Holy Cities of North India are grown up with the world"s oldest religion- Hinduism. With the ages, India shelters other religions through foreign aggression and the protest movements. A tour is incomplete, if one does not visit these ancient and medieval cities where Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Buddhism and Christianity dwell.
Allahabad
Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh is the second-oldest city in India, and plays a central role in Hindu scriptures. It is located in southern Uttar Pradesh with Prayag as the old name. Allahabad has the rich history from Vedic period and came under various rulers till Indian gained independence in 1947.
Haridwar
Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus in the world. Ganga River after flowing for 253 kilometers from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier it enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India which gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwara.
Ayodhya
It is known as the "Land of Lord Rama"- Ayodhaya is located very adjacent to Faizabad city at the south end in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Several religions have prospered in Ayodhya through the ages. The elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam can be found in the city.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a city, municipal council and a tehsil in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, known as the “Yoga Capital of the Worldâ€. Rishikesh has been a part of `Kedarkhand`. The existence of Rishikesh is found in the Puranas and the Vedas. There are several temples, built along the banks of the Ganga river in Rishikesh. Shatrughna Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Lakshman Mandir are the ancient temples established by Adi Shankaracharya. Shatrughna Temple is near Ram Jhula and Lakshman Mandir is near Lakshman Jhula.
Ajmer
Ajmer is the home to the dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-Din Chishti. It is not only popular among the Muslims, but also among the Hindus.
Varanasi
It is the city of ghats in Uttar Pradesh and famous for the presence of Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is popular for Hindu culture and rituals.
Badrinath
Badrinath is widely considered to be the most sacred Dham of India. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttrakhand.
Bhairavghati
It is the eternal abode of Goddess Vaishnodevi. She herself had proclaimed that the Hindu pilgrimage to Vaishnodevi would be incomplete without visiting Bhairavghati.
Bithoor
It is the eternal abode of Lord Brahma. Bithoor is a located on the banks of Ganga River in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot is known as the Hill of Many Wonders. Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh is one of the oldest pilgrimages in the country. It is located on the banks of the Mandakini River.