Agra
is the one of the prominent destinations of the World Tourism map with
three heritage monuments -The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Red Fort.
Some may call it just a decadent city of graveyards and stones, but the
city has much more behind what is evident, it is a vibrant centre of
Culture, Art and Religious philosophies that have enriched mankind and
shaped human thought over centuries. Agra tours opens gates to the
city's age old treasure of famous handicraft products such as Inlay work
on Marvel, leather work, footwear, brassware, carpets, jewellery, zari
and embroidery work. General Information
Climate: Hot & HumidWeather: Winter (4.20 C 31.70 C) & Summer (21.90 °C - 45.00 °C)
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Suggested Clothing: Cotton in Summer & Light woolen in Winter
Distance: Delhi- Agra- 200 km
Places to visit
- TAJ MAHAL:
Completed in 1653 AD, Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is the final resting place of his favourite Queen, Mumtaz. These perfectly symmetrical monuments set amidst landscaped gardens took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, Masons and Jewellers to build. Fantastic inlay work using semi-precious stones decorate the interiors all such ornamental features and the history that goes with it makes Taj Mahal a real time façade of Agra tourism and is a must visit destination for all those lovers of history, art, architecture and culture.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 7.30 pm. (Friday closed) - AGRA FORT:
The great connoisseur of art, Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 A.D. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. There are number of exquisite buildings like the Moti Masjid-a white marvel mosque akin to a perfect pearl, Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Shish Mahal and Musamman or Samman Burj-where Shahjahan was held captive in 1666 A.D.
Visiting Hours: 6 am – 5:30 pm - SIKANDRA:
The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative region. Completed in 1613 A.D. by his son Jahangir, it is one of the well preserved monuments. This is the last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar which works as a fine stoppage on the way of those on Agra tour. - FATEHPUR SIKRI:
Fatehpur Sikri is an epic in red sandstone. A city of yesteryears today lost in the mists of time. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D. When his son was born, as a sign of gratitude, he constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Other renowned places are Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace and Birbal Bhawan. Fatehpur Sikri is about 39km from Agra.
Taj Mahotsav
A ten day long carnival displaying best of India's art and craft, Taj Mahotsav is a grand event held in the month of February (from 18 to 27th) each year. A gorgeous backdrop of eternally beautiful Taj Mahal and the best of art and craft forms on display the event showcase vibrant shades of Indian cultures. A well planned tour to Agra is one done way ahead of time which can provide the visitor the opportunity to experience the truest and the most stunning façade of the city which makes the world wonder.Sweet & Spicy Details
Agra is considered a heaven for Chaat lovers. This spicy preparation is a mix of munchies along with spices and chutneys and you will find crowds awaiting their turn outside numerous stalls selling Chaat. Popular places like Double Phatak near Sikandra and Sadar and Belangunj are well known for serving such delicious treats. A typical Agra Breakfast constitutes of spicy Berahi and sweet Jalebies found at every nooks and corners served fresh. And who can forget the world famous sweet, Petha of Agra. On Agra tours this is a sweet one must try especially the plain ivory one or the Angoori flavoured Petha for maximum delight. The famous stores selling this sweet are Panchi's Bhimsain BaidyaNath and The Pracheen Petha store also, Bikanervala, Gaopaldas and Ajanta Sweets.Shopping
Famous for its leather industry and marble inlay work, Agra makes for a fine shopping destination selling stunning pieces of art at reasonable prices. On a vacation in Agra you cannot escape the shopping fever and so you must take a stroll around the bazaars close to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Famous sites selling stunning leather articles and fine marble inlay work are Agra Handicraft Industries, Handicraft Inn, Sadar Bazaar, UP Handicrafts Development Centre, Agra Marble Shoppy, Kinari Bazaar and more. The quality of the articles is top end and in addition, the proprietor will walk you through a demonstration to a small workshop to explain the materials and the process of making these things. Whether a miniature Taj Mahal or good quality leather or tabletops, boxes, vases etc you can get all at different shapes and sizes at bargained prices.Access
AirwaysIndian airlines connect Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi. Kheria Airport is about 9 km from Govt. of India Tourist Office.
Raiways
Agra is a major railway junction on main broad gauge routes to the south, east and west. Two of the best trains viz. Shatabdi Express (between Delhi and Bhopal) and Taj Express (between Delhi and Gwalior) are available to access Agra. Some other train servicing the city are: G.T. Express (New Delhi to Chennai), Dadar Express (Mumbai to Amritsar), Jhelum Express (Jammu to Pune), Kalinga Utkal Express (New Delhi to Puri), Karnataka Express (New Delhi to Trivendrum), Ujjani Express (Dehradoon to Ujjain) and Hyderabad Express (New Delhi to Hyderabad).
Roadways
Agra, on cross roads of national highways 2, 3 and 11, is excellently connected to all parts of the country. Some important road distances from Agra are: Bharatpur-54 km, Delhi-204 km, Gwalior-119 km, Jaipur-232 km, Khajuraho-400 km, Lucknow-369 km, Mathura-45 km, Nainital-353 km, Varanasi-605 km and Mussorie-417 km.
Dhanaulti
located amidst thick, virgin forests of deodar, rhododendron and oak
has an atmosphere of perfect peace & tranquility. The long wooded
slopes, lazy outings, cool caressing breeze, warm and hospitable
inhabitants, lovely weather and fabulous view of snow covered mountains
makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxed holiday. Situated on the
Mussoorie - Charfiba route, Dhanaulti is 25 km. from Mussoorie.
Just
123 km from Jhansi and 23 km from the district headquarters of
Lalitpur, Deogarh is situated on the right bank of the Betwa river at
the western end of the Lalitpur range of hills. Due to its strategic
location(being on the main route to Deccan), it was a bone of contention
and figures in the history down the ages. Not surprisingly, it is of
great antiquarian, archeological and epigraphical importance and finds
mentions in the history of the Guptas, the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the
Gonds, the Muslim rulers of Delhi as well as the Marathas and the
British. With a dramatic natural setting,the Deogarh fort is entered
through a corbelled gateway in the outerwall. During the 8th to 17th
centuries,it was a Jain center and still houses 31 Jain temples. Panels
depicting scenes from Jain Mythology,votive pillars, votive tablets and
Jain images are visible from all sides. Deshavatar temple,dedicated to
Lord Vishnu, lying close to the banks of the Betwa is the Jewel of
Deogarh. Dated 6th century A.D(Gupta period),this temple is the earliest
known Panchayatan temple of north India. The temple is particularly
known for its Rathika Panels in recess along its three side walls,is
noted for being the first Indian temple with a Shikara or
Spire.However,only the lower portion remains of the Shikhara. With the
green water of Betwa in vicinity and a small island clad in rich verdure
in the middle of the river, the site has got tremendous charm. The
Gupta age,known as the 'Golden Age/Era' of Indian history,is exemplified
by the superb sculptures,images at Deogarh. A dramatic Travelmasti
site.
Chitrakoot,"the
hills of many wonders" is indeed a gift of nature and the gods. Located
in the Banda district of modern Uttar Pradesh(U.P), on the banks of
river Paisuni(Mandikini),Chitrakoot is a tranquil retreat on the
northern spur of the Vindhyas. Just 6 km south of Karvi and 72 km south
east of Banda district on the road to Allahabad, Chitrakoot Dham is one
of the most ancient holy pilgrim places of India. Legends have it that
it was the abode of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshman for
eleven years of their fourteen years of exile. This is also the
place,where they came in contact with sage Atri and sati Anasuya.This
abode of the gods is credited to have seen the incarnations of
Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh. Chitrakoot ,sacred with the touch of Lord's
feet,was where Goswami Tulsidas, the creator of the epic "Shri
Ramcharitmanas" spent many years of his life. Dotted with innumerable
temples and shrines, nature's splendor here is wrapped in peace and
tranquility, permeated only by singing birds and gushing streams.
Chaukori
is imbued with the breathtaking beauty of Pithoragarh district. It
offers a magnificent view of the Panchchuli peaks and has few rivals for
spectacular Himalayan sunrises and sunsets. Visitors to this
lesser-known part of Kumaon can enjoy nature at her pristine best.
Forests of pine, oak and rhododendron are interspersed with cornfields
and orchards. The climate is conducive to the growth of tea, which is
cultivated by some enterprising locals. Chaukori holds the promise of an
idyllic vacation, and a close communication with nature.
The
quiet and beautiful township of Bithoor is situated on the Kannauj
Road, 27 km from Kanpur. Situated on the banks of the Ganga, this
tranquil spot is of considerable historical and religious importance.
According to Hindu scriptures Lord Brahma came to Utpalaranya, as it was
known then, for the creation of mankind. The place which first
witnessed the creation of mankind came to be known as Brahmavarta or the
seat of Brahma. Later Brahma installed a Shivalinga which is still
worshipped as Brahmeshwar Mahadeva at the principal Ghat of Bithoor, The
Brahmavarta Ghat. A nail of the horse shoe which is embedded in the
steps of the Ghat is an object of special reverence for devotees,
considered to be of Brahma's horse, while going for Ashwamedha Yajna. On
the completion of the Yajna, the forests of Utpalaranya, became known
as Brahmavarta, from which the popular name, Bithoor is derived. In
later centuries Brahmavarta flourished as the capital of the kingdom of
Utpalaranya, over which ruled the emperor Uttanpad. His son Dhruva
penanced here in order to please Brahma. The place is pointed out to be
Dhruva Teela. 
The
modern city of Allahabad is noted for having links with or having
produced presidents and premiers, both at the national as well as state
levels. From the first prime minister of India - Pt. Nehru to Lal
Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, V.P. Singh and Chandra
Shekhar to Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (ex - President) and a plethora of
bureaucrats and people who have been adorning gubernatorial positions,
Allahabad has remained on the forefront of national importance.
Allahabad is the land of the holy sangam where religion, history and
culture come together. Legends have it that the Creator god of the
trinity, Lord Brahma chose this land for the 'Prakishta Yagna', on which
the three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati- would flow
in a quiet confluence. Blessed by the gods, that land came to be known
as 'Prayag' or 'Allahabad'. A peaceful city and one of the most sacred
of pilgrimage centres of India, Lord Brahma referred to as 'Tirth Raj'
or the "king of all pilgrimage centres". The place springs to life
during religious festivals and fairs, particularly the massive Kumbh
Mela, held every 12 years. Come 1575 A.D, Mughal monarch Akbar founded a
lavish city and called it 'Allahabad', the abode of god. Over the
centuries, Allahabad retained its strategic importance and otherwise
too, more so during the Indian independence struggle in the first half
of the 20th century. As of now, Allahabad tours are an important entity
which witnesses the confluence of history, religion and culture is as
magnificent as the sacred rivers that flow through this God-graced land.
The
capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is a city synonymous with the Nawabi
Culture. Lying on the banks of river Gomati, a tributary of the Ganga,
the city is most talked about its imperialistic splendors and
magnificence of the Nawabi Era. The city, known for its Adad and Tehzeeb
(Cultural refinement) rose to prominence during the Indo - Islamic
(Medieval period). especially the Mughals and later under the Nawabs of
Awadh and thence, subsequently under the British. Noted for its fine
bidri (silver - inlaid black metalware) jewelry. Chikan work (Cotton
embroidery), toys, renowned cuisine, cultural heritage and traditions,
the city once rivaled even Delhi in its patronage to art and literature.
The city is also credited with the development of new musical forms and
instruments under the royalty. Singing styles of Dadra, Thumri, Khayal,
Qawqalis, Ghazals and the dance form Kathak saw their finest hours in
this historic city. During 18th and 19th century, Lucknow developed its
own style of architecture, Beginning as a rather ornate, modified form
of Mughal prototypes. But built in brick and stucco, later it
incorporated many European elements, e.g.,. triangular pediments, round
arches and Corinthian capitals. Important historical sites include Nadan
Mehal, a Mughal tomb; Bara Imambara (1784); ruins of the British
residency; the Qaisar Bagh quadrangle etc. Besides its picture gallery,
the state museums and the zoo are superb attractions. In ultimate
analysis, the city is a perfect blend of ancient with the modern, as
many glitzy shopping plazas co exist with the old historical monuments.
Hallowed by the aura of Shri Krishna 
With
little over 10 sq Km in area, lying on the banks of the river Ghagra or
Saryu, this ancient city is believed to be the birth place of Lord
Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The holy book of Hindus-
the Ramayana- says, the city was founded by Manu. Later, it became the
capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty. Lord Rama was the most
celebrated King of this dynasty. Known as 'Kosaldesa' in ancient times,
the place has been described as "a city built by gods and being as
prosperous as paradise itself", in the Atharvaveda. From the time
immemorial, this place has been noted for the performance of various
rituals and Yajnas, including 'Asvamedha Yajna'. From the epic and
puranic ages, Ayodhya rose to prominence again in the 6th century
B.C,the times of Buddha. Situated just about 10 Km from the district
headquarters of Faizabad, Ayodhya is a city of temples of several
religions. Various faiths have grown and prospered simultaneously and
that also in different periods of time in the history. Jain traditions,
for example, consider that five Tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya
including Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankar. Don't miss the remnants of
Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Jainism, that can still be found in
Ayodhya.
Here
comes, the highest mountain on earth, *The* Mt. Everest which we call
it Himalayan Spirit which lives and breathes all along in Nepal.
Climb it if you can, and your life will never be the same again!
