A gra Fort is located (270 10’ 47’’N & 780 1’ 22’’ E) on the right bank of the river Yamuna in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the most important and robustly built stronghold of the Mughals, embellished with number of richly decorated buildings encompassing the imposing Mughal style of art and architecture. It was constructed by the third Mughal emperor Akbar on the remains of an ancient site known as Badalgarh. Sikandar Lodi (1487-1517) was the first Sultan of Delhi to shift his capital from Delhi to Agra. After Sikandar Lodi who died in 1517, his son Ibrahim Lodi held the fort for 9 years until he was defeated and killed in the battle of Panipat in 1526. Several palaces, wells and a mosque were built in the fort during the Lodi period.

When Babur sent his son Humayun to Agra, he captured the fort and seized a vast treasure, which included the world famous ‘Koh-i-noor’ diamond as well. Babur built a baoli (step-wall) here. Humayun was coronated here in 1530. Nazam, a water-carrier (saqqa), who had saved Humayun from drowning, was crowned here as an emperor for half-a-day. After Humayun’s defeat at Bilgram in 1540, Sher Shah of the Sur dynasty occupied Agra fort and garrisoned it.

Akbar arrived in Agra in 1558. He ordered to renovate the fort with red sandstone. Some 4000 builders daily worked on it and it was completed in 8 years (1565-1573). The fort, semi-circular on plan, is surrounded by a 21.4 m high fortification wall. Double ramparts have been provided here with broad massive circular bastions at regular intervals. There are four gates on its four sides, one of the gates was called “khizri-gate” (the water gate) which opens to the river front, where ghats (quays) were provided .The fort has survived through the onslaught of time, nature and men. The fort spreads over an area of about 94 acres of land. At present, there exist more than two dozens of monuments in the Fort.
Agra fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is still preserved in fine form. Agra Fort a beautiful and unique blend of Muslim and Hindu architecture. There are many remarkable designs and houses inside the fort. The Fort is a colossal semicircular form with Yamuna River flowing on the east. The course of the river has changed over the years and has drifted further from the fort. The walls are 70 ft high and are surrounded by moat which were again crossed only by drawbridge.

The famed peacock throne was once kept here at the Deewan-i-Am. The Fort has some interesting sites like Jahangir's Palace, Anguri Bagh garden, Diwan-e-Khas and the beautiful Musamman Burj built by Shah Jahan for his wife. The marble palace offers a great view of Taj Mahal tajmahal. It was here that he spent the last part of his life under house arrest. A visit to Agra Fort would be a great experience for art and history lovers. It offers a good visual treat of the bygone eras; a peek into another world we have heard only in tales from our history books.

Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah is a Mughal mausoleum in the city of Agra in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Often described as a "jewel box", sometimes called the "Baby Tāj", the tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the TājMahal. Along with the main building, the structure consists of numerous outbuildings and gardens. The mausoleum was commissioned by Nūr Jahān, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, originally a Persian Amir in exile, who had been given the title of I'timād-ud-Daulah (pillar of the state). 

This tomb, built in the famed Char Bagh style is not a very large structure. The main chamber of Itmad ud Daulah is richly decorated with mosaics and semi precious stones inlaid in the white marble. The theme of wine flask with snakes as handles is a recurring one on the engraved walls of this chamber. The marble screens of geometric lattice work allows some gentle lighting.
The Tomb of Itmad ud Daulah was built by Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas-ud-din. This tomb in Agra is believed to have inspired the design of Taj Mahal. Ghiyas-ud-din died in 1622 and Nur Jahan built this mausoleum for her father. The tomb of Itmad ud Daulah is built entirely of white marble.

The Jama Masjid of Agra or "Jami Masjid" as it is also known was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 for his daughter Princess Jahanara Begum. Located near the Delhi Gate of the Agra Fort, it is said that construction of the masjid was completed in almost six years using almost 5,000 workers! The mosque is a sight to behold and is a must-see on any visit to Agra. Delicate architecture
The Buland Darwaza is the grand entrance which leads to the Jama Masjid. The mosque is placed on an elevated platform with five major entrances into its main praying area. Many walls within the mosque feature delicate carvings and inscriptions from the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The exterior of the mosque is done mainly in red sandstone with some amount of detailing in white marble. The central courtyard of the mosque is fairly large and accommodates a very large number of devotees during prayer times.

History
Emperor Shah Jahan, the great king of the Mughal dynasty, is credited with constructing lots of beautiful structures in and around Agra. The Tajmahal is the most prominent of them all. The next beautiful structure is the Jama Masjid. This mosque was built by the Emperor in 1648 and bears slight resemblances to the magic made out of marble, the Taj Mahal. Red sandstone is the basic raw material used in the construction of this mosque. It took 6 years for the mosque to get constructed. Close to 5000 workers were involved in the construction of the Jama Masjid. When it was constructed in 1648, the Jama Masjid had a massive open area in the front, known as the Tripolia Chowk, between the Jama Masjid and Agra Fort’s Delhi Gate. However, in the period between 1871 and 1873, this Chowk was destroyed in order to give room for the Agra Fort Railway station. During those days, Islamic scholars were so spellbound by the beauty of this Jama Masjid that they compared it with the great Baitul – Mamur, a scintillating mosque in the fourth sky made from rubies and pearls.

Akbar’s Tomb (Sikandra Tomb) is one of not to be missed attractions on Agra sightseeing tours in India. It is a beautiful tomb monument situated in approx. 119 acres of grounds in Sikandra, an important suburb of Agra city in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a tomb of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, and regarded as an important Mughal architectural masterpiece. This beautiful mausoleum monument was constructed in 1605 - 1613 by his son prince Salim later called Jahangir. The planning of the tomb and site for the tomb was made by Akbar himself. After his death, his son Salim (Jahangir) completed the construction. 

The architecture of the Akbar’s Tomb is magnificent and appealing. It is considered to be as very important Mughal architectural masterpiece because of its beauty and decoration work. The largest gate to the tomb complex is the South Gate with four beautiful white marble chhatri topped minarets. Minarets are similar to those of the Taj Mahal. Tajmahal The South Gate is the main and normal entry point to the tomb. The entire tomb complex is ornamented in beautiful geometrical, floral and calligraphic designs.

Akbar was the Mughal emperor from 1556 till his death in 1605. According to the tradition of Tartary, one could construct his own tomb during his lifetime. This custom was religiously followed by the Mughals. Akbar had chosen a suitable site at Sikandra, an area close to Agra city named after Sikandar Lodhi. His son Jehangir completed the monument after Akbar's death, building the topmost storey using white marble.

The tomb, shaped like a truncated pyramid, is a five-storey building resting on a high stone platform. It is located right in the center of a square piece of land with four causeways extending from it in four directions. The magnificent entrance, the fine patterns, the jali work, all are inspired from Islamic style, while the calligraphy and the layout of the garden famously known as Charbagh speaks of the Persian style. The use of canopies, airy pavilions in tiers, and the absence of a dome show influence of the local architecture.

The south gate leads to the Akbar tomb through the garden. Floral and geometrical arabesque embellishments in white decorate the gateway, along with splendidly adorned calligraphy. The corners of the monument are beautified with minarets of white marble. The four causeways and gardens lead to the main tomb. Arcaded verandas with cloisters and several cubicles are there in all the square stories of the tomb. Some of the cubicles in the second storey have pyramidal roofs, while others are adorned with cupolas. In the third storey there is a square room in each segment. The top storey has an open square court encircled with slender arches and piers with delicate marble screens as walls. The false cenotaph of the emperor, adorned with arabesque and floral pattern carvings, is laid on a square platform placed at the center of the courtyard. The entire storey is built of white marble.

Moti Masjid was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan during 1648-54 AD. It was built as a place of worship for the royal members of the court. A mosque that shines like a pearl in a moonlit night, hence the name Pearl Mosque, Moti Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in the city. The glorious mosque took nearly four years to complete and is built in a style that is typical to Shah Jahan's era of reign.

The masjid stands on the ground that slopes from east to west to the north of Diwan-i-Am complex. The structure contains three huge domes of high architecture value. These three Hindu style domed kiosks have been constructed using white marble and the rest of the exterior building made out of red sandstone. The mosque has twenty-one bays of which three have vaulted soffits. In t2he center of the court of the mosque, a marble tank is situated and a sundial made on an octagonal marble pillar standing in one corner. The western wall has an inlaid mihrab that is beautifully carved with six niches corresponding to the arches. The main prayer chamber has lattice screens made of marble on either side to separate the portions from the main chamber hall. These portions were used by women to offer their prayers. Above the parapet there are seven chhatris beautifully designed with an octagonal tower along with domed shape marble structures at each corner.

The Moti Masjid was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a place of worship for the royal members of the court. The architectural features of the Mosque bear remarkable resemblance to that of the St. Basils Cathedral in Moscow. The mosque built between 1648 and 1654 is situated to the right of the Diwan-E-Aam or the hall where the Emperor held darbar for the common man. The ground where the masjid stands slopes from east to west to north of Diwan-E Aam complex. The three domes of the mosque built of white marbles, resting on the red sandstone walls looks magnificent and one can observe the splendid symmetrical design that is formed. Along the parapet, a series of domed kiosks are built that are designed after Hindu architecture. Supported by piers and lobed arches, seven bays are there that are divided into aisles. In the center of the court of the mosque, a marble tank is situated and a sundial made on an octagonal marble pillar standing in one corner gives quite an interesting and intriguing look. The prayer chamber is placed on the western side while the northern, eastern and southern sides are surrounded by arcaded cloisters with twelve sided pillars and beautifully cusped arches.

There are three gates to the mosque, the main and largest entrance being the one in the eastern side as also the most beautiful one. The other two subsidiary gates are on the northern and southern sides. Arches and three square chatris crowning the gates give them a royal look. The main gateways are built of red sandstone exterior and marble interior and can be approached by two staircases. An arcade of seven arches is there in the prayer chamber. A total of twenty-one bays are there of which only three have vaulted soffits. The western wall has an inlaid mirhab that is beautifully carved with six niches corresponding to the arches. The main prayer chamber has latticework screen made of marble on either side to separate the portions from the main chamber hall. These portions were used by women to offer their prayers. Above the parapet there are seven chatris beautifully designed and square in shape with an octagonal tower with domed shape marble structures at each corner. Unlike the usual case where the pulpit can be reached by climbing three steps, the pulpit of this Masjid has four steps.

Mehtab Bagh, the moonlit garden, grew just across the northern waterfront of Yamuna when the Taj Mahal tajmahal was built on its south bank in Uttar pradesh. This place was once a heavenly garden with shaded pavilions, fountain jets, fragrant flowers and fantastic pools. But gradually the site became desolate. This site has now turned in to an epicenter for the project to establish protective green around the Taj Mahal. The interest in Mehtab Bagh has developed again recently due to the increasing concern for the Taj Mahal. Its grounds are facing a great threat due to too many tourists. 

Mehtab Bagh is a 25 acre garden, square in shape, measures about 300 x 300 m and is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. During the rainy season, the ground becomes partially flooded. The garden has fountains and pools along with several pavilions. Few of the gardens proportions were similar to that of the Taj Mahal. Mehtab Bagh came later in the possession of King of Amber, Raja Man Singh Kacchawa. Mehtab Bagh also joins two other gardens to the west. Originally, four sandstone towers marked the corners of Mehtab Bagh of which only one at the south east edge remains. The gardens also contain a large pond on its outer edges which reflects the image of the Taj. Apart from water channels that enhance the beauty of the park, there is also a small tank in the center of the garden.

The garden was ruined by frequent floods. Most of the damaged part was taken by villagers to use as building materials. The structures that remained within the garden are not maintained properly. ASI started some restoration in the 1990s. Recent excavations conducted by ASI revealed a huge octagonal tank equipped with 25 fountains on the southern periphery, a small central tank and a pavilion on the east. It is also known as the Moonlight garden as one can enjoy a spectacular night view of Taj Mahal on full moon day from here.

Duration : 6 Days / 5 Nights
Destination Covered : Mumbai - Goa - Mumbai

Day 01: Arrival in Mumbai
On your arrival in Mumbai Airport meet our tour representative who further escorts you to your pre-booked hotel. Check-in and relax in your hotel. Rest of the time is to be spent at leisure. In the evening take a stroll around the locale if you wish to. Return to your hotel by evening, have dinner and stay overnight. Mumbai was given the name City of Dreams owing to tremendous opportunity it holds, mainly in Hindi cinema. The city is the capital of Maharashtra and overlooks the gamboling waves of Arabian Sea. Its cityscape might remind you of that of New York. But along with the bustling nooks, Mumbai has clung on to its heritage and history and takes immense pride in all of that. It is unarguable that this very city gives a cut-throat competition to even the most developed cities worldwide, let alone of India.

Day 02: Mumbai
Have your breakfast in the morning and proceed for Mumbai sightseeing session, which includes Elephanta Caves, Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Garden, Juhu Beach, Gateway of India and Marine Drive. Elephanta cave is located in Gharapuri (The City of Caves), approximately ten kilometers away from Mumbai Harbor. The caves consists mainly of two groups- Hindu Caves (consisting if five caves) and Buddhist Caves (consisting of two caves). This rock-cut architecture adopted for the caves is datable to a time between 5th and 8th century. However an apt date of its construction is yet a mystery but historians have concluded them to the time when Mauryan rulers were defeated by Badami Chalukyas in 635 AD. Back then, the Elephanta was the capital of Konkan Mauryas and was called Puri or Purika. The caves today are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prince of Wales Museum is also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. It was founded in 20th century in order to commemorate the visit of Prince Wales. There are about 50000 exhibits inside the museum divided into three categories- Art, Archeology and Natural History. Artifacts and relics of Indus Valley Civilization, Guptas, Mauryas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and others are put here for public display. Other than this, you can behold beautiful prints, illustration of different wildlife species, paintings, manuscripts etc.
Just a few kilometers away from the museum is where the landmark of Mumbai stands, The Gateway of India. This structure was built in order to commemorate the visit of Their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Take a leisure stroll in the Hanging Garden, which is perched at the top of Malabar Hill, overlooking the beautiful Arabian Sea. This manicured terrace garden is festooned with a huge variety of plants and flower species. Juhu Beach, the popular beach of Mumbai is thronged with visitors. Some of Mumbai’s best street food and restaurants are located here. Marine drive is located in the heart of Mumbai, just beside a busy road. But the horns and screeches of city’s road don’t really interrupt the serenity that is attained here while sipping a cup of coffee and just simply unwinding.

Day 03 : Mumbai - Goa
Have your breakfast and check-out from your hotel. You get a timely transfer to Mumbai Airport in order to catch your flight for Goa. On arriving Goa, meet our tour representative and get shifted to your pre-booked hotel. Check-in at your hotel and relax. Rest of the day is to be spent at leisure. Goa and its beaches pull huge crowd from different corners of the world. The state is a popular destination of India, especially for beach-persons and party-animals. But that is not all what Goa is about; its shopping scenario, biodiversity, architecture, heritage and culture happen to be assets of equal share. It is known for its laid-back vibe, but with all the amenities one could think of, even the ones unthinkable.

Day 04 : North Goa
Have your breakfast and head towards the popular beaches of Goa, such as Calangute, Dauna Paula,

Duration : 11 Days / 10 Nights
Destination Covered : Goa - Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Cochin

Day 01 - Arrive Goa
Meet and assistance on arrival at Goa Airport / Railway station and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at beach resort.

Day 02- Goa
Full day at leisure on the beach. Overnight at beach resort.

Day 03 - Goa - Panjim
Morning visit of old Goa and Panjim market. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at beach resort.

Day 04 - Goa - Cochin
Full day at leisure. Evening transfer to Railway Station to catch the train to Cochin at 8.00 p.m. Overnight at train.

Day 05 - Cochin
Arrival at Cochin at 1.30 p.m. Transfer to your hotel. Evening sightseeing of Cochin by limousine. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 - Cochin - Munnar
After breakfast, depart for Munnar and arrive at lunch time. Check in to your hotel. Overnight at hotel. Munnar is situated 1600 m above sea level, which was the summer resort of the British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities makes this a popular hill station. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India (2695 m) is here.

Day 07 - Munnar
Spend the entire day at Munnar, visiting important places like Pothamedu, Devikulam. Pallivasal, Attukal, Mattupetty, etc. Overnight at Hotel

Day 08 - Munnar - Periyar
Tea Plantation at Munnar Early morning, depart for Periyar (Thekkady) - 110 kms / 3 ½ hours. On your way, you will be visiting Idukki Dam. Arrival by noon. Check into your hotel. Evening sightseeing and overnight at Hotel. Periyar wild life sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India, which is more popular as a tiger reserve. A boat ride on the splendid Periyar lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. It is also famous for tea and cardamom plantations.

Day 09 - Periyar
Complete day at Periyar, visiting Periyar wild life sanctuary Murikkady, Pandikuzhi, etc. Boat cruises on the Periyar lake will be remembered for ever. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10 - Periyar - Cochin
After breakfast, depart for Cochin (200 kms / 6 hrs). Check into your hotel. Evening free for shopping. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11 - Departure
Last day of your Goa tours packages. After breakfast, spend the time until your departure. Transfer to Airport / Railway station.

Duration : 12 Days / 11 Nights
Destination Covered : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Mumbai - Goa

Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Your arrival at Delhi will be greeted and warmly welcomed by IRI who will await your most awaited arrival. You will be escorted with representative of IRI who will transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Rest of the day you can spend as per your leisure. Night stay at hotel.

Day 2 Delhi Sightseeing
Delhi sightseeing include touring those monuments which makes heritage of imperial Delhi since medieval times. Monuments like Qutub Minar the tallest Stone Pillar of India, Red Fort the monument representing pompous life lived once at its peak glory by Mughal Empire, Akshardham Templewith amazing architecture pattern followed since ages in Jain Temples, Rashtrapati Bhawan where the first citizen of India sits. Evening time heritage walk with Chandni Chowk and nearby spice market is going to be a turnaround experience in one of the fastest developing metropolitan city of India. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day3 Delhi-Agra
Agra is the next destination of this golden triangle tour where after checking out from hotel you will hit the road towards it from Delhi. On the way to Agra from Delhi a short stoppage will be taken at Mathura which is the birth place of Lord Krishna and is famous for its Banke Bihari Ji Temple. After temple visit continue driving towards Agra. By the time of dusk before checking in to the hotel you will be taken to Taj Mahal for an unforgettable night view of white beauty of Taj with lighting. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 4 Agra-Jaipur
Morning in Agra will begin with the tour of Taj Mahal, Idmad-ud-Daula & Agra Fort. After lunch you will depart form Agra towards Jaipur, the next city of Golden Triangle Tour. Fatehpur Sikri is the stoppage en route to Jaipur the ancient Capital of Mughal Empire in the reign of Akbar. After visiting Sikri continue driving towards Jaipur. By the evening time you will check in to hotel for a comfortable night stay.

Day 5 Jaipur Sightseeing
Jaipur sightseeing is all about discovering the amazing monuments belonging to Rajputana empire established by Maharaja Sawai Singh and their alliance with Mughal Empire due to matrimony alliances which brought two different cultures together of which effect cans be clearly established in the culture and the ofcourse the monumental heritage. Sightseeing includes Amer fort, Jal Mahal, Govind Dev ji Temple, City Palace & Museum, Jantar Mantar the astronomical Laboratory and Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. In the evening time you can enjoy shopping from the walled area and enjoy core Rajasthani food served with from the famous kitchen of Virasat Restaurantfor a renowned expertise in serving best Rajasthani Food with a royal touch. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 6 Jaipur-Mumbai
Beginning of the day will kick start with a morning heritage walk to the nearby rural area in Sanganer Town where you can enjoy visit to the local Sanganeri Print workshop famous worldwide for their bright & fast colors with sober designs including apparels, home furnishing and many more. Later in the day you will be transported to Sanganer Airport for boarding your scheduled flight to Mumbai. Your arrival at Mumbai Airport will be assisted by the representative of IRI who will take you to your hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 7 Mumbai Sightseeing
Mumbai runs faster than time and so its lifestyle but the most polluted metropolitan city and capital of Maharashtra has its roots attached with the most prominent parts of the Indian history and civilization. Sightseeing at Mumbai in your day long will be assisted with the experienced tour guide of IRI who will take you to Elephanta Caves, Tower of Silence, Gateway of India and Mani Bhawan. Evening time you will enjoy at Marine Drive with mouthwatering fast food varietiesavailable almost with every flavorbe it Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Thai or evergreen Indian. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 8 Mumbai Sightseeing
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Duration : 07 Days / 06 Nights
Destination Covered : Mumbai - Goa - Cochin

Day 1 : Arrival at Mumbai
On arriving at Mumbai airport, get assisted and transferred by our tour representative to get checked into your pre-booked hotel. Spend all the night long in your hotel.

Day 2 : Mumbai
After taking your breakfast in the morning, set out for the full day sightseeing tour of Mumbai, the Celluloid Capital of India. Visit the popular tourist attractions such as the Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves. After this, get back to your hotel to stay overnight there.

Day 03 : Mumbai - Goa
After having your breakfast, get checked out from the hotel and get timely transferred to Mumbai Airport to board your flight to Goa. On arriving at Goa Airport, get assisted and get transferred by our tour representative to your pre-booked hotel and get started driving to get checked into it. Spend all the night long in your hotel.

Day 04 : Goa
After taking your breakfast in the morning, leave for a full day guided sightseeing tour of North and South Goa. Visit the length and breadth of the Panjim City – Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Goa Science Center and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. After this, get back to your hotel to stay overnight there..

Day 05 : Cochin
After having your breakfast, get checked out from the hotel and get transferred to Goa Airport to board your flight to Cochin. On arriving at Cochin Airport, get assisted and transferred by our tour representative to your pre-booked hotel to get checked into it. Spend all the night long in your hotel.

Day 06 : Cochin
After taking your breakfast in the morning, leave for the sightseeing tour of Cochin and visit the St. Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets and Dutch Palace. After the sightseeing, get back to your hotel to stay overnight there.

Day 07 : Cochin - Mumbai
After having your breakfast in the morning, get checked out of the hotel and get started driving towards the Cochin airport to catch your flight to Mumbai. And now your tour ends.

Goa Tour Packages
Goa tour packages, plan your holiday in Goa amidst the swaying palms, white sands & sparkling waters. Savor the delicious cuisine & enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Let go of yourself with the characteristic sussegado. Practice yoga and meditation or reclaim yourself with therapeutic spa sessions at one of the fine luxury hotels in Goa with our Goa packages.