Day 7- Jhansi and Orchha

Day 7

Jhansi is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is the gateway to Bundelkhand. Jhansi became popular during the reign of Marathas because of the heroics of  its valiant queen Rani Lakshmi Bai who fought against the Britishers in the 1857 revolt. Jhansi was first known as Shankargrah, when Orchha was the capital of Bundelas. For strengthening the  security of Orchha, it's king Raja Bir Singh Ja Deo constructed a fort on the hill in Shankargarh.When he looked at the site for the new palace from his Orchha Palace,he realized that the place looked like Jhain-si (blurred shadow). This is how Jhansi got it's present name.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest operational airport to Jhansi  is Gwalior which is 98 Kms away.

By Rail: Jhansi junction is a railway station which is very well connected to the major cities across India by direct train links.


Best time to visit: October to March

Languages spoken: Hindi and English

Must eat: Puri-Aloo and Kachori

Famous Restaurants: Hot Bite, Navbharat Bakery Shop,Janack's and Hotel Sita.

Places you must visit:

Jhansi Fort was built by Raja Bir Singh Ji Deo in 1613.The fort was tranferrend to Maharaja of Scindia in 1858, but later exchanged for Gwalior in 1866.Being located on the rocky hills, it offers wonderful views of the city.This huge fort has ten gates and was built in order to act a an army stronghold and garrison but was later modified into residential quarters.The fort has a museum and it holds wonderful collection of sculptures and provides an excellent insight into the lively history of Bundelkhand. A statue of Rani Lakshmi Bai is also installed on the way to the fort.



Government Museum or Jhansi Museum is located in the Jhansi fort itself. It is popular for its prehistoric tools and literature.It is broadly divided into four galleries that comprises of terracotta dating from 4th century BC,sculptures, costumes and weapons  from the Chandela dynasty, arms , manuscripts, paintings and coins of gold, silver and copper.There is also a seperate picture gallery for the Gupta Kings.



Rani Mahal or Queen's Palace was built by Raghunath II of Newalkar family in 18th century.It was the place  where Rani Lakshmi Bai made plans with Tatya Tope and Nana Saheb to overcome the Colonial rule. It is decorated with multicolored paintings and art forms.It is now converted into a museum that contains sculptures dating back from 9th  and 12th century.



St. Jude's Shrine is of great importance among Catholic Christians.St. Jude's bone is buried under the foundation of the cathedral. This place is known for its serene ambiance and  beautiful architecture.




Orchha means hidden is a town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh established by Maharaja Rudra Pratap Singh in 1501. It lies on Betwa river and is 15 km away from Jhansi.

Places you must visit:

Chhatris of Orchha are situated on the banks of Betwa river and were built in 16th century.They are the memorials to the Bundelkhand's former rulers.



Raja Mahal was started by Raja Rudra Pratap Singh but was completed by his son Bharti Chand. It is a fine example of Mughal architecture with typical stone jali work and multifaceted arches at the entrance.



Jahangir Mahal was completed by the Mughal Prince Jahangir, after defeating Bir Singh Deo of Bundela, the sworn enemy of Mughals. this palace is sort of more airy and lighted since it has countless windows and pierced stone screens looking out over the skyline to the west, and a sea of treetops and ruined temples in the other direction.



Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built by Bir Singh Deo in 1622.It is a wonderful fusion of fort and temple.It reflects the taste of ethnic Indian royal taste.It is dedicated to the goddess of wealth. The entire structure of the temple is constructed with brick and lime mortar.The exquisite paintings and the beautiful murals are the wonderful amalgamations of Mughal and Bundel art forms.



Chaturbhuj Temple is located opposite Raja Mahal was built in 1558-1573 by Raja Madhukar dedicated to Chaturbhuj meaning four armed. It is perched on a stone platform and has marvelous exteriors  adorned with lotus emblems.The most astonishing fact of the temple is that it has abundant light ans space unlike Hindu temples.



Ram Raja Temple resembles as a palatial residential house rather than a temple. According to the local people, the king of Orchha, Madhukar Shah was a devotee of Banke Bihari and his Queen was devotee of Lord Rama.Upon making fun by the king, the queen left the palace to get Lord Ram from Ayodhya. Before that she ordered her servants to built a temple called Chaturbhuj temple. Looking at the queen's dedication and devotion, Lord Ram appeared and was ready to accompany the queen in the form of a baby. He put forth some conditions to the queen, which she agreed happily. In the mean time the king had a dream in which Lord Krishna got angry with him saying that Both Ram and him are the same. The King realized his mistake and he welcomed the queen grandly.As per the condition put forth by Ram, Ram  was revered as the King of Orchha and before the Queen could establish the baby form of Lord Ram in the Chaturbhuj temple,the idol of Lord Ram got transfixed in the palace itself.



Rai Praveen Mahal is an abode of love of Rai Praveen who was a poet and musician and the lover of Raja Indrajit.He built this marvelous three-storied palace in 1618 A.D. The palace is embellished with a beautiful green garden where myriads of  shrubs and flowerbeds in artistic shapes enhances its beauty.The most attractive part of this palace is its second floor where numerous Nriya mudras of Indian classical dance can be seen.

Day 6- Fatehpur Sikri

Day 6

Fatehpur Sikri  is a city 37 kms west of Agra. It was planned as a great town by Mughal emperor Akbar with great planning and care in honor of Sheikh Salim Chist (a sufi saint who blessed Akbar with his first son and heir who was named Salim and later called as Jahangir) but had to abandon it just after 15 years due to scarcity of water in the town. This town was first named Sikrigarh and was constructed by Sikriwal Rajas Rajput last Emperor Maharana Sangram Singh in 1500. Also archaeologists found ruins of a temple dating back to 12th century suggesting the reign of Rajputs in the area long before the Mughals took over the area.

Places you must see:

Buland Darwaza is the largest of gateways in the world also known as 'The Gate of Magnificence' built by Emperor Akbar in 1601 A.D to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.It is made up of red and buff sandstone and decorated by carvings and inlays of white and black marble.





Jama Masjid (Fatehpur Sikri) is a mosque which was completed under the supervision of Saint Chisti and his descendants in 1571. Buland Darwaza and the Tomb of Salim Chisti are the part of this Mosque complex.The five Chhatris and the central Mihrab are adorned with an inlaid mosaic of stones that are bordered with glazed tiles and has golden inscriptions on royal blue background.





Tomb of Salim Chisti was originally built with red sandstone but later converted into a beautiful marble mausoleum which was commenced in 1571 and was completed 15 years later.It is believed that by offering prayers at this Mazar, whatever one wishes will definitely get fulfilled.





Diwan-I- Aam or the hall of public audience is a huge rectangular walled-in courtyard where petitions were heard, proclamations were made and entertainment programs were held and the emperor Akbar interacted with his subjects on one on one basis.In front of a royal seat, a stone hook is still found embedded in the ground.As per tradition, Akbar's pet elephant Hiran was tied to this hook to crush the head of the guilty. If it refused to obey thrice, the victim was freed.





Diwan-I-Khas or the hall of private audience is a plain square building with a huge and richly carved pillar in the center.Akbar and representatives of different religions used to discuss their faiths.





Ibadat Khana or the House of worship was built in 1575 C.E by the Mughal emperor Akbar at his palace, to gather religious leaders of many faiths in discussion.





Pachisi Court is a pavilion close to Diwan-I-Aam. The paving of this courtyard has been set in black and white, like a gigantic game board, on which the game Pachisi (much like Chess) was played.The interesting part of Pachisi is that the game was played with humans as chessmen.





Panch Mahal also called as Badgir or wind tower is a five floored pillared pavilion was built by emperor Akbar. This extra ordinary building was constructed to  alleviate the heat.The first floor has 84 pillars, the second floor has 56 pillars, the third floor has 20 pillars and the fourth one has 12 pillars and the top of the building is decorated by beautiful square chhatri with a cupola.





Birbal's house is a house of Akbar's favorite minister Birbal, who was a Hindu.It is one of the marvelous buildings of Imperial Harem.Striking feature of this building is the horizontal sloping sunshades or chhajas and the brackets which supports them.





Jodha Bai's Palace is an excellent example of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture.After Akbar conquered Malwa, he faced strong resistances from the Rajput kings. Akbar dealt with this problem diplomatically, allowing them to keep their kingdoms and getting into marriage alliances with the princesses of the  Rajput clan.He married Jodha Bai, sister of Man Singh, the powerful ruler of Jaipur.She was Akbar's favorite queen and was allowed to worship in the Hindu way in her palace.





Fatehpur Sikri Palace complex was built by Mughal emperor Akbar, is situated on the ridge of a hill by the side of an artificial lake.The construction of the palacial complex began in 1572. This palace complex consists of all the above sites.

Day 5- Agra

Day 5

Agra was the former capital of Hindustan. It is situated on the banks of river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.Agra is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata as Agraban, the sister city of the most popular Mathura or was also called as Agrevana (the border of the forest).Agra was established in 1475 by Raja Badal Singh, a Sikarwar Rajput king.

How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest airport is Kheria, which is 6km from Agra town.

By Rail: There are two main railway stations- Agra Cantt. railway station, Agra Fort railway station.It is connect to the major cities of India.


Best time to visit: October to March

Languages spoken: Hindia,Urdu, Punjabi and English

Must eat: Dalmoth, Petha ,Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Fish.

Famous Restaurants: Agra Chaat Bhandar, Lakshmi Villas, Dasaprakash and Park Restaurant.

Places you must visit:

Taj Mahal  is one of the new Seven wonders of the world. It was built by the Mughal king Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1653.To complete this  fascinating marble structure, it took 22 years of labor and 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers.It can be observed from Agra fort, from where Emperor Shah Jahan gazed at it, for the last eight years of his life, as a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb.Mumtaz Mahal's tomb is directly under the most elegant dome of the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan's tomb was erected next to her's by his son Aurangzeb.



Agra Fort was commissioned by a Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 which was then converted into a palace by Shah Jahan. Notable buildings in the fort includes the Pearl Mosque or Moti Masjid, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audiences), Jahangir's palace, Khas Mahal, Shish Mahal and Mussamman Burj(death place of Shah Jahan).
 


Sikandra is the last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.He himself planned his tomb and selected a suitable site for it.Akbar's son Jahangir completed this pyramidal tomb in 1613. The building is constructed mainly from a deep red sandstone and enriched with features in white marble.The 99 names of Allah have been inscribed on the tomb.



Itimad-ud-Daula's Tomb (Baby Taj) is an exquisite marble tomb made by Emperor Jahangir's queen Noor Jahan, in the memory of her father Mirza Ghias Beg in 1628 A.D.It is entirely built in white marble and inlaid with semi precious stones.



Jama Masjid (Agra) was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and dedicated to his favorite daughter Jahanara Begum.It is a huge mosque in the center of Agra surrounded by great bazaar.It is made of red sandstone with little white marble decoration.



Chini Ka Rauza is a Mausoleum of Shah Jahan's prime minister and  Persian poet Afzal Khan Aalmi ,built in 1635.It is the very first building in India which has been exclusively decorated by glazed tile works. The glazed tiles are called Chini so the name Chini Ka Rauza.



Mariyam's Tomb was built for Mariyam, Mughal emperor Akbar's beautiful wife from Goa.Mariam known widely as 'Mariam Zamani', the mother of Jahangir, was the most respectable queen of Mughal dynasty. Jahangir built this marvelous tomb for his mother after her death.The tomb has been a great attraction due to it's elegant carvings on the walls and the marvelous beauty of the red sandstone structure.



Ram Bagh (Aaram Bagh) is the oldest Mughal garden in India, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1528. Babur was temporarily buried here before being interred in Kabul.Aaram bagh means the Garden of rest . It is also variously known as Bagh-i Nur Afsan 'Light scattering Garden', Aalsi Bagh  or 'Lazy Garden': According to legend, Emperor Akbar proposed to his third wife, who was gardener there, for lying idle for six days, until she agreed to marry him.Also Jahangir waited in this garden in early March 1621 for the most astrologically auspicious  hour for him to enter Agra after he took the Fort of Kangra.



Mankameshwar Mandir is one of the ancient temples devoted to Lord Shiva. It is said that the shivlinga covered by silver metal was founded by Lord Shiva himself during Dwapar era, when Krishna was born in Mathura.



Keetham Lake is a scenic lake, part of Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. It is a tranquil spot , ideal for a relaxed outing.A wide variety of fish and water birds adds natural charm and beauty to this lake.The Sanctuary was declared as the National Bird Sanctuary in 1991.



Soami Bagh Samadh is the samadhi of Huzur Swamiji Maharaj( Shri Shiv Dayal Singh Seth), who was the initiator of Radhasoami Faith. Devout followers believe the service, purifies the soul. Located adjacent to the samadhi is the Bhajan Ghar.

Day 4-Govardhan, Jaitpura (Radha Kund), Barsana, Nandgaon and Gokul.

Day 4

The journey of Mathura and Vrindavan is incomplete without visiting Govardhan, Jaitpura (Radha Kund), Barsana, Nandgaon and Gokul.

Govardhan is a hill located near the town of Vrindavan. The hillock is 7 miles in length.The significance of the hill is that Lord Krisha had raised this hill on his finger to save the people of Vraj or Brij from the incessant rain that fell constantly for seven days.
There is a 400 yrs old Har Deva Ji Temple in the Govardhan town.Also there is a beautiful artificial lake called Mansi Ganga which was contructed by Raja Man singh of Jaipur.



Few Kms north of Govardhan is Radha Kund. A village is clustered around the two small lakes. It is said that Lord Krishna himself bathed here for self purification.Mythology states that after Krishna slayed the mighty demon in the form of a bull, Radha tersely told Krishna to wash off his sins by dipping himself in holy water.Krishna laughed it off and struck the ground with his foot whereupon the mighty rivers emerged , welled up and formed a Kund called Shyam Kund.Indignant that Krishna used his powers for this, Radha and her girl attendants dug out a kund with their bangles, filled it with water from Mansi Ganga. This holy Kund is called Radha Kund.



Barsana is 21 Kms north of Govardhan. It is the birthplace of Radha, a favorite devotee of Lord Krishna. Barsana originally known as Brahmasaran  lies on a slope of a ridge.The four prominent peaks of the hill are regarded as emblematic of the four-faced divinity and are crowned by group of temple in honor of Lali Ji, a local title of Radha meaning the beloved.



Nandgaon lies 40 kms northeast of Vrindavan. It is known as a home of Lord Krishna's foster father, Nand.A spacious temple is built in his memory by Roop Singh in 12th century.



Gokul is a town where Lord Krishna was reared by a nurse in secrecy.This place is considered very sacred and is visited by many people during Janmashtami. Gokul is also associated with famous saint Vallabhacharya who lived here for many years.The most important temple of Gokul Nath Ji is located here.

Day 3- Vrindavan

Day 3

Journey continues from Mathura to......

Vrindavan also known as Vraj is a town 15 Kms north of Mathura on the banks of river Yamuna.It is an important pilgrimage site. It is the site of  an ancient forest where Lord Krishna spent his sportive childhood.

Famous Restaurants: Khusboo, Iskon, Shri Shri Radhakrishnan.

Places you must visit:

Govind Dev Temple was constructed in 1590 by Raja Man Singh of Amber.It has an impressive alter of silver and marble.The ceiling of the main hall is decorated with a sculptured lotus which weighs over several tons.The upper four floors of the temple was plundered and destroyed during the Mughul era by Aurangzeb.



Shahji Temple was built by wealthy jewelers of Lucknow Shah Kundan Lall and Shah Fundan Lall. The temple is also called the twisted pillars temple as the pillars in the temple are made up of beautiful white highest quality of  twisted marble.The deity in this temple is Chota Radha- Raman.The world famous Basanti Kamra is situated in the eastern wing of the temple.It has spectacular  ancient chandeliers and rare paintings.


Rang Ji Temple is Vrindavan's longest temple built by Seth Govind Das ji and Seth Laxmi Chand ji in 1851.The main gate is in Rajput style and the rest of the architecture follows south Indian pattern.There is a 50 ft gold plated Dhwej Stamb.





Madan Mohan Temple is one of the oldest temple in Vrindavan. It was built by a merchant named Ram Das Kapoor in 1580. This temple is situated on a 50 feet hill called Aditya Tila. On one side of the temple is the Bhajan Kutir of Sanatan Goswami and his samadhi is on the back.


Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir is one of the main ISKON temple in India and Internationally.This was founded by Srila A.C Bhakti Vedanta Swami Prabhupada.The deities of the temple are Krishna and Balrama at the center altar. On the right altar are Radha Krishna with gopi Lalita and Vishakha and on the left altar is a Murti of Chaitanya Mahaprahu with Nityanand.


Nidhi Van is one of the most significant and popular temple.It is also called Madhuvan. There are various mystery spots in this temple.There is samadhi of Swami Haridas, The Radha Rani temple, the sacred well of Radha Rani, The appearance place of Lord Banke Bihari and the costume place of Lord Priya-Priyatam.


Seva Kunj is a place where the Radha Damodar Mandir is located. It was built by Srila Jiva Goswami in 1542.The deities of Sri Sri Radha Damodar are here.


Banke Bihari Temple is the most popular temple constructed by Swami Haridas in 1864. Banke means bent in three places and Bihari means supreme enjoyer.Banke Bihari was originally worshiped at Nidhivan.

Day 2- Mathura

Day 2

Mathura a city in Uttar Pradesh, is considered as one of the holiest cities in India located 145 Kms south east of Delhi. It is the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna. According to the Mahabharata and Bhagvat Purana, Mathura was the capital of Surasena Kingdom, ruled by Kansa (maternal uncle of Lord Krishna).

How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest Airport is Kheria, 62 Kms away from Mathura.

By Rail: Four Railway stations- Mathura junction being the biggest one connecting to major parts of West, North and Southern India. Mathura Cantt. connects to eastern Uttar Pradesh. Bhooteshwar serves for local trains for Delhi, Agra and Alwar. Krishnajanmabhoomi connects to Vrindavan.

Best time to Visit:November to March.

Languages spoken: Braj, Hindi and English.

Must Eat: Mathura Peda, Kurchan, Rabri, and Lassi.

Famous Restaurants: Pind Balluchi, Lazeez, Big Munch and Dawaat.

Places you must visit:

Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir is the place where Lord Krishna was born thousands of years ago. According to historians, the Garbha Griha (prison cell) in the temple premise is the exact place whre Krishna was born.

Dwarkadheesh Temple a sacred abode of Lord Krishna was built by Seth Gokuldas Parekh in 1814. During the festivals of Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali the temple is decorated on a grand scale.

Gita Mandir is a holy shrine where the entire text of Gita is inscribed on its precincts. The temple architecture has excellent craftsmanship with exquisite paintings and carving.

Vishram Ghat is a worship place on the banks of river Yamuna where Lord Krishna is believed to have rested after slaying  tyrant Kansa.

Govt. Museum (Mathura) was originally founded by F.S Growse in 1874. Rare items from Gupta and Kushan period (400 B.C. - 1200 A.D.) are on display.

Jama Masjid was built by Abo-inNabir-Khan, the Governor of Aurangzeb in 1661 A.D. The mosque has four huge intricately decorated minarets. 

Raja Bharatpur's Palace exhibits a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal  architectural sites.The central hall of the palace has been converted into a museum where the royal artifacts are displayed.