Uttar Pradesh is the most populous and fifth largest state in the Republic of India with a population exceeding that of France, Germany and the netherlands combined, it is the most populous sub – national division in the world. Uttar Pradesh is also possibly the state with the largest number of million-plus cities. Uttar Pradesh is the rainbow land where the multi –hued indian Culture has bloossomed from times immemorial. Blessed with a varaity of geographical land and many cultural diversities, Uttar Pradesh, has been the area of activity of historical heroes like – Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira, Ashoka, harsha, Akbar and Mahatma Gandhi. Rich and tranquil expanses of meadows, perennial rivers, dense forestsand fertile soil of Uttar Pradesh have contributed numerous golden chapters to the annals of Indian History. Dotted with verious holy shrines and piligrim places, full of joyous festivals, it plays an important role in the politics, education, culture, industry, agriculture and tourism of India.

Agra is believed to be the dwelling places of Aryans. A rich civilization flourished in the city somewhat close to 2nd century B.C. It has been referred as 'Arya Griha' or the abode of Aryans. The earliest accounts of Agra can be found in the epic Mahabharatha. The city has been referred as ‘Agravana’, which used to be a part of Surasena Empire. History seems to have lost it until its rediscovery by the Mughals. The important tourist places in Agra are those wherein the forts and tombs of mughal kings stand. Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, Chini Ka Rauza, etc, are prime places of interest.

Aligarh is the district headquarters. Formerly known as Koil, this was the site of an important fort. The ancient city of Koil has traces of Buddhist and Hindu temples of great antiquity. A famous Muslim University, fort and mosque are located here. The place is of historic importance as the Aligarh movement for the betterment of the community caught in difficulties after the 1857 Revolt was started here by the Muslim leaders. It is also an important centre for handicrafts and metalware, especially locks.

The city of Allahabad is among the lorgest cities of Uttar Pradesh and situated at the confluence of three rivers – Gana, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati. The meeting point is known as Triveni and is especially sacred to Hindus. The earlier settlements of the Aryans were established in this city, then known as Prayag” Prayagasya Praveshshu papam Nashwati Tatkshanam. All sins are cleaned with enty in Prayag (the ancient name of modern time Allahabad) Prayag is one of the historic and mythological cities of India with glorious past and present. It continues to enjoy the distinction of being a place of haunting and lasting meories. It is a city of mixed clulture of Hindu, Muslims, Jains and Christans.

The district Gorakhpur takes its name and fame from renowned, ascetic 'Gorakshnath', who was an eminent profounder saint of 'Nath Sampradaya'. A famous shrine 'Gorakhnath' was built in his honour on the same spot where he practised austerities. The ancient Gorakhpur, in addition to modern, comprised the districts of Basti, Deoria, Azamgarh and parts of Nepal tarai. This region, which may be called as Gorakhpur Janpad, had been an important centre of Aryan culture and civilization.

Jhansi, 105 km south of Gwalior, is actually just across the border in Uttar Pradesh, but for convenience we have included it here. Jhansi has played a major role in Indian history, and convenient transit point for Khajuraho, and increasingly for Orchha, only 18 Km away. The last of a string of rajas died in 1853 and the Rani Lakshmibai was forcibly retired by the British. The rani fled to Gwalior and, in a valiant last stand, she rode out against British, disguised as a man, and was killed.

Lucknow, one of the finest cities of India, is still dipped into the heritage of Indo-Persian culture that flourished in this part of the world centuries back. This is the place where Urdu literature attained its ultimate refinement and grace of Kathak dance blossomed. Be it the melody of Hindustani classical music or the recitation of Urdu poetry or even the foot tapping of Kathak dancer, the ambience of Lucknow is always filled with the touch of class and art.

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 north-west 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.

Meerut situated between Ganga and Jamuna, close to the imperial capital, Meerut Distt. has been a centre of varied activities throughout the course of history. The fertility of the soil, its temperate climate and its proximity to Delhi bestowed orderly progress in the times of peace and wrought bloody upheavals in times of political commotions. Inhabited by sturdy Tyagis, Rajputs, Vaishyas, Jats, Gujjars, etc. - all of who have contributed towards its progress by either agricultural skill, enterprise and sweat, the people of Meerut faced the onslaught of Qutub-ud-din and Timur with courage and tenacity.

Sultanpur is a district in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. The district is a part of Faizabad Division. It's administrative head is Sultanpur. It has an area of 1713 sq. rn. The surface is generally level, being broken only by ravines in the neighborhood of the rivers. The central portion is highly cultivated, while in the south are widespread arid plains and swampy jhils or marshes. The principal river is the Gomti River, which passes through the centre of the district and affords a valuable highway for commerce.

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.