Taj Mahal in Agra

A monument of love. A symbol of eternal love. Taj Mahal, one of the most fabulous monuments in the world, history and time. Thronged by visitors year round, Taj Mahal is 200 km from Delhi. It was built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shahjahan, in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The monument is a perfect piece of architecture. It took 22 years, 41 million rupees, 50 kilos of gold and around 20,000 workers to complete this marvel of marble.

Situated by the river Yamuna, Taj Mahal sits on a high red sandstone terrace, topped by marble terrace. It is flanked by four minarets. The jewel in-laid cenotaph of the empress lies within the dome. The entire mausoleum is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy with semi precious stones like jasper and agate. One can take a train, either the Shatabdi or Taj Express.

• Location: Tajganj, Agra
• Timings: 6:00 am to 7:30 pm
• Entrance fee: Rs 20/-. Rs 750/- (at sunset or sunrise).
• The monument is closed on Fridays.
  

Agra Fort

Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna river and two km from Taj Mahal, the Agra fort was started by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. The impressive red sandstone fort extends for about 2.5 km and is surrounded by a deep moat which was once filled with water of Yamuna. Though Akbar built it mainly as a military centre, it was under Shahjahan's rule that the fort became more of a mini city.

Of the many gates, the only one open to public is the Amar Singh gate, which leads into the fort. Immediately on the right is the Jahangiri Mahal. The other impressive monuments within the fort are the Diwan-i-Khas, where the emperor met the dignitaries, the Diwan-i-Aam, Nagina Masjid (built by Shahjahan for his harem) and the Moti Masjid. Towards the northeast of the fort is the Musamman Burj, where Shahjahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb.

• Location: Agra

Mathura (146 km southeast of Delhi)

Mathura is the birthplace of the world's popular deity, Lord Krishna. With a history that traces itself to the beginnings of world trade, Mathura is one of the most ancient cities of India. It is situated on the banks of the Yamuna, in Uttar Pradesh, and is one of the most important pilgrimage centers in India.

Mathura is famous for the Krishnajanmabhumi Mandir, Vishram Ghat and Sati Burj. It is believed that Lord Krishna rested at Vishram Ghat after killing the tyrant Kamsa. Evenings at the Vishram Ghat are generally a very beautiful sight with hundreds of diyas floating on the river. The Ghats offer very picturesque sights with long flight of stairs leading to the river's edge. You can find many pilgrims bathing in the river and from a distance you can see the temple spires silhouetted against the sky.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned, probably due to the lack of water. The capital is amazingly beautiful with its palaces and it reflects the architectural style Akbar patronised.

Even to this day, the entrance to the fort is through the road that Akbar built. The road leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54 metres gateway. It later inspired other lofty gates. Today young daredevils jump from its ruins into the deep tank to earn money from the tourists. Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran Minar, that Akbar built in memory of his favourite elephant, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal's House and the Diwan-i-Khas.

Ranthambhore National Park

Well, Blake surely wasn't exaggerating when he wrote that poem and one could confirm it with a visit to the Ranthambhore National park. This famous Tiger Reserve forest covers a core area of 400 square kilometers and is a home to carnivores such as the panther, jackal, hyena, and sores of herbivores such as the deer, sambhar, stag and many migratory birds.

The tiger is the most fascinating animal of the park and also the most elusive one. And the best way to catch a glimpse of him is to hire a jeep from Project Tiger, office of the Forest Department, Sawai Madhopur. And all the effort that might have gone into glimpsing the majestic animal is worth it all, even if the mighty one decided to grace its visitors with a glimpse of itself.

• Best time to visit: October to June
• The Park is closed from July to September.
• Location: Sawai Madhopur District.
• Phone: (07462) 20223 (Forest Department)

Keoladeo Ghana National Park (120 km from Delhi)

As the only wintering ground of the endangered Siberian Crane in India, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is considered as the world's most important bird sanctuaries.
The Park is home to more than 350 species of birds. It covers an area of 29 square kilometers and has a mixed vegetation of deciduous and scrub land. The park was once the shooting ground of the Bharatpur rulers and the British viceroys and dignitaries. However today it is a protected area. The park is one of the most beautiful parks in India, with beautiful migratory birds from all over the country. A must visit for all bird enthusiasts.

Corbett National Park (300 km from Delhi)

Welcome to India's first ever National Park, the Corbett National Park! Located in Uttar Pradesh and covering an area of 520 square kilometers, it is also a Tiger Reserve Project. Initially called the Hailey National Park, it was established in 1936 on the advice of the hunter-naturalist Jim Corbett. Of course, the star attraction of the park is the tiger. Besides the tiger, one can find other cats such as the leopard, the jungle cat and the fishing cat. The park is also the home for scores of other animals as well, from the deer to the Indian Grey Mongoose. And bird enthusiasts can go wild here. With over 580 species, the park is regularly visited by rare migratory birds. The best time to visit the park is between the months of February and May. It is closed from mid June to mid November.

Jaipur:

The capital city of Rajasthan State is popularly known as the Pink City of India because of the pink paint applied to the building in its old walled city. Its foundation and its careful planning to the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699 to 1744). Jaipur is a shopping paradise; it's famous for Jewelry Handicrafts and Textiles.

Sight Seeing in Jaipur:

Hawa Mahal: Build in 1799 the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the winds is one of the Jaipurs major landmark, although it is actually little more than a façade. This five story building, which looks out over the main street of the old city.

CITY Palace: In the heart of the city, the City palace occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and building. This palace has an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware and old weapons. Jantar Manta: Adjacent to the entrance to the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar or Observatory, begun by Jai Singh in 1728.Jai Singh's passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior and, Before commencing construction, he sent scholars abroad to study foreign observatories. The Jaipur observatory is the best and the largest preserved of the five he builds. And was restored in 1901. The others are in Delhi, Varanasi, and Ujjain.

Amber Fort: The ancient capital of Jaipur state, construction of fort and palaces begun in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, The Rajput Commander of Akbars Army. The fort is a superb example of Rajput Architecture. You can climb up to the fort from the road in 10 minutes. Riding on elephant back is popular.

Rishikesh

The city that co-exists along with Haridwar, with the latter's spiritual quality. Rishikesh, is the starting point of the holy Char Dham pilgrimage. The city is not only thronged by Indians but also by foreigners wanting to know more about Hinduism.
Lakshamn Jula, a suspended iron bridge is worth a visit. It connects either banks of the Ganges. Triveni Ghat is considered as auspicious among the pilgrims and you can find them every morning bathing in the Ghat.

Haridwar (214 km from Delhi)

Imagine several saffron clad tourists chanting and praying, imagine the pilgrim thronged Ghats and the Ganges, flowing from her source. That's Haridwar, the holy land of the Hindus.
Haridwar is famous for its temples, bathing ghats and tanks. The Ganges, considered as the holiest river in India, is the star attraction of Haridwar. Pilgrims carry back the water from the Ganges, which they believe will remain fresh forever. The Har ki Paori, is one of the most sacred ghats in India and hundreds gather at this ghat. Haridwar is a must visit even for the not-so-religiously inclined. It is a place, whose every corner breathes with mysticism.

Dehradun (255 kilometres from Delhi)

For an ideal summer getaway or to spend a relaxing weekend, Dehradun is the answer. Beautiful rolling hills of green, misty mornings and fresh air. Dehradun has it all. Nestled in the Shivaliks, the hill station is 640 metres above sea level. Once ruled by the Garhwal kings, it later became a British residential town. Dehradun is famous for its several public schools and institutions. The Tapkeshwar Temple is Dehradun's most famous temple. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple has a stream flowing directly over the lingam. The other star attractions are the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and Robber's Cave.

Mussoorie

The famed 'Queen of the Hills', Mussoorie is one of the most famous hill stations of India. With over 350 hotels, Mussoorie has the largest number of hotels among the hill stations in India.
Mussoorie had its birth when Captain Young laid its foundations in 1823. It was initially called 'The Mullingar', but it was later named after the widely grown in the hill station, dal called 'Masur'.
Mussoorie has several places to visit such as the Gun Hill, Muncipal Lodge, Childers Lodge, Camel's Back Road and Cloud's End. Gun Hill has a very interesting story behind it. Before Independence, everyday, a gun mounted on this hill, used to fire at noon. And people on hearing it would adjust their watches! Childer's Lodge is the highest peak, about five kilometres from the city. Garden enthusiasts can visit the Municipal Garden.