Modern times in Uttar Pradesh

Heritage and pilgrimage have dominated the tourist map of Uttar Pradesh for years. The Taj or Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, the Imambaras of Lucknow, the ghats of Varanasi or the stupas of leading Buddhist centres in Sarnath and Kushinagar remained the key attractions for tourists heading for what was better known as India's most populous state.

Neither the great rivers--including the mighty Ganga, the Yamuna, Ghaghra, Rapti, Saryu, Chambal or Betwa--and their richly endowed banks were ever tapped to be developed as great tourist spots; nor could the forests dotting several parts of the State be truly exploited for their abundant potential. In fact, the creation of Uttarakhand literally took away UP's crown, that also sliced away the cake's icing out of the forest cover. But the urge to discover, rediscover and create prompted some innovators to develop and offer something for the generation that was looking for weekend getaways, quiet corners in serene natural surroundings.

Resorts rule

The resort culture has eventually caught on even in an otherwise laidback Uttar Pradesh. "This was the first time we have entered into the business of developing weekend getaways", says UP Tourism Director General Avanish Awasthi.

"To begin with we chose Bithoor--not just because of its history of the Peshwas--but because it is endowed with nature's beauty along the banks of the Ganga, and easily approachable from UP's important industrial hub, Kanpur, where many have the resources and means but was sans any corner for an enjoyable weekend", Awasthi points out.

Though the beginning has been made with just eight independent air-conditioned cottages, plans are afoot to expand the facility, currently available for a daily tariff of Rs. 900. The entrance to the newly created 15-acre resort inside Nana Rao Memorial Park has been given the shape of a fort as a reminder of what once used to be the home of Laxmi Bai, before she rode on to become the famous 'Jhansi ki Rani'. Having started only as recently as on December 1, 2009, the place is showing tremendous potential, with demand for bookings coming from as far as Maharashtra too.

Go birding

Parallel to the Bithoor getaway, the tourism department has developed yet another such facility at the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, exactly midway of UP's two leading cities--Lucknow and Kanpur. Surrounded by rich green cover and facing a huge natural lake, which draws many a Siberian bird during winter, here you have 10 impressive suites in a cosy complex with a small conference hall and a fully-functional eating joint.

Sure enough, the resort sees a lot of youth getting drawn here for even spending a pleasant winter afternoon. The place is becoming very popular for picnics and conferences--definitely the new getaway for Lucknow.

The success story at Bithoor and Nawabganj is likely to be repeated at other destinations, where nature's gifts abound and looks like UP is getting very fond of resorts. There are plans to undertake similar projects in the rocky Bundelkhand region, where multiple streams meandering through vast tracts of red stone laced with red soil provide a romantic ambience particularly during the rainy season.
Hip and happening Lucknow

The state capital is no longer about 'nawaabi tehzeeb' and the 'pehle aap' culture. Away from the Imambaras, which speak volumes of the rich cultural heritage or the Residency, a new Lucknow with ultra modern malls and parks is now a spanking reality.

Three huge malls in a row--Fun Republic, Wave and Inox--each with their own multiplexes could match the best in any Indian metropolis. Sahara Ganj, a mall in the city centre, appears to be fast taking over Lucknow's traditional hotspot, Hazratganj, in the vicinity. Ganjing--as the cool walk along this downtown thoroughfare was widely known--is a forgotten pastime as youngsters prefer to hangout in Sahara Ganj instead.

And no need to trek the dirty gullies of old Lucknow hunting down Tunde ke kebabs. They have a pretty neat outlet right here, in Sahara Ganj. The taste of the kebabs and paranthas remains pretty authentic, though the aficionados may argue that the dirt and grime added its own flavour at the traditional eatery.

A new 'love-lane' has literally faded out the old and famous one in Hazratganj. Built along the Gomti riverbank is a winding road overlooking Lucknow's latest landmark--Ambedkar Park cum Memorial. It makes for some lovely walks as the sun sets into the Gomti. After driving over the city's one and only smart new eight-lane bridge, you could just park you car and spend a whole evening strolling or just lazing around along the beautifully lit river bank. That's what many love-struck Lucknowites do, which has earned it the pseudonym of 'love-lane'.

In memoriam

Like it or not, the new face of Lucknow is what current Chief Minister Mayawati has given it. Not just the 65-acre park cum memorial, but the entire area around is adorned in the beautifully sculptured pink Dholpur stone and granite that is neatly laid out on every inch of the sprawling memorial. Landscaping by renowned artist Satish Gujral gives the place a novelty that takes you far ahead of what was created in the city way back in the 18th century by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula.
Two leaps forward

Uttar Pradesh has also taken a forward leap by going for adventure tourism. And on top of the state tourism department's agenda are river cruises and hot-air ballooning. The first cruise took off from Varanasi on October 10. The high per head fee of Rs. 1.9 lakh for a two-week cruise is no deterrent for cruise buffs.

The price includes five-star boarding and lodging at both Kolkata and Varanasi. Apart from the 'five-star' luxury offered in each of the 28 cabins, the cruise also has a smart lounge, a salon, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a state-of-the-art gymnasium along with a coffee shop on the top deck.

The hot air balloon project is in the final stage to be launched. And Agra, the city of Taj Mahal, would be the first to experience the maiden flight. Very soon, the tourism department proposes to take hot-air balloons to the sprawling banks of the Ganga at Varanasi and Allahabad.
The beginnings of change show a lot of promise and it all adds up to a unique tourist experience.

Fact file New shopping options in the State Tourist Complex at Bithoor (22 km from Kanpur); tel: (0512) 279 0202; (0) 94150 13609, 94156 09445; e-mail: upstdc@up-tourism.com advertisement ❮❯ Read Full Story Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (45 km from Lucknow); tel: (05143) 27 7053, (0) 94156 09445, 94158 02737 Fun Republic: Vishwas Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow Wave Eastend Mall: Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow Inox: Vipul Khand (Next to Taj Residency), Gomti Nagar, Lucknow Sahara Ganj: Shah Najaf Road (Near Hazratganj), Lucknow Ambedkar Park cum Memorial: Gomti Nagar, Lucknow River Cruise: (011) 2612 2290/91; e-mail: reservations@pandawcruisesindia.com Hot Air Ballooning Tel: (0) 98390 35371, (0) 93362 09210; anshulbansalexcellent@gmail.com