Gorakhpur

The district Gorakhpur takes its name and fame from renowned, ascetic 'Gorakshnath', who was an eminent profounder saint of 'Nath Sampradaya'. A famous shrine 'Gorakhnath' was built in his honour on the same spot where he practised austerities.

History: The ancient Gorakhpur, in addition to modern, comprised the districts of Basti, Deoria, Azamgarh and parts of Nepal tarai. These region, which may be called as Gorakhpur Janpad, had been an important centre of Aryan culture and civilization.

Gorakhpur was a part of the famous kingdom of Koshal, one of sixteen mahajanpadas in 6th Century B.C. The earliest known monarch ruling over this region with his capital at Ayodhya was IKSVAKU, who founded the solar dynasty of Kshatriya. It produced a number of illustratious kings till the accession of Ram, who was the greatest ruler of this dynasty. Since then, it remained an integral part of the erstwhile empires of Maurya, Shunga, Kushana , Gupta and Harsha dynasties. According to tradition, the Tharu king, Mausen of Madan Singh (900-950 A.D.) ruled over Gorakhpur city and the adjoining area.

In medieval period, when the entire northern India lay prostrate before the Muslim ruler, Mohammad Ghori, the Gorakhpur region was not left out. For a longer period it remained under the sway of the muslim rulers, from Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak to Bahadur Shah.Tradition has it that Ala-ud-din Khilji (1296-1316) ordered the conversion of old shrine of Goraksha ( a popular deity ) of Gorakhpur into a mosque. However, on Akbar's reorganisation of the empire, Gorakhpur gave its name to one of the five Sirkars comprising the province of Avadh.

Modern period was marked by the transfer of this region by the Nawab of Avadh to the East India Company in 1801. With this cession, Gorakhpur was raised to the status of a 'DISTRICT. The first collector was Mr. Routledge. In 1829, Gorakhpur was made the headquarters of a Division of the same name, comprising the districts of Gorakhpur, Ghazipur and Azamgarh. Mr. R.M. Biad was first appointed Commissioner.

In 1865, new district Basti was carved out from Gorakhpur. The latter was further split up in 1946 to form new district Deoria. The third division of Gorakhpur led to the creation of district Mahrajganj in 1989.

Allahabad

The city of Allahabad is among the largest cities of Uttar Pradesh and is situated at the confluence of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati. The meeting point is known as 'Triveni' and is especially sacred to Hindus. The earlier settlements of the Aryans were established in this city, then known as Prayag. Its sanctity is manifest by references to it in Purans, the Ramayan and the Mahabharata. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, the creator God of the Trinity, chose a land on earth (i.e. Prayag) to perform 'Prakrista Yag', at the beginning of the creation and he also referred to it as 'Tirth Raj' or the 'King of all pilgrimage centres'. As per writing of 'Padam Puran' - "As the sun is amongst the moon and the moon amongst the stars, likewise 'Prayag' is best amongst all places of pilgrimage".

Emperor Akbar founded this city in 1575 AD by the name of 'Illahabas' which has now become modern Allahabad. The monarch realized its strategic importance as a waterway landmark in North India and also built a magnificent fort on the banks of holi 'Yamuna'. Allahabad today is an important city where history, culture and religion create a magical confluence, much like the sacred rivers that caress this blessed land. Due to its religious importance, many pilgrims come to Allahabad in the bathing season, the Hindu month of Magh (mid January to mid-february), to purify themselves. During this month, a great gathering and fair called Magh Mela takes place on the sands. Every 12^th year when the waters are felt to be especially purifying, Allahabad holds a much greater festival called Kumbh Mela. Many millions of pilgrims attend this festival, coming from all over India. It is believed that bathing during Kumbh cures the bather of all sins and evils and grants the bather salvation.

In 1885, Mark Twain wrote about Allahabad Kumbh -"Pilgrims plodded for months in heat to get here, worn, poor and hungry, but sustained by unwavering faith".

Lucknow

Bara Imambara Lucknow

Lucknow is a beautiful city that still retains its old world charm. Your tour to Lucknow will be a truly memorable one when you travel in India. While arranging for Lucknow sightseeing tours, make sure that you visit the following tourist attractions that are worth seeing. The exquisite monuments that were built during the ancient times are still preserved for the present to see and cherish. So check out these tourist attractions as a part of Lucknow Tours.

Bara Imambara : The Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built as a part of a relief project for a major famine that took place in the year 1784.

British Residency Lucknow :The British Residency of Lucknow is a famous historical landmark of this place. It is now in ruins and has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Chattar Manzil :One of the imposing structures built by the Nawabs of Lucknow, Chattar Manzil is a very famous tourist attraction of Lucknow. The most unique thing about the Chattar Manzil of Lucknow is the strikingly different architecture.

Jama Masjid :In the year 1423, Sultan Ahmed Shah constructed the Jama Masjid in Lucknow. It is built entirely with yellow sandstone and is known for its intricate style of design and architecture.

Rumi Darwaza :The Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow is one of the most impressive architectural structures in India. It was constructed in the year 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula. The Rumi Darwaza is an example of the fine architectural style of Awadh.

Clock Tower :Between the Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara is the Clock Tower of Lucknow. This huge tower was constructed by Nawab Nasir-ud-Din Haider in the year 1880. The Clock Tower in Lucknow reaches upto a staggering height of 221 feet and is the tallest Clock Tower in India. The Clock tower also has the biggest fitted clock that cost the government around Rs. 1.75 lakhs at that time.

Moti Mahal :The Moti Mahal in Lucknow is one of the most beautiful monuments of India. The Nawab of Lucknow, Saadat Ali Khan, constructed it. The Lucknow Moti Mahal is also known as Palace of Pearls. The Moti Mahal is located on the borders of Gomti and provides a spectacular view of the city of Nawabs. The Nawabs used this palace to view birds in flight and spend time in leisure. There are three buildings that comprise the whole construction.

The two other buildings are known as Shah Manzil and Mubarak Manzil. These two buildings were added later by Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider. These were used by the Nawab to watch animal combats and animal fights. The Moti Mahal is preserved till date by the concerned authorities and is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Lucknow.

Lakshmana :Tila It is said that the original site of the town was actually at Lakshmana Tila. The story goes back to ancient times when the brother of Lord Rama, Lakshmana laid the foundation of the city of modern Lucknow. It was known as Lakshmanpur then. This place is supposed to be one of the earliest sites of human settlements in Lucknow.

Hussainabad Imambara :The Hussainabad Imambara is a major tourist attraction of Lucknow. The monument was built by Mohammed Ali Shah in the year 1837. The tombs of Mohammed Ali Shah and his mother are located over here. The walls of the monument are decorated with Arabic verses that have been carved beautifully by efficient craftsmen. The structure has an imposing white colored dome and many pillars or minarets. The interiors of the monument are worth seeing. They have been decorated beautifully with elaborate chandeliers, mirrors with gold frames, the majestic throne of the King. There are small miniatures of the Taj Mahal on either side of the monument. The Hussainabad Imambara is beautifully decorated during the festival of Moharrum. The whole structure is bordered with thousands of little bulbs, which give it a royal look when illuminated in the evening.

Mathura

About Mathura

Mathura is situated in the western part of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located on the west bank of river Yamuna and forms a part of the northern plains. This city is 50 kms north of Agra, 145 kms south-east of Delhi, 11 kms from Vrindavan town and 22 kms from Govardhan, respectively. Geographically this city is located at 27°27′N 77°43′E. It is at an elevation of 174 meters or 570 feet.
Mathura is one of the ancient towns of India. It was mentioned in Ramayana, the epic. In Treta Yuga, Mathura was a dense forest and was inhabited by a giant demon called Madhu. He named this place after his name as Madhuban. After killing Lavanasura (son of Madhu), Shatrughana (younger brother of Lord Rama) found this city and named it as Madhupuri. Eventually, this famous city became Mathura.

As mentioned in Garuda Purana, Mathura is one of the seven most holy places for Hindus in India. For about 3,000 years, Mathura was  the hub of culture and civilization. The city has a long and chequered history as it was held in sanctity by the Brahmanical, Buddhists and Jain faith. Mathura School of Art was a great school which flourished for 1,200 years. This school of art was the distinctive school which tried out in sculptures and clay figurines in the annals of Indian art history. Now, Mathura abounds in place of historic and religious interest. Round the year, huge number of festivals and fairs are held in Mathura

Mathura city is the birth place of Lord Krishna. This city is also called Braj or Brij-bhoomi. The Keshav Dev Temple was built on the site of Lord Krishna’s legendary birth place. Mathura was the capital of Surasena Kingdom. It was ruled by Kamsa, the maternal uncle of Krishna.

Tourists of Mathura can taste varieties of palatable food. The most famous foods of this city are lassi (a drink prepared by blending yogurt with water and Indian spices), thandai, milk badaam and sweetened hot milk. Various types of sweetmeat balls, particularly Peda are available in Mathura. One can find various types of Pedas in this city.

As Mathura is a famous religious town across the globe, it is popular for religious and holy products. There are many shops which sell several types of holy and religious items. Tilak Dwar and Dwarakadhish Temple are the best shopping places in this city.

Mathura was an economic hub which is located at the junction of important caravan routes. The industries in this city are the major contributors to the economy of Uttar Pradesh. Mathura Refinery is one of the biggest oil refineries of Asia.

Silver polishing industry is another industry which is gradually flourishing. Textile printing industry which includes both Fabric dyeing and Sari-printing is another important industry. Besides these, other famous industries in this region are decorative and household item and water tap manufacturing units.

Places to see in Mathura

Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi

This is the birth place of lord Krishna. There is a temple which symbolises the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The story of His birth is written and depicted on the walls of the temple. A narrow set of marble steps leads you to the terrace and a walled corridor creates the effect of a prison. The prison and the other buildings were razed to the ground in the 17th century but were restored in 1962 by industrialists like G.D. Birla.

Vishram Ghat

There are lot of attractive temples in vishram ghat.It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna. A tourist will find lot of shrines here like, the Mukut Temple, Radha-Damodar, Murli Manohar, Neelkantheshwar, Yamuna-Krishna, Langali Hanuman and Narasimha temples. The aarti held at the Vishram Ghat each evening is quite famous for the little oil lamps that are floated on the river.

Dwarkadheesh Temple

This temple is located in the eastern part of Mathura & is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Temple was built in the year 1814 and is the most well-liked temple of the city and looks even more attractive when it is gracefully decorated on religious and celebratory occasions such as Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali.

Janma Masjid

This mosque is built by Nabir Khan in the year1661.

Government Museum

This Museum has the finest collection of archaeological items. It is located at Dampeir Park. This Museum has the exceptional items which belong to the Gupta and Kushan Period. The other things that a tourist will find here are the collections of Mathura School of Sculptures.

Shopping in Mathura

Mathura is famous for its Milk Products. Especially the “peda” of Mathura is famous in the whole country. A variety of “pedas” are found in Mathura. Other important milk products of Mathura are pure and aromatic ghee, cheese and cheese spreads.

A tourist will also find a variety of handicrafts in Mathura. Embroidered pieces, paintings, sculptures, images and silver and textile jewelleries are other products to shop for in Mathura.

A tourist will find a wide range of holy products like the Rudraksh mallas, Lord Krishna’s marble sculptures, prayer books, pendants with images of gods and goddess etc. The best shopping places of Mathura are situated near the Dwarkadheesh Temple and Tilak Dwar.

Agra

Taj Mahal

History of AgraAgra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. The earliest reference for Agra comes from the epical age, when Mahabharata refer Agra as Agravana. In the sources prior to this, Agra has been referred as Arya Griha or the abode of the Aryans. The first person who referred Agra by its modern name was Ptolemy.

Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached.

Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. In his later years, Shahjahan shifted his capital to the new city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi and ruled from there. Shahjahan was dethroned in 1658 by his son, Aurangzeb who imprisoned him in the Agra Fort. Aurangzeb shifted the capital back to Agra till his death. After the death of Aurangzeb, Mughal Empire could not touch its peak and many regional kingdoms emerged. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city.

Origin and DevelopmentAgra is the city of the inimitable Taj Mahal. The story of Agra beigns much earlier then the Taj, However it finds mention in the epic Mahabharata when it was called Agrabana are Paradise. Ptolemy, the famous second century A.D. geographer, marked it on his map of the world as Agra. Tradition and legend ascribe the present city of Raja Badal Singh (around 1475 A.D.) whose Fort, Badalgarh, Stood on or near the site of the present Fort. However, the 12th century A.D. persian poet Salman, too, Speaks of a desperate assault on the forrtress of Agra, then held by one King Jaipal, by sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. It was Mughals who finally nurtured Agra with the finest monuments architects could design : The Taj Mahal  of Shah Jhan, Agra Fort of Akbar, Itmad-Ud-Daulah and neighbouring Sikandra are but few of the many that spangle the city, each of which stands in mute testimony to the city's grandur over the ages.

Location, Boundaries and WeatherThe Agra district is situated in western U.P. between   27.11' degree Latitude North and 78.0' degree to 78.2' degree Longitute East. Its Altitude is 169 meters above sea level. On the North it is bounded by Mathura District, On the South it is bounded by Dhaulpur District, On the East it is bounded by   Firozabad District and On the West it is bounded by Bharatpur. Agra is situated on the bank of Yamuna river.

In Agra Maximum Temperature in Summer is 45°C and minimum temperature is about 21.9°C and in Winter maximum temperature is 131.7°C and minimum tempreature is about 4.2D°C. Best season for tourist is from October to March.

Area and PopulationAccording to Census 1991, the are of Agra district is 4027.00 sqr. km., Where Rural area is 3838.60 sqr. km. and Urban area is 188.40 sqr. km.. Its Total Population is 27,51,021 out of which Males are 15,01,927 and Females are 12,49,094. Of the Total Population, 16,39,935 constitute the Rural Population and 11,11,086 are makes the Urban Population.

Infrastructure

The Agra district is divided into Six Tehsils and 15 Blocks. Total number of Nayay Panchayats in the district are 114 while Gram Sabhas stands at 636. The total populated villages are 904. The total number of police stations in the district are 41 out of which 16 are in Urban area and 25 are in Rural area. The total number of Railway Stations (including Halts) are 29 and Bus Stands/Bus Stops are 144. Total number of Broad Guage lines is 196 K.M. and Meter Guage is 35 K.M..   

EconomyAlthough tourism contributes to a large extent in the economy of Agra, the city has a substantial industrial base. A lot of manufacturing plants and industry related wholesale markets is prominent in Agra. Agra Industries are doing a fine job in various fields. Producers and dealers of Agra deal in different products and has a vast market to support them. The economy of Agra is also dependant on indrustrial production. But, the cities industrial base also produces automobiles, leather goods, handicrafts and stone carving.Agra has a good number of apparel and garment manufacturers and exporters. Some of the leading names in the industry are Kamlesh Exports, Jsn International, India Craft etc.Agra has also developed a thriving export business. Agra has developed an important market for the automobile industry. Anil Diesels, Benara Auto, Harvest Group of Industries and Malloys India are some of the major players of the automobile industry in Agra. The leather industry is among the most traditional and original industries of Agra. Today, Agra's economy is mainly dependant on tourism. This city is home to some of the most prestigious spas, resorts and hotels in all of India. In fact, one of the largest spas in all of Asia is the Kaya Kalp which is located in the Hotel Mughal. Primarily the Economy of the Agra district is agriculture based while the economy base of Agra city is Small Scale Industries, Commerce and Trade. Major crops 

More Agra Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: India (north)
• Location: Uttar Pradesh
• Status: city (state capital)
• Population: approximately 1.3 million
• Language: Hindi, Urdu and English
• Currency: Indian Rupee (IDR / Rs)
• Time zone: UTC + 5:30
• Country dialing code: +91
• Telephone area code: 0562
• Average daily Agra January temperature: 21°C / 70°F
• Average daily Agra July temperature: 34°C / 93°F

Tourist Place In Agra

Although many tourists choose to visit Agra as a day trip from New Delhi, there is really much more to see here that is possible in just one day. Especially popular in the Agra area are desert camel rides, the exciting 6-D Adlabs Cinema complex, the white-marble Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), and the magnificent Bageshwarnath Temple, located next to the Raja Ki Mandi Railway Station. Also worth visiting in Agra is Akbar's Mausoleum, which boasts three-storey minarets and many inquisitive, resident monkeys and brightly coloured parakeets.

Agra is blessed with an array of spectacular landmarks, including some of India's finest, such as the Persian-style Chini Ka Rauza and the elaborate Soami Bagh Samadh mausoleum. Famous throughout India is the red-sandstone Agra Fort, which is simply enormous and located on the banks of the winding Yamuna River, dating back to 1565. Affording great photo opportunities, the Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb is often referred to as the 'Baby Taj Mahal', since it bears a striking resemblance to the Taj, only on a much smaller scale.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal of India - "the epitome of love", "a monument of immeasurable beauty". The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. The very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance leaves one mesmerized.     Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with love and romance. It is believed that the name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of Shah Jahan wife Mumtaz Mahal and means "Crown Palace". The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make Taj Mahal travel gain a place amongst the most popular ones. However, unless and until, one knows the love story behind the Tajmahal of India, it will come up as just a beautiful building. But, the love behind this outstanding monument is what has given a life to this monument.

Agra Fort

The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 A.D., although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort height an inner pardise. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It has a total perimeter of 2.4 k.m., and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions. A 9 mt. wide and 10 mt. deep moat surround the outer wall. There are number of exquisite building like the Moti Masjid-a white marvel mosque akin to a perfect pearl, Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Shish Mahal and Musamman or Samman Burj-where Shahjahan was held captive in 1666 A.D.

Sikandra

Four kilometers from Agra is the mausoleum of Akbar. Construction of this beautiful monument was started by Akbar himself. This structure is a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. But Akbar died before his mausoleum could be completed and his son Jehangir completed it.
Jehangir made many modifications in the original plan of the building. The structure gives an excellent idea as to how the Moghal art was developing. From the Humayun's tomb in Delhi to Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra finally to the Taj Mahal. Sikandra is named after Sikander Lodhi. The tomb has three-storey-minarets on its four corners. These minarets are built in red sandstone with stunning inlay work of marble.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is actually a historical capital city made out of twin village of Fatehpur and Sikri that are situated 45 odd kilometers from the city of Agra. The city is situated amidst barren ridge. Emperor Akbar established this city, to serve jointly with Agra, as the imperial capital of Mogul empire. The story of this 4 centuries old city is no less interesting than the city itself.
    It has been reported through the chronicles of History that Emperor Akbar had no issues and that's why his laments new no bound. Somebody advised him to ask for an audience with the famous Sufi saint, Khwaza Salim Chisti who resided at Sikri village. He walked the distance with the royal entourage. Salim Chisti blessed him with a son who was named Salim in reverence to the saint. The same prince when sat on the throne, re-christened himself to Jahangir Jahandar. Akbar ordered to build the city of Sikri to commemorate the arrival of the prince.

Mariam Zamani Tomb

Mariam Zamani was the Rajput wife of Akbar, and the mother of Jahangir. The mausoleum was built by Jahangir in 1623 in Sikandra. A large garden encompasses the tomb, which is built on a raised platform accessed by a flight of stairs from its northern and southern sides. Brick and mortar have been used in the construction, which is characterized by broad arches and vaulted roofs. A cenotaph is placed just above the tomb, and another, made of marble on the terrace. Stairways lead to the rooms on the next level, and the terrace above, which has four large cupolas on the four corners made of red sandstone.

Ram Bagh 

The first Mughal gardens laid by Babur in 1558, half a km from Chini Ka Rauza, were planned carefully in Persian style. They were then named as Bagh-i-Gul Afshan. Later, Jehangir renovated them and named them as Bagh-i-Nur Afshan. Neglected for centuries, these gardens have now turned into wilderness and are known as Ram Bagh. Set to the south of Sarai of Nur Jehan, Babur introduced three-terraced garden here for the first time. The river-drawn water was made to look like a spring, as it artificially descended from one terrace to another through a network of canals, tanks and water chutes that had stairs on both sides ended in a red sandstone pond. The gardens were beautified using 'Chhatris', platforms, pathways and a conglomeration of plants that were cultivated in a landscaped manner. Jehangir had also built two beautiful suites on the two sides of the main terrace and a Mahtab or island platform in the centre, which was connected with the main water system. Ram Bagh symbolizes the erstwhile Mughal pleasure garden that hasn't aged gracefully unlike other legacies of that time.

Dayal Bagh Temple

Swami Bagh Temple at Dayal Bagh is 10 km to the north of Agra. Started in 1904, it is still under construction even after 100 years! The white marble Samadhi of the Radha Swami, the founder of a unique religion that seeks to being all religions under one umbrella and preaches unity of mankind, the construction of this temple is not expected to be completed until sometime next century. If you want to witness the Pietra Dura inlaid marble work, you must visit the temple and walk to its sides to see the artisans at work. The aim of this structure is to build a temple for Hindus, a church for Christians, a gurudwara for Sikhs and a mosque for Muslims, each on a separate floor, in the same building, to symbolize brotherhood and unity in mankind. The artistic work here is wonderful and has an outstanding visual appeal. However, locals believe that perfect harmony between all the religions at once is impossible, so the building symbolizing it would never be complete and will be damaged anytime, it is close to being complete.