Features

A Cultural Potpourri

16 Jan 2021 by Nisha Shroff
View of Taj Mahal

“UP Nahi Dekha Toh India Nahi Dekha” (If you have not seen UP then you have not seen India) – reads the tagline of Uttar Pradesh Tourism. And here’s the proof that this stands true – according to a recent report shared by the state’s tourism department, Uttar Pradesh (UP) was one of the most visited states in India among international travellers in 2019, with a share of 23.1 per cent visitors to UP.

Uttar Pradesh, boasting a rich religious and architectural heritage, has always been a top choice for the international travel community with Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi and the religious Buddhist circuit (Sarnath-Kushinagar) being frequented destinations. The state prides itself on many places of cultural and historical importance. Monuments like the Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort and Jhansi Fort draw millions of people each year.

Unfortunately, the adverse effects of the travel restrictions are hindering the functioning of these attractions. This is evident from the fact that the number of tourists visiting the Taj Mahal is not even touching 5,000 — the daily limit of visitors fixed by the cultural ministry since its reopening on September 21.

Elaborating on the condition of the tourism revival, Sunil Verma, general manager, Novotel Lucknow Gomti Nagar says, “The demand was muted due to the initial months of lockdown, but with the progressive Unlock, the state is witnessing gradual travel especially for weekend getaways and also many takers for religious travel to Ayodhya with the Ram Mandir being constructed. We are hopeful that business travel should start in the next few months.”

Verma further says that major cities of UP are being chosen for film shoots with Lucknow and Varanasi being the most popular ones, as seen in Indian cinema recently. The UP government is also encouraging the movie industry with easier and friendly guidelines and has a special nodal agency called Film Bandhu (friend) for seamless coordination purposes. “This initiative promotes and facilitates all the film production-related facilities under a single roof including offering subsidy/grant on production cost. These benefits help the hospitality industry as we get group bookings and that too for longer stays,” added Verma.

Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow

Jewar gets international tag

In October 2020, the Uttar Pradesh government signed a concession agreement with Zurich airport to commence the development of Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar. Zurich airport has acquired license to design, build and operate NIA for a period of 40 years. It is scheduled to open in 2024 and will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The greenfield airport will operate as a fully digital space, enabling a smooth and contactless travel experience for passengers. This will be the first net-zero emissions airport in its class, setting a new standard for sustainable aviation in the country. SP Goyal, additional chief secretary, CM and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh says, “The construction of NIA will support economic growth through job creation in the state, while making it the most preferred destination for domestic as well as global investors in the upcoming years.”

Offering more insights on this, Daniel Bircher, chief executive officer, Zurich Airport International (Asia) says, “The signing of the concession agreement marks an important milestone in the development of the NIA. When phase 1 development is completed in 2024, we will provide capacity for 12 million passengers per year.”

Uttar Pradesh government recommends travellers visiting Varanasi to soak in a spectacular glimpse of Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat while riding on the luxury cruise – Alaknanda.

Road to development 

Varanasi, considered as one of the holiest places in Hindu culture, is all set to get a much-needed infrastructural boost. In his recent address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about various infrastructure development projects underway in Varanasi. He said, “Connectivity of Varanasi has always been a top priority of the government and its all-round development is benefiting the entire eastern India. Varanasi has seen development in every field like cleanliness of the Ganges, infrastructure, tourism and electricity among others.”

Efforts are taken towards cleaning the Ganges, which in return has also created new opportunities for Kashi (the alternative name for Varanasi). Along with cleanliness and beautification of the river, the Sarnath region is next in line for an upgrade.

The city is also becoming a hub of health facilities for the entire Purvanchal (an important geographic sub-region of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar) region.

Ganga Aarti in Varanasi

Religious Tourism 

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama has been in the news for a while now because of its historical and political significance. The Uttar Pradesh government has fast-tracked the construction of the proposed Ram Mandir (deemed to be one of the largest Hindu temples in the world) following the Supreme Court’s verdict on the controversial topic. With this decision, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath believes that Ayodhya will attract national as well as international devotees in large numbers. As per a recent report, the government expects the footfall of around 6.8 crore by 2030. Moreover, the government has plans to develop Ayodhya as a high-tech city. For instance, to reduce pollution, only electronic vehicles will be used for transportation facilities from the entry point to the Ram Mandir. A ropeway facility for tourists in Ayodhya is also in the pipeline.

Sacred stories 

Vrindavan, a holy and alluring town in Mathura district is derived from the words “vrinda” meaning tulsi (holy basil) and “van” which means grove. This place has many interesting stories to tell including young Lord Krishna’s interesting childhood tales. With its vibrant streets and crowded lanes, Vrindavan is an extrovert’s mecca if I may say so. The place is home to several temples dedicated to Krishna and his lover Radha, which are said to have become major tourist attractions. If you wish to experience the pumping vibe and tradition of the place, then Holi, the Indian festival of colour, is the right time to visit Vrindavan.

Food Lovers Haven 

Lucknow is undeniably a hub for food lovers. It has something for everyone – whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer something meaty. Start your day with piping hot tea in a kulhad (clay cup) at the famous Sharmaji ki Chai at Lal Baugh – which has a legacy of its own. Then try some lip-smacking chaat at either Shukla Chaat House or Royal Cafe, both in Hazratganj. If you are at Royal Cafe, you can also have the Awadhi Dum Biryani (in both veg/non-veg options). If you have a sweet tooth, try the kulfi falooda at Prakash Kulfi in Aminabad, or the Malai Gilori at legacy sweet store Ram Asrey in Hazratganj. And of course, no conversation about Lucknow and its cuisine will ever be complete without mentioning the famed Tunday ke kebab in Chowk, which serves the historic juicy, melt-in-the-mouth kebabs (minced meat). When in Lucknow, be rest assured that the food will not only satiate your stomach, but also your soul.

A Textile Powerhouse 

Kanpur’s fabled industrial prowess catapulted it into a textile powerhouse, also gaining it the title of the Manchester of the East. I spoke to Pooja Gupta, a Kanpur-based interior designer and the founder of AMIRAAH, a multi-designer store and I-Design Studios, a home décor brand, about the city’s development in this field. She explains that there are over 400 tanneries in Kanpur, producing leather for a gamut of products including shoes, clothes, belts, and bags. These are also exported to major international markets such as Europe and North America. Moreover, Kanpur is one of the renowned clusters in north India practicing the age-old craft of zardosi. This painstaking artisanal craft is an intricate form of embroidery that’s done using metallic-bound thread as well as gold and silver wires (for the touch of exclusivity). Local artisan communities in Kanpur are engaged in the creation of garments, bags, footwear, tapestries, and soft furnishings.

ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Where to stay 

ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra

This stunning hotel by ITC group is spread over 23 acres of the lush greenery. The grand Mughal architecture instantly grabs your attention. The hotel boasts 233 guestrooms and suites with classy marble bathrooms; impressive F&B options such as Peshawri serving authentic north west Indian delicacies; Maikhana, The Lobby Bar; and Taj Bano, the three meal buffet restaurant offering Indian specialties. In terms of MICE, the property has several indoor and outdoor venues.

Novotel Lucknow Gomti Nagar

Located in the Viraj Khand, Novotel Lucknow Gomti Nagar is just half an hour away from Lucknow Airport. The property is located nearby some major business and leisure attractions like Hazratganj, Chowk, and the British Residency. The hotel is ideal for weekend getaways. As a part of their enhanced safety programme, this hotel has appointed an ALLSAFE officer whose role is to monitor the safety and hygiene standards across the hotel.

Taj Mahal, Lucknow

If you are looking for a relaxing and luxurious stay option in Lucknow, then this hotel is the place to be. Taj Mahal, Lucknow features accommodation categories such as Superior rooms Garden View, Superior rooms Pool View, Deluxe rooms, Executive suites, and a Premium suite. Perfect for big groups, the premium suite is spacious with interiors inspired by the Awadhi culture.

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida

Ideal for business and leisure groups, the property offers modern rooms and suites with stunning city views. They also have apartments with upscale kitchenettes. It houses Mosaic, where one can enjoy an array of multi-cuisine delights from Korean to Japanese. Additionally, there is Mosaic Pastry Lounge offering homemade chocolates, cookies, tarts, and made-to-order gateaux.

Brijrama Palace Varanasi

Dating back to 1812, Brijrama Palace perched on the Darbanga Ghaat, is said to be one of the oldest landmarks in the city.  Its striking architecture and design are influenced by the erstwhile ruling dynasty of the Marathas. Accommodation options include Vasundhara, Dhanurdhara, Nadidhara, Maharaja suites among others. Some rooms also offer sweeping views of the Ganges. Check out Darbhanga, a multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant and do try the Banarsari thali, a three-course combination of various preparations of the local cuisine.

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