.
Man Mandir Ghat to Lalita Ghat - Man Mandir Ghat is
known primarily for its magnificent eighteenth-century
observatory, equipped with ornate window casings, and
built for the Maharajah of Jaipur. Pilgrims pay homage
to the important lingam of Someshvara, the lord of the
moon, alongside, before crossing Tripurabhairavi Ghat
to Mir Ghat and the New Vishwanatha Temple, built by
conservative Brahmins who claimed that the main Vishwanatha
lingam was rendered impure when Harijans (untouchables)
entered the sanctum in 1956. Mir Ghat also has a shrine
to Vishalakshi, the Wide-Eyed Goddess, on an important
pitha - a site marking the place where various parts
of the disintegrating body of Shakti fell as it was
carried by the grief-stricken Shiva. Also here is the
Dharma Kupa, the Well of Dharma. Immediately to the
north is Lalita Ghat, renowned for its ganga Keshava
shrine to Vishnu and the Nepali Temple, a typical Kathmandu-style
wooden temple which houses an image of Pashupateshvara
- Shiva's manifestation at Pashupatinath, in the Kathmandu
Valley - and sports a small selection of erotic carvings.
Manikarnika Ghat - North of Lalita lies Varanasi's pre-eminent
cremation ground, Manikarnika Ghat. Such grounds are
usually held to be inauspicious, and located on the
fringes of cities, but the entire city of Shiva is regarded
as Mahashmashana, the Great Cremation Ground for the
corpse of the entire universe. The ghat is perpetually
crowded with funeral parties, as well as the Doms, its
Untouchable guardians, busy and pre-occupied with facilitating
final release for those lucky enough to pass away here.
Seeing bodies being cremated so publicly has always
exerted a great fascination for visitors to the city,
but photography is strictly taboo; even having a camera
visible may be constructed as intent, and provoke hostility.
Lying at the centre of the five tirthas, Manikarnika
Ghat symbolizes both creation and destruction, epitomized
by the juxtaposition of the sacred well of Manikarnika
Kund, said to have been dug by Vishnu at the time of
creation, and the hot, sandy ash-infused soil of cremation
grounds where time comes to an end. In Hindu mythology,
Manikarnika Kund predates the arrival of the Ganga and
has its source deep in the Himalayas. Vishnu carved
the kund with his discus, and filled it with perspiration
from his exertions in creating the world, at the behest
of Shiva. When Shiva quivered with delighted, his earning
fell into this pool, which as manikarnika - "Jewelled
Earring" - became the first tirthas in the world.
Every year, after the floodwaters of the river have
receded to leave the pool caked in alluvial deposits
the kund is re-dug. Its surroundings are cleaned and
painted with brightly coloured folk art, which depicts
the presiding goddess, Manikarnika Devi, inviting pilgrims
to bathe and worship at its small Vishnu shrine, and
at the paduka (footprint) of Vishnu set in marble on
the embankment of the ghat. The most important of the
lingams is the remains of Tarakeshvara, Shiva as Lord
of Taraka mantra, a "prayer of the crossing"
recited at death. Strictly speaking, Manikarnika is
the name given to the kund and to the ghat, while the
constantly busy cremation ground is Jalasi Ghat, dominated
by a dark smoke-stained temple built by Queen Ahalya
Bai Holkar of Indore in the eighteenth century.
Scindia Ghat - Bordering Manikarnika to the north is
the picturesque Scindia Ghat, with its titled Shiva
temple lying partially submerged in the river, having
fallen in as a result of the sheer weight of the ghat's
construction around 150 years ago. Above the ghat, several
of Kashi's most influential shrines are hidden within
the tight maze of alleyways of the area known as Siddha
Kshetra (the field of Fulfilment). Vireshvara, the Lord
of all Heroes, is especially propitiated in prayer for
a son; the Lord of Fire, Agni, was supposed to have
been born here.
Panchganga Ghat to Adi Keshva Ghat - Beyond Lakshmanbala
Ghat, with its commanding views of the river. Lies one
of the most dramatic and controversial ghats, Panchganga
Ghat, dominated by Varanasi's largest riverside building,
the great mosque of Alamgir, known locally as Beni Madhav-ka-Darera.
With its minarets now much shortened, the mosque stands
on the ruins of what must have been one of the city's
greatest temples, Bindu Madhava, a huge Vishnu temple
that extended from Panchganga to Rama Ghat before it
was destroyed by Aurangzeb and replaced by an impressive
mosque. Panchganga also bears testimony to more favourable
Hindu-Muslim relations, being the site of the initiation
of the medieval saint of the Sufi-Sant tradition, Kabir
, the son of a humble Muslim weaver who is venerated
by Hindus and Muslims alike. Along the river front lies
a curious array of three-sided cells, submerged during
the rainy season, some with lingams, others with images
of Vishnu, and some empty and used for meditation or
yoga. One of these is a shrine to the Five (panch) Rivers
(ganga), which, according to legend, have their confluence
here: the two symbolic rivulets of Dhutapapa (Cleansed
of Sin) and the Kirana (Sun's Ray), which join the mythical
confluence of the Yamuna and the Yamuna and the Sarasvati
with the Ganga. Above Trilochana Ghat, further north,
is the holy ancient lingam of the Three (tri) Eye (lochana)
Shiva. Beyond it, the river bypasses some of Varanasi's
oldest precincts, now predominantly Muslim in character;
the ghats themselves gradually become less impressive
and are usually of the kaccha (clay-banked) variety.
At Adi Keshava Ghat (the "Original Vishnu"),
on the outskirts of the city, the Varana flows into
the Ganga. Unapproachable during the rainy season, when
it is completely submerged, it marks the place where
Vishnu first landed as an emissary of Shiva, and stands
on the original site of the city before it spread southwards;
around Adi Keshva are a number of Ganesha shrine.
Vishwanatha Khanda - the Old City at the heart of Varanasi,
between Dashashwamedha Ghat and Godaulia to the south
and west and Manikarnika Ghat on the river to the north,
lies Vishwanatha Khanda, sometimes referred to as the
Old City. The whole area rewards exploration, with numerous
shrines and lingams tucked into every corner, and buzzing
with the activity of pilgrims, pandas and stalls selling
offerings to the faithful. Approached through a maze
of narrow alleys and the Vishwanatha Gali (or Lane),
the temple complex of Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara, the
"Lord of All", is popularly known as the Golden
Temple, due to the massive gold plating on its shikhara
(spire). Inside the compound - which is hidden behind
a wall, and entered through an unassuming doorway -
is one of India's most important Shiva lingams, made
of smooth black stone and seated in a solid silver plinth,
as well as shrines to the wrathful protectors Mahakala
and Dandapani, and the lingam of Avimukteshvara, the
Lord of the unforsaken, which predates Vishwanatha and
once held much greater significance. The current temple
was built in 1777 by Queen Ahalya Bai Holkar of Indore,
and is closed to non-Hindus, who have to make do with
glimpses from adjacent buildings. Vishwanatha's history
has been fraught with sacking by successive Muslim rulers;
the temple was repeatedly rebuilt, until the grand edifice
begun in 1585 by Todar Mal, a courtier of the tolerant
Mughal Akbar, was finally destroyed by Aurangzeb. On
its foundations, guarded by armed police to protect
it from Hindu fanatics, stands the Jnana Vapi Mosque,
also known as the Great Mosque of Aurangzeb. Its simple
white domes tower over the Jnana Vapi (Wisdom Well),
immediately north, housed in an open arcaded hall built
in 1828, where Shiva cooled his lingam after the construction
of Vishwanatha. Covered by a gate to prevent people
jumping in, in search of instant moksha, and covered
with a cloth to stop coins being thrown in, only the
presiding Brahmins have access to its waters, considered
to be liquid knowledge. Pilgrims offer their sankalpa
or statement of intent here, before commencing the Panchatirthi
Yatra. Slightly north, across the main road, the thirteenth-century
Razia's Mosque stands atop the ruins of a still earlier
Vishwanatha temple, destroyed under the Sultanate. Close
by, the temple of Annapurna Bhavani is dedicated to
the supreme Shakti ("She, the Being of Plenteous
Food"), the queen and divine mother also known
in this benevolent form as Mother of the Three Worlds.
As the provider of sustenance, she carries a cooking
pot rather than the fearsome weapons borne by her horrific
forms Durga and Kali a subsidiary shrine opened only
three days a year houses a solid gold image of Annapurna.
Nearby is a stunning image, faced in silver against
a black surround, of Shani or Saturn. Anyone whose fortunes
fall under his shadow is stricken with bad luck - a
fate devotees try to escape by worshipping here on Saturdays.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Also known as the Golden
Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding
deity of the city. Varanasi is said to be the point
at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of
light by which Shiva manifested his supremacy over other
gods, broke through the earth's crust and flared towards
the heavens. More than the Ghats and even the Ganga,
the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional
focus of Varanasi. Entry restricted for foreigners.
Excursion
Sarnath
Chunar - 40 Km. Chunar has an immense fort overlooking
the Ganga. This place has been the scene of battles
since 1540, when Sher Shah took it from Humayun. Akbar
recaptured it in 1575. In the mid - 18th century it
was appropriated by Awadh and subsequently, the British.
The fort has a sun - dial and a huge well, and affords
a splendid view of the Ganga.
Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary - 70 km from Varanasi
are the forests of Chandraprabha, within which are the
Rajdari and Deodari Waterfalls. A beautiful secluded
spot for a picnic.
Vindhyachal - 75 km. The famous temple of Vindhyavasini
Devi, Ashtabhuja Devi and Kalikhoh are the major attractions.
Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary - 130 km. Spread over an
area of 500 sq. km, the sanctuary has a variety of wildlife.
The Mukha waterfall is a tourist attraction. Other Excursions
include Jaunpur ( 58 km, See Index), Allahabad (128
km, see Index) and the Vindham and Chachai falls.
Brajbhoomi
The land where Lord Krishna was born and spent his
youth, has today little towns and hamlets that are still
alive with the Krishna- legend and still redolent with
the music of his flute. Mathura, a quiet town on the
River Yamuna was transformed into a place of faith after
Lord Krishna was born here. Vrindavan, a village - once
noted for its fragrant groves, is where he spent an
eventful youth. There are numerous other little spots
in the area that still reverberate with the enchantment
of Lord Krishna.
The city of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus
of Brajbhoomi, is located at a distance of 145 km south-
east of Delhi and 58 km northwest of Agra. Covering
an area of about 3,800 sq. km. today, Brajbhoomi can
be divided into two distinct units - the eastern part
in the trans-Yamuna tract with places like Gokul, Mahavan,
Baldeo, Mat and Bajna and the western side of the Yamuna
covering the Mathura region that encompasses Vrindavan,
Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar, Barsana and Nandgaon.
The land of Braj starts from Kotban near Hodal about
95 km from Delhi and ends at Runakta, which is known
specially for its association with the great poet Surdas,
an ardent Krishna devotee.
The embodiment of love - Revered as the most endearing
of the Hindu gods, Shri Krishna is fondly remembered
for His charm, His mischievous pranks and His extraordinary
exploits. As the charioteer and preceptor to Arjun in
the famous battle of Kurukshetra, he revealed to the
world the supreme truths of life. Shri Krishna, an incarnation
of Lord Vishnu, was born in the Dwapara Yuga as the
eighth son of the Yadava prince Vasudev and his wife
Devaki. To save him from his maternal uncle Kansa's
wrath, the infant Krishna was spirited away soon after
birth to Gokul, the village of the Gopas (cowherds)
in Braj. It was here that he grew to manhood, in the
tender care of his foster parents Nand and Yashoda in
the happy company of the cowherds.
Baldeo
Baldeo is 20 km south-east of Mathura and 8.5 km south
- east of Mahavan on the road to Sadabad. It derives
its name from the famous temple dedicated to Balram,
the elder brother of Lord Krishna. It was built by Shyam
Das of Delhi 200 years ago. The main image in the sanctum
is that the Baldeo or Balram with his spouse Revati.
Near by is the brick lined tank, the Khir Sagar or Balbhadra
Kund, from where the original image housed in the temple
was found.
Barsana
Barsana, 50 km from Mathura and 19 km from Govardhan,
is situated at the foot of a hill that is named after
Brahma. Barsana was once the home of Radha-Rani, Krishna's
beloved and consort. Temples dedicated to the divine
couple ornament the four elevations of the hill. The
main among them is the Radha-Rani Temple, more fondly
referred to as the Ladliji Temple. The most beautiful
temple at Barsana, it was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju
Deo of Orchha in 1675. The new marble temple adjoining
it is a later addition. The other three shrines are
the Man Mandir, Dargah and Mor-Kutir temples. The area
between the hill housing the Radha-Rani Temple and the
adjoining one is known as the Sankari-Khor. This is
the venue of the annual fair held in the month of Bhadon
(July-August).
The birth anniversary of Radha-Rani is celebrated on
the ninth day of the bright half of Bhadrapad (July-August)
at the Mor-Kutir Temple which was built about 300 years
ago. Women celebrate the occasion by giving laddus to
the peacocks - to symbolize the serving of sweets by
Radha to Lord Krishna.
Some of the ancient tanks also survive which can be
seen, the Prem Sarovar, Roop Sagar, Jal Mahal and the
Bhanokhar Tank.
Barsana is also famous for its 'Latthmar' Holi-celebration
of the festival of colour that is unique to this town.
Accommodation
Tourist Bungalow : Barsana
Gokul
The most celebrated of Shri Krishna's abode, Gokul
lies to the west of Sadabad, 1.6 km from Mahavan and
15 km south-east of Mathura, on the Mathura - Etah metalled
road. It was here that Yashoda brought up Lord Krishna
in secrecy, in the pastoral beauty of this village on
the banks of the Yamuna. Gokul attained importance during
the time of Vallabhacharya (1479-1531) when it became
a major centre of the Bhakti cult. The three oldest
temples in the place are those dedicated to Gokulnath,
Madan Mohan and Vitthalnath, said to have been built
around 1511. The other temples include those of Dwarika
Nath and Balkrishna in the shrines which were built
in the honour of Lord Mahadeo in 1602 by Raja Vijai
Singh of Jodhpur.
The celebration of Janmashtami in August is unparalleled
for its gaiety and melas are constant attraction here.
Other festivities celebrated with traditional fervour
include the Janmotsav in Bhadon, the Annakut festival
and Trinavat Mela held on the fourth day of the dark
half of Kartik month.
Important sites worth visiting in Gokul include the
Gokulnath Temple, Raja Thakur Temple, Gopal Lalji Temple
and the Morwala Temple.
Accommodation
Tourist Bungalow, Gokul Gaon.
Govardhan
Govardhan is situated 26 km west of Mathura on the
state highway to Deeg. A famous place of Hindu pilgrimage,
Govardhan is located on a narrow sandstone hill known
as Giriraj, which is about 8 km in length. The young
Lord Krishna is said to have held Giriraj up on the
tip of a finger for 7 days and nights to shield the
people of Braj from the deluge of rain sent down by
Lord Indra.
Govardhan is set along the edge of a large masonry
tank known as the Mansi Ganga, which is believed to
have been brought into existence by the operation of
the divine will. Its enclosures were built by Raja Bhagwan
Das of Amer in 1637 and embellished by Raja Man Singh,
who built a long flight of steps leading up, from the
end of the tank. Close by is the famous red sandstone
temple of Haridev and the Kusum Sarovar with exquisitely
carved chhatris - the cenotaphs of the members of the
royal family of Bharatpur, who perished whilst fighting
against the British in 1825. Towards the south is the
beautiful chhatri of Raja Surajmal of Bharatpur. Fine
frescoes - illuminating the life of Surajmal, vividly
depict darbar and hunting scenes, royal processions
and wars.
Accommodation
Tourist Bungalow, Radha Kund
Mahavan
Around 18 km from Mathura, lying on the left bank
of the River Yamuna, is the large shrine of Mathuranath.
It is famed for its Chaurasi Khambha (eighty four pillars).
The palace of Rohini, the mother of Baldeo is now the
Chhathi-Palana Temple. Other important shrines include,
the Shymlalji Temple, the Yogmaya Temple, Tranairatri
Temple and the Mahamall Rai Ji's palace.
Mathura
A long line of picturesque ghats - with their steps
leading to the water's edge, arched gateways and temple
spires extending along the right bank of the River Yamuna,
emphasis the sacred character of the town of Mathura.
The birthplace of Lord Krishna, "the best known,
best loved and most complex of Lord Vishnu's manifestations"
- Mathura is today an important place of pilgrimage.
The city stretches along the right bank of the Yamuna
and the continuous line of ghats along the river makes
a splendid spectacle when viewed from the opposite bank.
Today, Mathura is a city of temples and shrines bustling
with the thousands of devotees who come to visit the
city of Lord Krishna. A splendid temple at the Katra
Keshav Dev marks the spot that is believed to be the
Shri Krishna Janmasthan - the birthplace of the Lord,
by his devotees. Another beautiful shrine, the Gita
Mandir, located on the Mathura -Vrindavan Road has a
fine image of Shri Krishna in its sanctum. The whole
of the Bhagwad Gita is inscribed on the walls of this
temple.
The most popular shrine at Mathura is the Dwarikadhish
Temple to the north of the town, dedicated to Shri Krishna.
This was built in 1815 by a staunch and wealthy devotee,
Seth Gokuldas Parikh, Treasurer of the State of Gwalior.
There are about 25 ghats in Mathura today, of which
the most important is the Vishram Ghat. Where according
to legend, Shri Krishna took his rest after killing
Kansa. It is at Vishram Ghat that the traditional parikrama
(circumbulation of all the important religious and cultural
places of the city) starts and ends. The 12 ghats to
the north of Vishram Ghat include the Ganesh Ghat, Dashashwamedh
Ghat with its Neelakantheshwar Temple, Saraswati Sangam
Ghat, Chakratirtha Ghat, Krishnaganga Ghat, Somatirth
or Swami Ghat, Ghantagharan Ghat, Dharapattan Ghat,
Vaikuntha Ghat, Navtirtha or Varahkshetra Ghat, Asikunda
ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. To the south, there are 11
ghats - the Guptatirth Ghat, Prayag Ghat marked by the
Veni Madhav Temple, Shyam Ghat, Ram Ghat, Kankhal Ghat,
the site of the Janmashtami and Jhula festivals, Dhruva
ghat, Saptrishi Ghat, Mokshatirth Ghat, Surya Ghat,
Ravan Koti Ghat and Buddha Ghat.
The Vishram Ghat is lined with elegant temples and
some of Mathura's most important shrines are found here
- the Mukut Temple, Radha-Damodar, Murli Manohar, Neelkantheshwar,
Yamuna-Krishna, Langali Hanuman and Narasimha temples.
The baithak of the great Vaishnava Saint, Shri Chaitanya,
is also near by. The aarti held at the Vishram Ghat
each evening is not to be missed, for the little oil
lamps that are floated on the river set the placid water
as sparkle with myriad flickering lights.
No pilgrimage to Mathura is complete without a visit
to its kunds (ponds). Legend has it that there were
159 ancient kunds in all. Of these only four survive
and can be seen. There is the elegant Shiv Tal, the
more famous Potara Kund associated closely with Lord
Krishna besides the Balbhadra and Saraswati kunds.
The town has a number of Shaivite temples as wel. The
chief among them being the Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple
to the west of the town, the Gokarneshwar Temple in
the north, the Rangeshwar. Mahadev Temple to the south
and the Pipaleshwar Mahadev Temple to the east.
General Information
Area : 3,780 sq. km. (Mathura District)
Population (urban) : 4,55,251 (1991 census)
Altitude above sea level : 187 metres
Season Max Min
Summer 45O C 22O C
Winter 32O C 14O C
Rainfall : 65 cms (June to September)
Clothing
Summer - Cottons
Winter - Light woollens
Languages : Hindi, Brajbhasha and English
Access
Air - Nearest airport is Kheria (Agra), 62 km
Rail - Mathura is on the main lines of the Central
and Western Railways and is connected with all the important
cities of the state and country such as Delhi, Agra,
Mumbai, Jaipur, Gwalior, Calcutta, Hydrabad, Chennai,
Lucknow etc.
Road - Mathura is connected to all the major cities,
by National Highways. It is linked by the regular state
bus services of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan
and Haryana.
Local Transport - Private buses, Tempos, Rickshaws,
Cycle Rickshaws and Tongas are also available.
Accommodation
Hotel Madhuvan, Krishna Nagar, Ph : (0565)2420064,2420058,
Fax : 2420684
Best Western Radha Ashok, Masani By Pass Road, Chhatikara,
Ph : (0565)2420064
Hotel Mansarovar Palace, State Bank Crossing, Ph : (0565)2408686,
2406525.
Agra Hotel, Bengali Ghat Ph : 2403318
Dwapar Resorts, 162 milestone, NH-2, Delhi-Agra Road,
Ph : 2842103, 2842092
Hotel Megh Raj, Roshan Bazar, Tilak Dwar, Ph : (0565)2406162
Modern Hotel, Opp Old Bus Stand, Ph : (0565)2404747
Hotel Braj Vihar, Tilak Bazar, Ph : (0565)2404209
Hotel Raj Mahal, Agra Road, Holi Gate, Ph : (0565)2406598
Hotel Sanjay Palace, Arya Samaj Road, Holi Gate, Ph
: (0565)2407867
Hotel Sanjay Palace, Arya Samaj Road, Holi Gate, Ph
: (0565)2407867
Hotel Surya International, Near Bus Stand, Station Road,
Ph : (0565)2409344
Mangalam Tourist Lodge, Dampier Nagar, Ph : (0565)2405965
Hotel Satyam, Masani Road, Near Janam Bhumi, Ph : (0565)2406767
International Guest House, Krishna Janam Bhumi, Ph :
(0565)2405888
Rukmani Cottage, Dwarikadhish Temple, Ph : (0565)2404200
Orphic Resorts Country Inn, Kosi Kalan (Mathura) Ph
: 05662-232945
UPSTDC, Hotel Kadamb, Civil Lines, Ph : (0565)2407822
Krishna Lodge, Station Road
Places of Interest
Lying on the northern bank of the River Yamuna is the
Kans Qila, now mostly in ruins. An observatory, akin
to the Jantar Mantar at Delhi, was built here at a later
date by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh (1699-1743) of Amer.
Sati Burj, 17 mt. high, built of red sandstone in 1570
AD, is a slim tower which commemorates the death of
a noble lady - widow of Raja Bihari Mal of Amer who
committed sati. The four storeyed tower was erected
by Raja Bhagwan Das on the right bank of the Yamuna
at Sati Ghat.
The Jama Masjid with its four lofty minarets and bright
mosaic, built in 1661 AD, is also a must see.
The Government Museum, Mathura originally founded by
F.S. Growse in 1874, is today one of the leading centres
for research, study and the preservation of Mathura'
s splendid heritage of art. The museum housed in a fine
octagonal, red sandstone building, located at Dampier
Park, has the largest collection of Kushana sculptures
in the country. The Museum has also fine collections
of stone sculpture and terracotta, gold, silver and
copper coins, clay seals, ancient pottery, paintings
and bronzes.
Braj Parikrama - The Rainy month of Bhadon, the month
when the Lord Krishna was born, is a time of colourful
celebrations. The famous Braj Parikrama - a pilgrimage
of all the places in Braj that associated with Shri
Krishna, is undertaken. Traditionally, the Chaurasi
kos (84 kos) pilgrimage of Braj Mandal, with its 12
vanas (forests). 24 upvanas (groves), sacred hill Govardhan,
divine River Yamuna and numerous holy places along its
banks, is undertaken annually by lakhs of devotees from
all over the country. The Yatra extends to Kotban to
the north of Mathura, to Nandgaon, Barsana and the Govardhan
Hill to the west and South-west of the city and to the
a banks of the Yamuna to the east, where the Baldeo
Temple is located. Colourful melas and performances
of the Raaslila (a depiction of the exploits of Shri
Krishna) are distinctive to this festive period.
Nandgoan
Nandgaon lies 8.5 km north of Barsana on the metalled
road to Mathura (56 km). According to tradition, it
was the home of Shri Krishna's foster father, Nand.
On the top of the hill is the spacious temple of Nand
Rai, built by the Jat ruler Roop Singh. The other temples
here are dedicated to Narsingha, Gophinath, Nritya Gopal,
Girdhari, Nand Nandan and Yashoda Nandan, which is,
located half way up the hill. A little beyond is the
Pan Sarovar, a large lake with masonry ghats along its
sides. Legend has it, that this was the place where
Shri Krishna used to take his cows for water. Not far
away is the Kadamb grove called Udhoji - Ka- Kyar.
Radhakund
Just 5 km north of Govardhan and 26 km west of Mathura,
Radhakund is a large lake, where Shri Krishna is said
to have killed Arista - the bull demon. To commemorate
this event, every year on the 8th day of the dark half
of the month of Kartik (Oct./Nov.), a large fair is
held here.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan, just 15 km from Mathura, is another major
place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous temples
- both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the
playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna.
This is the wood where he frolicked with the gopis and
tenderly wooed Radha.
Temples
Vrindavan today, is noted for its numerous temples.
The most important are :
The Madan Mohan Temple located near the Kali Ghat which
was built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. This is the oldest
existent temple in Vrindavan today. The temple is closely
associated with the saint Chaitanya. The original idol
of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to Karauli
in Rajasthan for safe keeping, during Aurangzeb's rule.
Today, replica of the image is worshipped at the temple.
The Banke Bihari Temple built in 1864 is the most popular
shrine at Vrindavan. The image of Banke Bihari was discovered
in Nidhi Vana by Swami Haridas Ji, the great Krishna
devotee, belonging to the Nimbarka sect.
The famous Radha Vallabh Temple set up by the Radha-Vallabh
sect, has the crown of Radha-Rani placed next to the
Shri Krishna idol in the sanctum.
The Jaipur Temple which was built by Sawai Madhav Singh,
the Maharaja of Jaipur in 1917, is a richly embellished
and opulent temple. The fine hand - carved sandstone
is of unparalleled workmanship. The temple is dedicated
to Shri Radha-Madhav.
The Shahji Temple, another popular temple at Vrindavan,
was designed and built in 1876 by a wealthy jeweller,
Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow. The deities at the temple
are popularly known as the Chhote Radha Raman. Noted
for its magnificent architecture and beautiful marble
sculpture, the temple has twelve spiral columns each
15 feet high. The 'Basanti Kamra' - the darbar hall
is famed for its Belgian glass chandeliers and fine
paintings.
The Rangaji Temple, built in 1851, is dedicated to
Lord Ranganatha or Rangaji depicted as Lord Vishnu in
his Sheshashayi pose, resting on the coils of the sacred
Shesha-nag. The temple built in the Dravidian style
has a tall gopuram (gateway) of six storeys and a gold
plated Dhwaja Stambha, 50 feet high. A water tank and
a picturesque garden lie within the temple enclosure.
The annual festival of Jal Vihar of the presiding deity
is performed with great pomp and splendour at the tank.
The temple is also famous for its 'Brahmotsav' celebration
in March-April, more popularly known as the 'Rath ka
Mela'. The ten-day long celebrations are marked by the
pulling of the rath (the chariot car) by the devotees
from the temple to the adjoining gardens.
The Govind Deo Temple was once a magnificent seven
storeyed structure built in the form of a Greek cross.
It is said that the Emperor Akbar donated some of the
red sandstone that had been brought for the Red Fort
at Agra, for the construction of this temple. Built
at the astronomical cost of one Crore rupees in 1590
by his general Man Singh, the temple combines western,
Hindu and Muslim architectural elements in its structure.
The Shri Krishna-Balram Temple built by the International
Society for Shri Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is
one the most beautiful temples in Vrindavan today. The
principal deities of this temple are Shri Krishna -
Balram and Shri Radha - Shyam Sundar. Adjoining the
temple is the samadhi of Shri Prabhupada, the founder
of the ISKCON sect, built in pure white marble.
Other Places of Interest include the Sriji Temple,
Jugal Kishore Temple, Kesi Ghat, Lal Babu Temple, Raj
Ghat, Meera Bai Temple, Imli Tal, Kaliya Ghat, Raman
Reti, Varah Ghat and Chir Ghat.
The Seva Kunj is where Lord Krishna once performed
the Raaslila with Radha Rani and the Gopis and Nidhi
Van where the divine couple rested. The samadhi of Swami
Haridasji is situated here.
Accommodation
International Rest House, Shri Krishna-Balram Temple,
Raman Reti, Ph : (0565)2442478
Jaipuria Smriti Bhavan, Govardhan Darwaza, Ph : 2442388
Yatrika, Near Municipal Committee
Jeevan Vallabh Yatri Niwas, Biharipura
More Bhavan, Govardhan Darwaza
Manorama Goyanka Guest House, Ph : (0565)2442493
Geet Govind Tourist Complex, Nandanvan, Ph : (0565)2442517
Sri Ram Vishanti Grah, Ph : (0565)2442833
Govind Mohan Guest House, Ph : (0565)2442456
Meera Mohan Guest House, Ph ; (0565)2442233
Bharati Guest House
Sri Banke Bihari Guest House, Ph : (0565)2443529, 2443530
Dharmashalas : In Vrindavan there are nearly 200 dharmashalas,
many of which are run by trusts.
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