Valentine's Day  Happy Valentine's Day(2008)
From 101lifeStyle.com Valentine's Day Romantic Destinations: Valentine's Day Romantic Cities:  8.Agra - City Of Love And Taj Mahal: Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal - the most beautiful creations of love ever made on earth is a beautiful way of expressing a loyal husband's love towards his wife in the form symbol of love that is TAJ MAHAL. Things To Do / See:  A.Visit The Taj Mahal:
This white marbled mausoleum on the bank of the river Yamuna at Agra has become the epitome of a man's love for a woman.A wonder of the World and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj Mahal (meaning, Crown Palace) was built by the great Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved queen, the Persian princess Mumtaz Mahal who died after giving birth to his 14th child. For night viewing, check the full moon dates and make reservations in advance. It is best to visit The Taj Mahal at sunset. For day viewing, start early in the morning. The gates open at 6 am. So reach there early to enjoy the beauty of the monuments with a few early-risers rather than with the crowd that fills there later throughout the day. Feel the love that the very mausoleum and its beautiful intricate designs portray. The Taj Mahal consists not just the monument containing the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal and tomb of Shah Jahan but includes an integrated complex of structures and gardens that extends over several acres and in it are subsidiary tombs, waterworks infrastructure, the small town of 'Taj Ganj' and a 'moonlight garden' that is presumed that have repeatedly gone under water during the flooding of the Yamuna river.
 B.Visit other Monuments:
Visit the Red Fort – another UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in red stone, the Agra fort stretches almost two kilometres on the bank of the Yamuna . It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city.A huge wall that stands 69 ft in height encircles the crescent shaped fort.
Fatehpur Sikri – A UNESCO World Heritage site lies 26 miles from the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, India. Built in Red Sandstone, quarried from the same rocky outcrop on which it is situated, the buildings within Fatehpur Sikri are a unique blend of different architectural traditions.
Other Monuments such as Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, Sikandra (Akbar's tomb) are also worth a visit.  C.Gardens To Visit:
Ram bagh, Mehtab Bagh and Dayal Bagh are important and beautiful gerdens which are worth a visit.  D.Go Birdwatching:
Bharatpur is about 56 KM from Agra and houses the Famous bird sanctuary in which you can see thousands of rare birds including the Sibarian Crane. You can also indulge in a boat ride through the marshes. And how about venturing into a rickshaw or a bicycle ride to explore the well-off fauna of the park? Another perfect location for bird watching is at Sur Sarovar or Keetham Lake close to Agra. The Lohagarh Fort, which remained invincible despite several attacks by the British. Just 32 kms from Bharatpur, is the Deeg Palace. This strong and massive fort was the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur and has many palaces and gardens and definitely is worth a visit.  E.Chambal Safari:
80 kms south of Agra on the Rajasthan - UP - MP border in the Chambal valley. Declared a natural sanctuary, this relatively untouched area is teeming with wild life and folklores of a bygone era. The Chambal Safari allows you to go exploring at your own pace. Take a cruise on the river, ride a jeep in the ravines, go for a camel ride along the sandy beaches, walk through sunlit fields or just laze around under the sun. End the day looking up a starlit sky basking in the warmth of old-world hospitality at the Chambal Safari Lodge.  F.Romantic Dinner:
Enjoy a romantic dinner sipping drinks while enjoying the view of the pool at the Trident Hilton Agra hotel. With a daily continental buffet, this stylish Agra restaurant also serves authentic Indian dishes a la carte, such as spring lamb rogan josh.  G.Get A 5-Star Spa Treatment:
The Oberoi Amar Vilas Hotel(600meters from The Taj Mahal) offers an extensive range of Spa. The Spa offers non-clinical programs for relaxation and beauty along with well equipped specialized therapy rooms and suites and a heat treatment area featuring steam rooms, saunas and showers. How To Get To Agra:  By Air:
Indian airlines connects Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi. Kheria Airport is about 9 km. from Govt. of India Tourist Office and 6 km from Agra Town.
 By Train:
Agra is a major railway junction on main broad guage routes to the south, east and west. Two of the best trains viz. Shatabdi Express (between Delhi and Bhopal) and Taj Express ( between Delhi and Gwalior) are available to access agra. Some other train servicing the city are : G.T. Express ( New Delhi to Chennai), Dadar Express (Mumbai to Amritsar), Jhelum Express (Jammu to Pune), Kalinga Utkal Express (New Delhi to Puri), Karnataka Express (New Delhi to Trivendrum), Ujjani Express (Dehradoon to Ujjain) and Hyderabad Express (New Delhi to Hyderabad).The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station.
 By Bus:
Idgah bus stand is the main bus stand of Agra, from where one can catch buses for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc. Buses for Mathura also leave from Agra Fort bus stand.
Agra can be explored using different modes of transport like taxi, tempo, auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw from the Taj Mahal area. Prepaid taxis and autos from the railway station are available. Prepaid transport is also available for excursions in and around the city limits. Bicycles can be hired on hourly basis from different parts of the city. It is to be remembered that no diesel or petrol vehicle are allowed to ply in the Taj Mahal area. Battery-operated buses, horse-driven tongas, rickshaws and other pollution-free vehicles are allowed to conserve the beauty of this great monument. Agra Hotels:  A.Hotel Taj View, Agra: Enjoy a comfortable stay at one of the 100 exquisitely furnished guestrooms at Hotel Taj View, Agra. The hotel also features 5 elegant executive suites. The guestrooms at Hotel Taj View, Agra are classified into the Garden facing rooms, Taj facing deluxe rooms and executive suites. These chic décor of the rooms are well complemented by a number of state-of-the-art in-room amenities. Watch the Taj Mahal while you and your Loved one enjoy breakfast in your deluxe suites.
Address: Taj Ganj,Fatehabad Road,
Agra-282001, India.
B.Trident Hilton, Agra: Positioned comfortably on the beautifully landscaped gardens, Trident Hilton Agra, Agra is tailor-made to cater to the needs of a romantic / honeymoon couple. The rooms are adorned with original artwork and have an intimate appeal. Enjoy a romantic dinner sipping drinks while enjoying the view of the pool at the Trident Hilton Agra hotel. With a daily continental buffet, this stylish Agra restaurant also serves authentic Indian dishes a la carte, such as spring lamb rogan josh.
Address: Taj Nagari Scheme,
Fatehabad Road,
Agra,
India – 282 001.
C.Oberoi Amar Vilas Hotel, Agra: The hotel commands a sweeping view of the the greatest monument of love ever built in the history of mankind from your own private terrace. All rooms, suites, lobby, bar and lounge offer breathtaking views of the monument. Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture, the resort is an impressive display of terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions with grand interiors that take you back to the bygone era of royal Emperors and Princes. A vacation break at The Oberoi Amarvilas is truly memorable. You can as well simply unwind along with your beloved with a quiet drink whilst staring at the beautiful Taj Mahal from the bar terrace. For guest recreation and entertainment The Oberoi Amar Vilas Hotel, Agra offers a gymnasium, heated swimming pool, music and digital video discs and an extensive range of Spa. The Spa offers non-clinical programs for relaxation and beauty along with well equipped specialized therapy rooms and suites and a heat treatment area featuring steam rooms, saunas and showers.
Located 600 metres from The Taj Mahal.
D.Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre: Amongst the most contemporary of 5 star hotels in Agra India, Jaypee Hotels offers the luxury like that of a palace that has a subtle blend of the Mughal Architectural brilliance of India and modern amenities. The sprawling 25 acres in Agra of landscaped gardens.... Tree lined walkways, Dancing Fountains... , Specialty Restaurants, Health Club, 350 elegantly appointed Luxury rooms.... all provide you an inimitable romantic experience. Food is of utmost importance at Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Center, Agra, India. The guests are pampered with a variety of cuisines to ensure variety and taste..
E.Welcomroup Mughal Sheraton, Agra: Mughal Sheraton, Agra languidly spreads over an area of about 35 acres. Enjoy mesmerizing views of either the landscaped gardens or the swimming pool from the room windows. You can relax and go for a Sauna, or watch a movie at the movie theatre of the Hotel.
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