Geography
Culture
Tourism
I'm sure I'm not exaggerating when I say Uttar Pradesh is the true microcosm of India. Except for a few geographical features, the state has everything to offer that represents India. So, if you wish to savor India without having to travel beyond a few hundreds miles either way, head for Uttar Pradesh!
From the mighty Himalayas to its North (now part of Uttaranchal) to its vast fertile plains and from the semi-arid west to the rugged Vindhyas, Uttar Pradesh has more variety than most European countries !
It has been the core of political and socio-economic activity throughout history and was the center of the Indian struggle for freedom. It has given us several leaders and scores others have found a warm home in its expanses. It still continues to be an economic powerhouse through its agriculture and agri-based industries as well as manufacturing and services sector. The state is by far the largest producer of foodgrain in the country and is an agri-surplus state. It leads in the production of sugarcane, groundnuts and tobacco also.
The region hold the greatest of cultural traditions. No wonder both the great epics - The Ramayana and the Mahabharata, had their center stage here. As a result, the state always called the shots in defining the cultural ethos of the country, atleast the North. This is reflected in the dance, folkmusic and cuisine, something the Up-ites are very fond of!
However, lately, the state has earned some notoriety, chiefly owing to the lack of good politics and some poor land reform policies. nonetheless, we see it as a passing phase, a cycle that besets every socio-economic unit at some point of time. The phase shall pass and Uttar Pradesh shall be restored as the economic frontrunner