The boundaries of the modern state of Uttar Pradesh date only from the late 19th century when the British created the United Provinces from the former princedom of Oudh, or Awadh, and the British province of Agra. Renamed Uttar Pradesh after the Independence in 1947, partially to retain the familiar UP abbreviation, Uttar means north, and Pradesh means state or region. The earliest recorded name of Uttar Pradesh is Aryavarta, or the abode of the Aryans. Other ancient names for the region were the Brahma Fishi Deshi, the land of sages and saints, and the Madhya Desh, the midlands.

Uttar Pradesh has three distinct geographical regions. In the north lies the rugged Himalayan region. The middle Gangetic plain is a fertile land of rich soil, well watered by many rivers and lakes. To the south lie the Vindhya Hills, a varied land of rocky hills and valleys with limited available water. The main rivers are the Ganga and the Yamuna, the largest tributary of the Ganga. The climate is tropical, with summer temperatures from March to June reaching a maximum of 45C (113F) and a minimum of 5C (40F) in the winter months, November to February. The monsoon season runs from June to October, producing an annual rainfall of 40-80 inches in a year in the east to 24-40 inches in the west.

Uttar Pradesh has always been an agricultural center and today is the largest producer of food grains and livestock in India. The main modern crops are potatoes, sugarcane, wheat, groundnuts, molasses, sugar and tobacco. Natural resources include copper, coal, limestone, bauxite, silica and phosphorite.

Uttar Pradesh has long been renowned for its arts and crafts, particular regions having their own specialties. Bhadohi and Mirzapur are known for carpet weaving, Moradabad for metal enameling, Varanasi for brocades and brassware, Nagina for ebony work, and Lucknow for chikan, a type of embroidery.

The era saw the advent and conquest of British in Uttar Pradesh. The Mogul rule started weakening and was later confined to the Doab region. Other martial tribes ruled the rest of the areas viz. Oudh was ruled by the Shiite Nawabs, Rohilkhand by Afghans, Bundelkhand by the Marathas and Benaras by its own king, while Nepal controlled Kumaon and Gadhwal. The 'Divani' of Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Oudh later passed to British. It happened in the year 1764 when the British East India Company forces, in the historic Battle of Buxar, trounced the combined army of Nawab Suja-ud-Daula, Mir Kasim and Mogul Emperor Shah Alam. The state was also the epicenter of the Sepoy revolt of 1857. Some of the major protagonist of that mutiny namely Nana Saheb, Tantya Tope, Rani of Jhansi, Maharaja of Benaras and Begum Hazrat Mahal were the resident of Uttar Pradesh. A Sepoy named Mangal Pandey is said to have initiated this revolt in Uttar Pradesh when he opened fired on a British Sergeant in the Merrut Cantonment.

The middle of 1st millennium B.C saw the advent of Lord Buddha and Buddhism. Sarnath near Varanasi has the pride of becoming the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. In that period, Uttar Pradesh was ruled by Magadh dynasty. In due course it passed do Nanda dynasty and then to Mauryan who toppled Nanda. In the post-Christ era, Kannauj became the center of power. Various rulers ruled from this city but it was during the reign of Harshavardhana that the city raised to its pinnacle.

Major Tourist Attractions of Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal -
Situated in Agra, the monument is famous all over the world. Built between the 1631 and 1654 A.D. the monument is one of the seven wonders of the world. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal stands as the symbol of eternal love for many centuries. The architecture of Taj Mahal is based on Mughal architecture, a combination of Indian and Persian architectures. The elements of designing have been repeated consistently all through the Taj complex. The tombs and outside buildings of the Taj depicts a unique balance of unifying design.

Agra Tour -
Agra also called as the 'City of Taj' is situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city situated on the bank of Yamuna river is home to two World Heritage Sites namely the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Agra is considered hopelessly romantic, because of the romantic history of Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort -
The fort designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated close to Taj Mahal. It was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Also called as the Red Fort of Agra, the fort houses beautiful Jehangir Palace, the Khas Mahal, Audience hall (Diwan-i-Khas) and Sheesh Mahal (The Glass Palace).

Red Fort Varanasi -
Varanasi or Benaras is one of the oldest living cities of the world. The holy city of Hindus is visited by thousands of pilgrims. Varanasi a city of traditional classical cluture, is famous for its Ghats (steps along the river). The pilgrims throng the city to rake a dip in the holy Ganges Rivers. The city has many temples, shrines, ashrams and pavilions along the bank of the river Ganga. Varanasi is also famous for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. The Banarasi Silk Saris and Silk broacades of the city are famous all over the world.

Allahabad -
Allahabad or Prayag 128 Kms from Varanasi, is situated at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati. According to the Hindu mythology, the city has the status of 'Tirth Raj' or the king of all pilgrimage centres. One of the oldest cities of India Allahabad is renowned for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Melas (Fairs) held every twelve and six years respectively. The city is famous for its Magh Mela (mini Kumbh Mela) held every year and colourful Dussehra festival.

Kanpur -
Nestled on the banks of the river Ganga, the historic town of Kanpur is famous for its leather industry. The city has historical, religious and commercial importance. Today Kanpur is one of the major industrial centres of North India.

Mathura :
Mathura famous as the birth place of Lord Krishna, is situated on the western bank of river Yamuna. Located 145 Kms south-east of Delhi and 58 Kms north-west of Agra, the city is the hub of 3,000 year old culture and civilization. The major attractions of the city include Shri Krishna Janma Bhumi, Jama Masjid, Vishram Ghat, Gita Mandir Dwarkadheesh Temple and Government Museum. Mathura of especially famous all over the country for its Holi.

Vrindavan -
Vrindavan is situated 15 Kms north of Mathura, on the bank of the river Yamuna. The celebrated town of Vrindavan, is famous for its temple namely Govinda Dev Temple, Shahji Temple, Rangji Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Krishna Balram Mandir and Radha Ballabh Temple etc. Another attractions are Nidhi Van, Seva Kunj and Banke Bihari temple.

Ayodhya -
Situated on the right bank of the river Saryu is believed to be the birth place of Lord Rama. Ayodhya is a city of temples, as ramparts of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism can still be found in the town.

Geathing Heare:

Air -
The major cities of the state have their own airports. Amausi Airport in Lucknow and Kheria airport in Agra is directly connected with Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, Bombay and Varanasi and other cities.

Rail -
The main rail line of the country crosses through Uttar Pradesh. Trains are availbale from major cities of the country to Agra, Allahabad, Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Mathura and other cities of the state.

Road -
The National Highways connect the state to major cities of the country. The state run buses as well as private buses run to the tourist places of Uttar Pradesh.