Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

An important place in the culture of India. It is considered to be the birthplace of Hinduism and has many important sites of Hindu pilgrimage. It also holds much of the heritage of the Mughal Empire, including the Taj Mahal and the tomb of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar and Akbar's capital-palace in Fatehpur Sikri.

This area is said to have been occupied by the group of people referred to as "Dasas" by the Aryans. It was through conquest that the Aryans occupied this area and laid the foundations of a Hindu civilization. The regions was said to have been the ancient Panchala country. The great war of the Mahabharata between the Kauravas and Pandavas was said to have been fought here. Besides the Kurus and Panchalas, the Vatsas, the Kosis, Hosalas and Videhas formed the early region of Uttar Pradesh.

It was during the Aryan inhabitation that the epics of Mahabharata, Ramayana, the Brahamanas and Puranas were written. During the reign of Ashoka, works for public welfare was taken up.Rich resources there was active trade within and outside the country. The rule of the Magadha empire brought Buddhism and Jainism into this region

Throughout the rule of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal's, the territory progressed. After the Mughals the Jats, the Rohillas, and the Marathas established their rule. By 1803 the British controlled this region and annexed it by 1856. It was in the Uttar Pradesh that the first struggle for liberation from the British yoke was unleashed.

This is the rainbow land where multi-hued Indian Culture has blossomed from times immemorial. Blessed with a variety of geographical land and many cultural diversities, Uttar Pradesh, has been the area of activity of historical heroes like - Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira, Ashoka, Harsha, Akbar and Mahatma Gandhi. Rich and tranquil expanses of meadows, perennial rivers, dense forests and fertile soil of Uttar Pradesh have contributed numerous golden chapters to the annals of Indian History. Dotted with various holy shrines and pilgrim places, full of joyous festivals, it plays an important role in the politics, education, culture, industry, agriculture and tourism of India.

  City of Agra - Many great monuments of unrivalled Mughal architecture speak of the grandeur and glory that was the essence of Mughal Empire

  The Taj MAhal - This immortal poem in white marble is the finest expression of undying love of Emperor Shajahan's love for his queen

Jama Masjid - Where heads bowed and hearts opened up. Of special importance due to the assimilation of Iranian architectural elements, it was built in 1648A.D. by Emperor Shah Jahan's daughter, Jahanara Begum.

Rambagh - This earliest example of Mughal garden was created by the founder of the Mughal dynasty, Emperor Babar.

Mariyam' Tomb - Built for Emperor Akbar's Goan wife, Mariyam, in 1611 A.D., the tomb has exceptional carvings and finish in red sandstone.

Taj Nature Walk - A beautiful natural forest cover spreads over 70 hectares of area, 500 metres away from the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal

Shaheed Smarak (Martyr's memorial) - On Mahatma Gandhi Road. A museum containing literature, pictures and statues of freedom fighters.

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