Around Agra!

Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake) 23 km
A scenic lake, located within the Surdas Reserved Forest. The Sur Sarovar is a tranquil spot, ideal for a relaxed outing. A wide variety of fish and water-birds add to the lake's natural charm and beauty.

Fatehpur Sikri (39 km.)
An epic in red sandstone. A city of yester years, today lost in the mists of time. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D. A sonless Akbar had gone to Sikri to seek blessings of a muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. When his son was finally born, he in gratitude, constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to shortage of water and unrest in north-west, Akbar had to abandon this city. The beautiful marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti attracts thousands who seek blessings of the revered saint.

Other renowned places are:

Diwan-I-Am
The first enclosure of the palace is a vast courtyard in which the emperor gave daily public audience and dispensed justice.

Diwan-I-Khas
The Diwan-I-Am gave access to the second enclosure, a large quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the palace, and the finest buildings of Fatehpur Sikri. At the northern end is the Diwan-I-Khas. Also referred to as the Hall of Private Audiences, it is an astonishing chamber dominated by a massive carved pillar, which supports a fantastic capital above which is a balcony.

Pachisi Court
The paving of this courtyard is laid out to resemble the cruciform board on which the game Pachisi is played. It is believed that Akbar used live pieces for the game.

Private Living Quarter
These are at the southern end of the quadrangle, clustered around a pool, the Anup Talao. The structures here include Akbar's library, the scene of his intellectual activity. A window overlooked the Daftarkhana, or record office. Above this is the Khwabgah, `the palace of dreams' or Akbar's bedroom. This whole space was warmed or cooled by water channels. Nearby, the Turkish Sultan's Palace is an exquisite pavilion, carved with Persian, Turkish and even Chinese motifs.

Mariam's Palace
The women's quarters lie to the east of the `male zone'. A small doorway leads to Mariam's Palace, the residence popularly ascribed to Akbar's Gaon wife. Till even as late as the 19th century, its interior were richly embellished with gold.

Jodhabai's Palace
The largest of all the palaces, it housed Akbar's queens. Here stylistic elements of Gujarat, Mandu and Gwalior are blended with traditional Islamic designs. Its blue tiled roof is the only splash of colour in Fatehpur Sikri.

Mathura-Vrindavan (56 km.)
Just an hour's drive from Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna, is situated this birthplace of Lord Krishna. The entire land is dotted with magnificent temples, each dedicated to various aspects of his life. The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, where he was born and where he grew up, still resound to the sound of his laughter, antics and his magical flute. Some of the more famous temples are : Govind Dev Temple, Rangaji Temple, Dwarikadhish Temple, Bankey Bihari Temple and the ISKCON Temple. Gokul, Barsana and Goverdhan are the other townships associated with the legend of Lord Krishna. Gokul is the hideout where Lord Krishna was secretly brought up - away from the eyes of His maternal uncle, Kansa. His consort Radha belonged to Barsana, where the unique Holi festival 'Latthamar Holi' is celebrated with great gusto. At Goverdhan, Krishna raised a mighty mountain on his little finger to protect the locals from the wrath of rain-god Indra.

Corbett National Park
This oldest wild life sanctuary is just six hours from Delhi, started in 1936. It is named after the fearless hunter Jim Corbett. He lived in these hills and saved the life of many local people from the man-eater, the tiger, at the risk of his own life. The park covers 1,318 square kms. The Ramaganga river flows through its entire length. The park can be explored by open jeep or elephant rides. There is also a watchtower in the park. The animals here include deer, monkeys and birds, wild elephants, tigers, leopards, black bear, wild boar, snakes and crocodiles. December to April is the best viewing time. Open : 16 November to14 June, closed 15 June to 15 November.

Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur
It is 55 Km away from Agra. The people from all over the country come here to see the birds. The city was founded by the Jat ruler Suraj Mal in 1733. Now the city is famous for its popular water birds. This sanctuary is the winter home for hundreds of species of birds. The park is also home for mammals and reptiles including blue bulls, spotted deer, otter and Indian rock pythons. November to February is the best season to visit and early morning or late in the evening is the best time to see the birds. It is open from 6 am to 6.30 pm.