Arts & Culture Tours in Uttar Pradesh

One of the oldest, richest, and holiest shrines of India is located in the sacred city of Varanasi and is known as Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Named Kashi, due to the ancient name of Varanasi, the glorious temple commemorates the mighty Lord Shiva and is a part of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Thousands of devotees travel from miles away to witness its soothing spiritual ambiance and seek blessings from their god. Sun glistens on the towering spires and domes made out of pure gold. As you walk through the gates, you can hear the soft rushing sounds of river Ganges nearby. Miniature shrines of various Hindu deities encircle the main hall of Sabha Griha. And at the heart of this hall, standing on a silver platform is the magnificent brown stoned effigy of Lord Shiva. Having braved the ravages of cultural wars, this temple has been demolished and reconstructed many times. Hence, this temple is not only an eminent pilgrimage site but also a prominent historical landmark.Distance from Varanasi: 5.3 kmBest Time to Visit: Shivratri and Rangabhari Ekadashi

The meeting point or the confluence of three of the most important rivers in the Hindu religion, Triveni Sangam, is a holy place located in Allahabad. It is one of the most popular and sacred places to visit in Allahabad, and is often a host to some of the most important fairs and festivals of the religion.The rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarawati meet at the Sangam. Due to the popularity of the region, the entire city of Allahabad is also sometimes referred to as Sangam. Every 12 years, an incredibly auspicious festival called the Kumbh Mela is organized at this location, while every six years, the Ardh Kumbh is hosted here.Both of these festivals see a massive influx of tourists and locals to the Sangam. Hindus take a dip at the place where the rivers meet, believing that touching the holy water washes away the sins of all births. The Sangam can be easily identified by the varying colors of the Ganges and the Yamuna river, the latter of which has slightly greenish water.

Formerly a burial complex near the Allahabad junction railway station, Khusro Bagh is currently a walled garden typical of the Mughal construction. Khusro Bagh has three brilliantly designed sandstone mausoleums paying tribute to Mughal royals, including Shah Begum, Khusrau Mirza, and Nithar Begum, all of whom were related to Akbar’s son Jahangir. Shah Begum’s tomb is designed in a similar style to Fatehpur Sikri with a three-tiered design. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in prayagraj. Chhatris, arabesque inscriptions, and traditional Mughal motifs dot all of the three mausoleums. The domed roofs also feature elaborate calligraphy by some of the ruler’s best calligraphers. Khusro Bagh is an important site to visit if you want to learn more about the Mughal history of India, particularly that associated with the ancient Prayagraj.Location: Lukarganj, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211016Timings: 6 AM to 9:30 PM