Tourist Attractions In Agra

Location : 58-km From Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Founded By : Badal Singh
Established In : 1475
Main Attractions : Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort

Taj Mahal is a major tourist attraction in Agra, and is open to all even on full moon nights, so that you can take your beloved by the hand and walk down the gardens as moon and its entourage of stars light your path on your tour to Agra under the Agra Travels by Adventure Tours of India. Besides Taj Mahal, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Agra that will keep your hands full on your tour to Agra.

Built in massive red sandstones on the bank of Yamuna, Agra Fort is another major tourist attraction in Agra. It is popular with tourists as a towering fort as well as for the many palaces and mosques build within its premises by Jahangir and Shah Jahan, after Emperor Akbar began its construction in 1565. Some of the prominent mosques within Agra's Red Fort include the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque). Upgraded as a palace under Shah Jahan's reign, Agra Fort is famous for Jahangir's Palace, Khas Mahal and Shish Mahal (Mirror Palace). Other places to see at this tourist attraction Agra include Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Am, Ladies' Bazaar, Amar Singh Gate and Musamman Burj.

Chini-Ka-Rauza (China Tomb) is another tourist attraction in Agra. A Persian style tomb, it is built of glazed tiles and is dedicated to the memory of Afzal Khan, prime minister in the court of Akbar. Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb, built by empress Nur Jahan (Jahangir's wife) in memory of her father, wazir in the Mughal Emperor's court is another tourist attraction Agra that you can visit on your tour to Agra. Built from 1622 to 1628, the tomb makes use of pietra dura (the delicate marble work) that was later to become the hallmark of Taj Mahal.

Another popular tourist attraction in Agra is the dome-shaped Jama Masjid, located near Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb. Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 in the name of his daughter Jahanara, Jama Masjid is a distinct mosque for its minaret-less courts. Akbar's mausoleum, built of red sandstone and marble, combines the motifs and styles of Hindu, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian architecture. Supervised by Akbar himself, it is a must see on your tour of tourist attractions in Agra.

The Persian styled Mughal Gardens of Ram Bagh, Dayal Bagh and Soami Bagh are other tourist attractions in Agra that you can visit on your tour to Agra. Excursions to nearby tourist attractions such as Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura, Patna Bird Sanctuary and Sur Sarovar are popular diversions on your tour of tourist attractions in Agra.

Taj Mahal: The symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, who died at a young age of 38 while giving birth to their 14th child. Situated on the bank of Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal represents a fine blend of Mughal, Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture. The most impressive and remarkable features of the Taj Mahal are its four tall minarets (162.5 feet high) at four corners of the structure, the black and white chessboard marble floor and the majestic dome (213 feet high and 58 feet in diameter) in the middle. Taj Mahal is one of the most visited and most photographed monuments in the world.

Agra Fort: The Mughal Emperor Akbar laid the foundation of the Agra Fort in 1565 AD. It took eight years to complete this massive fort at a cost of 3.5 million rupees at that time. After Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan also added some new features to the fort. The fort is known for its magnificent architectural styles reflected in its various features. Some of the main attractions in the fort include the Diwan-e-Aam, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), the Nagina Masjid and the Palace of Mirrors.

Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah: Built by Noor Jahan - the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir -- in memory of his father, the white marble tomb represents a fine example of Indo-Persian architecture. Enjoying the privilege of being the first marble tomb of the Mughal period, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah must be visited to see its beautiful inlay designs and carvings, which are considered even superior to the Taj Mahal. The tomb is popularly known as the 'Baby Taj'.

Jama Masjid: Built by Jahan Ara Begum -- the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan who was also imprisoned with him -- in 1648, the mosque has a unique shaped dome with no minarets.

Akbar's Mausoleum: The mausoleum of Akbar is located at Sikandra at about 10 Km from Agra. Akbar himself designed and started its construction. The beautiful tomb enjoys a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain motifs.

Fatehpur Sikri: Located at a distance of about 37 Km from Agra, the Red Sandstone town of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar as his capital during 1571 and 1585. The city represents a fine blend of Indo- Mughal architecture. The main attractions Fatehpur Sikri are the Buland Darwaza (54m high) - the largest gateway in the world and the tomb of famous Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti.

Hill Station in Kerala

General Information :

Area : 38,863 sq km.

Population : 31,838,619

Capital : Thiruvananthapuram

Language : Malayalam

Kerala - Inroduction :

Kerala, popularly regarded as 'God's own country', is probably the most beautiful, exotic and picturesque state of India. Flanked by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the west and the Western Ghats (mountain ranges) in the east, Kerala abounds in exotic and beautiful Hill stations, lovely beaches and serene and calm backwaters. The unparallel natural beauty of Kerala attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world round the year. And rightly so, the National Geographic Traveler ranked it as One of the 50 'Paradise Found' on the earth.

The hill stations of Kerala are known for their exotic charm and beauty that can't be defined in words. Located amidst the lush green vegetation with numerous milky waterfalls, ravishing rivulets, splendid springs, lakes and hill-plantations, they provide an enthralling experience to tourists. One of the major advantages of holidaying in Kerala hill station is that they are relatively less crowded in comparison to hill stations of north India.Spice and tea plantations on the hill slopes provide you an enchanting sight. The fresh and pristine air filled with the fragrance of cardamom and pepper makes you spellbound. Amidst such surroundings you feel like as if you are in heaven.

The verdant vegetation around the hills supports a variety of wildlife too. There are numerous wildlife sanctuaries located in the region, which house some of the endangered species of wild animals and birds.Some of the most scenic and beautiful hill stations in Kerala, which offer a lifetime experience to its visitors, are Munnar, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Changanacheri, Ponmudi, Vagamon and Thiruvananthapuram. We welcome you to Kerala to explore and enjoy the beautiful moments of your life in a natural paradise which you would relish and remember all your life.

Most visitors come to Kerala for its magnificent beaches and backwaters. But less well known are the Southern Ghats, hills rich in cardamom, pepper and tea plantations, and which have the highest peak south of the Himalayas - Anaimudi - standing at 2,694 meters (8,839 feet). The main tourist offices will tell you that there are three hill stations in these hills - Munnnar, Pirmede and Ponmudi - as well as the hill wildlife sanctuary at Thekkady. In fact all but Thekkady are small settlements offering little in the way of tourist facilities. However, the views of the ghats and the plantations are a reward in themselves and especially worth seeing if you prefer to keep off the well-beaten tourist track. The hills are accessible throughout the year although very wet and misty during Kerala's two monsoons, the southwest and the northeast (late May-early November).

Golden City Of Rajasthan

Area: 126.27 Sq Km
Population: 2,324,319 (2001)
Altitude: 250 m above sea level
Languages: Marwari, Hindi, English
Religion: Hinduism, Islam
STD Code: 02992

Jaisalmer, popularly referred as the "golden city of India", is one of the most alluring tourist destinations in Rajasthan, India. Founded by a Rajput king, Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.D Jaisalmer is also known as "the Jewel of the Desert," as the yellow sandstone city is located deep in the heart of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is popular for its centuries old magnificent forts, palaces havelis (mansions) and amber-hued houses. Jaisalmer is also known for its exotic sand dunes, offering exciting and unforgettable camel safaris. Jaisalmer is also famous for its rich cultural heritage and its vivid and colorful festivals are major attractions for tourists visiting the city. Visit and discover this fascinating city of Rajasthan on your Palace on Wheels Tour and get enchanted with its unique charm.

Tourist Attraction in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort: The 12th century Jaisalmer Fort has been regarded as one of the most magnificent and invincible forts in Rajasthan. Built over the Trikuta hill, Jaisalmer Fort is 250 ft tall structure surrounded by a 30 ft high sandstone wall with 99 bastions. The Fort houses the famous Jain Temple, a place worth visiting on your Jaisalmer tour.

Jaisalmer Havelis: Built by the wealthy merchants, the havelis (mansions) of Jaisalmer are famous for their exclusive cutwork, yellow and red stone treatment and the bracket-shaped decoration of peacocks. The splendid havelis like the Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli and Nathmalji ki haveli are major tourist attractions in Jaisalmer.

Gadsisar Sagar Tank: Gadsisar Sagar Tank is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. A famous picnic spot, the Tank attracts hundreds of migratory birds during the winter season.

Desert Cultural Center : Jaisalmer tours are near incomplete without a trip to this fascinating museum that showcases the culture of Rajasthan in an interesting and delightful manner.

Bara Bagh: Baba Bagh is an oasis on the bank of Gadsisar Sagar Tank. It has greenery all around to give a much-needed relief to the local people.

Tazia Tower: The Pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). Each storey of this five-tiered tower has a beautifully carved balcony.

Gadsisar Lake : Gadsisar lake is a must visit site in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This Lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Jaisalmer.

Desert National Park: Situated near Jaisalmer, The Desert National Park is one of the largest national parks in India, covering an area of 3,100 sq km. The Park is known for its fragile ecosystem and unique flora and fauna.

Sam Sand Dunes: Situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, Sam Sand Dunes are major tourist attractions near Jaisalmer. Enjoying Camel safaris on the sand dunes are truly an unforgettable experience. Sam Sand Dunes is also famous for its breathtakingly beautiful sunset.

How to Reach

By Air: Jaisalmer is well linked by air with New Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The Jaisalmer Airport, located at 5 km from the city center, is managed by the Indian Air Force and is operational only from September to March.

By Rail: Jaisalmer is well connected by rail with Jodhpur, which is well connected to many major cities of India including Agra, Jaipur, New Delhi and Mumbai.

By Road: Jaisalmer has a good network of roads and is well connected to major cities of Rajasthan including Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner.