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FATEHPUR
SIKRI It is at 37 km south west of Agra, about 12 Kms in circumference, on a rocky
ridge that over look the village of Sikri. Akbar built his capital
at this village. The massive walls surround its three sides and the
forth side is protected by a lake. Akbar ruled here for only 15
years. He shifted his city to Lahore and eventually back to Agra. Its
styles still reflects his foresight and wisdom.
The Buland Darwaza (Victory Gateway)
the main entrance was built by Akbar after
he conquered Gujarat. The gate is 134 ft high and is approached by a base of steps
which is another 34 ft. The Jama Masjid (Imperial Mosque) is
at the right side of Buland Darwaza built around 1571 and designed to hold
10,000 worshipers. The decorations in the pillars are made
in Hindu elements.
The Salim Chisti (Saint) tomb
is at the courtyard of Jama Masjid surrounded by
walls of marble lace. The saint blessed Akbar with a much
wanted male heir. Due to this the people come here and tie strings on the marble for the same blessings which he bestowed
the Akbar.
Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) It is 350 ft long, consist of cloisters surrounding a courtyard that contains
the Hall of judgment. It was here that Akbar handed down the decisions, as the chief
justice of his subjects, on various disputes, by sitting on his throne
flanked by marble.
Jodh Bai's
Palace This palace was built for Akbar's Hindu wife, Jodh Bai. It architecture is a
blend of Hindu and
Muslim styles. The Hawa Mahal (The wind palace) walled by red
stone screens is upstairs. The ladies of the court could peek outside
unseen from here.
CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
This oldest wild life sanctuary is just six hours from Delhi, started in
1936. It is named after the fearless hunter Jim
Corbett. He lived in these hills and saved the life of many
local people from the man-eater, the tiger, at the risk of his own life.
The park covers 1,318 square kms. The
Ramaganga river flows through its entire length. The park can be explored by
open jeep or elephant rides. There is also a watchtower in the park. The animals
here include deer, monkeys and birds, wild
elephants, tigers, leopards, black bear, wild boar, snakes and
crocodiles. December to April is the best viewing time. Open : 16 November to14
June, closed 15 June to 15 November.
MUSSOORIE It is a hill station, 278 Km northeast of Delhi. It is in the Himalayan
foothills of Uttar Pradesh at an altitude of 2000 meters. Captain Young
discovered the place in 1823 and built the first British residence with
club, Anglican Church(1837) and Library at
Landour in 1826.
KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK, BHARATPUR
It is 55 Km away
from Agra. The people
from all over the country come here to see the birds. The city was founded by the Jat ruler Suraj Mal in 1733. Now
the city is famous for its popular water birds. This sanctuary is the
winter home for hundreds of species of birds. The park is also home for mammals and reptiles including
blue bulls, spotted deer, otter and Indian rock pythons. November to
February is the best season to visit and early morning or late in the evening
is the best time to see the birds.
Visit : Daily from 0600 to 0630.
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