THE HOST CITY
AGRA - The city of Tajmahal.  A mélange of the past and the present, of its people and its antiquity. A city popular for its Mughal monuments, Agra was in the 16th & 17th centuries, one of the capitals of Mughals. Agra derives its fame from the world famous Taj Mahal. The city with its laidback lifestyle and wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, is amongst the most remarkable cities of the world. Other historic places of interest are the Red Fort, Sikandra, Radha Swami temple and Fatehpur Sikri. Places near Agra are Firozabad famous for its glass work and Mathura Vrindavan for their holy temples.

HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

TAJMAHAL
Taj Mahal is not just beautiful art and fine architecture but a memorial to love and faith. This extravagant monument of love is one of the most visited and most photographed places in the world. Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the memory the of his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Taj Mahal was the culmination point of Indo- Persian architecture. It is a sublime experience of the greatest love story ever told. The Taj has been a visual delight for viewers over the ages. Taj is a joy for ever and for any imaginative visitor a rare experience. Open : Saturday to Thursday. (Friday closed)

   

AGRA FORT
Within a radius of 3 km, on the banks of river Yamuna rises the crescent like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D. , the fort is surrounded by a 70 foot high wall. 

It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan - i - Khas, Diwan - i -Am, Machili Bhawan and Moti Masjid. Though the principle structure was built by Akbar many more additions were made by his grandsons.



ITMAD-UD-DAULAH'S TOMB
The exquisite tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah on the left bank of Yamuna River was built by Nur Jahan in memory of her father. This small but elegant structure is built entirely in white marble, a feature that appeared for the first time and was an inspiration for Taj Mahal. The pietra dura or stone inlay work is of highest quality, especially in the blend of the colours of the semi-precious stones.



RADHA SWAMI SAMADHI
8 km. Head quarters of the Radha Swami religion. 
Here the holy ashes of the founder of the faith have been preserved. Also a place where daily congregational service of satsang is held.



SIKANDRA
12 km. Begun by Emperor Akbar and completed by his son Jahangir in 1613 AD, Akbar's tomb in Sikandra is a fusion of Hindu and Muslim art and architecture which, like the Emperor himself, characterized the era. 



FATEHPUR SIKRI
Thirty-Km southwest of Agra lies a deserted sand - stone city, Fatehpur Sikri, the royal capital of Akbar the Great. It was built during 1571 & 1585. It is one of the finest  examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place to visit if one comes to Agra. But in real terms. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish. Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.

AROUND AGRA
The places of interest around Agra include : 
 
FIROZABAD (44 KM)
It is famous for its glass industry. Exquisite designs of glass works specially show pieces, toy, bangles and chandeliers are available. 

MATHURA (50 KM)
On the banks of river Yamuna, Mathura is the birth place of Lord Krishna. It has been a sacred pilgrimage centre through countless centuries and the temple and shrines that line the waterfront testify to its antiquity. Mathura & Vrindavan, the twin cities where Lord Krishna was born and brought up, still echo with sounds of the playful divine and are replete with imposing temples, each dedicated to the stages of Krishna's life.  
 
VRINDAVAN (60 KM)
15 km north of Mathura, lies the celebrated town of Vrindavan which is almost as closely associated with Krishna as Mathura itself. Indeed one hardly speaks of Vrindavan alone. It is believed to have been the stage on which Krishna performed his famous romantic and sportive roles. There are hundreds of temples in Vrindavan, and the most famous as well as the finest temple in Vrindavan is that of Govinda Deva, dating back to 1590.

GOVARDHAN (70 KM)
It is named after the "Goverdhan Hillock" which according to legend, Lord Krishna had lifted up the hill on one finger to protect the local people from the wrath of the rain God Indra.

MANASI GANGA KUND (70 KM)
Manasi Ganga Kund is traditionally the starting and the end point of the circumambulation of Govardhana Hill. This kunda is considered more potent than the Ganges river, because by bathing in the Ganges river one gets liberation and by bathing here one achieves "Krishna Prema", love of Krishna.

BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTUARY (56 KM) 
Also know as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, it is a heaven for bird watchers and ornithologists. Approximately 200 species of birds including the famous Siberian Cranes and other Chinese and North European birds can be seen here in winters.

JAIPUR (235 KM)
Forts, palaces, architectures marvels and tales of valour, all in their own way, bear testimony to the glory that Jaipur is and was just after it was conceived by Sawai Jai Singh in 1727. Jaipur was the first planned city in the northern India. There are many site seeings such as the City palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Moti Doongri, and temples such as Lakshmi Narain temple, Jagat Shiromani temple Govindji temple etc.