With a population density of 472 people per sq km, Uttar Pradesh is the most populous Indian state, spanning an area of 2,94,411sq km. Seven Indian Prime Ministers have hailed from U.P.

The state is a kaleidoscope of diverse religions and cultures and has a dramatic landscape comprising soaring peaks, coniferous forests, and the flat featureless Indo-Gangetic Plains. In the southeast, the Vindhya Hills rise to a height of more than 600m.

The seeds of Vedic Literature are believed to have been sown here, along with those of the great Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Buddha delivered his first sermon on the ‘middle path’ in Sarnath. Uttar.Pradesh is also the cultural heartland of Indian Islam.

Cuisines : No talk on any culture can be rounded off without mentioning cuisines. Uttar Pradesh, the melting pot of cultures, too has its own set of cuisines that it boasts off. These cuisines find their source to the courts of various emperors and rulers who have ruled the sugarcane fields of Oudh and around. The origin of some of the dishes goes as back as the life and times of Lord Krishna. Therefore it is very natural that the state has quite a generous platter to offer to the visitors. And this also ensures that UP is one of the very few regions in India that has a generous platter for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. derives its name from the Dhauladhar peaks of Western Himalaya. It passes in the shadow of the mighty and majestic snow clad Dhauldhar ranges, which dominates the beautiful Kangra valley, dotted by flower filled meadows, temples, tea gardens and flocks of sheep.

Uttar Pradesh is a land of fairs and festivals. The state boasts of people from vivid caste, creed, culture and religious backgrounds. Therefore it is but natural that the state is home to a number of fairs and festivals. These include major as well as minor festive. Some of the notable festivals are Lucknow Mahotsava, Safai Festival, Yoga Festival and Kabob Festivals.

Ganges has always been the not only the lifeline of India but also the felicitator and nourishment of the Indian Civilization. The river Ganges, though, considered a thing of reverence by the Hindus has in the course of history defined the psyche of the Indian society as a whole, irrespective of religion. It not only nourishes the population that lives by its kingdom but also give them a sense of separate identity and belonging.

Janmashtmi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India as well as Uttar Pradesh. Although the festival is celebrated all over the Uttar Pradesh but it is the celebrations in the Mathura zone that has a special significance in this festival. The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan celebrate the festival of Janmashtmi with great pomp and show.

The Kumbh Mela is generally held every three years in rotation at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. Kumbh Mela is organized in the month of Magh according to the traditional calendar, which when converted to Gregorian turns to be Feb-March. The most important among these is the one celebrated at Allahabad. Due to the rotation system, the Kumbha Mela comes to Allahabad every 12 Years.

During spring, Holi, the festival of colors is celebrated all over India. Holi is a time to make merry. People smear each other with colored powdered and water colors. Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion. The Holi celebrations in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna is spectacular. The Rang Gulal Festival is celebrated for a week with exuberant processions, songs and music.

The Taj Mahotsava is another very popular festive in India. Taj Mahotsava that is held annually at Agra is a colorful display of the Arts, Crafts, Culture and Cuisine of the Braj area. Organized by UP Tourism and held as an annual event at the Shilpgram, Taj Mahotsava is a fitting tribute to the legendary skills of master craftsmen of Uttar Pradesh.