Uttar Pradesh, known as Awadh province during the reign of the British, has been cradle of flourishing Indian culture and civilization since the ages. There are scores of historically and culturally important cities and places in Uttar Pradesh which are highly and prominently placed on world’s tourist map. Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is called as cultural capital of India. Nearby is Sarnath, the place where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon and initiated Buddhism. Agra, world famous for being seat of Taj Mahal, is also a prominent city of Uttar Pradesh. Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh is the place where Gautam Buddha realized parinirvana. Lucknow, earlier known as Laxmanpuri and today capital of Uttar Pradesh, has been the centre of political forces of the region since the time of Lord Rama. Mathura, birth place of Lord Krishna, attracts large number of devotees of Krishna from across the globe. Similarly, there are other religious and historical cities like Prayag (Allahabad), Chitrakut, Vindhyachal etc. To explore the soul of Indian culture, visiting Uttar Pradesh is essential.