Uttar Pradesh

उत्तर प्रदेश
The most heavily populated state in India, Uttar Pradesh can geographically be divided into three regions- the mountainous region crisscrossed by the Himalayas and the Shiwalik mountain ranges, the plains where the Ganga and Yamuna have carved out what is called the Gangetic Plain and the fringe of rough and stony land area where the state meets the Deccan Plateau. Uttar Pradesh is one of the most ancient regions in India; it was here that the first Aryans had made their home calling it Aryavarta. Most tourist spots especially those with religious significance revolve around the Ganga. Situated at the foot of the Shiwalik range, on the right bank of the Ganga lies Haridwar, which is sacred to the Hindus. The most famous bathing ghat (area selectively used for bathing in the river) is Har-ki-Pauri (the foot of God). Hardwar is also one of the four venues of the famous Kumbh Mela, which is held in rotation once every twelve years. Another popular destination is Benaras or Varanasi. It is located on a crescent like curve of the Ganga and has eighteen ghats where throngs of people pay their homage. The piece-de-resistance of Uttar Pradesh is of course the Taj Mahal located at Agra, eulogized by poets down the ages; the Taj is truly a wonder in marble and a glorious picture in the moonlight.