Visit the Krishna temples of Mathura and Vrindavan and learn more about India’s rich culture and the beliefs of the Hindu religion in this private tour. Mathura is revered as the birthplace of Hindu God Krishna and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year who pay homage at its temples and bathe in the river Yamuna.
Also called ¨Brajbhoomi¨ or the Land of Eternal Love, Mathura offers a glimpse into the culture of India. Tales of Krishna’s mischievous antics as a child are still told in Vrindavan, where he is believed to have spent his childhood. ¨Aarti¨ (prayer) ceremonies held in the many temples of the town are interesting to see, with money, sweets and flowers being showered upon the deities. A land of rich traditions and culture, the Krishna temples of Mathura and Vrindavan reflect the essence of Hindu religious belief in India. The peal of temple bells and stories about Krishna’s mischievous youth are common in these holy cities.
The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India is a famous bird sanctuary that plays hostto thousands of native and migratory birds especially during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the Keoladeo National Park their home.
Every year thousands of migratory waterfowl visit the park for wintering breeding etc. The Sanctuary is one of the richest bird areas in the world. It is known for nesting of its resident birds and visiting migratory birds including water birds. It habitats to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species,7 turtle species, and a variety of other invertebrates.
The Dayal Bagh is commonly known as Swami Bagh Samadhi and is mainly the mausoleum of Huzur Swamiji Maharaj (Shri Shiv Dayal Singh Seth). He established the Radhaswami Faith. The devotees regard the Samadhi to be sacred. Radha Swami Samadhi is the head quarter of the Radha-Swami sect and attracts innumerable devotees every year. This 100 year old structure preserves the sacred ashes of the spiritual leader of the faith.
Afterwards proceed to Sikandra. The emperor Akbar chose this as a site for his mausoleum but he died before it could be completed. The work was completed by his son Jehangir in 1613. The tomb is a combination of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. The building of red sandstone is four storeys’ tall and the first three storeys are of red sandstone, while the fourth is entirely of marble.
Akbar’s Church: Demolished in the mid-17th and finally rebuilt in 1772, the Akbar’s Church stands as a tribute to the secular spirit of the Emperor it is named after. The original structure here was built by early Jesuits who began preaching at a time when the spirit of tolerance was its acme under Akbar, for whom a new religion would have been of immense interest given his open-mindedness to new ideas. Roman Catholic Cemetery: This is the tomb of col. John William hessing who was Dutch national and came to Ceylon as a free-lance Adventurer. He participated in the battle of Kandy in 1765.
Then he served Nizam of Hyderabad and in 1784, entered the service of Maratha chief Mahadji Sindhia. Upon his return to Agra, he was made commandant of fort and its Maratha garrison in 1799. Upon his death his children built this tomb. Miriam’s Tomb: Mariam Zamani was the daughter of Raja Bharmal Kachhwaha of Amer (Jaipur) and was married to Akbar in 1562 A.D. She gave birth to Salim (Jahangir) in 1569 at Fatehpur Sikri, when the title 'Mariam Zamani' (Compassionate to the World) was conferred upon her by Akbar.
She died at Agra in 1623 and this tomb was built by her son Jahangir. Tomb at Sikandra : The emperor Akbar chose this as a site for his mausoleum but he died before it could be completed. The work was completed by his son Jehangir in 1613. The tomb is a combination of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. The building of red sandstone is four storeys tall and the first three storeys are of red sandstone, while the fourth is entirely of marble.
Visit an Indian family at Amar Niwas (venue) which offers an opportunity to the Guest to know and feel the real India. The Culture, Food and above all the Indian hospitality is truly an experience for the discerning traveller. The visit for Dinner is recommended as the guest gets to spend more time with the family and also gets a chance to look into kitchen as well.
The tour begins from Amar Niwas – a heritage property spread over six acres with built-up area of approx. One acre is one among those beautiful Bungalows which was built for the British officers who were posted at Agra. This bungalow was bought by Major Amar Singh soon after independence, who was in the Royal British Army and fought the World War II, for the British Army at Uganda in Africa.
After briefing about the British Rule and the Colonial face of Agra with High Tea along with the family of Late Major Amar Singh the guests are been taken on Tonga’s/Rickshaws/Golf carts to various colonial buildings within the cantonment which is said to be the Colonial paradise. The main buildings which are been visited or drive-past in this ride are The Bungalows of Cantonment, St. George’s Cathedral, Havelock memorial Church, Post Office, St. Mary’s Church.
Mohabbat The Taj is a play that depicts the saga of love portraying the lavishness and grandeur of Mughal era. It also portrays the true and immortal love of Shah Jahan and his beautiful wife Mumtaz. The play helps in rebuilding the interest in Indian history and culture through interesting and innovative song and drama performances.
This 90 minutes show can be watched in 8 different languages (interpretation) including Hindi and English. All you need to do is pick your choicest option just by clicking a button and listen to the show in your selected language.
Utsav Rishton Ka is a classical dance show which presents the flavour and fragrance of India in all its rich variety and spiritual nuances to international tourists. During this 60 minute of duration performance by artists from all over the country is showcased which includes Ganesh Vandana . Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Bharathanatyam & kathak dance forms. This show not only acquaints the viewers with the rich Indian culture through dance, music and varied costumes, but also captivate them and provide memories to cherish.
Start the tour by visiting Itmad-ud-daulah also known as 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 exhibits a strong Persian influence. Continue to Chini ka Rauza - the tomb of Afzal Khan, a famous scholar and poet who later became the prime minister of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan.
End your tour with a visit to Aram Bagh which is now known as Ram Bagh. This Garden was originally founded by Babur, the Founder of the Mughal Dynasty in India. He laid it out, in 1526, on the persian Terraced and Char Bagh (Four Quartered) Plan. This garden was made in three descending terraces and the water was drawn from the river Yamuna by a series of water-wheels and it flowed into a network of canals, cascades and tanks descending from one terrace to the other. Each cascade has stairs on both sides and ends in a pond, all built of red stone.
Visit the Chambal River Sanctuary which is about one and half hour drive from Agra. The Chambal Safari is a unique experience that offers enchanting tour of ravines and pristine river in Chambal Valley. The river is home to magnificent dolphins, crocodiles and the rare gharial. It is an excellent habitat for riverside and wetland birds.
Some common mammals are also seen on the banks. Smooth coated otters and turtle species can also be seen of an enthralling boat ride. The Chambal River is spread wide and traverses the state of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
After breakfast, you shall be driven to Gwalior (situated in Madhya Pradesh) which lies in the south of Agra at a distance of 118 Km. Visit the GWALIOR FORT whose foundation of the Gwalior Fort was laid by Raja Suraj Sen on the advice of Sage Gwalipa some 1,000 years ago on a hill where he was supposedly cured of his leprosy. Later visit SCINDIA MUSEUM as much of modern Gwalior is associated with the Scindias who were prolific builders. The Jai Vilas Palace at Lashkar is an opulent Italianate structure, set in carefully laid lawns.
Part of the palace functions as residence of the royal family while the other has been converted into a museum that effectively documents a more leisurely and princely lifestyle. Other places of interest include Gurjari Mahal and Archeological Museum, Sas-Bahu Temple (Mother and Daughter-in-law Temple), Memorial of Tansen – a famed musician and Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus – a saint of Islamic faith of the 16th century. Return to your hotel n Agra for overnight stay.
Explore beyond the tourist sites on this Agra walking tour that will offer your insight into the real Indian way of life. Your tour will trace through history, from the Mughal era to British rule, and onwards to today and a rapidly changing modern India.
Start your Agra city tour with a trip back to the 11th century and a lesson in India’s military history, as you visit the magnificent Agra Fort and learn about the early foundations of India. From there, gain a better understanding of India’s old caste systems — and its eradication — with a visit to Ambedkar Park, dedicated to the father of the Indian constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Fuelled by your history lesson, you’ll next experience the hustle of modern-day Agra with a visit to Agra Fort Railway Station. While the building is historical, featuring a mix of British, French, and Mughal architecture, today the station is a hectic hub that sees some 90,000 passengers pass through its doors every day. Next, get an introduction to both Islam and Hinduism with stops at an active mosque as well as one of Agra’s most famous temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracting some 3,000 devotees daily. You’ll also hear the romantic love story of Lord Krishna and Radha, with a stop at the intricately sculptured Radha Krishna Mandir temple.
Take a break from all that exploring and sample some local delicacies at a 200-year-old sweets shop. You’ll also learn about the preparation of some of the dishes with a live demo of how to make poori (deep-fried bread… wait, did someone say deep-fried?!). Next, your Agra tour will take you down the city’s narrow, colourful bylanes where vendors sell little idols of gods and goddesses for Hindu home temples. Learn about the unique traditions surrounding these idols — like how they’re given a change of clothes every day. From there, take in one of the city’s most stunning sights at the beautifully sculptured Musician’s Balcony.
Finish your Agra city tour by boarding cycle rickshaws for an aromatic ride through the Rawatpara Spice Market, a busy marketplace constantly bustling with activity and frantic shoppers from the city. Then, head across the river Yamuna for the icing on your Agra experience: a view of the spectacular Taj Mahal at dusk.
Empieza la aventura con una visita al Taj Mahal, la joya de la corona de Agra, y también de la India. El Taj Mahal es la personificación del amor, un poema esculpido en mármol por el emperador mogol Shah Jahanfor a su amada, la reina Mumtaz Mahal. Este majestuoso mausoleo está enteramente construido en mármol blanco y sus paredes están decoradas con una exquisita “pietradura” (incrustación). Se utilizaron exclusivas piedras preciosas que fueron incrustadas minuciosamente en el interior de la construcción.
Continúa hasta el Fuerte de Agra, testigo inmutable durante miles de años y que fue sede y Fortaleza del Imperio Mogol. Este vasto complejo a orillas del río esconde una colección de palacios, pabellones y mezquitas de tal envergadura que ha sido declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco.
La excursión finaliza con una visita al Mausoleo de I'timad-ud-Daulah, conocido popularmente con el sobrenombre de “Pequeño Taj”, a pesar de ser algunos años mayor que el Taj Mahal. Fue construido por la emperatriz Noor Jahan en memoria de su padre. Igual que el Taj, sus paredes de mármol blanco se muestran repletas de incrustaciones de piedras preciosas y sus jardines son de estilo Charbagh (cuatro jardines), divididos en porciones iguales por canales acuíferos y pasarelas.
Agra cuenta con nada menos que tres Patrimonios de la Humanidad y esta fascinante excursión cultural te llevará a todos y cada uno de ellos. Visita el romántico Taj Mahal, el impresionante Fuerte Agra y la fantástica ciudad Fatehpur Sikri, a las afueras de la capital. Prepárate para un día de turismo inolvidable e insuperable.
Empieza tu aventura visitando el Taj Mahal, la joya de la corona Agra, y de la India. El Taj Mahal es el paradigma del amor, un poema escrito en mármol por el emperador mogol Shah Jahanfor a su amada reina Mumtaz Mahal. Este majestuoso mausoleo está construido completamente en mármol blanco y sus paredes están decoradas con exquisitas “piedraturas” (incrustaciones en piedra). Todo un despliegue de piedras preciosas incrustadas caprichosamente da vida al interior de la construcción.
Continuaremos, después, hasta el Fuerte Agra, eterno testigo imbatible durante miles de años y anterior bastión del Imperio Mogol. El vasto complejo incluye una increíble colección de palacios, pabellones y mezquitas de tal envergadura que fue declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco.
El recorrido finaliza con una travesía panorámica hacia Fatehpur Sikri, fundada como capital del país por Akbar el Grande, considerado como el mayor emperador mogol, allá por el año 1659. Sin embargo, la escasez de agua hizo que la ciudad imperial se viera relegada al abandono 16 años después de su fundación. Son muchos los que consideran que el complejo, increíblemente bien conservado, esconde una belleza incluso mayor que la del Taj Mahal. Entre sus muchas gemas arquitectónicas, admira la imponente puerta Buland Darwaza y el impresionante Pabellón de las Audiencias Privadas.
Visita dos de los monumentos más impresionantes del mundo en esta excursión de media jornada al famoso Taj Mahal y el Fuerte de Agra. Ambos han sido declarados Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO y exhiben un diseño tan elaborado y único que representa lo mejor de la arquitectura mogol. Esta fascinante excursión de cuatro horas te dejará sin palabras.
La emoción empieza en el Taj Mahal, la joya de la corona de Agra, y también de toda la India. El Taj Mahal es el símbolo por excelencia del amor, un poema escrito en mármol por el emperador mogol Shah Jahan para su amada reina Mumtaz Mahal. Este majestuoso mausoleo está hecho completamente de mármol blanco y sus muros están decorados con exquisita pietra dura (incrustaciones de piedras). Se emplearon piedras preciosas en las elaboradas incrustaciones de los espacios interiores. Contempla las tallas sobre la piedra cuyo nivel de perfección te dejará boquiabierto. Este magnífico monumento está rodeado de un 'charbagh', o un plano de cuatro jardines, de estilo persa.
Continúa hasta el Fuerte de Agra, que sigue en pie durante más de mil años y fue la sede y fortaleza del imperio mogol. Este enorme complejo a orillas del río compuesto por un número de palacios, pabellones y mezquitas debe su existencia a Akbar el Grande, que mandó construir las murallas, las puertas y los primeros edificios en la orilla este del río Yamuna. Shah Jahan añadió las impresionantes dependencias mientras que Aurangzeb añadió los muros exteriores. Contempla la Sala de Audiencias Públicas y los Pabellones Reales, y admira las mezquitas Celestial y de la Perla, a la vez que disfrutas de unas vistas excepcionales del Taj Mahal desde la Musamman Burj.