North India is an exciting travel destination and is endowed with a rich history, unique culture, flora and fauna and most importantly friendly people. North India has been the ruling ground of the Maurya, Gupta, Mughal, Sikh, Maratha and the British Indian Empire, ensuring it has a diverse culture. The well known Hindu pilgrimage centres of Char Dham, Haridwar, Mathura, Allahabad, Varanasi, the Buddhist Mahabodhi Temple and the Sikh's holiest shrine the Golden Temple, located in Amritsar(built in the year 1604) are all located in North India.
Apart from these destinations, North India is teeming with travel destinations (some of them World Heritage Sites) such as, The Valley of Flowers, Khajuraho, Qutub Minar, India gate and the ever famous Taj Mahal in Agra, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal, in the year 1653.
North India is considered to be the most visited part of India due to its magnificent monuments, beautiful palaces, historical locations, religious shrines, wild life, hill stations, mighty rivers and scenic landscapes. The major tourist attractions in North India are Delhi, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Harayana, and Punjab. The most popular tour in North India is the Golden Triangle, which covers the three cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.
Delhi, the capital of India is also known as the "Heart of India". In Delhi you will find a beautiful blend of ancient history, tradition, culture and modernization. Delhi is famous for its Government offices, historic spots, and a wide variety of cuisine. Delhi is also known for the Jama Masjid, the Qutub Minar, The Red Fort, the Lotus Temple and the Parliament House. The hill state of Himachal Pradesh is famous for towns like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Rohtang Pass and Dalhousie. Jammu and Kashmir, known as paradise on earth is known for its breathtakingly beautiful locations like Leh, Ladakh and Srinagar.The state of Punjab is famous for the Golden Temple, located in the city of Amritsar. The state of Uttar Pradesh is famous for places of pilgrimage like Sravasti, Varanasi (Known for being the "Oldest Living City on Earth), Lucknow, the city of nawabs, Kushinagar (Known for the salvation of Lord Buddha), and Gorakhpur, known for its many beautiful temples.
The recently formed state of Uttrakhand is famous for the famous Tiger Reserve, the Jim Corbett Park, named after Jim Corbett; hunter, naturalist and writer who was known for slaying many man eating tigers and leopards in the area. Other popular destinations in Uttrakahand are the hill station like Nainital, cities like Dehradun and important places of pilgrimage for Hindus like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kedarnath and Uttarkashi.
Cities in North India are very well connected to other important cities in the country by air, rail and road. North Indian cities have a range of hotels to choose from, be it five star or budget travel.
Cuisine of North India
North India is a delight for food- lovers who will surely not leave disappointed. North Indian food is characterised by its thick, creamy gravies. Common ingredients found in North Indian food are, chillies, saffron, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, ghee, nut and sweets to end a meal with.
Jammu and Kashmir Cuisine
Kashmiri food has evolved over hundreds of years. The earliest influence on Kashmiri food was by the Kashmiri Pandits, the Hindus of the valley. The other strong influence on Kashmiri food was by Timur, from Uzbekistan; hence Kashmiri food has strong influences of Central Asia, Persia and Afghanistan. Some common dishes eaten in Jammu and Kashmir are Gustaba, Tabak Maz, Dum Aloo, Haak or Karam ka Saag.
Himachal Pradesh Cuisine
Himachal Pradesh cuisine is known for its generous use of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, chillies and cloves. An average Himachali meal comprises of lentils, vegetables, cereal and meat (unless vegetarian). Sidu, Aktar and Dham are some common Himachali dishes.
Harayana Cuisine
Food from Harayana is known for its simplicity and the no fuss attitude with which it is prepared. The food is cooked with the pure intention of the eater relishing every part of the meal. Some common Harayanavi dishes are Bajre ki Kichdi, Cholia, Chaach-Lassi, Kachri ki Sabzi.
Uttar Pradesh Cuisine
The cuisine of Uttar Pradesh if heavily influenced by Mughal cooking techniques. The Awadhi cuisine of Uttar Pradesh is very similar to Kashmiri food and the state is very famous for its kebabs and Biryanis and the rich spices used to cook them like saffron and cardamom. Samosa, Pakoras and Chaat are popular snacks in this part of the country. Some famous dishes from Uttar Pradesh are Kebabs. Biryani, Bedami Aloo, Kachori and Banarasi Chaat.
Uttrakhand Cuisine
Traditional Uttrakhand food is highly nutritious and very easy to prepare, and at the same time very high on taste. Some common dishes from Uttrakhand are Aloo ke Gutke, Kaapa, Jhamgora (millets) ki Kheer and Chalnsoo.
Punjab
Punjab is a food lover's paradise and a wide variety to choose from, be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Some popular dishes from Punjab are Dal Makhni, Makke di Roti, Sarson da Saag, Chana Bhature, Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken and Mutton Pulao.
Delhi Cuisine
The city of Delhi is a melting pot of different cuisines because of the different cultural experiences it's exposed to. Some popular food from Delhi is Chaat, Tandoori Chicken, Paranthe, Choley Bhature.
Last Updated on : September 07, 2022
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