DELHI

1. Red Fort - The Red Fort is a historic fort in the city of Delhi, capital of India. Nearly 200 years, it was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty, until 1856. It is located in the centre of Delhi and houses a number of museums. Its prime beauty prevails throughout the year. If you visit during national holidays like Independence Day and Republic Day, you can find many interesting activities and even the Prime Minister’s speech. During winter is the prime tourism season, which starts in October and ends in February. The fort is open throughout the week except on Mondays. The fort is open from 7:00 in the morning until 5:30 in the evening for sightseeing.

Weekdays: INR 60 per head for adult and INR 20 per head for children

Weekends and Holidays: INR 80 per adult and INR 30 per children

2. Qutub Minar - The Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, it is the most popular monument in India. The red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 meter high, tapering from 2.75 meter in diameter at its peak to 14.32 meter at its base, and alternating angular and rounded flutings. This is a truly impressive place. The facilities are quite spread out and include not only the main tower but a mosque and several tomb monuments.

Visit Timing: Sunrise to Sunset

Entry Fee: Indian citizens: Rs. 30/- and for foreign nationals: Rs. 500. Entry is free for children up to 15 years of age.

3. Humayun’s Tomb - Humayun's tomb, this magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. The reason to build this Tomb to house the mortal remains of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor of India. The Humayun’s tomb is the starting point of the Mughal architecture in India. This style is a delightful amalgamation of the Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural influences.

Visit Timing: Sunrise to sunset, all days of the week

Entry Fee: Rs. 10/- for citizens of India, Rs. 250/- for foreign nationals. Children up to 15 years do not require entry fee. 

4. Jama Masjid - The Jama Masjid of Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India, was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees. This great mosque is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. The hauz, in the center of the courtyard, is an ablution tank for washing hands, face and feet before entering the main building for prayer. It symbolizes the ritual of baptism needed to enter the community of believers.

Visit Timing: 7am to 12pm, 1:30pm to 6:30pm, all days of the week

Entry Fee: Rs. 200-300

5. India Gate - The India Gate is a war memorial to Undivided Indian Army soldiers who died during World War I, located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the "ceremonial axis" of New Delhi, India, formerly called Kingsway. The burning flame is manned by members from the three Indian Armed Forces 24×7. During nightfall, India Gate is dramatically floodlit while the fountains nearby make a lovely display with coloured lights. Surrounding the imposing structure is a large expanse of lush green lawns, which is a popular picnic spot.

Visit Timing: 24 hours a day, all days of the week

6. Lotus Temple - The Lotus Temple, located in Delhi, is built in the shape of a lotus flower was completed in1986 it is set among the lush green landscaped gardens. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. The Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion or any other qualification. The temple hosts several classes from time to time to spread humanity, peace, affection, truth and courage.

7. Akshardham - Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is a Hindu temple, and a spiritual-cultural campus in Delhi, India. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.

            A visit to Akshardham is a spiritually enriching experience. Whether it is in realising the power of prayer, in feeling the strength of non-violence, in being aware of the universal nature of Hinduism’s ancient principles, or just in admiring the beauty of God’s abode on Earth

8. Old Delhi - Old Delhi or Purani Dilli was founded as a walled city of Delhi, India, founded as Shahjahanabad in 1639, when Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor at the time, decided to shift the Mughal capital from Agra. It offers spectacular pieces of architecture, a mouthwatering variety of food, and a living, breathing piece of history.

            Chandni Chowk and Chawri have many street joints that offer spicy and tangy chaats, dahi bhalle, tikki, kulle fruit chaat, and phirni (a sweet dish). Karim’s Place is very famous for its kebabs. Moti Bazaar is famous for shawls and pearls and Tilak Bazaar for chemicals.

9. Laxminarayan Temple - Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is one of Delhi's major temples and a major tourist attraction. Laxminarayan usually refers to Vishnu, Preserver in the Trimurti, also known as Narayan, when he is with his consort Lakshmi. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes will be allowed to enter the temple.

10. Rashtrapati Bhavan - The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official home of the President of India located at the Western end of Rajpath in New Delhi, India.

11. Chandni Chowk - In the heart of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Nearby, the vast Mughal-era Red Fort now houses a museum complex, and the 17th-century Jama Masjid is a huge red-sandstone mosque with towering minarets.  Located at the western end of Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli is a street entirely dedicated to all kinds of spices, dried fruits, nuts, and herbs.

12. Jantar Mantar - Jantar Mantar is located in the modern city of New Delhi. It consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the year 1724 and forms a part of a collection of five such observatories located in Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura.

Visit Timing: Opens 6:00am to 6:00pm, all days of the week

Entry Fee: Rs. 15/- for Indians; Rs. 200/- for Foreign Tourists

13. Purana Qila - Purana Qila' is one of the oldest forts in Delhi and is an enthralling historical site beholding the majestic history of this city. The premises are almost in a five-mile area and there are three gates to enter the fort and also a moat nourished by River Yamuna. Purana Qila acquires a primary place in the itinerary of travellers exploring the ruling past of Delhi.

Entry Fee: Rs. 5/- for Indian Citizens, Rs.100/- for foreigners, Rs.80/- for Sound and Light Show

14. Lodhi Garden - Lodi Gardens or Lodhi Gardens is a city park situated in New Delhi,  was once known as 'Lady Willingdon Park', but was renamed after India gained independence from the British. The soothing greenery of this place is a sight to sore eyes, and you can enjoy a quaint picnic here as well. Lodhi garden houses the tombs of Sayyid and Lodhi rulers.

Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM

15. Sri Bangla Sahib Gurdwara - Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, India and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar." Gurudwara Bangla Sahib formerly the bungalow-sized residence belonging to Raja Jai Singh, was locally known as ‘Jaisinghpura Palace'. Later, his home was converted into a gurudwara.

Rent for AC room is 1000 INR/day. Non-AC room’s rent is 800 INR/day. No money is charged for staying inside the hall.

16. Safdarjung Tomb - Safdarjung's Tomb is a sandstone and marble mausoleum in Delhi, was built in 1754 in the late Mughal Empire style for Nawab Safdarjung. The monument has an ambience of spaciousness and an imposing presence with its domed and arched red brown and white coloured structures. The actual graves or burial chambers of Safadrjung and his wife Amat Jahan Begum are placed in an underground chamber of the monument.

Entry fees per person for Indian citizens is Rs. 15/- and for foreigners is Rs. 200/-. Entry is free for children up to 15 years of age.

17. National Zoological Park - The National Zoological Park is a 176-acre zoo near the Old Fort in Delhi, India. From biggest cats to the tiniest birds, the zoo has all kinds of animals and birds. It also holds Conservation Breeding Programmes for Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Brow Antlered Deer, Swamp Deer, Indian rhinoceros and red jungle fowl. It has canteens inside for the visitors and battery operated vehicles at very reasonable prices which you could use if exhausted. But the real fun is in exploring the place on your feet. Visit this destination to reignite your curiosity in our furry friends! 

Timings: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Closed on Fridays and National Holidays

Entry Fee: Indians: INR 20 - INR 40, Foreigners: INR 100 - INR 200

18. Tughlakabad Fort - Tughlaqabad Fort is a ruined fort in Delhi, built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of Tughlaq dynasty, of the Delhi Sultanate of India in 1321, as he established the third historic city of Delhi, which was later abandoned in 1327. March, April, and May are the best months for touring its enchanting ruins. Otherwise, you may visit this place in cold months of November to February. Visitors avoid coming here during the summer and rainy season.

19. ISKCON Temple Delhi - Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple, is a well known Vaishnav temple of Lord Krishna and Radharani in the form of Radha Parthasarathi. It represents a very unique form of architecture that will leave you spellbound for the remainder of the trip.

AGRA

1. Taj Mahal - The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. Come to unfold the pages from the past to churn the charm out of its mystique and enrich your imagination about this marvel of an epic in stone, The Taj!

Everyone knows that ‘The Taj’ is one amongst the World’s Wonders!

Everyone knows that it is one amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites!!

Therefore, ‘The Taj’, surely, deserves your visit once and more!!!

2. Agra Fort - Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Before the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi, It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. Agra Fort has many secret subterranean apartments and edifices. The entire fort is interconnected through tunnels and other underground pathways. One such known tunnel is located near the Water Gate, connecting the fort to the banks of river Yamuna.

            There is plenty of Mughal architecture in the city of Agra and the most important of them is Jahangir Palace and this is the biggest of all the residential buildings in the Agra Fort.

3. Tomb of Akbar the Great - Akbar’s tomb is the resting place of Akbar, Mughal Emperor.  This is the mausoleum that Akbar chose for himself but could not finish it during his time. However, people choose winter, as it will be pleasing with mild climate. If you are visiting during rainy season, you will not be able to spot any animals inside the complex. The tomb also has the remains of two of Akbar’s daughters. Unlike any other Mughal tombs, the tomb is faced towards the east rather than towards Mecca.

4. Itmad-ud-Daula - This monument is considered as an inspiration for the world wonder, Taj Mahal was also named as 'Baby Taj'. However, the tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is a more delicate artwork with marble lattice screens and fine carvings. If you are visiting Agra, you have to pay a visit to this abating piece of beauty, which stands as an first to every marble monument that glorifies Agra.

5. Moti Masjid - Moti Masjid is one of the Mosques that was built during Shah Jahan, is situated in the premises of the Red Fort in Agra.

6. Jama Mosque - Jama Masjid in Agra is opposite the Agra fort is one of the largest mosques in India. Every Friday, special prayers are conducted at this mosque which is attended by thousands of devotees.

Timings: 7:00 AM to 12 Noon, 1.30 PM to 6.30 PM

7. Fatehpur Sikri - Fatehpur Sikri is a small city in northern India, this magnificent fortified ancient city, 40km west of Agra, was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire between 1572 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Akbar built his new capital here, including a stunning mosque, still in use today, and three palaces, one for each of his favourite wives – one a Hindu, one a Muslim and one a Christian (though Hindu villagers in Sikri dispute these claims). After Jahangir's second birthday, he began the construction of a walled city and imperial palace here. The city came to be known as Fatehpur Sikri, the "City of Victory".

8. Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal - Guru ka Tal is a historical Sikh pilgrimage place dedicated to the memory of ninth Guru Sri Guru Tegh Bahudar Ji, near Sikandra in Agra.

9. Panchhi Petha Store - PANCHHI PETHA is a reputed name in petha and namkeen & other delectable delicacies, perhaps the best that has won the heart of millions around the globe. When you are in Agra you will encounter every other shop as Panchi Petha. Beware all these are fake shops, which sell Petha at around 250-300 rs. per KG. The original panchi petha outlet is at Sadar Bazaar, Agra and at this shop regular/plain petha is Rs. 100/kg. So do not get cheated and buy from authentic outlet only.

Entry Fees:

Note:

1. No entry fee for children below 15 years (both Indian & Foreigner)

2. Tourist must carry his/her Identity Proof issued by Govt. Authorities.

3. Water bottle is allowed inside the monument. Shoe cover, water bottle, tourist guide map of Agra, battery bus and golf cart services are provided free of cost with the foreigner's entry ticket of the Taj.

 

 VARANASI 

 1.Ganga Aarti

            Each evening the boats on the River Ganga converge at the Dashashwamedha Ghat for the magical Aarti. Five-seven young priests follow a practiced routine with flaming lamps, incense sticks, conches and other holy paraphernalia to a live bhajan sung on the microphone – the synchrony is mesmerizing. The Aarti for the first time was performed when Lord Shiva visited the city, it was repeated when various Maharajas explored these Ghats to take a holy dip in River Ganga.  

2.Boat ride along River Ganga

                      Boating down the Ganga River during sunrise is one of the main attractions in Varanasi. One can observe here the Hindu way of life along the banks of the Ganga (Ghats) River. Start your day with a boat ride at dawn and witness the heavenly beauty of the pious Ghats and the delightful ambience of Varanasi.  

3.Ghat Sandhya

             Daily evening a dedicated team of “culture enthusiasts”, quietly descend upon the Gangamahal-Reewa Ghat from different corners of city and bring the venue to life at around 6:00 pm that is ornamented with soulful gala of music & dance. The cultural legacy of the city is showcased on this very location. Visitor can see and become a part of the mesmerizing musical journey.

4.Shopping of Silk Sarees

            Varanasi is famous for its Silk Sarees and the brocades hand-woven in Gold or Silver thread. These masterpieces of elegance and artwork have always fascinated the to-be brides and Saree aficionados. Weaving communities thrive across the town, especially in Godowlia, Lallapura and Madanpura.

5.Shopping of Stone-Carved Toys

             The city also offers stone-carved toys. Varanasi is also a good place to shop for musical instruments like sitar and tabla. The cost of the instrument depends primarily on the type of wood used. Mango is cheapest, while black shisham or mahogany are of the highest quality.  

6.Subah-e-Banaras

             The Varanasi is known for its hours of dawn, when the city is in its most serene state. The morning glory of Banaras is the most auspicious tour to witness and discover life sprawling on the banks of the holy Ganga. It is a mystical blend of nature’s grandeur and human existence. 

1. Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

The temple is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna and it is considered the holiest place in Mathura. Other attractions here are a marble statue of Lord Krishna as well as small shrines of various Gods and Goddesses. To see the place at its best, try to visit it during one of the major festivals such as Diwali or Holi. Celebrations begin during mid-night with the birth of Bhagwan.

2. Dwarkadhish Temple

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is a must visit for its beauty and architecture. The entrance boasts of Rajasthani style architecture with an open courtyard in the centre as well as beautifully carved pillars and a stunning painted ceiling.The temple is also known for its amazing swing festival at the start of the monsoons. Keep in mind that if you visit during the festive season of Janmashtami you will see the temple at its best, though it can get a little crowded.

3. Gita Mandir

Also known as the Birla Mandir, this is a popular attraction thanks to its beautiful structures and heritage. One of the main sights is the 18 chapters of Bhagavad Gita inscribed and illustrated on the pillars of the temple.The red sandstone structure has a lot of intricate carvings and although it is located on the outskirts of Mathura, it is still one of the most visited tourist spots of the city. Here you can also find idols of Lord Krishna, Narayana, Rama, Goddess Lakshmi, and Sita.

4. Vishram Ghat

Out of the 25 ghats Mathura has to offer, Vishram Ghat, the bath and worshipping spot on the banks of the river Yamuna, is the most important one as it is believed that Lord Krishna rested on this Ghat after killing Kansa.It is made up of marble stone, with a large stone arch and is surrounded by beautiful temples, which offers a stunning view. The highlight here are the thousands of small oil lamps floating down the river that can be seen during the evening aarti.

5. Kusum Sarovar

This is the place where Radha used to collect flowers and meet Lord Krishna. Apart from its religious significance, this reservoir is a popular day spot for tourists visiting Mathura. Kusum Sarovar is 450 feet long and 60 feet deep which makes it a great spot for a swim as well. The beautiful surroundings and serene atmosphere offer tourists a complete getaway and don’t forget to pack your camera as the views here are stunning.

6. Govardhan Hill

Situated close to the Vrindavan, Govardhan Hill is a popular location for devotees and tourists alike. The hill itself is mentioned in ancient Hindu text and it is believed that it was one lifted by Lord Krishna to defeat Indra – the god of rain and thunder. Apart from its spiritual significance, the sandstone hill stands 80 feet tall, and offers stunning views of natural beauty. There are also some art works on display, so don’t forget to take a walk around.