|
|
|
Conference Destination - Agra - Excursion |
|
|
Fatehpur
Sikri
The heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri is located 40 kilometers from Agra.
According to legend, the Emperor Akbar, though he had many wives, did not
have a heir. He went on a pilgrimage to Sheikh Salim Chisti, a Sufi saint
who lived near Agra and sought his blessings. Akbar was blessed with an
heir, who he named Salim, after the saint, in gratitude.
The beautiful monuments at Fatehpur Sikri are a synthesis of Islamic and
Hindu architecture reflecting the religious tolerance of Akbar. Akbar also
founded a syncretic religion called Din-i-Illahi, which inspired some of the
buildings at Fatehpur Sikri. The city of Fatehpur Sikri was built as a sign
of the Emperor Akbar's gratitude to Sheikh Salim Chisti. Work on the city
started in 1571 and was completed 15 years later.
|
 |
 |
Jaipur
Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the ' Pink
City ' because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city.
Located among the Aravalli Hills, an ancient hill range in Rajasthan, Jaipur
is a city with many attractions. Founded by the ruler Sawai Jai Singh II,
who was the king of the region around Jaipur from 1700 - 1747 A.D, Jaipur
city was one of the few planned cities of medieval India.
On tours to Jaipur, you can see many beautiful monuments such as the Hawa
Mahal (Wind Palace), The Albert Hall Museum, Amber Fort, Jaigarh fort and
Naharganj Fort and City Palace. The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is also a
fascinating sight. You can also enjoy shopping in the markets of Jaipur for
handicrafts, textiles, blue pottery, jewellery, paintings and camel leather
artifacts.
|
Mathura
Mathura is known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, worshipped by Hindus.
Mathura is located 58 kilometers from Agra, and is a short ride by road.
Mathura is a holy city for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains since the deities of
all three religions are believed to have lived in Mathura. Mathura is also
famous for the Mathura School of Art, which is known for its beautiful
sculptures.
|
 |
 |
Vrindavan
Vrindavan is located 15 kilometers north of Mathura. On tours of Vrindavan
you can see the historic temples including the Govind Dev Temple, which was
constructed in 1590 by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur; the Shahji Temple built in
1860, known for its architectural beauty; the Madan Mohan Temple which was
divested of its idol during the rule of Aurangzeb; the ISKCON Temple or
Krishna Balram Mandir which is beautiful structure in white marble and the
Glass Temple which is beautifully decorated with glass. |
Apart from the temples, Vrindavan is famous for arts and crafts, folk music
and cultural activities. The festival of Krishna Janmashthami or the birth
of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great fervor in Vrindavan.
|
Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary
If you're a nature lover, then visit to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a
must while on a tour to Agra. The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as
the Keoladeo Ghana National Park was declared a World Heritage site in 1985.
This bird sanctuary is a few hours drive from Agra and offers bird lovers
the fascinating sight of hundreds of resident birds. |
 |
| The Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary was previously the bird hunting reserve of the Maharaja of
Bharatpur. He built an artificial marsh consisting of raised earthen bunds
and water channels. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
