Mathura
Although almost like a forgotten city after the great cultural, rich enduaring past it had Mathura has grown in recent years into a multi-faceted urban sprawl with haphazard industrial development on the outskirts. The ornate sandstone Holi Gate at the entrance to the old city is Mathura's major landmark, to the east the riverfront is minute compared to Varanasi, the bathing ghats are much smaller ,along the river towards the North lie the remains of the Kans Qila, a fort built by Raja Man Singh of Amber & rebuilt by Akbar though little is left apart from foundations, no traces survive of the astronomical observatory constructed by Jai Singh (as seen in Jaipur, Delhi, Varanasi).

Kanpur
Kanpur is the largest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is also a major business and industrial centre on the Ganges. Nestled on the banks of the eternal Ganga, Kanpur stands as one of North India’s major industrial centres with its own historical, religious and commercial importance. Believed to be founded by king Hindu Singh of the erstwhile state of Sachendi, Kanpur was originally known as `Kanhpur’.

Varanasi
Varanasi city, situated on the west bank of the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga or Ganges, is considered to be one of the oldest living cities in the world. The Ganga is believed to have flown from heaven to wash away the worldly sins of the human race. The life and activities in the city revolves around the holy river.

Gangotri
Gangotri which is situated in the district of Uttarkashi at 10200 ft above sea-level ,is a wellknown pilgrimage site for it is the source of the holy river Ganga. Gangotri is one of the 'Char Dhams' of Uttarakhand.

Yamnotri
One of the four sacred dhams of Uttarakhand, and revered in Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna. The Yamunotri shrine stands on the western flank of the Bandarpunch peak (20,731 ft). The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The origin of the river Yamuna is the Champasar Glacier near Yamunotri.

Nainital
Nainital is 306 km. north-East of New Delhi. It is a beautiful place nestled in the lap of the central Himalayas in the Kumaon region.

Agra
Agra hosts some of the world famous landmarks that are epitome of love and beauty. In terms of ambience, it is still associated with its memorable Mughal period. As visitors walk down the narrow bustling streets, they can't help but wonder if the man contentedly smoking a hookah is a direct descendent of some bygone Mughal. Even the most modern areas of the town, such as the cantonment, date back over a hundred years.

Fatehpur Sikri
37 kms. south-west of Agra lies the deserted capital of Moghal emperor Akbar. No visitor should leave Agra without seeing the ruins of Fatehpur Sikri.

Mussoorie
Mussoorie is said to be Queen of hills and promises a variety of entertainment throughout the year. Mussoorie offers views of both the Himalayan ranges to the north and the Shivaliks and plains to the south.

Ayodhya
Just 6 km from Faizabad, Ayodhya is a popular pilgrim centre. This town is closely associated with Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindu.

Lucknow
Lucknow is the capital city of the Nawabs of Oudh during the mid-eigteenth century.Situated on the banks of the river Gomti, Lucknow is popularly called the city of Nawabs & Kababs, both of which are famous here.

Jhansi
Jhansi, situated 101km south of Gwalior, is actually just across the border in Uttar Pradesh, but for convenience we've included it here. Although Jhansi has played a colourful role in Indian history, most visitors to the town today go there simply because it's a convenient transit point for Khajuraho.

Almora
Almora is situated at an elevation of 5400 feet, in the Kumaon Hills and is known for its healthy climate. It was established by King Balo Kalyan Chand in 1563 and at that time was the capital city of the Kumaon region.

Kausani
This small picturesque hill town of Kausani is located 53 km to the north of Almora and is famous for its lovely surroundings and tranquail atmosphere . From here one can have a spectacular 300 km-wide view of the Himalayas. Kasauni is also called the Switzerland of India.

Haridwar
India is most fortunately beautified by the holy city of Haridwar. Kingdom of Gods is obtainable through this 'Door of Gods' (Hari-dwar), also the Gateway to paradise. From this gateway not only Himalayas begins but also people can go to heaven after having achieved spiritual salvation.

Kushinagar
Kushinagar, one of the principal centre of Buddhist pilgrimage, is the place where Lord Buddha left his corporeal self and attained Mahaparinirvana.

Rishikesh
God rewarded the severe penance of sage Raibhya Rishi here by appearing in front of him by the name Hrishikesh, and hence the name. Rishikesh, situated 24 Km upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga is surrounded by thick green woods that add to the beauty of the place. It is also the headquarters of saints and sages.

Pittorgarh
Pithoragarh, the eastern most district of Kumaon, is bordered by Tibet on the north and Nepal on the east. The town is situated in a small valley 2 Km by 5 Km. Popularly known as the Soar Valley, it lies at the centre of four hills - Chandak, Dhwaj, Thal Kedar and Kundar.

Badrinath
Badrinath is considered the holiest of the four main shrines of Uttarakhand. The town, situated on the left bank of the Alaknanda, is equidistant from the twin mountains of Nara and Narayan. Badrinath is on the itinerary of every devout Hindu.

Allahabad
The city of Allahabad is 135km west of Varanasi at the confluence of two of India's holiest rivers - the Ganges and the Yamuna. The mythical Saraswati River (said to be underground - there is even some scientific research being carried out on that front), the River of Enlightenment, is also believed to join them here. The confluence, known as the 'sangam', is considered to have great soul-cleansing and sin-wiping powers thus making it a popular pilgrimage centre.

Kapilavastu
Identified today with ancient Kapilvastu, modern Piprahwa lies at a distance of 20 km from Siddharthnagar. Kapilvastu was the ancient capital of the Sakya dynasty whose ruler was the father of the Buddha, for which reason the Buddha is also referred to as the Sakyamuni. The Sakya domain was one of the sixteen independent principalities of the 6th century BC.

Ranikhet