Kathmandu, the 2000-year-old capital of Nepal, has some important destinations that you should keep on your list when you visit. Pashupatinath Temple and Bodhnath, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are in Kathmandu.

Moreover, you can't forget to visit the many monasteries that include Kopan Monastery, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, and Dakshinkali Temple. You are not required to be in a mood of spiritual enlightenment - even a desire for scenic view and architecture is sufficient to enjoy the time invested at these monuments.

Natural Beauty of Nepal

Nepal has to be come across to be understood. The variety of land has so much natural beauty and attractive destinations. What is your reason for traveling to Nepal? There is a good chance you wish to view the mighty Mt Everest, the highest peak in the world, and also the other mountains like:

Or you might want to enjoy the settle beauty of Nepal's pure lakes and gorges that are simply wonderful. Make sure your list includes a visit to Gokyo Lakes, the world's highest freshwater lake system.

Remember to visit these places like Kali Gandagi Gorge, Langtang Valley, and Upper Mustang because without it your trip to Nepal is incomplete. When you get bored of mountains, which is never going to happen, plan a trek inside the verdant forests and enjoy gushing waterfalls too.

Wildlife of Nepal

Nepal's thick, narrowland jungles are home to many colorful species of birds and animals. Move to the national parks and spot:

Keep your eyes open to catch the beauty of the leopard and smaller mammals like langur, jackal, wild buffalo, and more, together with snakes like kraits, cobras, and vipers. The rivers Narayani and Karnali are home to freshwater dolphins.

When you move towards the Himalayas, you might be fortunate to witness the shy and evasive red panda. Snow leopards, blue sheep, and musk deer are the other animals that live in these slopes.

Nepal offers bird lovers amazing opportunities, too. Move towards Kathmandu valley to enter the famous birding areas and possibly see some rare birds.

Nepal Adventure

Nepal is a place for people who search for adventure. Treks, biking, and river rafting grow on trees. There are unique trekking trips to Mount Everest arranged for groups and individuals with a similar mindset at Pokhara, the "alpinism center of Nepal.

The running rivers are amazing for those who desire to get dipped in the adventure of river rafting. Get on the bike and join other bikers and travel Nepal along its chilly roads with just eye-pleasing views for company.

If you want to enjoy nature in a slow and languid way, you can take a beautiful boat ride or just walk through Nepal's various jungles.

Cuisine of Nepal

Nepal is a closed-in region with powerful Indian and Tibetan influences, which can be witnessed by and large in its food. The outcome of that has been an amazing combination of tastes, which represents the diversity and the emotion of Nepal.

The wide variety of its flavours, over the course of, but also frequently, is a pleasure for those with a wish to taste the unknown. Undoubtedly, globalisation played an important role; many of the foods of Nepal, like the classic momos, are now on the plates of many parts of the world.

Nepal's main diet comprises dal-bhat (lentils and rice), with ample portions of vegetables, meat curries, and pickles. This might sound common, but the flavours on this plate are a must-have.

Traditional Nepalese food also comprises delectable fare like thupka, which is loaded with the goodness of meat and vegetables and consumed in winter. Wait, Wait, Wait, you can't miss Sel Roti, a local preparation that can be found at every street corner.

Best Time To Visit Nepal

Nepal has five different seasons:

While each season has its own special characteristics. Autumn (October to November) is considered the best time to visit. During this season, the weather is warm and views of the Himalayas are very beautiful, perfect for trekking and cultural exploration. If you are planning to climb Mount Everest or go trekking, autumn provides the most favorable conditions.

Location Of Nepal

Nepal is a closed-in country in the Himalayas, north of India and south of Tibet. The region is split into three different geographies - Himal-Pahad-Terai. Himal is that portion of the country that belongs to the Himalayas.

Mt Everest, the world's highest peak, is in Nepal. Kangchenjunga, Dhaulatagiri, Annapurna, and some other mountain peaks are part of Nepal.

The pahad section comprises those mountain areas that are not covered by snow. Terai is the lowland region, the plains, which is sustained by three rivers, Koshi, Narayani, and Karnali.

How to reach Nepal

Note: Direct flights take 1–1.5 hrs from Delhi, Varanasi, Kolkata. Others may take 5–9 hrs with stops. Book early during Oct–Nov.

The path of the heritage tour is open through the whole of the state, with the capital city Lucknow representing the rich Mughal and British architecture, to Varanasi showcasing a combination of the Nagara style of architecture.

In the middle of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is situated at Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This memorial, constructed with while marble, was created to perfection and was made by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal and is recognised to be the supreme example of Mughal architecture. This remarkable structure was built between 1631-1648 and really stands tall to be the admiration of Uttar Pradesh and India.

The Agra Fort is another beautiful heritage attraction in Uttar Pradesh's Agra. It used to be the primary residing place for the Mughal emperors till 1638, when they moved the capital to Delhi from Agra. The fort, made of red sandstone, is constructed like a walled city and is situated at a distance of 2.5 kilometers from the Taj Mahal.

Closer to Agra, the fort city of Fatehpur Sikri was constructed. Made by the Mughal emperor Akbar, the city was created to admire the Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. The Forts at Fatehpur Sikri comprises the classic Mughal architecture using red sandstone. Famous attractions at Fatehpur Sikri comprises the Jama Masjid Mosque, Buland Darwaza, Palace of Jodha Bai, and the Hawa Mahal.

In addition to being the place where Lord Buddha gave his first lesson after achieving enlightenment, Sarnath is also popular for its historic significance because of the presence of The Ashoka Pillar and the Dhamek Stupa, both essential for being built ages ago.

The old city of Hastinapur is also a famous place worth seeing for tourists mainly for the devotees of Hinduism. Hastinapur finds history in the Mahabharata for being the focus of many events. The city is also admired for Jains as well. It has the Jambudweep Jain Tirth and the Shri Digambar Bada Jain Mandir.

Uttar Pradesh – A Living Legacy of Indian Civilization

Have a great desire for clothing? You are welcome to the capital city, Lucknow, which will leave you amazed for choice with the attractive and detailed Chikankari suits, kurta, and sarees.

When you are in Lucknow, don't forget to check for mesmerizing attars or perfumes that are made naturally and locally. These are organic in nature and long-lasting smell.

Also famous in Uttar Pradesh are the Zardozi embroidered handicrafts and the evergreen Banarasi Silk Sarees from Varanasi, created with great patience and care.

Popular as glass city of India, Firozabad is never going to fail to impress you with its precisely designed glassware of bangles, lamps, and bowls.

Popular for its amazing metalware that is popular worldwide, it will make you surprised - it's Moradabad's brass handicraft.

From Tradition to Celebration – Festivals of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is growing in tourism by organizing international-grade festivals such as the Kumbh and Taj Mahotsav, which helps travelers get to know about the state's great history and culture.

The Kumbh Mela is a significant religious festival for the admirers of Hinduism and takes place every 3 years, following rotation between 4 major cities located on 4 sacred rivers. In Uttar Pradesh, the festival is conducted at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, at the junction of the River Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The devotees, who comprise saints, sadhus, and visitors, take a dip in these holy rivers, which is believed to wash away their sins.

The Taj Mahotsav is conducted by the Department of Tourism and is a 10-day event that takes place in the month of February. The Mahotsav is carried out at Shilpgram in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh and celebrates India's art, craft, and culture through music, dance, and delectable food. Different artists from various place of the country come and show their art during the festival like Bamboo work from the northeast, shawls from kashmir, and more.

Other significant festivals that are celebrated in Uttar Pradesh include Dussehra, Ganga Mahotsav, Chhat Puja, Holi, and Buddha Purnima.

Uttar Pradesh Cuisine – Rich, Royal, and Truly Nawabi

Uttar Pradesh has lots of flavoursome food to serve on your plate and is perfect to revive you when you get tired while visiting its attractions. Whether you prefer Sattvic food or are into non-vegetarian Nawabi delicacies, Uttar Pradesh never fails to impress. A lot of the food from Lucknow that is famous today has a history in the Nawabs' culture.

For example, the soft Galouti Kabab, Nargisi Kofta, and the Awadhi Biryani are some of the famous foods of Lucknow. Some other delicious dishes of Uttar Pradesh comprises Puri Aloo, Mathura's Peda, Petha from Agra, and spicy Chaat that you can get anywhere in the state. Read Less