DELHI & AGRA TOURS PACKAGES
About Delhi:
Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.
The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to present days writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.
Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi.
Delhi Facts
Area: 1,483 sq km
Latitudinal parallel: 28.3oN
Longitudinal meridian: 77.13oE
Altitude: 293 m above sea level
Population: 13.85million (Census 2001)
Average Temperature: 45oC (Max) - usually in May - Jun, 5oC (Min) - usually in Dec – Jan
Desirable Clothes: Woollen for winters and light cotton for summers
Rainfall: 714 mm
Monsoon: July to mid-September
Population: 13.85 (Census 2001)
Season: Extreme climate with very hot summer and very cold winter
Best time to visit: October to March
STD Code: 011
Languages: Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi
Religions: Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Bahai Faith
Tourist Interest Places in Delhi:
1. Red Fort
Delhi's most famous monument, the Red Fort, stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India. Its walls, which stretch for over two kilometers (1.2 miles), were built in 1638 to keep out invaders. However, they failed to stop the fort being captured by the Sikhs and the British. To take your imagination back to the ancient era, a one hour sound and light show of the fort's history is held each evening.
2. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is another marvelous treasure of the Old City, and is the largest mosque in India. Its courtyard can hold an incredible 25,000 devotees. The mosque took 13 years to build, and was completed in 1650. A strenuous climb to the top of its southern tower will reward you with a stunning view across the rooftops of Delhi. Be sure to dress appropriately when visiting the mosque or you won't be allowed in. This means covering your head, legs and shoulders. Attire is available there.
3. Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk, the main street of old Delhi, is a shocking contrast to the wide, orderly streets of New Delhi. Cars, cycle rickshaws, hand-pulled carts, pedestrians, and animals all compete for space. It's chaotic, crumbling and congested, but completely captivating as well. As one of the oldest and busiest markets in India, its narrow winding lanes are full of inexpensive jewelry, fabrics, and electronics. For the more adventurous, Chandni Chowk is an excellent place to come to sample some of Delhi Street Food, The renowned Karim Hotel, a Delhi dining institution, is also located there.
4. Humayun's Tomb
If you think Humayun's Tomb looks a bit like the Taj mahal in Agra, that's because it was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal's creation. The tomb was built in 1570, and houses the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. It was the first of this type of Mughal architecture to be built in India, and the Mughal rulers followed it up with an extensive period of construction all over the country. The tomb is part of a greater complex that's set amongst beautiful gardens.
5. Lodi Gardens
Lodi Gardens provides a serene retreat from city life, and is the place to come if you're feeling tired and worn out. The vast Gardens were built by the British in 1936 around the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers. Joggers, yoga practitioners, and young couples all enjoy this park.
6. Qutab Minar
Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, is an incredible example of early Indo–Islamic architecture. It was built in 1206, but the reason remains a mystery. Some believe that it was made to signify victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India, while others say it was used to call the faithful to prayer. The tower has five distinct stories, and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Quran. There are also a number of other historic monuments on the site.
Visit the India Travel Forum for an interesting set of photos of Qutub Minar, posted by one of the members.
7. Gandhi Smriti
A visit to Gandhi Smriti will show you the exact spot where Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately referred to as the Father of the Nation, was assassinated on January 30, 1948. He lived in the house for 144 days up until the time of his death. The room that he slept in, kept exactly how he left it, and the prayer ground where he held a mass congregation every evening are both open to the public. Plenty of photos, sculptures, paintings, and inscriptions are also on display.
8. India Gate
The towering archway of India Gate at the center of New Delhi is a war memorial, built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I. At night it glows warmly under floodlights, and the gardens that line its boulevard are a popular place to enjoy a warm summer's evening.
9. Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses is another peaceful place to come to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. However, it's no ordinary garden. As its name suggests, the Garden of Five Senses has been specifically designed to awaken all five senses. The sprawling 20 acre site beckons with a vibrant display of thoughtfully landscaped plants and flowers, waterfalls, rocks, quirky sculptures, murals, ceramic bells, and spiral walkways. The amphitheater often has live music. There are also restaurants and bars (check out the groovy Zoo at night) to relax in.
10. Bahai (Lotus) Temple
The Bahai Temple is commonly referred to as the Lotus Temple, as it's shaped like a lotus flower. It's particularly pretty at night, when it's attractively lit up. Made out of white marble, the temple belongs to the Bahai Faith, which proclaims the unity of all people and religions. Everybody is welcome to worship there. The tranquil gardens and ponds surrounding the temple are also a great place for a relaxing picnic.
About agra:
Agra has found its mention in the famous Hindu epic Mahabharat as the forest of Agraban close to Mathura. Badal Singh founded the city in 1475. Sikandar Lodhi made Agra his capital city. Later, Babur defeated the Lodhis to capture the city situated on the banks of River Yamuna and thus, the long association of Mughals with Agra started. The Mughal love of architecture translated into beautiful monuments such as Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra. The glory of Agra was at its peak during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Akbar made it the center of art, culture, commerce and learning and Shah Jahan saw it in full bloom. In fact, it is said that it was Akbar who laid the foundation of the modern city that we see now in 1558 and was known as Akbarabad. Most of the buildings belong to the period between mid-16th century and 17th century and were of high quality. These monuments were built in the contemporary Mughal style. Mughlai cuisine and the skilled craftsmen can still be seen in the narrow lanes of the city as a reminiscent of the lost times.
AGRA – Tourist Places of Interest
The Taj Mahal: A Monument for the Beloved; Taj Mahal, the ultimate tribute of love. It’s situated at Agra, northern part of India. Completed in 1654, its beauty was reputed to exceed that of paradise. Islamic style is embodied in the Taj Mahal: building up stones symmetrically to construct beautiful stone arches is an amazing feat of architecture.
Taj Mahal was built by a grief stricken Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, Taj Mahal sits pretty on the northern side of this green paradise. It looks the same from all the four sides! The Quranic inscriptions on its four entrances are carved in such subtle increase in size that may appear to be of the same size from top to bottom! Shahjahan invited master craftsmen from as far as Italy and Persia to help design his ambitious tribute to love.
The finest builders and artists worked to build the mausoleum to make it the pride of the Mughal Empire. The emperor at the height of the empire was Sha Jahan. To whom did he dedicate this mausoleum? A coffin lies at the stretch of the centre-line of the mausoleum; a stone coffin of his wife. The Empress’s coffin was decorated with jasper and jade, and is protected by the finely carved openwork of marble fencing. The Emperor’s deep love and affection for the Empress is expressed in these works. A grand garden stretches before the mausoleum complex with lush greenery and abundant water. For the Muslim people of the desert, they are symbols of heaven. Star patterns adorn the green lawns. The patterns can also be found on the flagstone walkways. Stars are a symbol of heaven in Islamic culture. By scattering star patterns around the complex, the Emperor tried to guide his beloved wife to heaven. Sha Jahan was so despaired at the loss of the Empress that his beard turned grey. In the later years of his life, he was put under house arrest by his 3rd son in the castle across the lake. A memory of his wife, while gazing at the mausoleum, was the only consolation he could find. His body was buried next to his wife in Mumtaz Mahal by the 6th Emperor.
The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in the beauty alone that shines forth, but in the deep planning and design that went into its making, and the ethereal idea of immortalizing love. Delicate carvings in marble vie with gorgeous pietra dura for attention. Lapis-lazuli, Cornelian, Mother of pearl, Agate and Emerald are inlayed in floral and geometrical patterns in the marble itself. This enchanting mausoleum, on the bank of river Yamuna started in 1631 and it took 22 years to complete with the help of an estimated 20000 workers.
The Mughal Empire disintegrated in the 18th century, but the monument dedicated to his beloved wife lives on as World Heritage.
The Agra Fort:
The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1666, A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shahjahan.
The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal.
Chini Ka Rauza:
Mausoleum of Shahjahan's prime minister and Persian poet Afzal Khan Aalmi entitled "Maula Shukrullah, Shirazi" buit in 1635, exhibits fine use of glazed tiles. A curtain raiser to an exotic Persian art style, which finds itself a home in Agra.
Taj Nature Walk:
A beautiful natural forest cover spread over 70 hectares of area just 500 mtrs away from the eastern gate of Taj Mahal . An excellent view of the Taj can be found from the different mounds of the park. Flora & Funa of different species are found here.
Samadh of Soamiji Maharaj:
It is a tribute to the founder of Radha Swami faith. Devout followers believe the service, purifies the soul. At soamibagh their services bears fruit in an edifice as spectacular as the Taj Built in white and coloured marble, it is continuously being decorated for more than 100 years now with extra-ordinary feast in stone and gems.
Ram Bagh:
One of the earliest Mughal gardens, believed to be laid out by Mughal Emperor Babur, the founder of Mughal dynasty. It is said that Babur was temporarily buried here before being taken to Kabul in Afganistan.
Mehtab Bagh:
Mehtab Bagh is located on the left bank of river Yamuna opposite to the Taj Mahal. The garden complex is a huge square measuring approximately 300m X 300m and in straight alignment with the Taj Mahal. The excavation has revealed a huge octagonal tank on the southern periphery: baradaris or pavilion on the east and west: a small octagonal tank at the center and a gateway at the northern wall.
Itimad-ud-daula’s: Tomb (Baby Taj)
This exquisite marble tomb was made by Emperor Jahangir's queen, Nurjahan , in the memory of her father Mirza Ghias Beg during 1622-1628 A.D. Built entirely in white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, this mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna River, exhibits a strong Persian influence.
Sikandra:
It is the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar. It represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative fusion. Completed in 1613 A.D., it is one of the well preserved monuments.
Mariyam's Tomb:
This unique tomb in red sandstone was built in memory of Emperor Akbar's wife Mariyam Zamani. The tomb has some exceptional carvings.
Jama Masjid:
The building with rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648A.D. by Shahajahan's daughter, Jehanara Begum. Of particular importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture.
Temples:
Mankameshwar Mandir, Rawali, Balkeshwar Mandir, Prithvinath Mandir, Rajeshwar Mandir , kailash Mandir, Renuka Dham hanidev at Runakata, Sainath Rakabganj etc.
Bauddhmath:
Buddha Bihar, Near Agra Fort Bus Stand (Monastery)
Gurudwaras:
Guru ka Tal Gurudwara, Sikandra Mathura Road, Maithan Gurudwara, Fulatti Hathighat Gurudwara etc.
Churches:
Cathedral St. Peter's, St. Patricks, Baptist Church, Sai Ka Takia, Catholic Church,Sadar Bazar, St. Marry' s Pratapura, St. Paul's Khandari etc
Mosques:
Jama Masjid near Bijlighar, Royal Mosque Taj Mahal, Sheikh Salim Chisti Dargah, Fatehpur Sikri
Jain Temples:
Digambar Jain temple, Taj Ganj, Tirthadham, Mangalayatan, Sasni, Aligarh, Chintamani Parshwanath, Roshan Mohalla, Dadabari, Shahganj etc.
FULL ONE DAY TOUR TO AGRA FROM DELHI
Agra is the famous city of India and famous for Taj Mahal wonder of Wold. Taj Mahal is main tourist attraction of Agra. Agra is known as Taj city of India in all over world. Taj Mahal is made by tataly rajasthan white marble in Mugal Era.
Taj Mahal is one of the top wonder of the India, India is famous in whole world for Wonder Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra at bank of river yamuna. Agra is around 205 km from capital Delhi.Agra city is connected by road, air and road by all major cities of India and every tourist can reach Agra from Mumbai, Delhi, Gujrat, Goa, Jaipur or Udaipur.
Indian railways run trains everyday to Agra and fast train is also available for Agra such as Shatabdi express. This train leaves from New Delhi at 0600hrs & arrives Agra by 0750hrs.
Agra full one day trip is best way to explore the city of Taj. Tourist can cover Agra tour packges only single day. In full day tour tourist Leaving the delhi in the morning & return in the evening by car, Tempo traveller And you will see this monument of love can accomplish. Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra is the best three famous tourist deistion of Agra and all three distination can be cover in one full day from the city Delhi.
SOME MORE FAMOUS DESTINATION OF AGRA:
Sikandra : Tomb of Akbar
Agra Forts:
Fatehpur Sikri
MATHURA VRINDAVAN TOUR PACKAGES
Duration: 02 Nights / 03 Days
Places Covered : Delhi- Agra- Mathura- Vrindavan
The Delhi Agra Mathura Vrindavan tour has lots to offer for those who want to explore the best of historical, spiritual and religious significance of India.Delhi Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tours is exclusively designed for the international travelers to get the best travel solutions. The tour packages are customized to meet your requirements, and you will get plenty of options to explore instantly. Mathura and Vrindavan are the cities which hold lots of significance to the life of Lord Krishna. These places make this tour very famous in the tourist circuit and give its visitors an experience of lifetime.
Day 01 / Delhi-Mathura-Vrindavan Tour by Road
Arrive Delhi, Meet assist at the airport & transfer to hotel.Our representative will give you warm welcome at airport and you will be taken to hotel destination to relax and get free from travel lethargy.
Enjoy the rich Delhi Style special breakfast, before leaving for brief sightseeing to visit local tourist attractions. This will not take more than three hours in the hotel's luxury car. You will explore the outside view of Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate, and visit Connaught Place, Himayun Tomb, Jama Masjid and Qutub Minar. Delhi is one of the oldest cities of the world with rich ancient traditions and cultures. Delhi houses some of the marvelous and majestic monuments and restaurants offering blend of continental, traditional, Chinese Thai and various western cuisines.
Vrindavan is also a small place lying adjacent to Mathura. Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna spent his youth playing with Gopis and Sakhas. Vrindavan is the place once known for the fragrant groves. While in Mathura and Vrindavan Tour, you'd find many places showing the life and different forms of Lord Krishna in an explicit manner.
DAY 02: Mathura – Agra via Fatehpur Sikri 60 Kms 2 Hours Drive
On the second day of the tour, you will experience one of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of the world. Enjoy your delicious breakfast and get ready to explore the city of Agra. You will reach Agra via Fatehpur Sikri, another place of historical significance. On arrival in Agra, check-in to your re-booked hotel. Unwind yourself in the breeze of Agra and later have a sunset encounter with the enchanting Taj Mahal, the combination of moon and Taj Mahal is a lifetime experience. Return to hotel, enjoy dinner and relax.
Day 03: Agra -Delhi by Road Drive - 210 Kms. 4 Hrs. Drive
Enjoy a tasty and relishing breakfast in the hotel and get ready to drive to Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah and Akbar Mausoleum. Later in the afternoon, pack your bags and check out of the hotel room to drive back to Delhi. After reaching your hotel pack your bags and enjoy welcome dinner party. Later, our representative will transfer you to IGI airport for onward destination.
