Weekend Gateways

Travel to Agra is generally associated with the majestic Taj Mahal. But the historic city of Agra has also some enchanting tourist spots in its surrounding area. A travel and tour combining Agra with other places in the region makes a perfect weekend getaway during vacations in Agra. There are a number of places to see around Agra that are interesting excursion options.

Mathura: Located around 47 km northwest of Agra, Mathura (or Brajbhoomi) is famous as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, an important deity in the Hindu religious pantheon. It is an important pilgrim place of the Hindus and one of the seven sacred cities in India. The main pilgrim center in Mathura is the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. Mathura is also an important craft center to be visited when you travel to Agra.

Vrindavan: Located about 10 km from Mathura lies Vrindavan. It is a place associated with the childhood exploits of Lord Krishna. There are scores of temples, memorial stones, shrines and hermitages of saints and follower's of Krishna. Some of the important spots to visit in Vrindavan are Govind Dev Temple and Rangaji Temple.

Gokul: Gokul, according to Hindu pythons, was the place where Lord Krishna was raised secretly. Gokul is located around 16 km south of Mathura and again a small place full of temples. Some of the important places worth visiting when you travel to Agra are Chaurasi Khamba, Utkhal and Brahmand Ghat.

Govardhan Hill: According to the legends, Lord Krishna lifted this small hillock to save the villagers from torrential rain caused by God Indra. The hillock is located 25 km away from Mathura.

Other Krishna Related Places: Entire Brajbhoomi is related in one or other way to the exploits of Lord Krishna. It is said that even in the dust of Brajbhoomi Lord Krishna is present. Some of the other important places related to Lord Krishna in this region are Bhandirvan, Keetham Lake, etc.

Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri was the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and 1584. Built by Emperor Akbar, this royal city is one of a kind. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them.

Ferozabad: For those interested in glass products, Ferozabad is worth a visit. Situated about 44 km away from Agra, this industrial city is famous for its glassware. You can buy products such as glass bangles and chandeliers in abundance here.

Bharatpur: The Keoladeo Ghana National Park or the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary lies between two of India's most historic cities, Agra and Jaipur. This north Indian wildlife sanctuary is situated in the country's northwestern state of Rajasthan, about 190 km from the national capital of Delhi.

Aligarh: Situated at a distance of 86 km from Agra, Aligarh is famous for being the home to the Aligarh Muslim University. The university was founded by Sir Syad Ahmad Khan in the 19th century. The city is also known for locks.