Excursions Outside Delhi
Excursions Outside Delhi
Agra
This historical city stands 200 km south of New Delhi, on the banks of river Yamuna. Over three centuries ago, it was a powerful Mughal capital and the most important city of northern India. It was at this time that Agra's many timeless architectural wonders were born: the wonderful Taj Mahal, the awesome Agra Fort, and the sprawling Sikandara - a whole city in itself. The following are the tourist spots of Agra.
Agra Fort
Built in red sand stone, it is the one of the famous sights of Agra other than Taj Mahal. The semi-circular fort was started by Akbar in 1565, and completed in 1574. It is open all days and a fee of Rs. 250 is chargeable.
Taj Mahal
The most photographed monument in the world, the Taj stands in its splendor of white marble, an imposing citadel on the banks of river Yamuna. Built in 17th century by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is an ode to the emperor's eternal love for his wife. It took over 20,000 skilled workers from across the country, working day and night, for 22 years for this architectural wonder to be created. The monument is closed on Fridays. The entry fee is Rs. 250.
Fatehpur Sikri
40 km from Agra, it is a city completely made of red sand stone. Built by Akbar and dedicated to a saint, Fatehpur Sikri was conceived in 1571. Worth visiting are the Jama Masjid, Salim Chisti's tomb, the Diwan- i-Aam, the Diwan- i- Khas and the Queen's palaces within the city. The monument is open from sunrise to sunset on all days.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
120 km from Delhi and just 17 km. from Fatehpur Sikri, it is home to over 375 species of birds, serene water bodies, lush woods, majestic lodges, and more. Once the royal hunting reserve of the princely family of Bharatpur, the water bird sanctuary is spread over 29 kms and is one of the best in India.
How to reach Agra: Agra is about 204 kilometres from Delhi. Delegates may prefer to book a taxi for the trip. By road (on recently built Yamuna Expressway) it would take around 3-31/2 hours to reach Agra. With a taxi, it would be convenient for you to travel inside the Agra City.
Alternatively, you may also plan your travel by train. There are a couple of early mornings trains which can drop you at Agra by 10-11 a.m. and you can come back by evening trains. The fastest morning train from Delhi to Agra is the 12002 Bhopal Shatabdi. It departs New Delhi Railway Station at 6.15 a.m. and arrives at Agra at 8.12 a.m. The fare in 1AC (first class, seated, air conditioned) is 700 rupees. CC (chair car, seated, air conditioned) is 370 rupees. The train runs every day except Friday. The 2280 Taj Express Superfast from Delhi H Nizamuddin Railway Station to Agra is also popular. It departs at 7.10 a.m. and arrives in Agra at 10.07 a.m. The fare in CC is 263 rupees. 2S (second class, seated, non-air conditioned) is 75 rupees. The 2279 Taj Express returns to Delhi from Agra at 6.55 p.m. daily. It arrives at H Nizamuddin Railway Station at 10.p.m. The 12001 NDLS Shatabdi departs Agra at 8.30 p.m. and arrives at New Delhi Railway Station at 10.30 p.m., daily except Friday. It's the fastest train from Agra to Delhi. Please check the latest fares of these trains. Online booking of trains can be done at www.irctc.co.in
Jaipur
Distance from Jaipur to Delhi is 290kms.
Popularly known as the Pink City in Rajasthan is replete with historical landmarks that echo its past glory and living traditions. Discover palaces and forts, temples and gardens, crafts and pageantry here. The following are some important tourist spots of Jaipur.
City Palace
The City Palace is a historic landmark. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two elephants carved in marble guard the entrance, where retainers whose families have served generations of rulers are at hand to serve as guides.
Hawa Mahal
Also called the "Palace of Winds" was built in 1799. Built by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument in Jaipur. What is seen from the Sireh Deorhi Bazaar is the multiniched five storey high backside of the complex. It was conceived to provide adequate vantage position behind delicate stone carved jali screens to the palace women for watching the royal processions passing through the bazaar below.
Amer Fort
It is one of the finest and the best preserved forts, having served as the royal capital for seven long years before the city of Jaipur was built. It has a complex of several palaces, meeting halls, pavilions, gardens and temples. The Fort was built in the later half of the 10th century by Raja Man Singh.
Udaipur
Udaipur is a city located in the western state of Rajasthan, India. It is known for its picturesque lakes, palaces, and rich cultural heritage, which make it a popular tourist destination. Udaipur is also referred to as the "City of Lakes" and the "Venice of the East" due to its stunning lakes and waterways. The city is served by Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR), which is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city center. The airport has both domestic and international flight connections, making it easily accessible for tourists from different parts of the world. If you prefer to travel by train, Udaipur City Railway Station is the main railway station in the city. It is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad, among others. The railway station is located about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the city center, and various transportation options such as taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are available for reaching the city. Udaipur is also well-connected by road, with a network of national and state highways. The city has a central bus stand known as Udaipur Roadways Bus Stand, which is located near the railway station. Regular bus services operate from Udaipur to nearby cities and towns in Rajasthan, as well as to other major cities in India. As a popular tourist destination, Udaipur offers a wide range of attractions, including City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon ki Bari, Jagdish Temple, and Bagore Ki Haveli, among others. The city is also known for its vibrant markets offering traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. Udaipur is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to Rajasthan and India.
Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is a city located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism. Varanasi is known for its ghats (steps leading down to the river), temples, and spiritual significance, attracting millions of tourists and pilgrims every year. Varanasi is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), which is located about 26 kilometers (16 miles) from the city center. The airport has both domestic and international flight connections, making it accessible for tourists from different parts of India and abroad. Varanasi Junction, also known as Varanasi Cantt Railway Station, is the main railway station in the city. It is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Agra, among others. The railway station is located in the heart of the city, and various transportation options such as taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are available for reaching different parts of Varanasi. Varanasi is also well-connected by road, with a network of national and state highways. The city has a central bus stand known as Varanasi Bus Station, which is located near the railway station. Regular bus services operate from Varanasi to nearby cities and towns in Uttar Pradesh and other states in India. As a major spiritual and cultural hub, Varanasi offers a plethora of attractions, including the Ghats of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath (a Buddhist pilgrimage site), Ramnagar Fort, Bharat Kala Bhavan (an art and culture museum), and the famous Ganga Aarti (a religious ceremony held at the ghats). The city is also known for its bustling markets offering traditional textiles, handicrafts, and jewelry. Varanasi is a unique and vibrant city, rich in history, spirituality, and culture, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to India.
Ayodhya
Ayodhya is a city located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It holds great religious significance for Hindus as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, a revered Hindu deity. Ayodhya is also known for its ancient temples, historical sites, and cultural heritage. The nearest airport to Ayodhya is Faizabad Airport (IATA: FAZ), which is located about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Ayodhya city center. However, this airport has limited connectivity and mostly caters to domestic flights. Alternatively, the nearest major airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (IATA: LKO) in Lucknow, which is approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Ayodhya. Lucknow is well-connected to major cities in India and has regular domestic and international flight connections. The nearest railway station to Ayodhya is Faizabad Junction, which is located about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the city center. Faizabad Junction is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Varanasi, among others. From Faizabad Junction, one can hire taxis or take local buses to reach Ayodhya. Ayodhya is also well-connected by road, with a network of national and state highways. The city has a central bus station known as Ayodhya Bus Station, which is located near the railway station. Regular bus services operate from Ayodhya to nearby cities and towns in Uttar Pradesh and other states in India. As a significant pilgrimage site, Ayodhya offers various attractions for tourists, including Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhavan Temple, Ramkot, and various other temples and historical sites associated with Lord Rama. The city also hosts many religious and cultural events, especially during festivals like Diwali and Ram Navami. Ayodhya is a place of immense religious and cultural significance, making it a popular destination for Hindu devotees and tourists interested in Indian mythology and history.
Khajuraho
Khajuraho is a small town located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is known for its group of Hindu and Jain temples, which are renowned for their intricately carved sculptures and exquisite architecture. The temples of Khajuraho are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a popular tourist destination in India. The nearest airport to Khajuraho is Khajuraho Airport (IATA: HJR), which is located about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the town center. The airport has regular domestic flight connections to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Agra, among others. Khajuraho has its own railway station known as Khajuraho Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Jhansi, among others. The railway station is located about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the town center, and taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are available for transportation to the temples and other parts of Khajuraho. Khajuraho is also well-connected by road, with a network of national and state highways. The town has a central bus stand known as Khajuraho Bus Stand, which is located near the railway station. Regular bus services operate from Khajuraho to nearby cities and towns in Madhya Pradesh and other states in India. The main attraction of Khajuraho is its group of temples, which are known for their intricate carvings depicting various aspects of human life, deities, and celestial beings. The temples are classified into three groups - Western, Eastern, and Southern - and are dedicated to Hindu and Jain deities. The Khajuraho Dance Festival, held annually in February, is another major attraction, showcasing classical Indian dance forms against the backdrop of these temples. In addition to the temples, Khajuraho also offers other tourist attractions, including the Khajuraho Archaeological Museum, Raneh Falls, Panna National Park, and nearby tribal villages. The town also has a vibrant local market where visitors can shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Khajuraho is a unique destination, known for its exquisite temples and rich cultural heritage, attracting tourists from all over the world.
India is a country with a rich cultural diversity and heritage. Other than the aforesaid options, there are many tourist attraction throughout the country. If some of the delegates may be interested in visiting other places in India, please visit the following website for details:
https://www.incredibleindia.org/