Ratnagiri is a district with many popular holiday destinations, at the same time Ratnagiri city itself is a beach destination. Ratnagiri.ind.in is an attempt to be a comprehenhive repository of tourist information about Ratnagiri to plan a holiday in Ratnagiri city. We have provided information about all the beaches in entire Ratnagiri district too.
In 1731 it came under the control of Satara kings; in 1818 it was surrendered to the British. A fort was built during the Bijapur dynasty and strengthened in 1670 by the Maratha king Shivaji, which is located on a headland near the harbour. It is one of the ports of the Konkan coast. It has a palace where the last king of Burma, Thibaw, and later Veer Savarkar, were confined.
It is also believed that the Pandavas having performed their pilgrimage on the 13th year had settled in the adjoining territory of the Ratnagiri district and when the Pandavas and the Kauravas had the famous war at Kuruskshetra, the king of this region Veeravat Ray had accompanied then there.

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Duration : 2 Days / 1 Night
Destinations Covered : Agra

Day 1: Delhi – Agra (L, D)
On this 2-day tour, experience India’s cultural and artistic heritage on visits to several of the country’s significant architectural sites. Early-morning private pickup in Delhi will take you approximately four hours to the city of Agra by the banks of the Yamuna River. Stop at Sikandra and take guided tour of Akbar’s Tomb, a mausoleum built for the third emperor of the Mughal Empire, Akbar the Great. Marvel at the structure’s perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain designs and motifs. Head to the hotel for check-in before visiting Agra Fort, a 16th-century red-sandstone fortress. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your guide to see its remarkable palaces, embellished chambers and marvelous mosques, like the Pearl Mosque. Enjoy traditional Indian cuisine at lunch in a popular restaurant chosen by your guide before driving 10 minutes to reach the Taj Mahal, one of India’s most-renowned monuments. On a guided tour, discover why archaeologists all over the world consider this one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. Spend the rest of your afternoon in Meena Bazaar, a large shopping paradise where you will find vendors selling quality craft items, jewelry, marble figurines and more (purchases are at customer’s own expense). End the night with a relaxing dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: Agra – Delhi (B)
After breakfast on your second day, visit Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), which was the capital of the Mughal Empire for about 10 years. Walk around inside the inner citadel of the city with your guide and see some of its finest monuments including Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid -- one of India’s largest mosques. Rajasthan tour planner On the way back to Delhi, you may stop for lunch at a popular restaurant at your guide’s suggestion (own expense).

Duration : 3 Days / 2 Nights
Destinations Covered : Jaipur - Agra - Jaipur

Day 01: Arrive Jaipur - Agra (240 Kms / 05 hours drive)
In the morning, we will pick you from your desired location and drive to Agra. Enroute, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri was built between 1571 and 1585 and is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural majesty. Though the city is in ruins, it is a must visit place for all those visiting Agra. The place is best for spending quality time. The sunset over the ruins of this fort is a sight to be cherished. On arrival, check-in the hotel. Rest of the day is free for leisure or you can explore the local market. Enjoy a night stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Agra
In the morning after breakfast, we will take you for sightseeing tour of Agra and the famous "Taj Mahal". Well recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India", Taj Mahal is one of popular world's heritage sites. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal and got completed in 22 years. The Taj Mahal represents the tradition designs of Persian architecture and earlier Mughal architecture. After breakfast, we will visit "Agra fort", originally a brick fort held by the Hindu Sikarwar Rajputs. (Sikandar Lodi was the first sultan of Delhi who shifted to Agra and lived in the fort. From here, he governed the country.

Day 03: Agra - Jaipur Departure (240 Kms / 05 hours drive)
In the morning after breakfast, we will drive back to Jaipur. On arrival at Jaipur, we will drop you at your place.

Duration : 4 Days / 3 Nights
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi

Day 1: Delhi
As you arrive at the Delhi Airport, our tour representative would greet and assist you to the pre-booked hotel. Check in to the hotel. Delhi is an amazing representation of the contemporary India where the past glory has been mixed perfectly. The capital city is an amazing treasury of several cultures of the India that can be seen everyday life of the city. After relaxing for a while, get ready for a city tour. The first visit of the day is to Red Fort, popularly known as Lal Quila (closed on Monday). The foundation of this colossal structure was laid down by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and the construction of the fort took 9 years. Made in red sandstone, it has 2 main massive gates. It is a great example of Mughal opulence. 

Day 2: Delhi – Agra
Have an early breakfast and after which, leave for Agra via road (4 hours journey). Enroute, you would be making a halt to explore one of the finest creations of the Mughals; Sikandra. Named as Sikandar, it is actually the mausoleum of the Great Mughal ruler, Akbar. The design of this fascinating structure boasts of a perfect blending of Islamic, Jain, Buddhist, Christian and Hindu themes. After this, come back on your course to Agra. Post that return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Agra-Jaipur
On the 3rd day of the tour, begin your road journey to Jaipur, early morning. En-route, halt at the World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, sandstone city that was laid down by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Check-in formality is followed by sightseeing tour including the magnificent City Palace fringed by massive courtyards, verdant gardens and other wonderful monuments, the world heritage site Jantar Mantar Observatory and the splendid Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli. In the evening, indulge in shopping at the vibrant local bazaars. Stay overnight.

Day 4: Jaipur – Delhi departure
Post breakfast, guests would be taken to the visit of the splendid Amer Fort. The fort is the principal tourist attraction of Jaipur and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Built of red sandstone and marble, the fort flaunts a wonderful blend of Hindu and Rajput style of architecture. As the fort resides on a hill, guests would be given a royal elephant ride to the entrance of the fort. Later, shop in the markets for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and items. Post that, you would be driven back to Delhi and further transferred to airport/railway station for the onward journey back home.

Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi

Day 1: Delhi
Arrive at Delhi Airport. The India Tourism representative escorts you to the pre-booked hotel for staying overnight.

Day 2: Delhi
Post breakfast, leave for a long tour through the capital city. Start with the beautiful Laxmi Narayan Temple and proceed to India Gate, a cenotaph commemorating Indian martyrs, Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Visit the towering Qutab Minar, historical Purana Quila, Humayun's Tomb and Jantar Mantar observatory. Pay homage at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's memorial. Later, witness the vivacious Sound & Light Show at Red Fort, a striking beauty in red sandstone. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3: Delhi - Agra
Early morning, leave for Agra by road (4 hours). Halt at Sikandara en route for a brief visit. Reach Agra and proceed to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 4: Agra
Leave for sightseeing tour through the beautiful Mughal city. Be amazed at the incredible beauty of Taj Mahal, a white mausoleum, one of the world's seven wonders. Built in pristine white marble by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is thronged by tourists from far and wide. Later, proceed to the imposing Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb whose design elephants even outshine the Taj! Shop around for exclusive specialties at the Local Bazaar and transfer to hotel for night stay.

Day 5: Agra - Jaipur
Early morning drive to Jaipur. On the way, halt at Fatehpur Sikri (5 hours) and tour the sandstone city of Emperor Akbar. Cover Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, world's largest gateway, the historical Palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhavan and Panch Mahal. Proceed towards Jaipur. After arriving, check into a city hotel. Later, leave for sightseeing covering the City Palace flanked by courtyards, lush gardens and monuments, the unique Royal Jantar Mantar Observatory, Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli and the Local Bazaar. Return to hotel for staying overnight.

Day 6: Jaipur
Leave for a full day guided tour through Pink City after breakfast. Witness the striking beauty of Amber Fort while enjoying a joyride on elephant back. Be awed at the perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture in the palace fortress. Later, visit Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, the stunning five-storied pyramid-shaped palace with numerous small windows and screens. Transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 7: Jaipur - Delhi
Early morning, start your road journey towards Delhi. After arriving, head straight to the airport/railway station to board the onward flight/train.

Duration : 4 Days / 3 Nights
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Mathura - Vrindavan - Agra

Day 1: Delhi - Mathura
Arrive at Delhi Airport. It takes around 3 hours to reach. After reaching Mathura, you can start exploring the birth place of Lord Krishna. It is scattered with numerous temples having its own significance, the main temple in the town is the Dwarkadheesh temple where the devotees assemble in every festival. Sri Krishna Janma Bhumi is another site to visit, it is the place where Lord Krishna was born; similarly Lord Krishna’s rest place after his triumph over the tyrant Kansa is the Vishram Ghat. Other points of attraction are, the Gita Mandir, Radha kund and more. After a long day of sightseeing, the overnight stay at the hotel is arranged.

Day 2: Mathura- Vrindavan
The next day, you get to find out more about Lord Krishna’s childhood and love interests with your visit to another town near Mathura, Vindavan. After your breakfast is served, you advance towards Vindavan, indulge yourself more with the temples it has to offer. The Banke Bihari Temple is a very well known shrine here, the temple to whom it is dedicated is believed to have been the great Krishna devotee. The oldest temple in the area is the Madan Mohan Temple; the most beautifully designed temples is the Sri Radha Raman Mandir temple. Other temples are the Prem Mandir, ISKCON temple, Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir and more. In the evening you return to the hotel and relax for the next day.

Day 3: Vrindavan- Agra
After an early morning breakfast, you head for the land of the Taj Mahal. You will fall in love with the elaborate designs and beautiful architecture. The whole city releases the cultural, religious and historical importance it holds. Of course the sight of the Taj Mahal will be an experience of a lifetime; even the Agra Fort, makes one wonder of the innovative ideas of people back in those days. In the evening you return to the hotel to rest.

Day 4: Agra - Delhi
The trip comes to an end with your return to Delhi. In the morning, breakfast will be served and your departure is arranged.

Duration : 13 Days / 12 Nights
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Shivpuri - Kota - Bundi - Pushkar - Jaipur - Mandawa - Delhi

Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi - Agra
Enjoy sightseeing in Delhi covering Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Qutub Minar and India Gate. Leave for Agra and after arriving, check into the hotel and rest.

Day 03 : Agra Sightseeing
Enjoy a tour of Taj Mahal, an enchanting monument to love, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal after her death in 1631. The tomb, made of white marble and situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, is an unforgettable sight. Also view the Agra Fort, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, and Emperor Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra. Visit the town of Fatehpur Sikri. This town built by Emperor Akbar contains many grand monuments but was abandoned after his death.

Day 04 : Agra - Gwalior
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing and shopping in Agra. Leave for Gwalior and arrive at the capital of the Scindia dynasty. Enjoy a tour of the grand Gwalior Fort, the Man Mandir Palace, the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, Sas Bahu Ka Mandir, the tombs of Tansen and Mohammad Ghaus and the Sun temple.

Day 05 : Gwalior - Shivpuri
After breakfast, leave for Shivpuri, previously the summer capital of the Scindia rulers. After arriving, check into hotel and enjoy nearby attractions or rest for the day at hotel. 

Day 06 : Shivpuri - Kota
After breakfast, leave for Kota and check into hotel. Enjoy sightseeing in Kota covering the Jagmandir Palace, Chambal gardens, city palace and fort and Rao Madho Singh Museum are worth seeing.

Day 07 : Kota - Bundi - Kota
After breakfast, you will go for sightseeing in Bundi covering Bundi Fort, Sukh Mahal, Raniji Ki Baori, 84 Pillared Cenetoph and Beautiful Lake Jait Sagar. Back to hotel in Kotal and overnight stay.

Day 08 : Kota - Pushkar
After breafast, leave for Pushkar - the holy city of Rajasthan. After check into hotel, go for visit the sacred lake, Lord Brahma Temple and site of a famous Camel Fair.

Day 09 : Pushkar - Jaipur
After breakfast, Leave for Jaipur and check into your hotel where you can rest. Later you can enjoy sightseeing or shopping in the Jaipur city markets.

Day 10 : Jaipur Sightseeing
After the breakfast, enjoy the tour of Jaipur and start with Elephant Ride to Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal etc. Later you can enjoy shopping in the markets of Jaipur if time allows.

Day 11 : Jaipur - Mandawa
Enjoy the breakfast and roam around the street of Jaipur to see the culture. After sightseeing leave for Mandawa and check into hotel for relax overnight.

Day 12 : Mandawa - Delhi
After breafast, Enjoy sightseeing in Mandawa, known for its mansions or Havelis with exquisite paintings on their walls. Mandawa Castle and Mandawa Fort are also a beautiful sight. Leave for Delhi and stay overnight at the hotel in Delhi

Day 13 : Delhi (Departure)
Transfer to the airport to catch your flight home with unforgettable memories of your Taj Mahal and North India Tour.

The TajMahal is an integrated complex of structures that include a white marble mausoleum containing the tombs of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1592 - 1666) and his third wife Mumtaz Mahal (1593-1631). The Mughal dynasty built many mausoleums in the Indian subcontinent but the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the finest. The mausoleum is built entirely of white marble, set on a high base or plinth which includes four tall minarets, one on each corner. On either side of the tomb are a mosque and a guest house, while the tomb faces a garden laid out in the "charbagh" style, with a central walkway with fountains and viewing platforms with green spaces and trees on either side. The entrance to the complex is through a grand ornamental gateway, inscribed with Quranic inscriptions and the calligraphed line "O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you."

Taj Mahal, synonymous with India’s identity, is the crowning jewel of Mughal architecture in India. The Mughal tradition of erecting majestic mausoleums in memory of Royal members found its culmination in the Taj’s majestic form. The Humayun’s tomb built in 1562 was a major influence over Taj’s design. An architectural marvel, the structure incorporates elements of Persian influences like the design of the Dome and incorporation of arched entrances or ‘Iwans’ along with inspiration from contemporary Hindu design elements like chhatris and copious incorporation of the lotus motif. Described by Tagore as “the tear-drop on the cheek of time”, the monument embodies funereal austerity turned into the most beautiful reminder of eternal love.
Taj Mahal is part of an elaborate complex consisting of a decorative gateway, a beautifully designed garden, a wonderful water system and a mosque. The complex is situated on the southern banks of river Yamuna. The complex stretches in a south to north incline towards the river and is constructed in steps.

Fatehpur Sikri is an abandoned city in Agra. The city was held as the capital of Mughal Empire during 16th century and was abandoned within a decade or two. Fatehpur Sikri means Victorious city. It was built as a symbol of Akbar’s victories during the period. Today, it stands as an interesting reminder of Mughal architecture. You can also find Jain temples inside the walled city, which indicates the growth of Jainism during Mughal reign. During an archaeological survey in 2000, many antiques, statues and structures that are more than 1000 years old were evacuated. Many Jain statues were a part of the evacuation. Today, it stands as a heritage site and a reminder of ancient India’s architecture, culture and lifestyle. 

The great emperor Akbar had no heir. He visited many places offering prayers and seeking blessings of saints. On one such endeavor he was blessed by a Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti in the village Sikri and the saint foretold that the emperor will be blessed with a son. After birth of his son the emperor showed his gratitude by building a city in the honor of the Sufi Saint and named it Fatehpur Sikri. "Fateh" in Persian language means "victory".

The city is about 37 km from Agra on the Sikri ridge 3 km in length and 1km wide surrounded by wall covering three sides and a lake on the fourth side. Akbar conceptualized to build the walled city which took around fifteen years to complete and includes royal palaces, private quarters, harems, different utility buildings, court and mosques. Tuhir Das, the architect of the city primarily used Indian principles which includes use of various regional schools of art and craftsmanship specially that of Bengal and Gujarat. Apart from Islamic elements, significance was given to Hindu and Jain architecture. Akbar shifted his capital from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri. Number of gates was built to approach the city namely Delhi Gate, Agra Gate, Lal Gate, Birbal's Gate, Gwalior Gate, Tehra Gate, Chandanpal Gate, Chor Gate and Ajmere Gate. After the death of the Sufi saint, Akbar erected a Tomb of the saint made of red Sandstone. It is this city that gave birth to the legends of the great Akbar and his famed courtiers known as "Navratnas" or the nine jewels.

Persian principles are highly reflected in the complex as Akbar wished to revive magnificence of Persian court ceremonial as was during the time of his famous ancestor Timur. Local abundance of red sandstone was fully utilized in constructing the structures and buildings. The royal palace complex consist series of individual pavilions that were beautifully arranged in geometric patterns inspired from Arabian and central Asian encampments and rests on a piece of level ground. The monuments and structures in Fatehpur Sikri remind one about artistic sense and the holistic approach of the great emperor. Influence of Indian embellishments is highly represented.
Due to shortage of water availability the palatial complex was abandoned by Akbar just after its completion in 1585. The presence of nearby Rajputana areas in the North West and the increasing turmoil also caused shifting of the emperor's base from Fatehpur Sikri to Lahore and thereafter again to Agra in 1598.