Tourism

Tourism

Agra was once the capital of the Mughal empire and even today it seems to linger in the past .Agra, the most favorite tourists destination in India. Agra is world famous for being home to the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of modern world.No trip to India is complete without a visit to the Taj. Tourism in Agra showcases the great Mughal heritage well preserved in its famous monuments, architecture and culture.Agra is not synonymous with just the Taj Mahal.Today, the town is a bustling industrial and commercial hub, and the phrase 'Go to Agra' has a different connotation.A visit to the city is like being transported back in time. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna, its narrow crowded streets and boulevards are medieval in structure, while its bazaars are splashed with colour and gaiety - which is the hallmark of the city.

All sorts of stuff, especially leather goods, local handicrafts and imitation inlay work on marble (including miniaturised Taj Mahals) jostle for shelf space in the shops. Its pethas (pumpkin sweet), dalmoth (fried peas) and sumptuous Mughlai food are worth a try.

Although Muslims comprise just a tenth of the population of Agra today, the town retains its Islamic character, reminiscent of the time when it held centre-stage in Indian politics - during the halcyon days of the Mughal Empire. It was here that Babur defeated the Rajput king Rana Sangha in the Battle of Khanua in 1527, to sow the seed of the Mughal Empire, which blossomed over the next 200 years. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the sumptuous courts of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan transformed Agra into a sophisticated, luxurious, man-made paradise.

About Soor Sarovar
Soor Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary lies in a sprawling 15-acre green expanse, 17 km from Agra District, Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1991, the sanctuary has an area of 4 sq km. Local and migratory birds, jackal, mongoose and hares roam the sanctuary.The Soor Sarovar wetland at Keetham, Agra, is 175 km from Delhi. It is a place of natural beauty. The place inspired poet Soordas to compose the "Bhakti Kavya", one of the finest pieces of devotional poetry ever written.

Other Places of Interest

Dayal Bagh

Dayal Bagh area is located towards the north of Agra city. The place lies at a distance of about 13 kms from the city center. Although it forms the peripheral regions of the city but the place has a good influence of the city. The place is one of the many tourist destinations in Agra. The placree is sacred to the followers of Radha Swami faith. It holds the place where the last rites of Swamiji Maharaj we Performed. Swamiji Maharaj is the most revered spiritual teacher among Hindus. The prime attraction of the region is the memorial of Swamiji Maharaj. The structure is a blend of mosque, temple and gurudwara architecture. Built in white marble the construction of the lofty structure started on 1904 A.D. and is believed never to be ended. An institute named Radha Swami Institute also has been erected. Every year hundreds of devotes come to the place and pay homage to Swami Maharaj.

The City of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajbhoomi, is located at a distance of 145 km south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra.It is understood that Mathura City is the transcendental abode of Lord Krishna. It is not an ordinary material city, for it is eternally connected with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.It is recognised as one of India's seven cities capable of bestowing final beatitude. Today, it is a city of temples and shrines, bustling with thousands of devotees who come to visit the city of Lord Krishna. The. city stretches along the right bank of the yamuna and the continuous line of ghats along the river makes a splendid spectacle

Vrindavan

the land where Shri Krishna was born and spent his youth, has today little towns and hamlets that are still alive with the Krishna legend and still redolent with the music of his flute. Vrindavan, a village once noted for its fragrant groves, is where he spent an eventful youth. There are numerous other little spots in the area that still reverberate with the enchantment of Shri Krishna.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctury

The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India is a famous sanctuary that sees (or saw) thousands of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane come here during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It is also a major tourist centre with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a declared World Heritage Site.

patna bird sanctury.

Chambal Safari

The very name evokes a picture of a land untamed, raw and powerful. A land that over the centuries has harboured countless mavericks from blue-blooded kings to self-styled rulers of the wild.The river safari is a unique experience, unlike anything on the Indian wildlife circuit. The boat ride on the calm waters of the Chambal, combined with the dramatic landscape and close-up views of the amazing abundance of wildlife are the highlights of the river safari. The National Chambal Sanctuary is home to the Gharial, the rare and highly endangered Gangetic Dolphin, Marsh Crocodiles (Muggers), eight species of Turtles, Smooth Coated Otters, Indian Striped Hyenas, Jungle Cats, Golden Jackals, Indian Wolves and foxes amongst others. A birdwatcher's paradise, the sanctuary currently boasts of over 316 species of resident and migratory birds including large nesting colonies of the Indian Skimmer, the Greater Thick-knee, the Small Pratincole and Lapwings.

Religious Places

Kailash templeKailash Temple is situated in Sikandra, at the river Yamuna.It is Lord Shiva Temple.

Mankameshwar TempleMankameshwar Temple is at Rawatpara. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every Monday in the Hindu month of "sawan" is considered very auspicious and scores of devotees visit the temple during this time.

Balkeshwar TempleBalkeshwar Temple is at river side of Yamuna, it is a temple of Lord Shiva.

Guru ka Taal

Guru Ka Taal is the most revered place of the Sikh's located in Agra. The place is said to be visited by four of the ten gurus of the Sikhs. The gurudwara has been built over the stop where Guru Tegh Bahadur offered his arrest to the Mughal king Aurangzeb. The splendid gurudwara which stands in the precincts of Sikandra is due to the noble contributions and efforts of Sant Sadhu Singh Mauni during 1970's. The place is an important pilgrim place for Sikhs and every year thousands of devotees flock into the Agra city. For these people the land out there is blessed.