VARANASI 

 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.  

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.  

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.

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.

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.  

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. 

AGRA

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.

MATHURA 

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.