Trip to Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura, Vrindavan

Agra is one of the India’s most popular tourist destination, Agra holds an important place in history as it is home made to many architecture wonders from the Mughal era. Emperor Shah Jahan has created so many gems in the city during this regin which to this day, attracted tourist in large numbers. Admire the rich Mughal architecture and learn riveting historical facts about Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. Here is a list of the tourist attractions Agra which you must explore during the trip to this beautiful city.

1.Taj Mahal – Taj Mahal or the “Icon of love “is one of the best places to visit in Agra and the most popular tourist destination in India. One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal stands tall at the south bank of Yamuna river. The ivory white marble mausoleums was built by Shah Jahan for his favourite wife Mumtaz. The ornate architecture and alluring design will transport you to the kingly times and leave you dazed. Today Taj Mahal is a UNESCO world heritage site. Viewing of the Taj Mahal is usually from sunrise to sunset.

2 . Agra Fort – Agra Fort is also designed as a UNESCO world heritage site. History unfolds in front of your eyes as you walk through the many structure inside the fort,like Diwan-I-Khas, Khaas Mahal, etc. Agra Fort was one of the most important forts during the Mughal period and is one of the finest places to see in Agra today. Akbar the great called this fort his home throughout his region till 1605. Just like the Taj Mahal.

3.Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb – The tomb was built by Nur Jahan in 1628. The delicately designed Jali screens from white marble beautiful light up the interior of the tomb. It was situated on the bank of Yamuna, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s tomb is one of the best places to visit in Agra. The architecture and interior are known to be inspired by that of Taj Mahal’s as it also traces of white marble from Rajasthan amidst the red sandstone. It is also known as the “Baby Taj “.

4 Akbar’s Tomb – Akbar’s Tomb was built by Jehangir in 1613. The tomb is built in red sandstone and holds some of the most stunning marble design. The biggest gate around the tomb is the south gate where you will see intricated white marble design on the panels. The real tomb of Akbar is in a small underground room which has a very transcendent feel to it.

5 Moti Masjid – The mosques is well known for its delicate design and architectures on shining white marble which gives it the name “pearl mosque “.The Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 at the bank of river Yamuna. It is one of the places visit in Agra. It stands miraculously on a slope with several arched recession and side arcades.

6. Sikandra Fort – The fort is also known for its architecture which is a bland of Islamic and Hindu designs. Although the tomb is of Akbar the greatest Mughal emperor, the architecture of this fort has a strong influence of Hindu architecture. The fort is known for its magnificent gates, tombs and red sandstone design which makes it one of the most visited tourist places in Agra.
7. Jodha Bai Ka Rauza – It is biggest palace in Fatehpur Sikri made of red sandstone like all the other palace. The monument stands as a symbol of peaceful Hindu Muslim relations which it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra. Jodha Bai Ka Rauza or Jodha’s palace in Agra was built by Akbar for his favourite queen Jodha. It stand out is the blend of Gujarat elements in the architecture designs and the beautifully painted blue ceilings.
8. Mehtab Bagh -This is one of the many hidden place to visit in Agra. The garden is a Char Bagh which is a quadrilateral garden layout inspired by the four gardens of paradise mentioned in the Ouran. It is also said that the garden had a spot from where Shah Jahan would watch the moonlit Taj Mahal. It is ideal place for a couples photoshoots, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra. It is stands at the north of Taj Mahal and bank of Yamuna river.
9. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity – The one in Agra serves as a home to several nuns caring for orphans children, elderly and homeless. All of them work to provide homes and care for the homeless, sick and orphans across the world. Visit this place and spend some time with the underprivileged, care for them and denote anything if you want.
10. Wildlife Sos – Their campus located in the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. The organization also work on rescue operation and conservation of bears and have recently opened the bear rescue facilities for visitors. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra.
11. Taj Nature Walk – The trail serves as a great place to enjoy amazing views of the Taj Mahal. Taj Nature Walk has been developed by the Social Forestry Division of Agra. The trail homes some very unique varieties of flowers shrubs and trees. Taj Mahal in all its glory is sure to be a treat for your eyes. It is most greenery sightseeing place.
12. Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal – The Gurudwara is dedicated to the ninth guru of Sikhs who is shri Guru Tegh Bahadur JI. The place where it is built is where shri GuruTegh Bahadur Ji voluntarily offered his arrest to Aurangzeb. Later it was constructed into a Gurudwara with the beautiful architecture of red sandstone at some places and marble at most.
13. Dolphin Water Park – This is one of the best places to see in Agra and wind off. Dolphin water world is north India’s biggest water park . It houses a water park, an amusement park and a fast food plaza as well, with slides like cluster, wave pool, multilane water slides, kids train etc.
14. Anguri Bagh – The lavish garden were constructed in 1637. The garden is constructed in Char Bagh style, characterised by four compartment and intricate geometrical pattern. The garden used to grow the juiciest grapes in those times that were used to make wine for the emperor.
15. Nagina Masjid – One of the most beautiful place to see in Agra, it was built by Shah Jahan during 1631-1640 AD for the royal ladies. The mosques is also characterized by admirable arches and wonderful domes. The prayer chamber is located on the western site of the private mosque.

Agra is historical importance and it is indeed a global city that brings into for the enlivened Mughal era through several monuments.

Fatehpur, is a city in the Fatehpur district of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated in between tow of our holy rivers namely Ganga and Yamuna. It is a part of Agra district Fatehpur Sikri was a once blooming capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar till 1585, when the city was abandoned due to the proximity of the area to the Rajutana neighborhood and sacre city of water. The name Fatehpur Sikri was formerly known as Fatahabad which was derived from a Persian word Fatah meaning victory. The purpose of building the city was Akbar’s intention to honor the Sufi Sanit Salim Chisti and the entire palace complex is built around and Saint’s tomb. Today  the city stands as one of the best places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri.

1. Buland Darwaza -The architecture of the doorway is unique and the craftsmanship is brilliant in this place. Buland Darwaza is made from red sandstone with carved marble and granite inlays. The name Buland Darwaza literally means magnificent gate in Urdu and the total hight of the strictures is 154 meters from the ground. It was built in 1601 by Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. On the main gateway an inscription in Persian reads ‘Jesus son of Mary Said, “The world osm a bridge pass over it, but built no house upon it. He who hopes for a day, may hope for iternity but the world endure but an hour. Spend it in prayer for the rest is unseen. The inscription is exemplary of the religious tolerance during the regin of the great Mughal Emperor.
2. Diwan-I-Khas – The most exquisite thing to see here is the central tower which is also known the Lotus Throne is exemplary of the fine detail in this stone carved mastery. Diwan-I-Khas is one of the most interesting orate building of Fatehpur. The pillar supports a walkway which connects the 4 corners of the first floor into a central circular platform meant for the emporer Akbar.
3. Jodhabai Palace – It was known as Mariam-Uz-Zamani-palace, the palace was the living quater of the Mughal Queen Jodhabai. Jodhabai palace was also considered to be the emperor’s Harem where the other women belonging to the women of the royal harem. The architecture is a rich amalgamation of the Hindu Rajputana style due to Jodhabai belonging to the Hindu Rajput clans of Amer.
4. Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti – The building is made of carved white marble and is one of the finest example of the artistic stone carving mastery in medieval India. The architecture is a cross between the Hindu and the Mughal architecture sand is surrounded with intricately carved marble screens known as’Jaalis’ from all sides. The Mausoleums belongs to the Sufi Sanit Salim Chisti who lived at a ride near the city.
5. Jama Masjid – The structure is rectangular and made with carved and sandstone. The inside of the masque is decorated with stone carved Mirhabs or altars and is one of the prize collection of Mughal Architecture and marks the transition of the Islamic architecture which was combined with the Hindu style. It was built by Akbar.
6. Panch Mahal – The structure is also called the ‘Badgir ‘or the wind catcher tower and the pool in front of the building is known as Anoop Talav. Panch Mahal consists of 5 stories which are built in a pyramidal structure and are supported by a total of 176 columns. The pillars were separated with stone carved meshes or Jallis in older times and were probably meant for the women of the Zanana enclosure that is located nearby.
7. Keoladeo National Park – Keoladeo National Park is located around man-made wetland and was created in 18th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur. One of the finest bird park in the world. Keoladeo the name derived from an ancient Hindu temple devotee to Lord Shiva, which stand centre the park. The park is most famous for its species of birds including Cranes, Spoonbills, Herons, Pelicans and the rare Siberian cranes. The Sanctuary is open throughout the year :while the best time is from August -November for resident breeding birds and October -February for migrant birds.
8. Caravanserai – The caravanserai was constructed on the stop of a ridge and this feature was used to built a terraced structure. It was built in typical Mughal style. This is grand courtyard has rooms built on all its four sides. It was located near the Hathi Pol. It was built as a guest house for important person and traders.
9. Archeological Museum – The museum showcase both pre-mughal and Mughal artifacts excavated at Fatehpur Sikri. It was built during Akbar’s period. There are four galleries in the museum. First gallery display the object including micro lithic stone tools of pre historic period collected during surface exploration from Rasulpur and Patsal hear Fatehpur. Ocher coloured pottery, painted and plain grey were pot shreds, associated black and red ware shreds of painted crey ware culture of early Iron age, Kushana period from excavation near Hada Mahal and red were pottery of different shapes from excavation at Bir Chhabili Tila. Terracotta lamps of different types discovered from excavation at Fatehpur Sikri including Bir Chhabili Tila.
10. Hiran Minar – It was built in Akbar’s period, Akbar in the memory of his favourite elephant, Hiran. Hiran Minar is octagonal at the grand level and circular to the rest of the tower. This is built over an octagonal platform. This tower is decorated with an a alternative row of hexagons and six points stars. This tower connected with palace around and it was used as a private watch tower for the women and the Queen to watch the sport, beast fights and wrestling games played in the grands below.

The city is indeed one of the must visit places of Uttar Pradesh. A guided our to this once pompous capital of the Mughal in India is a must to experience the true historic depth it contains.

Mathura is one of India’s most popular and serene spiritual destination as it as considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Mathura has a rich history. It is best to visit during a festival to see the true magic of this city, there is the Yamuna River to enjoy as well as market to visit. Here is a mix of some of the best places to visit in Mathura.

1 Goverdhan Hill – The Hill is made up of sandstone and stands 80feet tall with a circumference of 38kilometers. During childhood, Lord Krishna lifted Goverdhan Hill on one finger to save his village of Mathura. This Hill is thereby considered holy and is visited by worshipers on Guru Purnima. Goverdhan Hill or Giri Raj is situated at a distance of 22km from Vrindavan. It has been stated in the holy Bhagwat Gita that according to Lord Krishna, Goverdhan Parvat is not different from him . it is a serene place and definitely, a must visit.

2 . Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple – The temple is of great significance for the Hindu as it as believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It is built around the prison cell in which Lord Krishna’s patents, Mata Devaki and Vasudeva were imprisoned by his evil uncle Kansa. The temple is located in the holy city of Mathura. The temple destroyed multiple times by many kings, it was finally built by financial help from industrialists. On entering the temple, the divine eminence and it purity fill the heart with conviction that this indeed is the place where Lord Krishna manifested himself.

3. The Dwarkadheesh Temple – The temple is dedicated to Lord Dwarkadheesh, a from of Lord Krishna known as Dwarkanath, depicted in a black marble idol. It is holist temple in Mathura, it is famous all over the country for its elaborate architecture and painting, built in 1814, situated within the perimeter of the city Shely Gate, near the ghats of river Yamuna. An array of beautiful ceiling painting showcasing the various aspects of the Lord’s life and the beautiful Rajasthani architecture designs and carving makes the complex look moor magnanimous.
4. Vishram Ghat – Vishram means rest and it is named so because Lord Krishna related this place after killing Kansa. Vishram Ghat is a revered and sacred bathing ghat located at about 4.5 km from Mathura junction on the bank of river Yamuna. There are 12 ghats to the north of Vishram ghat and12 ghat south of it positioning it in the centre. The Parikrama is the circumambulation of all the chief religious places of Mathura. The Ghat witness heavy crowd on the occasion of Bhaidooj. Vishram Ghat display a beautiful spectacle during evening at the time of evening prayers and aarti.
5. Birla Mandir – It is also known as Gita Mandir, it is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan an avatar of Vishnu. This large temple is built of red sandstone and is considered as a product of skilled craftsmanship. The marble walls hold paintings of God and Goddess.
6. Radha Kund – It was situated near Goverdhan Hill, it is one of the holist place in Braja -the Radha Kund and Shayam Kund. The two holy water tanks lying next to each other are considered to be the supreme of all holy places, containing pure and sacred water. The orgin of Radha Kund town to the day of Radha and krishna and stands as an epitome of their love and happily spent times. One can also spot many foreigners taking a dip in the Radha Kund.
7. Kusum Sarovar – The Sarovar is believed to have got its name from one of the girl attendants of Radha, named Kusum. It was filled with emerald green water. It is believed that krishna would collect flowers and make garland for Radha here. The Sarovar’s beautiful paintings depicting the life of krishna and his past times and the temple dedicated to Giri Raj. The Kusum Sarovar is perfect for quite evening outings where one can spend a complete evening watching the sunset while resting under the Kadamab tree under.
8. Radha Vallabh Mandir – The temple is the epitome of the sacred and divine love of Radha and Krishna, displayed in the rarest from ‘Ras-bhakti’, situated near Gotam Nagar on the cliff near Bankey Bihari Temple. It was constructed in 1585, the Radha Vallabh temple is one of the oldest and long living temples, majestically built using red sandstone at a time when they were used for building only high palace. The wall of the temple is 10 feet thick and are pierced stages.
9. Mathura Museum – It is known Curzon Museum of Archaeology, located in Dampier Park. It was founded in 1874 by Sri F.S Growse. The museum also display the discoveries made by noted archaeologist in around Mathura. Today it is one of primary centers for study.
10. Jama Masjid – The Jama Masjid Mathura was constructed in 1661 by Abd-Un-Nabi Khan, the governor of Aurangzeb, with it’s four minarets and mosaic plastering along with the marvellous carvings, this structure leaves one spellbound with its beauty. The highlight of the mosques is the facade inscribed with 99 named of Allah in the Persian script.
11. Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple – It is Shaktipeetha where the ringle of Mata Sati fell after her boody was destroyed. Bhuteshwar temple also houses the Patal Devi Cave, the Goddess worshipped by King Kansa. The Shrine is considered auspices and unique as it is one of the very few temple in the city which is not dedicated to Lord Krishna.
12. Kans Qila – Kans Qila is an ancient fortresses in Mathura deducted to Kans, uncle of Lord Krishna. It was located on the bank of Yamuna river, situated near the krishna Ganga Ghat and Gau Ghat, the fort is a popular tourist spot and has been constructed as a fusion of Hindu-Muslim architecture. The Kans Qila was renovated in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh of Amber, and later, Raja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur ordered on observatory to the built. The main highlight of the fortress, which is a blend of Hindu an Islamic style.
13. Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple – The temple is revered for the Shiva Linga which was established here by the great grandson of krishna Vrajanabha. Gopeshwar temple is located near Vanshivat and anyone who wishes to explore the bliss of Raasleela must visit the temple and pray to Gopeshwar for including him Sakhibhav.
14. Jai Gurudev Mandir – The temple is also known as Naam Yog Sadhna Mandir. The Mandir is dedicated to Baba Jai Gurudev, located on the National Highway 2, between Delhi and Agra. The temple hosts an annual Bhandara festival which attracts hordes of pilgrims. The architecture beauty of Jai Gurudev Temple attracts many architecture buffs as well, who gather to see the temple that resembles Taj Mahal, built of white marble, with domed structure and minarets in the temple complex. It is based on Hindu architecture.
15. Chamunda Devi Temple – It was situated on the Chamunda Devi Marg in Mathura. The temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeth.
16. Dauji Mandir – The Temple has stood for over 5000 year since 1535 AD and is one of the oldest temple in the city. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Balarama. The idol of Lord Baladev is considered as the hugest of Braja Mandir, black in colour and have in two hands. The deity is about 7 feet tall. One of the significant factors about this temple is the presence of Kashir Sagar, which has added a lot in making Dauji Mandir, one of the most intriguing pilgrimage destination in the country. The temple is a must visit for all those who are fascinated by mythology, culture, history and spirituality.
17. Nandgaon – The town is highly revered by Hindu pilgrims, it is believed to be the home of the foster parents of Lord Krishna. It was located at a distance of 8km from Barasana, and 50 km from Mathura. Nandgaon is a quaint little town situated at the base of a Nandisvara Hill. Among the several other attractions situated in town, the most popular ones including temples dedicated to Yashoda Nandan, Nritya Gopal, Nand Nandan, Udhav Kyaro and Gopinath etc. A little away from town, is also the very famous Kokilavam and the temple dedicated to Shanidev.
18. Kokilavan Dham – It was situated near Kosi Kalan in Mathura, the famous Shani temple, dedicated to Shanidev and his Guru Barkhandi Baba, it has also came to be known as Kokilavan Dham. The pilgrims perform a Parikrama of the temple and take a dip in the holy Kund. Saturdays are the busiest days of the week. There is a sacred tree at the temple compound where devotees offer water and write their wishes on a blank wall with their fingers.

Mathura is very beautiful and religious place and ‘do not forget to carry home a few times as memorable of your trip to the land of krishna and his countless stories.“If you want visit Agra Fatehpur & Mathura Vrindavan  our company  provides complete Tour  Package, book online from our site and gets instant discount”.