Fatehpur Sikri , the erstwhile capital of Mughals lies approximate 38 Kms west of Agra was founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571. Imperial buildings and palaces were constructed with-in a walled city. City got its name as Fatehpur Sikri or a City of Victory after Akbar’s victory over Gujrat. The palace complex has many architectural masterpieces like Diwan-E-Khas, Diwan-E-Am, Panch Mahal , Anup Talao, Treasury, Astrologer’s seat, Jahangiri Mahal and Buland Darwaja. White marble building has the grave of Sufi saint under an ornate wooden canopy encrusted with mother of pearl mosaic.

The palaces and the mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is open to visitors on all days of the week from Sun-rise to Sun-set.

President House and Parliamentary Buildings are the part of Luyten’s Delhi and were constructed between 1920 and 1940 soon after it was decided that the capital of British India shall be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. President House or The Rashtrapati Bhawan is the home to the President of the largest democracy in the world. Main Building and the Central Lawn are open to visitors on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Visiting Rastrapati Bhavan and the Mughal Gardens from December to February when thousands of flowers blossom, is an amazing experience.

Other notable buildings designed by Sir Edward Luyten and his team are Parliament House , North and South Blocks which house the offices of ministers and other government officials.

Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple was built in 1987. Notable for its distinctive Lotus flower shaped design, temple is open to all, regardless of cast , creed or religion. Its nine access doors to the central hall of temple symbolize the diversity of races and their essential unity. It is a perfect place to meditate for some time to listen to your inner voice. The Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards and has been featured in many newspaper and magazine articles.

The temple is open to visitors from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM on all days of the week except on Monday.

Tomb of Itmad-ud-daullah or Baby Taj constructed in white marble is a jewel box shaped building by river side and is the first building erected in white marble by Mughals in Agra. Perhaps the idea of building Taj Mahal in white marble was inspired from here. The tomb was constructed by Queen Nur Jahan for the mausoleum of her parents. The Pietra-dura art ( or art of inlay work) stared getting patronage from the walls of this beautiful building.

Itmad-ud-daullah or Baby Taj is open to visitors for all days of the week from Sun-rise to Sun-set.

Agra Fort or Red Fort of Agra is perfectly preserved massive fort complex was the main residence of Mughal Emperors till 1638 when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses many palaces constructed by different rulers. Akbar Mahal, Jahangiri Mahal, Palace of Roshan Ara, Diwan-E-Am, Diwan-e-Khas, Moti Masjid are the main architectural sites inside the fort complex. However ,perhaps the most remarkable place inside is the Mutthamman Burz or Shahjahani Mahal where Emperor Shah Jahan, the builder of Taj Mahal was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb as per his desire to have the views of Taj Mahal. Even today, similar and uninterrupted views of Taj Mahal can be enjoyed.

Monument of Love, Romance in Marble, Tear Drop on the Cheeks on Time, Crown of the Palaces …..so many more words and phrases have been described by scholars and poets about this beautiful building. For tourists ….. It is just … Superb, Whao…Amazing, Marvelous ……

Constructed between 1631-1653 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the tomb of his beloved queen, the magical allure of Taj Mahal has been drawing tourists from all around the world and is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal can be visited at many times, but may be one of the most amazing views are during the sunrise or sunset, when the sky forms a symphony of colors and the almost translucent marble of this eternal monument absorbs the magical light and reflects it, thus giving an unforgettable show from its gardens.

Important : Taj Mahal is open from Sun-rise to Sun-set on all days except every Friday. Tourist can stay inside the Taj Mahal for a maximum time of 3 hours on one entry ticket.

Fatehpur Sikri , the erstwhile capital of Mughals lies approximate 38 Kms west of Agra was founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571. Imperial buildings and palaces were constructed with-in a walled city. City got its name as Fatehpur Sikri or a City of Victory after Akbar’s victory over Gujrat. The palace complex has many architectural masterpieces like Diwan-E-Khas, Diwan-E-Am, Panch Mahal , Anup Talao, Treasury, Astrologer’s seat, Jahangiri Mahal and Buland Darwaja. White marble building has the grave of Sufi saint under an ornate wooden canopy encrusted with mother of pearl mosaic.

The palaces and the mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is open to visitors on all days of the week from Sun-rise to Sun-set.

Amer was the capital of erstwhile rulers of Kachwaha Rajputs till Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II shifted the capital to Jaipur. Amer Fort set on top of a hill in Aravali mountain range is a perfect blend of Rajasthani architecture. The fort is constructed in pink and yellow sandstone and marble. The opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It consists of the Diwan-e-Aam, or “Hall of Public Audience”, the Diwan-e-Khas, or “Hall of Private Audience”, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. The walls are beautifully pained using vegetable colours.

More traditional way to reach to the outstanding monumental complex is to go on the back of an elephant. An elephant ride is a unique experience that will allow you to calmly observe all the area surrounding this extraordinary fortress-palace. However, fort van also be reached by a jeep.  

The fort is open to visitors on all days from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM, however elephants to ascend the fort are available only during morning.

Important : Amer Fort remains close to visitors on certain Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali. Following are the tentative dates (may be differed by one day) for the closure of Amer Fort :

City Palace in Jaipur is a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace continues to  be the home of the royal family of Jaipur and was constructed in 1727 by Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II when he shifted his capital from Amer to Jaipur. The palace complex today has several buildings, courtyards and museum. Exquisite carpets, bright rajput weapons and delicate clothes, ornamented palanquins will remind you of the grandeur of this princely era of India. Royal family including present maharajah of Jaipur still live in one of the wings of this complex.

City Palace Museum is open to visitors from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM on all days except on certain days due to holidays on Hindu Festivals of Holi & Diwali :

Jantar Mantar or Observatory is the largest stone astronomical observatory in the world and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nineteen instruments built in stone could calculate the exact time and position of the Pole Star, predict eclipses or check the incidence of the sun at a certain time on an astrological sign. Even today one will be surprised by its accuracy.

Observatory is adjoining to City Palace museum and is open to visitors on all days from 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM.

Albert Hall Museum, situated in Ram Niwas Gardens , outside the walled city of Jaipur, is a state museum. Constructed in Indi-Saracenic style of architecture and exclusive stone ornamentation, was opened to public in 1887. The museum gets its name from the Victoria and Albert Museum of London, because of the similarity in architecture.

The corridors of the museum showcase numerous mural paintings, Persian painting and others. The museum has a rich collection of artifacts including paintings, jewelry, carpets, ivory, stone, metal sculptures, and works in crystal. An Egyptian mummy is the main attraction of the museum.

Albert Hall Museum is open to visitors on all days from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM and again at night from 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The museum  building looks stunning at night due to its illumination using yellow light.

Jaipur is sh0pper's paradise and offers opportunities for shopping of souvenirs for giveaways to finest piece of expensive precious stones set in a designed jewelry. Jaipur is also famous for its carpet weaving along with unique style of Tie & Dye and Block-printing on fabric.

The markets of Jaipur are unique as all having similar façade painted in pink colour and selling authentic handicraft ranging from imitation jewelry, mirror & patch work on fabric, strolls and shawls and sarees. A walk in Bapu Bazar or Johri Bazar in a wonderful way to learn about the Rajasthani culture and colours.

Birla Mandir Or Birla Temple built in white marble at the base of Moti Dungri hill in Jaipur is one of the many Birla Temples all around India. However, Birla Mandir in Jaipur is a special one due to its intricate lattice work in white marble. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (One of the Trinity of GODS  and preserver of the universe) and being at the temple during the arti ( puja ) in the evening is an experience.

Galta Ji or Temple of Monkeys built in 15th century is another historical site in Jaipur. Galta Ji is ancient Hindu pilgrimage site and consists of a series of temples built in a ring in hills that surrounds Jaipur. A natural spring emerges high on the hill and flows downward, filling a series of sacred kunds (water tanks) in which pilgrims bathe. Because of the presence of lot of monkeys ( friendly ) , it is also called as Monkey Temple.

Ladakh region, with Leh as its capital, is a beautiful region in the Great Himalayan Mountain range. Ladakh, literally meaning The Land of High Passes is nestled at an altitude of 3500 meters and above with its history and culture closely related to Tibet. Ladakh is known for its snow-covered peaks, valleys, lakes, rivers, historic Buddhist monasteries and festivals.

Numerous centuries-old Buddhist monasteries including Hemis, Lamayuru, Alchi, Thiksey, Likir, and Diskit in the region are not only home to Lamas and Buddhist monks but are also preserving and protecting Buddhist culture and spiritual learnings. During the Buddhist festivals in these monasteries, Lamas perform mystic yet sacred mask dance in the presence of thousands of visitors from all around the world.

Leh is also the gateway to Hemis National Park famous for the sighting of elusive snow leopards and many other species of Himalayan wildlife. Neighboring areas of Leh are known for beautiful lakes and valleys including Pangging Lake and Nubra valley. The entire region of Ladakh is also known for various treks in remote mountainous regions of the Himalayas.

The mesmerizing magic of the mystic land of Ladakh will keep inviting you again and again as is filled with so much of positive vibes and spirituality.