The city of Agra situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh is a prominent tourist destination in India known for housing three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. The Taj Mahal, considered one of the wonders of the world, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Agra Fort was commissioned by Emperor Akbar in 1566 and expanded by later Mughal rulers, while Fatehpur Sikri was started in 1569 by Akbar as a new capital but later abandoned.

1. The city of Agra is situated on the banks of river Yamuna in the
northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Agra boats of being one of the most
prominent tourist destination of India and is home to one of the seven
wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal as well as other two World
Heritage Sites, Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. So overwhelming is the
exquisite beauty and presence of this marble mausoleum that centuries
later today, even the very land where it has been located - Agra - has
been immortalized as the City of the Taj. Yet, it doesn’t take much for
the roving eye to discover that there's more to Agra than just the fabled
Taj Mahal.

2. Taj Mahal was built by a grief stricken Emperor Shahjahan as a
memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned
wonder, Taj Mahal sits pretty on the northern side of this green
paradise. It looks the same from all the four sides! The Quranic
inscriptions on its four entrances are carved in such subtle increase in
size that may appear to be of the same size from top to bottom!
Shahjahan invited master craftsmen from as far as Italy and Persia to
help design his ambitious tribute to love.

3. The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra
Fort in 1666, A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson
Shahjahan. the forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a
number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a
perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where
Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal.

4. 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 on
the bank of the Yamuna River, exhibits
a strong Persian influence.
Sikandara
Itimad-ud-daula's Tomb
It is the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar. It
represents his philosophy and secular
outlook, combining the best of Hindu and
Muslim architectures in a superlative fusion.
Completed in 1613 A.D., it is one of the well
preserved monument.

5. The building with rectangular open forecourt was
constructed in 1648A.D. by Shahajahan's
daughter, Jehanara Begum. Of particular importance
is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture.
Jama Masjid
Maryam’s Tomb
This unique tomb in red sandstone was built
in memory of Emperor Akbar's wife
Mariyam Zamani. The tomb has some
exceptional carvings.

6. Guru ka Taal is a historical Sikh
pilgrimage place dedicated to the memory
of ninth Guru Shi Guru Tegh Bahadur
Ji. Guru ka Taal is near Sikandra in
Agra. The Gurudwara was built over the
place where the Guru Tegh Bahadur laid
down his arms to offer arrest
to Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor.
Several devotees gather every year to pay
homage to the great Sikh guru in this
Gurudwara.
Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal
Ram Bagh
One of the earliest Mughal gardens, believed
to be laid out by Mughal Emperor
Babur, the founder of Mughal dynasty. It is
said that Babur was temporarily buried here
before being taken to Kabul in Afghanistan.

7. Jaipur is the capital and largest city of Rajasthan. It was founded
on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II ,the ruler
of Amber, after whom the city has been named. The city today has a
population of 3.1 million. Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India.

8. Located in the heart of the walled city, the City Palace Complex gives you an idea
about the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. He
left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture in
the city. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh built many buildings but some of the structures
were also built by later rulers. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajput
architecture and the ex-royal family still lives in a part of the palace.

9. The poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this palace of winds. This is easily the
most well-known landmarks of Jaipur and is also its icon. Located in the City
Palace complex, it is best viewed from the road outside. This five-storey building
overlooking the busy bazaar street is a fascinating example of Rajput architecture
and artistry with its delicately honeycombed 953 pink sandstone windows known
as 'jharokhas'. It was originally built for the ladies of the royal household to watch
everyday life and processions in the city from their veiled comfort.

10. The Jal Mahal palace has got an eye-popping makeover. Traditional boat-makers
from Vrindavan have crafted the Rajput style wooden boats. A gentle splashing of
oars on the clear lake waters takes you to Jal Mahal. You move past decorated
hallways and chambers on the first floor to climb all the way up to the fragrant
Chameli Bagh. Across the lake, you can view the Aravalli hills, dotted with
temples and ancient forts, and on the other side, bustling Jaipur

11. The Jaigarh fort is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts that overlook
Jaipur. In Mughal times, the Jaipur region was a major weapon-producing centre
for the Mughal and Rajput rulers, several of the weapons being on display in the
fort's museum. It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved
almost intact, containing palaces, a granary, a well-planned cannon
foundry, several temples, a tall tower and giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban
(Jaivan) which is the largest cannon on wheels in the world.

12. Nahargarh Fort is located on the rugged ridge of Aravalli Hills and it forms an
impressive northern backdrop of Jaipur. It looks most classy when floodlit at
night. The fort overlooks the city and presents a glittering view of the city lights.
It was built in 1734 and extended in 1868. Nahargarh meaning abode of the
tigers was built by Jai Singh to bolster the defense of Amber.

13. The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend
of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in
1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh the fort was made in red
sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an
inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture.

14. Albert Hall Museum is a museum in
Jaipur city in Rajasthan state of India.
It is the oldest museum of the state and
functions as the State museum of
Rajasthan The Albert Hall Museum also
known as Central Museum is located in
the Ram Niwas Garden.
Birla Temple
Albert Hall Museum
The Lakshmi - Narayan Temple known
as Birla Mandir is situated just below
the Moti Dungari. This is a modern
temple built of white marble on top of a
hill, dominating the skyline of south
Jaipur.

15. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of
architectural
astronomical
instruments, built by Sawai Jai Singh
who was a Mughal Commander and
served Emperor Aurangzeb and later
Mughals. The title of and Sawai was
bestowed on him by Emperor
Mohammad Shah
JantarMantar
It is the final resting place of the
Maharajas of Jaipur and is located just off
the Jaipur - Amber Road. Situated in a
narrow valley the cenotaphs of the former
Maharajas are made in typical Rajput
architectural style. The chhatri of
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh is of special
mention for its carvings.
Gaitore

16. Udaipur is often called ‘Venice of the East’. It is also the ‘city of lakes’. The
Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) located in the middle of Pichola Lake is the finest
example of architectural and cultural marvel. The grand City Palace on the
banks of the lake along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill
above enhances the beauty of this magnificent city. Udaipur is also the
centre for performing arts, crafts and its famed miniature paintings. The
Shilpgram festival is a great crowd-puller on new year.

17. City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Udai Singh initiated the
construction of the palace but successive Maharanas added several palaces and
structures to the complex but retained remarkable uniformity in the design. The
entry to the Palace is from the Hati Pol, the Elephant Gate. The Bari Pol or the
Big Gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate. It was a custom to weigh the
Maharaja under this gate in gold and silver, which was distributed to the
populace.

18. The Fatah Prakash Palace, the grand heritage palace hotel of the HRH group
represents the authentic royal luxury at its best. The warmth of royal hospitality
greets you as you walk along the corridors lined with large paintings of the
Mewar School that flourished through the seventeenth to the nineteenth
century.

19. Lake Pichola has two islands, Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. This lake is
4 km long and 3 km wide, originally built by Maharana Udai Singh II. There
are many ghats, like the bathing and washing ghats, which can be approached
through boats from the City Palace of Udaipur (Bansi Ghat). In the heart of
the lake the Lake Palace stands, which is now converted into a heritage
palace hotel. The lake remains fairly shallow even during heavy rains, and
gets dry easily in times of severe drought.
Fateh Sagar Lake This delightful lake, bordered by hills and woodlands was
constructed by Maharana Jai Singh to the north of Lake Pichola in 1678
AD. This artificial lake was reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh (1884-1930
AD). A canal links the two via Swaroop Sagar and Rang Sagar Lakes. The
beautiful Nehru Island as well as an islet bearing a solar observatory rise from the
lake.

20. Jag Mandir: This is the other island
palace on Lake Pichola, which was
constructed by Maharana Jagat Singh I
in the year 1620AD. It also served as a
hideout for Prince Khurram (Shah
Jahan), during his revolt against his
father, Emperor Jehangir. The
prince being the son of a Rajput mother
received the royal favour.
Sajjangarh: Outside Udaipur, this 18th
century palace was built by Maharaja
Sajjan Singh at a height of 2268 ft on the
top of Bansdara Mountain. It was
originally intended to be a five storey
astronomical centre but the plan was
shelved due to premature death of the
Maharaja. It was later used as a monsoon
palace and hunting lodge.

21. Located about 2 kms east of Udaipur, Ahar is an
impressive cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas
of Mewar. There are about nineteen cenotaphs of
Maharanas who were cremated there. The most
striking cenotaph is that of Maharana Amar
Singh who reigned from 1597 to 1620. Nearby
lies the Ahar Museum, where display is
limited. However it contains very rare earthen
pottery, some sculptures and other archaeological
finds.
Vintage classic car museum
Ahar
The collection within the grounds of
the Garden Hotel comprises a variety of
vintage and classic vehicles like
Cadillac, Chevrolet, Morris etc owned by
the Maharanas of Udaipur. They used
these automobiles as their luxurious modes
of transport.

22. Mount Abu situated at a average height of 1,219 mtr's above sea level is the oasis
in the deserted land of Rajasthan and posses the honor of being the only hill-station
in Rajasthan as well as north-west India, The world famous tourist destination is
known for its Delwara Jain temples and natural beauty world over, situated
amidst lush green forested hills on the highest peak in the Aravalli range is also the
summer capital for the Indian state of Rajasthan, home to lakes, waterfalls and
green forests, the hill retreat, has a very cool and soothing climate thanks to its rich
flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs.

23. Dilwara Jain Temples is one of the finest Jain temple known world over for its
extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings, some experts also
consider it architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. It seems fairly basic temple
from outside but every cloud has a silver lining, the temple interior showcases the
extraordinary work of human craftsmanship at its best. These temples were built
between 11th to 13th century AD, The beautiful lush green hills surrounding the
temple gives a very pleasant feeling.

24. Nakki Lake the mythological lake with a very interesting story behind its
creation is the heart of Mount Abu, the legend has it that this lake was dugg by
Gods or Devtas using their nails or nakh that's why the name Nakki Lake - few
sections of local tribes also consider Nakki Lake as a holy lake and worship
it, Nakki lake is also the only Indian artificial lake situated at a height of 1200
Mtr's above sea level. Recently in 2006-2007 Nakki lake was granted a huge
financial boost for its protection amongst eight other lakes in India.

25. AchalGarh, sometimes spelt Achalgadh, is one of the many beautiful medieval
monuments that can be found in the picturesque Mount Abu, located in the desert
in the state of Rajasthan, India. It was commissioned by Rana Kumbha, the
esteemed designer who was responsible for many huge fortresses in Southern
Rajasthan. Achalgarh is just 8 Kilometers from the main Mount Abu town and is
well connected by road. The fortress AchalGarh is surrounded by massive
battlement walls. It is situated at the top of a mountain peak and offers
picturesque views all year round.

26. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest parts of the Mount Abu
mountain ranges. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many sightseeing
points offering fantastic views. Many people visit the Mount Abu Wildlife
Sanctuary just for the sightseeing and views, but most visit The Mount Abu
Wildlife Sanctuary for the animals and birds. The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
is about 7 kilometers long and only 300 meters wide. This means that while you
take the long walk down The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary you won’t miss much
on either side.

27. Trevor’s Tank is a picturesque location just 5 kilometers from the main town of
Mount Abu, and one of the Mount Abu region’s most popular tourist destinations.
It is a nature lover’s paradise that is named after the British engineer who built it.
Trevor, the British engineer who built it, was dedicated to building a beautiful
place for people to enjoy and watch nature.

28. Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national park
in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of
southeastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Being considered as
one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today
the Ranthambore National Park terrain is major wildlife tourist attraction spot
that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers in this
destination.