The land of monumental magnificence and picturesque splendor, UP (Uttar Pradesh) is one of the largest states of India. It is located in the northern part of the country, in the heart of the Indian cow belt. Apart from being one of the largest states of India--in terms of geographical size--UP is also the most populated Indian state even after the carving out of the new state of Uttarakhand a few years ago.

Several rivers--such as the Ganges, Gomti, Betwa, Sarayu, Rihand, and Yamuna-- flow through UP making the state one of the most fertile states of India. UP's contributions to Indian politics, culture, tourism, agriculture, education, and economy is phenomenal. For instance, most of the prime ministers of the country, including the first prime minister of India Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, is from UP, and so is the biggest Superstar of Bollywood--the one and only Amitabh Bachchan.

Some key cities of UP

Lucknow, the City of the Nawabs, is the state capital and a major cultural and administrative hub. The rich and varied culture of Lucknow has impressed people since long. Its cuisine is also worth mentioning. Some food experts believe that the highly tempting Mughali food loved by people across the world, originated in UP. Lucknow was also an important centre of freedom movement.

Allahabad is another famous city of UP. A key educational hub, Allahabad is also much famed for the Sangam where the Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years which attracts lakhs of religiously and spiritually inclined people from all over the world. Varanasi--yet another famous city of the state--is located by the Ganges. It is the spiritual and religious capital of India. Believed to be situated atop Lord Shiva's trident, Varanasi, also called Benaras and Kasi, is also decisively the most ancient continuously inhabited city of the world.

The Manchester of India, Kanpur is another well-known city of UP, and a major industrial hub of the region. Aligarh, yet another famous city of UP, is well-known for the premier Aligarh Muslim University and also the quality Aligarh Locks widely used throughout India. Agra, yet another renowned city of UP, is much famed for Taj Mahal-one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The most beautiful monument of the world, Taj Mahal is not only UP's pride but India's pride as well and attracts visitors from far off places.