About Agra

The city of Agra is located approximately 205 Kilometers from Delhi.Any foreigner who visits India would know about the Taj Mahal, and any Indian would definitely have seen the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is a must-see place. However, one should also know that Agra does not offer anything else apart from deep rooted history. There is hardly any night life and the city as such is not very clean. But for those interested in history, this is as good as it can get. For those who plan to see only the Taj Mahal, a one day trip from Delhi should suffice.
Top ten best place to visit in Agra, Uttar Pradesh (India). These are must see places for all the tourists who visit Agra.Apart from the Taj Mahal, we would recommend Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri. If you have a couple of days, then you should also plan to visit Itimad ud daula and keep enough time for shopping and visiting the local market.

Taj Mahal - Ranked #1 of 10 attractions in Agra

The Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his Queen Mumtaz. Finished in by Marvel, it is perhaps India most fascinating and beautiful monument. This perfectly symmetrical monuments took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, Masons and Jewellers to built. Verses from the Holy Koran are inscribed on the main gate and the domes. Inlay work using semi-precious stones decorate the Taj Mahal. Close-up photograph of a wall in The Taj Mahal showing inlay work. The Taj Mahal is built on the bank the river Yamuna.

While the Taj Mahal is a great site during the day, it is best viewed at night during a full moon.

Note: Foreigners are charged Rupees 750/- ($ 15 USD) as an entrance fee to view the Taj Mahal.

Best Time To Visit Taj :- The Taj Mahal is March to April and October to December. Expect heavy rainfall during monsoon season in July to September.There is always heavy traffic during days when there is a full

Open Time : 6 A.M. to 7.30 P.M. (Friday is closed)

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TAJ MAHOTSAV (SHILPGRAM)

Come February, and it's springtime. The time of the year when nature dawns all its colourful splendour and Agra bursts into colourful celebrations. For 10 days there is sheer celebration of U.P.'s rich heritage of arts, crafts, culture, cuisine, dance and music. Yes, it is Taj Mahotsav time again. There are festivities all around and Agra truly puts on the colours of joy and gets transformed into one non-stop carnival. Organized by U.P. Tourism and held as an annual event at Shilpgram, literally next door to the Taj Mahal, it is also a gentle peep into the rich heritage and extraordinary legacies of this wonderful land. The festivities commence with a spectacular procession inspired by mughal splendor. Bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artistes and master craftsmen... all help recreate a visual delight reminiscent of the golden era of the Mughal Darbars.

18-27 FEBRUARY

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Agra Fort - Ranked  #2 of 10 attractions in Agra

The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 A.D., although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hight an inner pardise. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It has a total perimeter of 2.4 k.m., and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions. A 9 mt. wide and 10 mt. deep moats surround the outer wall.

There are number of exquisite building like the Moti Masjid-a white marvel mosque akin to a perfect pearl, Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Shish Mahal and Musamman or Samman Burj-where Shahjahan was held captive in 1666 A.D.

Agra Fort is also a popular tourist attraction. The famous Taj Mahal can also be viewed from the Agra Fort.Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the Agra Fort and was able to view the reflection of the Taj Mahal in a precious diamond built strategically in one of the Fort walls. Agra fort was actually a "brick" fort, known as Badalgarh, built by a Rajput king, and when the Mughals conquered the north part of India, they realized the strategic importance of Agra and started constructing a proper fort. From Babur's time till Aurangzeb's period, over 5 generations, there were some additions being done to the fort. However the major part of the fort was constructed during Akbar's and Jahangir's rule. The fort hosted 500 odd buildings, but now unfortunately only 21 buildings are functional and most of the area is cordoned off and is under military occupation.

Hiring a guide is the best way to see the Fort. Photographers usually wait at the main gate and approach tourists to take their photographs for free. The idea being that if you like the photographs then you can buy them. These guys are actually pretty good and will walk around with you taking photographs using their own camera. You need not pay for their entrance fee as they are allowed in by the gate keepers for free.

These photographers know where to take pictures and will take some memorable photographs. They only charge for the pictures you buy and the price is quite reasonable. DON’T GIVE THEM YOUR CAMERA. They use their own camera.

There are a lot of architectural wonders to see at the Agra fort and we would strongly recommend that you take a guide. You can get a guide at the entrance of the fort, the authorized guides carry an identity card certified by the Agra tourism office. Alternatively you can also visit the tourist office in Agra and get a guide for the entire day, because you need a guide at most of the monuments (Agra fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri) Dont miss out on the optical illusions used in Agra fort, the echo system, the "AC" room, the sheesh mahal...the list is endless. Buy a UNESCO booklet (will cost you 100 INR) and you will get a fair idea of what places to see in Agra fort.

Agra fort also has a sound and light show, which is everyday in the evening. 7.00 pm show is in Hindi only and 8.00 pm show is in English. It is strictly ok, but do see the show for the fort - the fort looks spectacular at night.

Open Time : Sunrise to Sunset.

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Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah - Ranked  #3 of 10 attractions in Agra

Itmad-ud-Daulah is the tomb of Mirza Ghyas Beg, a persian who had obtained service in Akbar Court. Itimad - ud - daula is a tomb built by Noor Jahan, wife of Jahangir for her father Mirza Ghyas Beg. Noor Jahan was Mumtaz Mahal's (in whose memory the Taj Mahal was built) aunt. This tomb was built much before the Taj Mahal and has a nice blend of red stones and white marble. The Craftsmanship at Itmad-ud-Daulah foreshadows that of the Taj Mahal. It was here that. "Pietra Dura"-the inlay work on marble-so characteristic of the Taj-was first used.

The Itimad-ud-daula monument one can see two distinct types of marble work: marble inlay which is prominently seen in most of the monuments in Agra. It is perfected in the Taj Mahal monument. There is a popular belief that the marble inlay work originated from Europe and was perfected by Indian artisans during the Mughal period; however there are people who believe otherwise i.e. this art originated in India / Persia....well it doesn't matter because no matter where this art originated it looks stunning on white marble. And what is even more amazing is the fact that all this work was done more than 400 years ago when there were no tools, machinery - everything was "hand-made".

Open Time: Sun rise to Sunset.

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Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity - Ranked  #4 of 10 attractions in Agra

 Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata (Calcutta), India in 1950. For over forty years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying while guiding the Missionaries of Charity’s expansion, first through India and then to other countries. At the time of her death, they were operating 610 missions in 123 countries, including hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis, soup kitchen, children and family counseling programs, orphanages and schools.

Mother Teresa’s Charity home in Agra has 48 children who are orphaned or come from poor families who can no longer provide for them; as well as 150 infirmed adults who can no longer care for themselves. The mission is solely reliant on private donations to support their cause. The Collette Foundation has committed to support Mother Teresa’s Charity Home for the next 2 years.

If you are visiting Mother Teresa’s, please note that the Collette Foundation doesn’t accept in kind donations. However, if you’d like to bring items directly to Mother Theresa’s we have some suggestions:

Vitamins / Sterile Gauze / Masks / Latex gloves

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Fathepur Sikri - Ranked  #5 of 10 attractions in Agra

Fatehpur Sikri is an epic in red sandstone. A city of yesteryear today lost in the mists of time. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D.. Mughal Emperor Akbar had no heir. He visited holy men to enlist their prayers for his son. When he visited Sheikh Salim Chishti who was living at the village of Sikri the saint foretold the emperor that he would be blessed with a son. When is son was born, he is gratitude, constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to sortage of water and unrest in North-West, Akbar has to abandon this city. The beautiful marvel tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti still attracts thousands who seek blessings of the revered saint. Other renowned places are Dewane-e-Am, Dewane-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace and Birbal Bhawan. Fatehpur Sikri is about 39 K.M. from Agra.

Open Time : Sunrise to Sunset.

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Mehtab Bagh - Ranked  #6 of 10 attractions in Agra

 Mehtab Bagh:- Mehtab Bagh which means the “Moon light garden” was built on the northern side of the Taj Mahal complex and lies across the Yamuna River. It is also known as “Chaar Bagh”. The significant attraction of Mehtab Bagh is Taj Mahal it self. The place has been enriched with plants and at present more than 40 varities of plants bloom in the garden. Your visit to the beautiful garden will mark you treat your eyes far away from the hustle bustle of the busy town.

The Mehtab Bagh, a 25 acre garden plot constructed during 1631 to 1635 AD, is the moonlight garden located along the western side of bank of the river Yamuna. It is laid just across the Yamuna, aligned with the world famous Taj in a symmetrical style.

This is the ideal location from where one can view the perfect beauty of Taj Mahal under the romantic glossy moon light. This garden is one of the most attractive gardens in Agra and it replenish the grandeur era of Mughal dynasty in the minds of the traveler.

This picturesque area is now converted into the epic centre of the eco-friendly environment developing around Taj Mahal. The soft cool breeze from Yamuna and the fragrance of the colored flowers in the garden are sure to attract all visitors to this romantic place.

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Panch Mahal - Agra - Ranked #7 of 10 attractions in Agra

A big five storied pavilion placed in the Fatehpur Sikri fort complex, Panch Mahal was believed to be the pleasure and relaxation place for Mughal emperor Akbar. The pavilion is made up of beautiful red sandstone and is at the highest point in Fatehpur Sikri. This is a monument depicting the architectural marvel of Persian style of construction.

Panch Mahal was the residential pavilion for his queens and the pavilion has stone screens prohibiting the view from outside. Presently the screens were removed and the columns are visible from outside. There was a marvelous and imposing dome supported by four columns.

The pavilion steeps in a progressive style and each floor is connected to the next floor through well crafted stairs. The first floor has 84 pillars, second floor has 56 pillars, third floor has 20 pillars and the fourth floor has 12 pillars. All the pillars are carved with beautiful images and are very attractive.

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Khas Mahal - Ranked #8 of 10 attractions in Agra

Built by Shah Jehan between 1631-40, 'Khas Mahal' or 'Aramgah-i-Muqaddar' has river on the one side and Anguri Bagh on the other. Built for the two favorite daughters of Shah Jehan, Jahanara and Roshanara, it has a beautiful tank in front with fountains, white marble pavilions and open courts. The central hall or baradari and the adjoining colonnade or portico is almost of same size. The arched recesses of the main hall lead to the side rooms. The richly ornamented ceilings of the palace are flat and the complex has stylishly carved and molded brackets. The niches in the walls are believed to have contained portraits of Mughal emperors while the iron rings in the roof of the central hall were meant for the chandeliers.

It is believed that Jahanara lived in the northern one of the two almost identical pavilions separated from the central hall by a high marble wall. These red sand stone pavilions have been plastered with white shell plaster and have skilful gold work in its mural paintings. The interiors are profusely ornamented in floral and geometrical patterns from the dados to the ceiling. Gold and blue, the royal colors, have been abundantly used here and still their traces are visible on the walls.

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Ram Bagh - Ranked #9 of 10 attractions in Agra

The Ram Bagh is said to have been constructed by Babur. It is commonly believed that when Babur died in 1530 his mortal remains were temporarily kept in Chaubureja a place close to Itimad-ud-Daula tomb till these were taken for the final resting place at Kabul. The original name of the bagh was Aram Bagh, which was later corrupted to Ram Bagh under the Marathas, when they occupied Agra from 1775 to 1803 AD The first historical mention of this garden site as the Bagh-Nur-Afshan led some historians to believe that this name had been derived from a garden ( Bagh –Gul- Afshan or Nur Afshan ) in Kabul. The garden was in good maintenance under Jahangir as confirmed by Tazuk-I- Jahangiri. It gets additional support from the paintings and epigraphical evidences found in some of the remaining structures of this garden. Colossal walls enclose the garden with corner towers crowned by pillared pavilions. The garden is divided into quarters by stone paved pathways. On the north- eastern side of this building, there exists another terrace, from which steps leads to a Hammam. The rooms of the Hammam, now in ruins bear evidence of a vaulted one roof. Immediately north side of this garden, there is a row of ruined houses with a gateway, built of red sandstone at each end.

The layout of the garden complex is not on the formal Char Bagh pattern, but confirms rather to the pattern of Bagh- Hasht-Behisht. In the garden three levels have been maintained, one for flowers and vegetables, second for flower beds, with fine stone paved terraces and kiosk and the third one has structures, terraces and tanks.

Open Time: Sun rise to Sunset.

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Jama Masjid - Ranked #10 of 10 attractions in Agra

Jama Masjid:- The Jama Masjid in Agra is perhaps the largest mosque in India and it is also known as Jami Masjid. Jami Masjid was built by the mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. The Masjid is a quadrangular building of brick and stone encircled by a ring of terraced roofed and double storied buildings. The main prayer hall is used on most days by worshippers and is made up of high cusped arches and marble domes. On Fridays and other holydays the courtyard is filled with devotees who come in for “Namaaz”.

The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in Agra. It was built in 1648 and is popularly known as Jami Masjid. This mosque is credited with the name of Princess Jahanara Begum, the lovely daughter of Shah Jahan. The mosque is noted for the absence of minarets and also for the exquisite tomb.

The Masjid is placed on an elevated podium and has five marvelous entrances with arched structures. Three elegant sandstone domes add the attraction to the Masjid, all covered with imposing marbles. The walls are adorned with sacred inscriptions and colored tiles. The central courtyard of the Jami Masjid is a huge area serving thousands of devotees to offer prayers and meditation for many centuries.

Buland Darwaza is the massive gate through which Jama Masjid can be reached. The elegant and attractive tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, the renowned Sufi saint, is situated interior to the complex of Jama Masjid.

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Thanks For Visit

Tourist places in India

1. Taj Mahal -  This mausoleum erect in Agra by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO scheduled World Heritage location. You cannot abandon this superb work of marble all through your journey to India.

2. Ajanta and Ellora Caves -  Located in the Aurangabad area of Maharashtra, Ellora has approximately 34 caves and Ajanta 29. They demonstrate extraordinary effort of sculpture, painting and architecture.

3. Khajuraho Temples -  The 20 temples at Khajuraho erect of sandstone depict erotic sculptures and wall frescoes. This is as well amid the World Heritage Sites in India and an accepted sightseer destination. It is located in Madhya Pradesh.

4. Kashmir -  Admired as the paradise of India, Kashmir Valley is one of the attractive places to trip in the world that is delimited by the Pir Panjal and the Himalayan range.

                                                    

5. Goa - This small state in India has abundance to offer to tourists for instance the beaches, cruise on the Mandovi River, a vivacious nightlife, tour of churches and monuments and the glimpse of the erstwhile Portuguese traditions.

6. Kerala Backwaters -The attractiveness of the Malabar Coast is paramount experienced with a tour of the Kerala backwaters. This southern state of India has the major sequence of interlocking canals, rivers and lakes forming the stunning stretch of the backwaters.

7. Jaipur - The Pink City of India and the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is admired for its magnificent Mughal and Rajput era monuments, havelis and forts. The Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Amber Palace, Jal Mahal and the Nahargarh Fort stand evocative to the citys magnificent past.

8. Munnar Acres of tea plantations, attractive valleys and the tranquility of the hills formulate this place a tourist hot spot. Munnar is the just hill station of Kerala with opportunities for paragliding and trekking to Anaimudi.

9. Udaipur -Recognized as the Lake City of India, Udaipur is a historical city in Rajasthan. A number of lakes, the Aravalli Hills, islands of Fateh Sagar Lake and the attractive Lake Palace are amid the peak tourist magnetism.

10. Jaisalmer -The Golden Fort, camel safari and Rajputana havelis formulate this city a famous place of trip in Rajasthan.

11. Leh and Ladakh -A well-known Buddhist pilgrimage situate, well-known for its century old monasteries and gompas, Leh and Ladakh is too a haven for quest tourists.

12. Kullu and Manali- Manali is a miniature hill station approximately 53 km from the town of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. At a distance from the spectacular sight, the Manikaran Gurudwara and Hadimba Devi Temple are admired attractions.

13. Shimla -Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. The vista of the snow capped Himalayas, the Victorian period buildings and churches and the Shimla Mall are merit visiting.

14. Gangtok -Capital of Sikkim and home to several monasteries, Gangtok is a foremost gateway to the Nathula Pass.

15. Darjeeling -Well identified as the Queen of Hills, Darjeeling is situated in West Bengal. Tea estates, parks, zoos, and the vision of Mount Everest are things to enjoy here.

16. Kovalam Beach -Kovalam is a beach urban in Thirivananthapuram, Kerala drawing a huge crowd of international sightseer throughout the year. There are three beaches, resorts and a light house here.

17. Ooty -The Nilgiri Hills or the Blue Mountains, Ooty is appeal a trip during the winters in India. Places to trip include Government Rose Garden, Ooty Botanical Gardens and the lake.

18. Kanyakumari- Kanyakumari is the convergence position of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The ferry travel to the Vivekananda Rock will be a tremendous journey.

19. Haridwar -The Hindu pilgrimage site that carries in thousands of tourists and devotees all through the Kumbh Mela held once in every 12 years. They also trip the temples, Har Ki Pauri and the Brahma Kund.

20. Nainital -Located in the foothills of the Kumaon range, it is amongst the top tourist places in India for its calmness and attractions for instance the Naina Devi Temple, Naina Peak and the Bhimtal Lake.

21. New Delhi -Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Chandi Chowk, Karol Bagh market and Connaught site are places of trip in the capital city of India.

22. Dehradun -The attractiveness of the Doon Valley is what makes Dehradun a admired place of trip in Uttarakhand. You can tour the Malsi Deer Park, Kalanga Monument and the Tapkeshwar Temple.

23. Hampi -Hampi is a historical place and the other capital of the Vijayanagar. The 14th century skeleton features around 500 monuments, their planning, public baths and other progression of the era.

24. Fatehpur Sikri -The 16th century capital of the Mughal Empire, Fatehpur Sikri today is identified for its royal palaces, courts and the Jama Masjid. It is a World inheritance Site too.

25. Golden Temple of Amritsar -The Holy shrine of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple multifaceted includes the Hari Mandir, the Amrit Sarovar, the huge dining hall and the Central Sikh Museum.

26. Mumbai -The metropolis of Dreams, Mumbai is in renown for its cosmopolitan culture. Home to Bollywood, it is the pursuit capital of the country. The Juhu Beach and Marine Drive are well-known places of visit.

27. Mysore -You have quite many reasons to visit this place. The Mysore Palace, Mysore paintings, Mysore Pak (sweet) and the silk sarees illustrate tourists to this city.

28. Bangalore -Though a well-known commercial and educational hub, Bangalore is as well home to the Bannerghata National Park, Lal Bagh Garden, Bangalore Palace and the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace.

29. Mahabalipuram -The haven city dating to the 7th century, Mahabalipuram has astounded cut monuments shiny the Dravidian architecture. Thirukadalmallai Temple and the Pancha Rathas are significant structures here.

30. Chennai -The city of Chennai has beaches for instance the Marina Beach and Cavelong Beach amid its main attractions. You can as well visit the Guindy National Park and the Parthasarathy Temple.

31. Hyderabad -The capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is a sightseer hot spot for its traffic in pearls, the genuine Mughal and Arabic cuisine, Char Minar, Chowmalla Palace and the Golconda Fort.

32. Andaman and Nicobar Islands -these two groups of islands has approximately 300 slighter islands part of its territory. With world-class resorts and escapade spots, these islands are decisive place for honeymoon couples.

33. Havelock Islands -Fraction of the Nicobar Islands, Havelock is a admired spot for adventure tourists who indulge in snorkeling and scuba diving.

34. Lakshadweep Islands -Water sports is vital to the sightseeing of Lakshadweep. There are diminutive tourist huts on the islands of Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Minicoy and Kadmat.

35. Assam -A foremost gateway to northeast India, Assam features striking landscape, hills, the Brahmaputra River and the Kamakhya Temple.

36. Meghalaya -A hilly strip in north east India, Meghalaya tour is curtailed devoid of touring Shillong.

37. Coorg – Known as the Scotland of India for the huge sandalwood forests and tea and coffee cultivated area, Coorg is a picture-perfect place for holiday. The Iruppu Falls and the Brahmagiri Hill are two new places of interest.

38. Visakhapatnam -The major city in Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is admired for its virgin beaches, small hills and the Araku valley tour.

39. Kedarnath and Badrinath -Trip to Kedarnath and Badrinath can be fraction of the Do Dham yatra or pilgrimage in India. These two towns have two Hindu shrines.

40. Tirupati -One more Hindu pilgrimage place in Andhra Pradesh and the Sri Venkateshwara Temple here is devoted to Lord Balaji.

41. Kodaikanal -Identified as the Princess of the Hill Stations, Kodaikanal is placed in Tamil Nadu. The Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park and the stand Shola Falls are top places of concern.

42. Kolkata -The capital of West Bengal, Kolkata is in fact the City of Joy with quite a few avenues of entertainment, multi cuisine restaurants, the Victoria monument, Alipore Zoo and the Kali Ghat Temple.

43. Varanasi -On the depository of River Ganga is the city of Varanasi where the admired classical form of Benaras Gharana had evolves. It is home to the Vishwanath Temple and quite a few new places of worship and culture.

44. Mantheran -The supreme place for a weekend getaway, Mantheran is a coerce of around 90 km from Mumbai. You can opt for trekking and mountaineering here.

45. Mahabaleshwar -A drive of 125 km from Pune, Mahabaleshwar is a attractive plateau. A popular honeymoon spot, the Mahabaleshwar Temple is the prime attraction here.

46. Bodh Gaya -A pilgrimage site for the Buddhist, Bodh Gaya is a World Heritage Site famous for the Bodh Gaya Temple complex.

47. Jim Corbett National Park -The oldest park of its kind in the country, Jim Corbett is the ultimate place for wildlife and safari lovers. It has a protected area for the endangered species of Royal Bengal Tiger.

48. Dilwara Temples -  Mount Abu -Dedicated to the Jain tirtanthankaras, Dilwara Temples (five in number) are wonderful work of marble architecture. All of the temples are inimitable work of art.

49. Jabalpur -  Madhya Pradesh -The Bhedaghat -Marble Rocks is the major magnetism of this city. The Duandhar Falls and the marble gorge recommend extraordinary sight.

50. Madurai - A city in the state of Tamil Nadu, Madurai has temples that characteristic the Dravidian style of architecture. The most eminent one is the Meenakshi- Sundareswar Temple.