Agra: The Place of Eternal Love

Agra was the capital of many dynasties including Lodhi and Mughals. Located at the banks of River Yamuna, Agra offers the tourists the richest of the man-made beauties including three UNESCO world heritage sites -Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal. Famed with one of the Seven Wonders of the World -Taj Mahal, Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and World too. Agra is a virtual fort of history and architecture. Agra is also famous for historical monuments, architectural grandeur and beauty of marbles.

Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonders in the world, Taj Mahal is situated majestically on the banks of River Yamuna. It is acclaimed as one of the World Heritage Sites and is the living specimen of a romantic love life of Shah Jahan and his favorite beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. Ustad Isa, the renowned Persian Architect, led the construction. It took 22 years to complete this world wonder.

This symbol of eternal love is the quintessence of Mughal architecture. It is a combination of Persian, Turkish and Indian Architectural style. Calligraphy of the passages from the Quran adores the plinth, minarets, gateway, mosque and jawab.

Tip: Taj Mahal is open for night viewing on the day of the full moon and two days before and after that. To protect the beauty of the monument, no petrol or diesel vehicle is allowed in the Taj area.

Entry Fee: Rs. 20 (Indians) Rs. 510 (Citizens of SAARC & BIMSTEC contries) and Rs. 750 (Foreigners).

Agra Fort: Also renowned as the Red Fort of Agra, Agra Fort is located near to the Taj Mahal gardens on the banks of River Yamuna. The real specimen architectural marvel, this fortress was constructed in the 15th century. This Fort was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, after he defeated the Afghans at Panipat in 1556.

Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is a city constructed to honor Sufi Saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the beginning of 1570. This saint predicted the birth of another son of Akbar, after the death of his twins. The city is bounded on three sides by a 6 km long wall, which is fortified by towers and has seven gates. UNESCO declared this complex a World Heritage Site with Jama Masjid in the year 1986.

Getting There: Hire a cab from Delhi to Agra. Agra is about 240 km from and about 3 hours drive from Delhi.

Chasing Tigers In Ranthambore

Tiger in Ranthambore

It's in the last quarter of the year that Ranthambore really comes into its own. If you haven't explored this magnificent wildlife park yet, now is the time to plan that break. It makes the perfect short getaway from Delhi, being located about 160 km Jaipur in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur District. 

Ranthambore National Park holds rewards both for seasoned wildlife enthusiast and the amateur who also has a very good chance of spotting big cats the park is known for. This is because Ranthambore's tigers, especially its famous inhabitants named Machali and Sundari, are by now quite familiar with human presence and go about their majestic way, unaffected by safari tourists. So, there's chance that you will get to see tigers lazing by the lake, lurking in the undergrowth and even hunting down their prey. Seeing these captivating creatures of the wild in their natural habitat is guaranteed to be the highlight of your Ranthambore trip. 

Tiger lazing beside Lake

Birders also have a great time here. The heritage buff will have plenty to take in at Ranthambore, for this 400-sq-km nature reserve is dotted with ramparts and ruins from an earlier era. In fact, Ranthambore gets its name from an impressive towering frot that crowns the landscape. While in Ranthambore see Bakaula,  with its many waterbodies that attract a wealth of wildlife. Padam Talao, the vast lake, is another lovely spot with the graceful Jogi Mahal sitting at its very edge. Tigers and the rare chinkara can be spotted here, so keep your eyes peeled.

Chinkara

Getting There: Ranthambore is 480 km from Delhi and takes seven hours drive to reach. If you want to save time you can fly to Jaipur and drive down from here. 

Stay: If you want luxury digs, check into the Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge, which has a heritage tag. For close-to-nature safari experience opt for Sher Bagh, a luxury tented camp kitted out with every modern convenience.

Luxury Hotels in Ranthambore

Eat: There are several restaurants serving multi-cuisine fare around the park. While on Safari, remember to carry some dry snacks and drinking water.

Tips from Unveil India: Of course, you can strike out on your own, but booking through wildlife specialists such as Tigerwala will ensure a stress-free break.

Manali: Backpacking Center and Honeymoon Destination

Manali

Manali is one name that is very commonly spoken of and heard when it comes to the discussion of tourism in India, and rightly so because this place is visited by thousands each year regardless of the time of the year. This article talks about the best time to visit the hill station and the various other things the hill station offers its visitors.

Situated on the river Beas, the popular hill station of Manali is one of the most talked about and sought after tourist destination in the country. The most beautiful elements of the hill station apart from its scenic landscapes are the apple orchards, the flower gardens and also the snow-capped mountains during the winters. Manali is one of the top trekking sites which makes it one of the most favorite destinations of backpackers and adrenaline junkies. The hill station can easily be approached by a Delhi to Manali taxi and you can take the same Manali to Delhi taxi on your way out. Manali also lies in the way en route to Ladakh via Lahaul and Spiti when approached from New Delhi.

Winter in Manali

Manali sees three seasons — summers, monsoon and winters. Summers lasts from April until June with a pleasant temperature of not exceeding 25-degree-celsius and remains cool and calm. The monsoon season sees heavy rains and on some occasions, it seems landslides  when heavy rains hit the hill station. The best time to visit Manali is between the months of October to March. It is during this time that the rains have gone stopped and winter slowly kicks in and you slowly start seeing some snowfall here and there especially in places with higher altitude and feel the chill of the winter winds. If you plan on visiting during the winter seasons, you will need to do some serious layering with gloves, layers of clothing, socks and mufflers as temperatures drop below freezing point.

Skydiving in Manali

Manali offers a great assortment to choose from in the food department. From Tibetan cuisine, north Indian cuisine to Chinese and Indo-Chinese cuisines, you will see a whole lot of interesting and fusion dishes. Momos are great in the hill station and being in a cold place, you should definitely try a steaming hot bowl of Thukpa. Thukpa is a soup noodle dish with clear soup, brewed for a long time in chicken stock or vegetable stock with various other condiments and spices. The quantity of noodles are literally just a handful but the broth is the star of this dish. Manali also offers an extensive shopping experience. From jewelers at the Sultanpur market selling various jewelry and ornaments to the other markets selling warm clothes like Tibetan shawls, carpets, and caps, you can get anything at Manali. Stores in Manali also sell

Dharamsala: On The Edge of The Himalayas

Dharamsala

With the snow-clad Dhauladhar range as a dramatic backdrop and the plains sprawled below, the hill resort of Dharamsala has a magnificent setting. Surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests and air that's pure and cool, this is a good place for some quick rest and relaxation. Lying in the shadow of the Himalaya, Dharamsala makes for a super getaway from Delhi, especially at this time of the year, when the frosty touch of winter adds another dimension to these high reaches.

Dalai Lama at Dharamsala

Now known as the base of the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala is also home to huge Tibetan community whose customs and culture colour the landscape as well. Meanwhile, the suburbs of McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj still retain a British colonial air about them. A major draw here is the Tsuglagkhang complex that includes the Tsuglagkhang Tibetan temple, the Namgyal Gompa and the Tibet Museum. See monks go about their prayer routines and listen to their chants resonate in the air.

McLeod Ganj Temple

Spend some hours browsing through the Kangra Art Museum, a treasure trove of Kangra Valley arts, crafts, and history, dating back to the fifth century. There's also a section housing works by contemporary artists, sculptures and contemporary artists, sculptors and photographers. About 8 km from Dharamsala, between Forsyth Ganj and McLeod Ganj, is the lovely church of St. John in Wilderness. Here you will also find the graveyard of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin, who died in Dharamsala in 1863.

British Viceroy Lord Elgin's Graveyard

Reach: If long drives are your thing, then go by road from Delhi  via Chandigarh. Else, fly into Gaggal which is 13 km away.

Stay: There are choices aplenty here. Check in at the Pink House to stay in place with character.

Shopping: McLeod Ganj is the main shopping area here. Buy thangkas as souvenirs and check out the bamboo crafts.