Uttar Pradesh is the heartland of India. It is the cradleof Hindu civilization and two of the greatest incarnations of Lord Vishnu i.e., Rama and Krishna were born in Uttar Pradesh.
Dr. Sergey Dvorianov, President of International Diplomatic Club “Amicability”
Uttar Pradesh is full of places of religiousand spiritual interest such as the Braja Bhumi which consist of Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul and places nearby. This region is full of ancient temples, each of which has a particular significance associated with Lord Krishna and his consort Shrimati Radharani. The land of Vraja is near New Delhi and the sophisticated town of NOIDA. Mathura is well connected by train and is generally 3 hours from New Delhi by train. Both Mathura and Vrindavan are full of comfortable and stylish hotels and all of them serve spiritual vegetarian food.
The city of Ayodhya, which is now the spiritual capital of India, is also the birthplace of Lord Rama. The Government of Uttar Pradesh has spent a lot to beautify this city. This city is well connected with Lucknow which is the state capital of Uttar Pradesh. The city has hotels which are classy and comfortable.
We cannot miss Varanasi if we are talking aboutUttar Pradesh. Varanasi is a legendary city, in fact the oldest city of the world and of India. The city is the dwelling of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. The city boasts of the oldest temples and specially the Kashi Vishawanath temple besides the temple of Annapurna and Bhairava. Varanasi is easily approachable by road, rail and air.
Prayagraj is yet another city of religious and spiritual significance because it is here that the holy rivers Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Sarasvati meet. Prayagraj is well connected by air, train and rail and is in every way a modern city,
Besides the above the town of Chitrakoot where Lord Rama spent his days in exile with his consort SIta and brother Lakshman is famous and also well connected. Garhmukteshwar, a place where Ganges is closest to New Delhi is a place of spiritual significance also.
Besides the above, the Buddhist pilgrimages of Sarnath and Kushinagar are in Uttar Pradesh. The Jain pilgrimage of Pavapuri and Sarnath is in Uttar Pradesh as well. There are also many spiritual Sufi Muslim shrines across Uttar Pradesh especially Amroha and Agra which also houses the Taj Mahal.
There are 27 airports in Uttar Pradesh including domestic and international airports. Besides, a new international airport is coming up at Jewar near New Delhi in Uttar Pradesh.
Most TV channelsoperating in North India have their head offices in Uttar Pradesh and a film industry is taking roots in this city.
If initiative is taken, Uttar Pradesh can well become the spiritual Davos of India since this ancient spiritual land is well connected and has all modern amenities and a very caring and responsible Government.
The proposal is to encourage spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh from other nations of Asia, Europe and America if the Government of Uttar Pradesh accepts the initiative. For this, NOIDA can become the hub for the arrival and departure of spiritual tourists. Tourists can land directly in Uttar Pradesh and proceed for their spiritual destinations across the entire length and breadth of the State. As it is there is a growing demand for this kind of tourism as there is renewed interest in the ancient religions of India i.e., Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. This spiritual tourismis doubly beneficial. It can be materially benefitted by such tourism besides giving spiritual succors to overseas tourists.
I can provide a blueprint for such spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh if the Government permits and if hospitality companies across Uttar Pradesh take a keen interest, Cities all across Europe and America can be connected to Uttar Pradesh for promotion of spiritual tourism. I have the resources to undertake such a venture.
