A trip to Agra can be a good experience for those interested in history and architecture. In addition to the huge monuments in Agra, there are other things to eat and drink, such as Agra Chaat, Lassi and especially the Petha of Agra is famous all over India.

In Agra, The Taj Mahal, the symbol of love is widely regarded as the most beautiful building in the world. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his third wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered to be the finest example of Mughal architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of the Taj Mahal took about 17 years to complete and was finally completed by 1653. The mausoleum is constructed in a rectangular shape. The entrance has water channels and fountains which make the monument even more spectacular.

Another spectacular place to visit near Agra is Fatehpur Sikri. At a distance of 36 km away from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous tourist attraction mainly made of red sandstone. Fatehpur Sikri was founded in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is a classic example of Akbar’s architecture. Fatehpur Sikri is home to Jodha Bai’s palace, Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza and Salim Chishti’s mausoleum.

Agra Fort, the other UNESCO world heritage site in Agra is a huge fort located on the right bank of the Yamuna River, just 2.5 kilometers from the world-famous Taj Mahal. This grand structure was built in the year 1573 by the Mughal emperor Akbar himself. Agra Fort is one of the most special monuments built by the Mughals and has quite a grand structure. It is a perfect example of Mughal-style art and architecture and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Agra. The Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i -Khas, Diwan-i- aam, Moti Masjid, and Jahangiri Mahal are the best Mughal architecture within the fort complex.

Jama Masjid in Agra is one of the largest mosques built by the Mughals in India, is also known as the “Friday Mosque”.

The other tourist attraction places in Agra Include Itimad-Ud-Daulah tomb, Akbar Tomb, Mehtab Bagh, Chini Ka Rauza, Anguri Bagh, Taj Museum

An annual festival, Taj Mahotsav is the famous festival in Agra organized in the month of February for 10 days. To promote the art and craft of the region, the festival is organized. Apart from this, one gets to taste various dishes at this festival.

Agra is situated on the Golden Triangle of the Tourist Circuit. It is well connected to Delhi by road, rail and air transport. To visit Agra, the month of October to March is best to explore the place.

Varanasi is famous for its number of Ghats. It is believed that one who gets cremation on these Ghats, get liberated from the cycle of rebirth. He gets moksha from here. That’s why people wished to spend their last time of life in Varanasi. They also believe that sacred Ganga will wash their sins if they bath in it. The Manikarnika, Dashashwamedh and Harishchandra Ghats are some of the Ghats where people follow rituals after death.

The Vishwanath or Kashi Vishwanath temple is the major attraction of the city. As it is among the 12 Jyotirlinga dedicated to lord Shiva, Varanasi is also known as lord Shiva’s abode.

Other famous temples in the city are Sankat Mochan Mandir dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Durga mandir and Kaal Bhairav Mandir.  Apart from Hinduism, Varanasi is a pilgrimage for Jain community also because their 23^rd Trithankar, Lord Parshvanath was born on this holy place.

Silk weaving industry is a unique tourist attraction point for Varanasi. Commonly known as Banarasi silk, the fabric is then crafted into saree and suit with gold and zari border work. It’s in great demand all over the world.

Banaras Hindu University, the one of the largest residential university in Asia is also situated here which attracts students across the country for education.

One, who plans to visit Varanasi, should also visit Sarnath, the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first teaching after attaining enlightenment. It is just few kilometers away from the Banaras.