Discover The 10 Best Family-Friendly Destinations In Agra
1. Taj Mahal
The journey begins with the crowning glory of Agra – Taj Mahal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a masterpiece of architecture but also a symbol of love eternal. Get astonished by its detailed marble engravings as you walk around its lush gardens or take timeless photographs with your family against the background of this breathtaking sight.
2. Agra Fort
Just at a stone throw distance away from Taj Mahal stands another UNESCO World Heritage Site – imposing Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar made out of red sandstone, tells tales of Mughal grandeur and intrigue in captivating ways possible. Explore its labyrinthine corridors, visit Diwan-i-khas and Diwan-i-am where you listen to remarkable stories about all Mughals and have panoramic view of Taj Mahal from ramparts.
3. Fatehpur Sikri
Go further from Agra to discover Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted city significant for its architectural splendor as well as historical importance designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site 1986.Walk along its preserved palaces, mosques and courtyards allow your family to feel themselves part of this great Moghul building tradition.
4. Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is an ideal place for those seeking tranquility after the hectic life downtown; it's situated opposite Tajmahal itself away from all city noises i.e., amidst nature therefore known as 'the Moonlight Garden.' From here, you can see the sunrise and sunset at Tajmahal which makes it perfect for family picnics or romantic walks.
5. Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
This is where Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, referred to as Baby Taj, lies hidden within Agra city; an example of elegant marble art work complemented with delicate carvings. Explore the superb mausoleum snuggled by the Yamuna River and admire its intricate jalis and peaceful surroundings.
6. Taj Nature Walk
For families who love nature, Taj Nature Walk is a place where they can escape into fresh air full of native plants and animals. Strolling along its winding paths, observing different species of birds or just enjoying serenity in this green area will prove beneficial in escaping from the noisy life of a big city.
7. Kinari Bazaar
No trip to Agra would be complete without some shopping in Kinari Bazaar. This busy market appeals to souvenir hunters with an array of traditional handicrafts, marble items or embroidered garments that fill up one's whole vision. Permit your loved ones be immersed in lively colors and rich culture of Agra while bargaining for their takeaway mementos' best choices available.
8. Street Food Delights
When it comes to street food; Agra has it all! From hot samosas to crispy jalebis, delightful chaats and mouthwatering kebabs – each member of your family will find something special among these Agra specialties that cater both vegetarians as well non-vegetarians alike. You may also want try out Petha – the famous translucent candy made out of ash gourd (winter melon) that comes in a variety of flavors while you are at it.
9. Taj Museum
Visit the Taj Museum to explore the history and artistry of the Taj Mahal. The museum is located in the Taj Mahal complex and it has a remarkable collection of artifacts, architectural blueprints and historical publications that are associated with building up and conservation works of this monument. It serves as an educational resource for families wanting to understand better more about this architectural wonder.
10. Mughal Heritage Walk
Take a guided Mughal Heritage Walk through Agra's streets to discover some hidden treasures and lesser-known historical sites. Conducted by experienced local guides, these walks help families delve into Agra's rich cultural past as well as get an insight into its living culture through interaction with locals.
Final Thoughts
Finally, Agra enthralls travelers with its timeless charm and cultural splendor thus making it a perfect destination for an unforgettable family vacation. Whether you are admiring the beauty of the Taj Mahal, exploring ancient forts or trying out some street food delights, Agra guarantees you will have an unforgettable journey filled with history, heritage and precious moments spent with your loved ones.

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India.com
6 hours ago
- India.com
10 Fascinating Facts About Udaipur That Will Make You Fall In Love With the City of Lakes
Some cities don't just exist. They shimmer. Udaipur is one of them. When you step into Udaipur, the so-called City of Lakes, you're not just arriving at a destination—you're entering a dream. Palaces float on water. Narrow lanes echo with the tinkling of temple bells. And every sunset seems choreographed, as if the Aravalli hills themselves are conspiring with the sky. Most travelers know Udaipur for Lake Pichola boat rides or for the City Palace's grandeur. But what if we told you—Udaipur isn't just about the obvious?It's about stories hidden in stones, reflections caught in rippling waters, and traditions that have survived centuries. Let's wander into Udaipur beyond postcards, into facts that will make you see this royal city differently. 1. Udaipur Was Born Out of Escape—and Destiny In 1559, Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur after escaping Chittorgarh, which had fallen to the Mughals. Legend says a hermit blessed him on the banks of Lake Pichola, predicting that a great city would rise isn't just a planned capital—it's a prophecy fulfilled. Every palace wall and courtyard still carries that sense of resilience and renewal. 2. The City of Lakes Has More Than Just One Yes, Lake Pichola is the most famous, but Udaipur has an entire necklace of lakes—Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Badi Lake, and more. During monsoons, they link together like veins, giving Udaipur the look of a floating here isn't a tourist activity—it's a way of entering the city's bloodstream. 3. Jag Mandir: The Island That Inspired the Taj Mahal Drifting on Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir isn't just a pretty palace. History whispers that Shah Jahan, before building the Taj Mahal, took refuge here during his rebellion. The marble domes, lotus ponds, and elephant statues became part of his inspiration for the world's most famous monument of love. Lake Jaisamand, also known as Dhebar Lake, is a marvel. Built in the 17th century, it spans 87 sq. km—so vast that it almost feels 4. Udaipur Is Home to Asia's Second-Largest Artificial Lake like a sea in the desert. The lake has seven islands, with tribal communities living on them, and even a sanctuary teeming with wildlife along its banks. 5. The Royal Family Still Resides Here Unlike many palaces turned into silent museums, Udaipur's City Palace remains a living heritage. Descendants of the Mewar dynasty—the oldest ruling family in the world with an unbroken line—still live in a portion of the palace. When you walk through its courtyards, you're not just visiting history—you're brushing past continuity. 6. Udaipur Was Once the Shooting Spot for James Bond Hollywood found its way to Udaipur in 1983, when the James Bond film Octopussy featured the shimmering Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. 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Monsoon turns its landscape lush, with waterfalls near Sajjangarh Palace and mist rolling over the hills. That contrast—desert state, emerald city—is what makes Udaipur so surprising. 10. It's India's 'Most Romantic City'—For a Reason From candlelit boat rides on Lake Pichola to the ethereal glow of the Lake Palace at night, Udaipur has earned its title. Poets, painters, and travelers have all called it the most romantic city in India. And perhaps, it's because romance here isn't just about love stories—it's about falling in love with life itself. Why These Facts Matter Beyond Trivia You could scroll through Instagram reels and see snippets of Lake Pichola sunsets. But knowing these stories changes the way you you step into Jag Mandir, you don't just admire the domes—you remember Shah Jahan's you glide across Fateh Sagar, you don't just see water—you see a lifeline carved by deepens when you know where you stand. Udaipur rewards that depth. Practical Tips for Experiencing Udaipur Like a Local Wake Early – Sunrises by the ghats of Lake Pichola are quieter, softer, and far less crowded. Eat Beyond Palaces – Try dal baati churma at a local dhaba, or sip masala chai overlooking Gangaur Ghat. Walk the Lanes – Skip taxis sometimes. The narrow alleys hide miniature painting workshops, silver jewelry stores, and rooftop cafés. Catch a Cultural Show – Bagore Ki Haveli hosts folk dances and puppet shows that bring Rajasthani culture alive. Go Beyond the Postcard – Visit Badi Lake, Sajjangarh Palace, or even hike in the nearby Aravallis. The less obvious, the more rewarding. Udaipur's Hidden Economy: Why Travel Here Makes a Difference Visiting Udaipur isn't just indulgence—it's you buy handicrafts from local artisans, when you stay in heritage havelis instead of chain hotels, when you eat at small family-run restaurants—you're fueling traditions that have kept this city alive for centuries. Every boat ride sustains livelihoods. 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Time of India
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First Post
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From the land of Krishna: History nuggets in Vrindavan
It is that time of the year when the land of Braj reverberates to the sound of celebrations. Pilgrims and other visitors make a beeline for Mathura, Vrindavan and other towns of the region to take in the spirit of Janmashtami. In Vrindavan, the iconic Banke Bihari temple is the centre of attraction. However, for history buffs, the bylanes of this pilgrim town hold several temples of historic significance, either by way of events surrounding them or their architecture. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These temples, built at different times and by varied patron-builders, have a common architectural thread binding them. Richly embellished, they are made of red sandstone which came from Rajasthan. In a temple town filled with marble shrines, the red sandstone of these mediaeval temples stands out but does not come as a surprise. After all, the temples are the creation of the golden age of red sandstone—a period when immense quantities of that building material were brought from quarries in Rajasthan to build Mughal marvels in Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Delhi and lesser places. The region in which those quarries were located lay in the Rajput kingdoms that were feudatories of the Mughal empire, including some connected by matrimony. It is almost inevitable that some of that sandstone found its way to places like Vrindavan, leading to the creation of some fine temples. Most significant among these is the Govind Dev Temple, built by the Kachhwaha ruler of Amer (now Jaipur), Man Singh, who was also a leading nobleman at Emperor Akbar's court and one of the seniormost commanders in his army, in the latter half of the 16th century. He leveraged his position to re-establish the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. And built the magnificent Govind Dev Temple in Vrindavan also. Elegant Rajput architecture of the Govind Dev Temple Perhaps the most striking aspect of the shrine is its sheer size. Entered through its eastern gateway, it stands nearly 80 metres in length, making it one of the largest temples constructed in North India since the 13th century—implying that such construction was not possible in the preceding centuries when Islamic dynasties held sway. That Man Singh managed to build this is a testimonial to his tact. The building incorporates many of the features of classic Rajput architecture, including decorative motifs on sandstone and elaborately carved brackets and pillars. Some of these remind visitors of the structure called Birbal's House in Fatehpur Sikri. Inside the temple, one sees the use of a vaulted roof, sometimes termed 'Khaurasan-ian'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Legends hold that Bajranabh, the great-grandson of Krishna, created three idols of the deity. The idol representing his face was called Govind Dev Ji. Another legend says that a saint called Roop Goswami dreamt one night of the hidden location of these idols. An excavation at the said spot saw the idols being unearthed. And the Govind Dev idol was later consecrated into the temple at Vrindavan. Archives of the Amer (Jaipur) state hold that the temple took five years, nearly ten million rupees and several thousand workmen to build. At its prime, it was apparently a seven-storey structure. What remains is a pale shadow! During Aurangzeb's reign, the presence of stunningly beautiful temples bothered the Islamic sensitivities of the emperor. As a result, the four upper levels were destroyed. But before the Mughal raid on the temple, its legendary idol was carried away by a contingent from reinstalled in a temple of the same name in that city, where it still stands today. Today, the Mughals are long gone, and a replica of the original idol is inside the Govind Dev Temple at Vrindavan. Worship continues, and while the temple has been greatly restored, the four lost levels have not been rebuilt. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Elsewhere in Vrindavan, closer to the Yamuna, is the Radha Madan Mohan Temple. Popularly called the Madan Mohan Temple, its history runs parallel to that of Govind Dev. Its origins lie in the same legends, the difference being that the Madan Mohan idol represents the feet of Krishna. The temple was built in 1580 CE by Kapur Ram Das, a trader from Multan, under the guidance of a spiritual figure called Sanatana Goswami. It is made of the same red sandstone that embellishes the Govind Dev, and perhaps the same artisans lent their expertise here also. The temple complex consists of a mandapa, an antarala (connecting passage) and an inner sanctum. It is also said that Meera bai worshipped at this shrine. Its later history too mirrors that of the Govind Dev. In 1670, on receiving information about an impending attack by Aurangzeb's troops, the temple's idol was carried away. First taken to Jaipur, it was later shifted to Karauli, and a temple of the same name came up there, where the idol remains. In 1819, a Bengali trader called Nand Kumar Basu rebuilt the Madan Mohan at Vrindavan in its current location. Interestingly, the temple stands on a hill which may actually be a mound containing the debris of the earlier shrine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The triad is completed by the Radha Gopinath Temple. The Gopinath idol is said to represent the chest of Krishna. Accessed through a maze of lanes, the temple shows the familiar red sandstone pattern. However, unlike the other two, the original shrine within the complex is not well maintained. Near the gate of the temple is a haveli, long under lock. Its exterior carries elegant paintings that depict Krishna's life and legends. Painted Krishna pattern at a Vrindavan haveli near the Radha Gopinath Temple Also made of red sandstone but slightly paler following some restoration is the Jugal Kishore Temple. Located close to the Kesi Ghat, local lore holds that the original idol of this shrine was found by Hariram Vyas while he was meditating in a forest near Vrindavan. Krishna lifts the Govardhana hill, in a depiction on the Jugal Kishore Temple During the fateful 1670 attack, this idol too was taken away—its destination being Panna, in what is now Madhya Pradesh. And not surprisingly, there is a Jugal Kishore Temple in Panna too, home to an idol that came here from Vrindavan. The fact that the idols were saved is a tribute to the courage of mediaeval Rajputs, and that the temples in Vrindavan were revived and continue to be worshipped is symbolic of the continuity of a faith that overcame the worst of bigots. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a heritage explorer with a penchant for seeking obscure sites. A brand consultant by profession, he tweets @HiddenHeritage. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.