" AROUND TAJ MAHAL "

Delhi
One of the most fascinating aspects of Delhi is the "visibility" of its historic past. Were it not for the demands of urbanization, large portions of the city could well be earmarked as archaeological parks. This is because the rulers of successive dynasties between the 13th and the 17th centuries established seven cities in different parts of Delhi. A chronological review of these cities fortunately also serves as a suitable itinerary for tourists and highlights the important monuments amongst the 1300 officially listed.

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Jaipur
Jaipur is as remarkable for its marvellous architecture and town planning as it is for the lively spirit of the people who inhabit it. The city presents a unique synthesis of culture that has to be experienced in order to be appreciated.

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Mathura
It lies at the heart that the young Krishna was nurtured. The little towns and hamlets in this area still alive with the tales of his mischievous pranks, his extraordinary exploits and still seem to echo with the sound of his flute. An ancient habitation, mathura's strategic location ensured its position as a center of trade and a meeting point of cultures, a major city during the time of the Buddha ( 5th century BC) it became the eastern capital of the Kushan emperor Kanishka,. Mathura continued to be a center of power during the enlightened rule of emperor Ashoka (3rd centre BC) and up to the Gupta era (4th century AD) .

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Khajuraho
The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy; perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been capured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed.

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Varanasi
Varanasi, or Benaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi's prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together".

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Haridwar
Haridwar is also famous by the names of gangadwar, Mokshadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri. It is at Haridwar that the Ganga finaly energes into the northern plains. The Kumbh and the Ardh Kumbh melas also take place here every 12 th & 6th year.

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Rishikesh
Rishikesh, also known as the 'place of sages' is Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is believed that God by the name of 'Hrishikesh' had appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place derived its name.

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Dehradun
Nestled in the mountain of the Himalaya, Dehradun in one of the odlest cities of India. Also known as the Abode of Drona , Dehradun has always been an important centre of the Garhwal rulers which was captured by the British . the headuarters of many National Institute like ONGC , Servey of India , I.I.P. etc. are located in the city . Dehradun has a string of premier educational institutes like the forest Research Institute, Rashtriya Indian Military College and the Indian Milirary Academy.

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Lucknow
Lucknow is a city synonymous with the Nawabi Culture. The imperialistic splendor and magnificence of the Nawabi Era has been glorified and eulogized down the ages by writers, poets and historians alike.

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Gwalior
The ancient capital of Gwalior is steeped in the splendour of its past. A multitude of regning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas. Kachwahas and Tomars have left indelible etching of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. The magnificent momentoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior a unique and timeless appeal.

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Sikandra
Welcome to Sikandra, a supurb of Agra, only 13 km. from the Agra Fort, the last resting place of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Akbar was the greatest of the Mughal emperors and one of the most secular minded royalties of his time. He was the heir to a long tradition of oriental refinement, a great patron of the arts, literature, philosophy and science.


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