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Agra
The earliest reference to Agra is in the epic,
TAJ MAHAL The Mahabharata, Where it is mentioned as 4 km. Completed in 1653 AD, the Taj
Agravana. Earlier Sources called it Arya Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor
Griha, the abode of the Aryans. Shah Jahan as the Final resting place for
Ptolemy, Alexander’s geographer called it his Favourite Queen, Mumtaz. Finished in
Agra. White marble, it is, perhaps, India’s most
Fascinating and beautiful monument took
It was, however, in the medieval Period 22 years (1630-52) of hard labour and 20,000
That Agra earned prominence as a Capital workers, masons and jewellers to build and
City under the Mughals.
Its many wonderful is set amidst landscaped gardens. Built By
Monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest the Persian architect, Ustad Isa, the Taj
Of them all, have given it a unique position Mahal, on the banks of the Jamuna revir
As a tourist centre. The massive but elegant can be observed like a mirage from the
Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itmad- Agra Fort From where Emperor shah jahan
Ud-Daulah’s tomb, the magnificent Taj and stared at it, for the last eight years of his
Akbar’s deserted capital, fatehpur Sikri, are life as a prisoner of his son and usurper to
Each unique and outastanding. the empire, Aurangzeb.
It is a masterpiece of
of symmetry, seeming to be floating in the
air from a distance, and is revealed as an
illusion experienced as one enters through
the main gate. The verses of the Holy Koran
are inscribed on it and atop the gate are 22
Small domes, signifying the number of years
the monument took to build. The Taj has
been built on a marble platform that stands
above a sandstones one. The most elegant
dome of the Taj, with a diameter of 60 ft.,
rises 80 ft., over the building and directly
under the dome is the tomb of Mumtaz
Mahal. Shah Jahan’s tomb has been erecte
Next to her’s by his son, Aurangzeb
Fantastic inlay works using semi-precious
Stones decorate the interios.
AGRA FORT ITMAD-UD-DALUAH’S TOMB
The imposing ramparts of Akbar’s citadel itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, buit by Empress
Agra Fort, with its red sandstone walls, Nur jehan in memory of her father pietra
dominate the city of Agra. Within, there Dura inlay work, later used in the Taj, was
are anumber of significant buildings. But experimented here for the first time.
most poignant of all is the Musamman
SIKANDRA
Burj, the ornate octagonal tower where Futher afield, some 13 km from Agra
Shahjahan was held captive for eight years stands Sikandra, where
the mighty Akbar
a victim of his son’s imperial ambition. It lies interred.
The tomb set in a spacious
is said that in his last days, too weak to garden, has four towering minars (towers)
turn his head , a mirror was placed to and four gates to complete the symmetry
enable him to look on his beloved wife’s the mausoleum, like the taj that followed
resting place. Has a fales grave of the emperor, the rear
one being in an underground sculpture.
FATEHPUR-SIKRI
About 37 km from Agra lies fatehpur-sikri,
One of the worlds’s most perfect ghost
Cities. The Emperor Akbar at 26, had been
On the throne for 12 years, but the long –
Awaited heir had not been born. So the
Monarch mead a pilgrimage to sikri, the
Seat of the saint salim Chishti. Three sons
Were promised to him. After the birth of
The second, Akber vowed to honour sikri
With a capital of unmatched splendour, a
City fit to express his ideals and vision.
15 years, fatehpur sikri was just that.
Then, inexplicably, the city was abandoned,
For reasons that are still uncertain.
Starting with the imposing gate, the buland
Darwaza, the exploration of fatehpur sikri
Ias an adventure. Many fine monuments
Stand within, in varying architectural styles
That akbar wished to experiment with. The
Cloistered diwan-e-am (hall of public
audience), the single-pillared Diwan-e-Khas
(For private audiences), the jama masjid
Mosque complex, the imperial harem (where
300 of the emperor’s wives and concubines
Took up tow-thirds of the palace space) and
The lovely little marble tomb of the saint
Sheikh Salim Chishti.
Chail
Destination Description
Chail was once the summer playground of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Chail lies spread over three hills Padhawa,
Rajgarh and Sadh Tiba, just 43 km away from Shimla. The hill station of Chail was established as the Maharaja’s royal
answer to the snub he received when he was banned from entering Shimla in 1891 after a falling out with the British authorities there. Never one to be outdone, the Maharaja ordered the building of the Chail Palace, a grand palace which today is a luxurious hotel maintained by Himachal Pradesh Tourism. Getting to the hill station of Chail is as pleasurable as the destination itself for the drive is very scenic. The road to Chail makes for excellent driving, winding around the gorgeous valleys of Kandaghat, past forests thick with foliage and fruit laden orchards. Along the entire journey, you are aware that Chail stands apart from other Himachal hill stations in its majesty and location. When you finally reach the hill station of Chail, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Himalayas. At night, the twinkling lights of Shimla and Kasauli are clearly visible, adding to the beauty and romance of Chail as a fairy-tale place.
Best Time To Visit
Chail is beautiful in summer when the days are warm and the nights cool. The best time to come to Chail is from April to early July and again from September to November when the monsoons are done. The winters are cold and see snow. Carry light woollens and cotton outfits for summer and heavy woollens and snow protection for winter.
Accommodation Option
A range of accommodation is available – the high-end Chail Palace Hotel (Tariffs range from Rs1500 for a regular double room to Rs 6000 for the Maharaja suite), Deluxe Swiss tents and camps as well as moderate and budget hotels, motels and tourist lodges.
Activities
As a hill station, Chail boasts of many unique features. Be sure to visit Chails best known attraction, the worlds highest cricket pitch and polo ground at 2444 m. Near the cricket grounds on Sadh Tiba is the Sidh-Baba-Ka-Mandir, honoring the ascetic who refused to move out despite the Kings wish to construct his palace there. In Chail, wander off into the woods for a peaceful walk or do a more strenuous hike up the hillside. Chail also has something to offer to the adventurous - try some angling in the river nearby or go horse riding on the narrow trail around the hill. Kids will enjoy the wildlife sanctuary, with ghoral, sambhar, cheer pheasants and red jungle fowl for company. You can also carry a picnic to Sadhupul village on the way to Kandagahat.
Places Nearby
Nearby Shimla makes for a good day trip with its many attractions: the Mall, the souvenir shops, and the restaurants - you can escape to Chail when the crowds begin to get to you.
Tour Package
Chail: Chail Inn - 2 nights / 3 days package for INR 2,999 per couple Packages can be customized and arranged according to requirement.
Corbett
Destination Description
Answer the call of the wild head for Corbett National Park where the magnificent tiger reigns supreme. Located in the
foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas, close to Ramnagar Corbett National Park was the first Reserve forest of its kind,
established in 1936 through the efforts of Jim Corbett, the conservationist. Corbett National Park also makes for a
memorable honeymoon destination. For couples on their honeymoon, what better way to get to know your life partner than
while staking out, waiting for a tiger to appear? The dense forest cover and the call of the wild beasts and birds
contribute to an intense and romantic atmosphere, ideal for honeymoon memories.
Best Time To Visit
The Corbett National Park is out of bounds during the monsoons- usually from about June 16th till November 14th. Once the national park reopens after the rains, the best time to visit is between January and mid-June. Summer is the best season to view wildlife, especially the tiger, that come out of the deep forests for water
Accommodation Option
A range of tourist accommodation is available at Corbett's main campsite in Dhikala, which includes three-room cabins, forest rest houses, huts, tents and log hut dormitories. There are, in addition, Forest Rest houses at Khinanauli, Sarpduli, Gairal, Sultan, Bijrani, Malani, Kanda, Dhela and Jhirna. Accommodation is also available in private lodges and resorts outside the national park. Entry to Corbett National Park is strictly regulated and permits are needed from the park administration in Ramnagar.
Activities
Go for a jeep or elephant safari the experience will be unforgettable. Stretching over 520 sq km with a core area of 330 sq km, the Corbett National Park consists of mixed deciduous and sal forests and stretches of savannah grasslands where antelope, chital, hog deer and sambar graze. The Rhesus monkey and common langur are ubiquitous, while the long-snouted gharial, marsh crocodile, cobras and pythons can be seen on the mud banks of the Ramganga. The Ramganga reservoir, in the main Dhikala camp area of the park, has over 600 species of birds, including the pied kingfisher, crested serpent eagle, fishing eagle and Himalayan grey headed fishing eagle. The river is also home to the famous river carp mahseer, a favourite catch for anglers get the requisite permission from the Corbett Park Reception Centre and try your luck. Whether you are lucky to spot the tiger or not, one thing is guaranteed you will have a holiday of a lifetime here.
Places Nearby
Ramnagar,Moradabad.
From Distance Driving Time
Delhi 263 km. 6 hr. 0 min.
Tour Package
Corbett: Ramganga Resort - 2 nights / 3 days starting package from INR 11,111 per couple
Corbett: Corbett Hideaway - 2 nights / 3 days package from INR 12,599 per couple
Corbett: The Riverview Retreat - 2 nights / 3 days packages from INR 8,999 per couple Packages can be customized and arranged according to requirement.
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