Who: Manoj Kumar, Akhilesh Dubey, Narayan Singh, Vivek Shekhawat, Tarun Dhoundiyal Rajendra Kumar, Rajat Sundriyal
Where: Uttar Pradesh
When: May 2024
This summer in the month of May, the Creative Travel Team members embarked on an enchanting familiarisation journey through the rich cultural tapestry of North India’s destinations like Lucknow, Kannauj, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya.
Our adventure began in Kannauj, the “Perfume Capital of India,” where we immersed ourselves in the age-old art of attar production. Witnessing the meticulous process of crafting these exquisite perfumes from natural ingredients like flowers, herbs, and spices, and engaging with skilled local artisans, we gained a profound appreciation for this ancient craft.
In Lucknow, the “City of Nawabs,” we marvelled at the architectural splendour of Bada Imambara and Chota Imambara. The colonial-era charm of La Martiniere College provided a captivating glimpse into the city’s layered history. Our heritage walks, enhanced by the flavours of the iconic Tundey Kebabs, added a delectable touch to our cultural exploration.
Ayodhya enveloped us in its spiritual ambience. The evening Aarti at the Saryu River and visits sacred sites like Hanuman Garhi and Ram Mandir offered moments of serene reflection. The historical tales of Kanak Mahal further enriched our understanding of this sacred city.
Our stay at The Badi Kothi in Prayagraj was a delightful highlight. A memorable boat ride to the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, was an unforgettable experience. Exploring cultural landmarks such as All Saints Cathedral and Khusro Bagh made Prayagraj a standout destination. With the development & focus to the Maha Kumbh in 2025, Prayagraj is set to be a major draw for spiritual seekers & tourists worldwide.
Our final stop, the mystical city of Varanasi, captivated us with an early morning boat ride on the Ganges and visits to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath. This blend of spiritual exploration and culinary delights provided a fitting end to our journey. A street food walking tour & a textile workshop added insight to our experiential journey.
This exploration of Uttar Pradesh has been an enlightening experience for us & promise to offer our guests a remarkable and memorable journey through India’s cultural heartland. An ideal itinerary could be – Delhi – Agra – Kannauj – Lucknow – Ayodhya – Prayagraj – Varanasi – Delhi. Other than the popular destinations like Delhi, Agra Lucknow & Varanasi, the less popular cities, Kannauj, with its aromatic allure, Ayodhya’s spiritual tranquillity, and Prayagraj’s historical depth, are emerging as prime tourist destinations.