Situated in the northern part of India, is Uttar Pradesh, also known as the cow belt or Hindi belt. It has dominated Indian politics and culture since Independence and enjoys the unique distinction of having produced seven of India's 10 prime ministers. This state plays a central role in the religious landscape of the Hindus. The most popular state in India, Uttar Pradesh, is bordered by Nepal on the north, and by the states of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Even geographically it can be divided into three distinct regions.

The Himalayan region on the north, vast Gangetic plains in the center and the Vindhya range and plateau on the south. This mighty state is watered by the rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Gomati and Ghaghara. Located on these rivers are almost all the main towns and trading centres of the state. Pilgrims have thronged the place where the two most sacred rivers of India, the Ganga and Yamuna, meet at Allahabad, for centuries.

For the tourists, Uttar Pradesh has a kaleidoscope of attractions to offer. Magnificent monuments, health resorts, misty mountain peaks, ancient temples and viharas, rich flora and fauna, fascinating rivers and lush valleys are all there to captivate visitors' hearts. Agra, Ayodhya, Sarnath, Varanasi, Lucknow, Mathura and Prayag combine religious and architectural marvels. Uttar Pradesh also has a long list of wildlife reserves and sanctuaries including the famous Dudhwa National Park. All in all a fascinating state that has something for everyone.