Itmad-Ud-Daulat’s Tomb

This tomb is 5 Km north of Taj Mahal. The tomb was built by Empress Nur- Jahan for her father. Her father was a Persian nobleman who became Jahangir’s Chief minister. The tomb was built by workers from Iran and Persia. Persian brown and yellow marble were used to built this tomb. Thus Persian marble was used for the first time in India. Visit 0600 - 1800, Friday - free.

Agra Fort It is at Yamuna ki Kinara Road, near Nehru park. The construction of this massive fort was started by Akbar and completed by his grandson Shah Jahan. This fort is in triangular shape and encircled by a massive wall two and half Kms long and 69 ft high. The fort was protected by a moat and another wall with the Yamuna river running at its base. The entrance is through Amar Singh Gate.

The Jahangiri Mahal situated north of Amar Singh Gate was built by Akbar as a residence for his son Jahangir. It is a blend of Hindu architecture with Central Asian influences. The central court of the palace is lined by two-story facades with remnants of the rich gilded decorations which once covered much of the structure.

On the death of Jahangir, Shah Jahan assumed the throne and started his own constructions inside the fort. The Shahjahani Mahal is the remodel of the Jaghangiri Mahal. The elephant fights were watched by Shah Jahan from this tapering tower gallery. The Khas Mahal (private Palace) built by Shah Jahan in 1637, has three pavilions overlooking the Yamuna, with a fountain opposite the central pavilion. The white marble central pavilion follows the Mughul style. Three arches on each side, five in front, and two turrets rising out of the roof. A second pavilion is of white marble and was supposedly decorated with gold leaf, while the third is made with red stone.

The Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) built in 1637, stands at the northeastern end of the Khas Mahal courtyard. It is an example of decorative water engineering in the hammams(bath). The lamps are fitted to warm up the water. The walls of the palace were inlaid with chiseled mirrors.

The hall of private audience (1637) (Diwan-i-Khas) built by Shah Jahan were used to receive foreign ambassadors or other dignitaries. It is a three sided pavilion with a terrace of fine proportions. Outside the structure is the marble throne terrace, where a pair of thrones were kept.

The Musamman Burj is built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal. It is made of delicate marble lattices for the ladies of the court to gaze out, unseen. There is a beautiful carved fountain in the center.

The Diwan-i-Am (Hall of public audience). This hall was used to meet officials and petitioners. The women of the palace can watch the court without being seen by others from the pavilion through jali screens. The open sided, cusped arched hall (64×23m) built of plaster on red stone, is very impressive. The throne alcove of richly decorated white marble completed after 7 years work in 1634 was used to house the Peacock Throne.

The Nagina Masjid is a private mosque raised by Shah Jahan with typical cusped arches for ladies of the court. There is Mina bazar for the ladies to buy things from the marble balcony beneath the Nagina Masjid. The Moti Masjid nearby the Nagina Masjid is a perfectly proportioned pearl mosque built in white marble.

Fatehpur Sikri It is at 37 km south west of Agra, about 12 Kms in circumference, on a rocky ridge that over look the village of Sikri. Akbar built his capital at this village. The massive walls surround its three sides and the forth side is protected by a lake. Akbar ruled here for only 15 years. He shifted his city to Lahore and eventually back to Agra. Its styles still reflects his foresight and wisdom.

The Buland Darwaza (Victory Gateway) the main entrance was built by Akbar after he conquered Gujarat. The gate is 134 ft high and is approached by a base of steps which is another 34 ft. The Jama Masjid (Imperial Mosque) is at the right side of Buland Darwaza built around 1571 and designed to hold 10,000 worshipers.

The decorations in the pillars are made in Hindu elements. The Salim Chisti (Saint) tomb is at the courtyard of Jama Masjid surrounded by walls of marble lace. The saint blessed Akbar with a much wanted male heir. Due to this the people come here and tie strings on the marble for the same blessings which he bestowed the Akbar.

Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) It is 350 ft long, consist of cloisters surrounding a courtyard that contains the Hall of judgment. It was here that Akbar handed down the decisions, as the chief justice of his subjects, on various disputes, by sitting on his throne flanked by marble.

Jodh Bai’s Palace This palace was built for Akbar’s Hindu wife, Jodh Bai. It architecture is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. The Hawa Mahal (The wind palace) walled by red stone screens is upstairs. The ladies of the court could peek outside unseen from here.

Corbett National Park This oldest wild life sanctuary is just six hours from Delhi, started in 1936. It is named after the fearless hunter Jim Corbett. He lived in these hills and saved the life of many local people from the man-eater, the tiger, at the risk of his own life. The park covers 1,318 square kms. The Ramaganga river flows through its entire length. The park can be explored by open jeep or elephant rides. There is also a watchtower in the park. The animals here include deer, monkeys and birds, wild elephants, tigers, leopards, black bear, wild boar, snakes and crocodiles. December to April is the best viewing time. Open : 16 November to14 June, closed 15 June to 15 November.

Mussoorie It is a hill station, 278 Km northeast of Delhi. It is in the Himalayan foothills of Uttar Pradesh at an altitude of 2000 meters. Captain Young discovered the place in 1823 and built the first British residence with club, Anglican Church(1837) and Library at Landour in 1826.

Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur It is 55 Km away from Agra. The people from all over the country come here to see the birds. The city was founded by the Jat ruler Suraj Mal in 1733. Now the city is famous for its popular water birds. This sanctuary is the winter home for hundreds of species of birds. The park is also home for mammals and reptiles including blue bulls, spotted deer, otter and Indian rock pythons. November to February is the best season to visit and early morning or late in the evening is the best time to see the birds. Visit : Daily from 0600 to 0630.

Varanasi

Varanasi is commonly called as Banaras. The devout Hindus call it Kashi (resplendent with light). It has been the religious capital of Hinduism. Each Hindu devotee wants to visit Varanasi to purify their body and soul by dipping into the sacred Ganga river. This city is a temple city dedicated to Shiva.