Incredible India

India’s capital Delhi houses a number of tourist attractions that include monuments, gardens, parks, temples and mosques. Usually tourists get bored due to hustle and bustle of Delhi and they look for a change. If you want a break from the crowded streets and bustling bazaars of Delhi, take an excursion to nearby cities or tourist spots of Delhi. Based on my personal experience I have compiled a list of some of ideal excursion points from Delhi.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (50 kms) : Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is situated in the neighbouring state of Haryana. Here you can see a variety of domestic as well as migratory birds. Pay a visit to this small bird sanctuary and closely observe the movements of birds.

Neemrana (122 kms) : Neemrana is a famous place close to Delhi, known for its fort. In 1464 Prithiviraj Chauhan III constructed a fort here. The Neemrana Fort is now operational as a heritage hotel.

Mathura (145 kms) : Located midway in between Delhi and Agra, Mathura is the birthplace of Hindu god Krishna. An important place of pilgrimage, Mathura is visited by thousands of devotees every year. Mathura is the place where young Krishna was nurtured and now it abounds with many temples and splendid ghats along the Yamuna river. Shri Krishna Janmasthan, Gita Mandir, Vishram Ghat, Dwarakadhish Temple, Sati Burj, Kans Qila are the main attractions linked to the life of Lord Krishna.

The Government Museum is another attraction of the town and houses artefacts from the Kishan and Gupta periods. One can trace the evolution of the Mathura school of arts from the time of the Kushan emperors to the Gupta period. The museum houses various Buddha images and a headless figure of emperor Kanishka dressed in central Asian robes and boots.

Bharatpur (176 kms) : A town of Rajasthan, Bharatpur is famous worldover for its bird sanctuary. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary or Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A pictursque tree-shaded land of water-bodies and marshes, Bharatpur is home to a variety of avian species including wild animals as well. Every year during winter large number migratory birds come to the sanctuary for breeding all the way from various continents and places like Europe, Siberia and China.

During winters you can spot migratory bird like Cranes, Egrets, Pelicans, Ibises, Geese and Ducks. The Siberian Crane remains the prized possession of the park in winters. Besides, migratory birds you can see a variety of domestic birds in the bird sanctuary. Hire a cycle rickshaw at the main gate to explore the sanctuary, where the birds will soothe your mind with unique voices.

Agra (201 kms) : Situated in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is famous as the ‘City of Taj.’ Once the capital city of mighty Mughals, Agra is home to a number of interesting monuments like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. From Delhi you can hire a cab to reach Agra. From Delhi trains and buses are also available for Agra.

Visit the city to see the beauty in white marble, Taj Mahal and other magnificent structures in the complex. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, Agra Fort is just one km away from Taj Mahal. Within the fort complex you see a number of beautiful palaces, mosques and lush gardens. From Agra also pay a visit to Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra (10 kms) and Akbar’s deserted city, Fatehpur Sikri (38 kms).

Haridwar (200 kms) : Haridwar is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The town is home to a number of temples and ashrams. At every nook and corner of the town you will see Sadhus (priests) clad in saffron and white dresses. People visit the town in large number to take a bath in holy Ganges and also to perform the last of the post funeral rites of their kiths and kins.

Jaipur (300 kms) : Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan is also known as ‘Pink City’. Once the capital of Rajput rulers, Jaipur is surrounded by a 20 ft high wall having eight gates. Jaipur is now a modern city with well laid-out roads and gardens, but still the charm of Rajput era lingers on in the forts and monuments of the city.

Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Museum, Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort are the main attractions of Jaipur. Any trip to Jaipur is incomplete without some shopping. You may buy leather items, dresses, jewellery, crafts and other items while shopping in Jaipur.