AGRA

Agra, The City of Love: 

Agra (pronounced [ɑːɣrə] (help·info)) (Hindi: आगरा, Urdu: آگرا) is a city on the banks of the Yamuna River in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It finds mention in the epic Mahabharata when it was called Agrabana, or Paradise. Ptolemy, the famous 2nd century geographer, marked it on his map of the world as Agra. Tradition and legend ascribe the present city of Raja Badal Singh (around 1475) whose Fort, Badalgarh, Stood on or near the site of the present Fort. However, the 12th century Persian poet Salman writes of a desperate assault on the fortress of Agra, then held by one King Jaipal, by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni.[1] It was ruled by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in the year 1506. It achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Getting In

By Air

Agra Airport at Kheria is around 6 KM from the city centre, but is not very well connected. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi is the best option. Agra is very well connected to Delhi both by Rail and Road.

By Rail

Agra is on the main train line between Delhi (Station Code : NDLS) and Mumbai (Bombay) (Station Code : CSTM) and between Delhi and Chennai (Station Code : MAS) 

The luxury train - Palace on Wheels also stops at Agra on its eight day round trip of tourist destinations in Rajasthan and Agra.

By Road

Idgah Bus Stand is the biggest Bus Stand in Agra and is connected to most of the bigger cities in North India.

Climate:

Agra, located on the Indo-Gangetic plain has a continental sub-tropical climate, with long, hot summers from April to September when temperatures can reach as high as 45°C (113°F). During summers dry winds (loo) blow in this region. The monsoon months from July to September see about 67 cm (27 inches) of rainfall annually. Winters last from November to February, with day time temperatures comfortably warm, but temperatures below freezing are not uncommon during the night. Agra is also prone to dense fog during the winter month of December & January.

A major tourist destination, Agra is best visited in the months of October and November, and February and March, when the average temperatures are between 16-25°C (60-75°F) The monsoon season should be avoided by non-Indians due to the risk of disease and flooding, the months of April to June due to the extreme heat. The months of December and January are to be avoided due to the dense fog and often freezing temperatures, especially since much of the city has no heating system.

Taj Mahal

Agra's Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world, the mausoleum of Shah Jahan's favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the New 7 Wonders of the world, and one of three World Heritage Sites in Agra, the others being Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Completed in 1653 CE., the Taj Mahal is believed to have been built by the Mughal Badshah (king) Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Finished in marble, it is perhaps India's most fascinating and beautiful monument. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, masons and jewellers to build and is set amidst landscaped gardens. Built by the Persian architect, Ustad Isa, the Taj Mahal is on the bank of the Yamuna River. It can be observed like a mirage from the Agra Fort from where Emperor Shah Jahan stared at it, for the last eight years his life as a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb. It is a masterpiece of symmetry, seeming to be floating in the air from a distance, and each revealed as an illusion experienced as one enters through the main gate. Verses of the Holy Koran are inscribed on it and at the top of gate 22 small domes, signifying the number of years the monument took to build. The Taj Mahal was built on a marble platform that stands above a sandstone one. The most elegant dome of the Taj, with a diameter of 60 feet (18 m), rises 80 feet (24 m) over the building and directly under the dome is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan's tomb was erected next to hers by his son Aurangzeb. Fantastic inlay works using semi-precious stones decorate the interiors.

Opening Times: 6 A.M. to 7.30 P.M. (closed Fridays)

The 'Itmad-Ul-Daulah at Agra'

Empress Nur Jehan built Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, sometimes called the Baby Taj, for her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg, the Chief Minister of Emperor Jahangir. Located on the left bank of the Yamuna river, the mausoleum is set in a large cruciform garden criss-crossed by water courses and walkways. The mausoleum itself is set on a base about 50 meters square and about 1 meter high. The mausoleum is about 23 meters square. On each corner are hexagonal towers, about 13 meters tall. Small in comparison to many other Mughal-era tombs, it is sometimes described as a jewel box. Its garden layout and use of white marble, pietra dura, inlay designs and latticework presage many elements of the Taj Mahal.

The walls are white marble from Rajasthan encrusted with semi-precious stone decorations - cornelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx, and topaz in images of cypress trees and wine bottles, or more elaborate decorations like cut fruit or vases containing bouquets. Light to the interior passes through delicate jali screens of intricately carved white marble.

Agra Fort

Another world heritage site in Agra. Agra's dominant structure, the Agra Fort (sometimes called the Red Fort), was built by Akbar in 1565. Be Noted that a Stone Plate located at the Gate of Fort describes it to be built before 1000 and later renovated by Akbar. The red sandstone fort was renovated and converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time, and reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), and Musamman Burj.

The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 CE., although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. 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 moat surround the outer wall.
 

Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra

Sikandra, the last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great, is on Delhi-Agra Highway, is only 13 kilometres from the Agra Fort. Akbar's tomb reflects the completeness of his personality. The vast, beautifully carved, red-ochre sandstone tomb with deers, rabbits and langoor monkeys is set amidst a lush garden. Akbar himself planned his own tomb and selected a suitable site for it. To construct a tomb in one's lifetime was a Tartary custom which the Mughals followed religiously. Akbar's son Jahangir completed the construction of this pyramidal tomb in 1613.

Jama Masjid

Jami Masjid Mosque is a very simple mosque of red sandstone with little white marble decoration and blue colour paint wall and ceilings. It’s a huge mosque in the center of Agra surrounded by a great bazaar. The mosque was completely empty of any tourist, only one man praying and the little children at the Madrasa (Koran school). The Mosque Stands on a high plinth approached by stairs, and with five arched entrances to the courtyard, the mosque is crowned by three large sandstone domes distinguished by their zigzag bands of marble. It has well-balanced proportions and a courtyard surrounded by cloisters on three of its sides and the prayer chamber on its western side. Jami Masjid is beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles. The building comprises of pillared Dalan, a beautiful 'Chhajja' and the 'Chhatri' on the roof. The main Iwan of the building is rather simple and contains a central arch with geometrical designs.

National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary

The National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary in India was founded in 1979 and is part of a large area co-administered by the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, within an area of 5,400 square kilometres along the Chambal River. Approximately 400 km of the river is within the reserve, forming the core area. Apart from the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica), the other inhabitants of the sanctuary include magar (crocodile) and gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). Stretch of crystal clear water also supports Marsh Crocodile, Smooth-coated Otters (Lutrogale perspicillata), 6 species of Terrapins/Turtles plus 250 species of birds. Migratory birds from Siberia forms its rich avian fauna.One of the rare bird present here is Indian Skimmers. Black-bellied Terns, Red-crested Pochard and Ferruginous Pochard, Bar-headed Goose, Sarus Crane, Great Thick-knee, Indian Courser, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Greater Flamingos and Lesser Flamingos, Darters, and Brown Hawk Owl and many other birds are part of the sanctuary's rich fauna.The sanctuary is protected under India's Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

Food & Cuisine 

Agra is known for its traditional Mughlai cuisine. A traveler can find a number of eating-places across the city, depending on his budget. One can choose from makeshift restaurants in the Taj Ganj area to the luxury hotels in Agra, which are famous for their Mughlai dishes. Agra is famous for its local specialty, the peitha, which is sweet candied pumpkin. It has many options for restaurants and bars. All the luxury hotels has their own restaurants, an you can try other restaurants like Petals, Only, Metro bar etc. 

Hotels In Agra

Hotel Jaypee Palace Agra 
Hotel Mughal Sheraton Agra 
Hotel Taj View Agra 
Hotel Amarvilas Agra 
Hotel Holiday Inn Agra 
Hotel Howard Park Plaza Agra

Melbourne

Phillip Island Penguin Small Group Eco :

Observe and interact with Australian wildlife on this Phillip Island Penguin tour from Melbourne. Visit a boutique winery or chocolate factory, enjoy a picnic lunch and watch the fairy pengiuns at dusk waddling up the beach into their burrows in the sand dunes.

Trip Details:

First stop is the Gurdies boutique winery for wine tasting or followed by a guided tour of a fauna park, home to a range of native species including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and even tasmanian devils.

The final stop is on Phillip Island itself with a chance to visit Cape Woolamai Surf Beach and appreciate the spectacular coastline. Panoramic views include the Nobbies, a group of rugged rocks rising from the sea abundant in marine life and Seal Rocks, the home of Australia's largest fur seals population.

At dusk every evening the world's smallest penguins waddle ashore after spending the day fishing out at sea. Be truly enchanted as the stars of the show emerge from the surf and pass right before your eyes. To make this experience even more unforgettable, upgrade to either the Penguin Plus or the Ultimate Penguin Experience with optional scenic helicopter flights.

Schedule details
 
Departure Dates:Daily

Unavailable Dates:December 25 (Christmas Day)

Departure Point:Tour departs from your centrally located Melbourne hotel.

Departure Time:11.00am (April - October)
12.00pm (November - March)

Return Details:Tour returns to original departure point

Hotel Pickup:Hotel pickup is available from all Melbourne centrally located hotels. Please advise your full hotel name and address at time of booking.

Ultimate Penguin Experience:

An intimate personalized wildlife experience limited to 10 participants. View the little penguins waddle ashore from a secluded beach location. Moderate fitness is required as the 2km walk to the secluded beach locataion will be in the dark over rocky/sandy ground with a climb of 20+ stairs.
Penguins seasonal cycle:
Feb - Apr: Moulting
May - Jul: Nest Building
Aug - Oct: Egg laying
Nov - Jan: Chick Feeding

Pricing information:

Prices are listed as a guide only. For an exact price quote, select a date.
Infants aged under 4 years travel free of charge, providing they are not occupying a coach seat, excluding helicopter tours.
Child rates apply to children aged 5 to 12 years, excluding helicopter tours. 
Currency is set to AUD.
Our pricing is updated constantly to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Melbourne

Kingbilli Country Estate:

Come and discover a living, breathing landscape where nature, at its most serene, soothes the senses and seeps into the soul.

At Kingbilli Country Estate time stands still... the world and its worries forgotten... and sitting in the gazebo at dusk, lulled by a serenade of waterhens, wood-ducks and reedwarblers, the sunset reflected in the reed fringed pond, it's easy to see why some folk would like to stay forever.

Property Description:
Home to nearly 200 species of native birds and wildlife, this naturally beautiful environment creates an idyllic hideaway for travellers wishing to experience the magic of the Australian bush.
Set in an atmosphere of ecological harmony, Kingbilli's secluded bluestone cottages are fully self-contained, providing the perfect base from which birdwatchers and wildlife lovers may explore their surroundings. Soaring timber ceilings, soft leather furnishings, stone walls and slate floors bring the textures of nature to the interior. Open fires and private spas add to the romantic setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal heavily landscaped gardens, designed with feathered friends in mind. Each cottage is totally private and independent, with the only likely company being King Parrots on the window sill, or a lazy Wombat waddling by the verandah.

Special Features:
Activities are plentiful and bush-lovers seeking a memorable experience will enjoy a guided Llama Eco-Trek through 'Blue Gully', Kingbilli's private wildlife sanctuary. Carrying delectable picnics in their saddlebags, gently humming Llamas lead the way through shaded trails to a hilltop spot with breathtaking views across the Cathedral Valley to the Great Dividing Range. 

In the evening, jacuzzi fans can engage in conversation with a cheeky Brushtail Possum as she scampers by to steal her supper roses from the garden, whilst tennis players may be partnered by some large-footed team-mates, in the form of resident Kangaroos.

Accomodation Details:

Number of Units: 3 cottages
Maximum number of Guests: 9
Bathroom Facilities: Ensuite
Suitable for Children: Yes - Studio Cottage
Disabled access: No
Smoking restrictions: No
Guest Pets Allowed: No

Description of Rooms/Units: 

Honeymoon Cottage has soaring timber ceilings and a romantic loft-style bedroom opening onto a private balcony with panoramic views across the valley to the ranges. Old-fashioned casement windows, a country-style kitchen and soft leather furnishings complement the stone and slate, there's a large open fireplace and in the bathroom is a deep luxurious twin spa bath.

Ballards Hideaway has leadlight windows, a brass-canopied open fire, french doors to a rose covered verandah, and a jacuzzi in the garden beyond.

The Studio is hidden by heavily landscaped gardens, this building has its own walk-bridge, fernpool, waterfall, heated garden jacuzzi and private island gazebo. A second bedroom has three single beds.

Tariff: 
Two night weekend packages $490 per couple
Two night midweek packages $440 per couple
Seven night packages $1290 per couple
Other package combinations are also available.
Minimum Stay: Two night minimum booking at all times
Deposit: 50% at time of booking
Cancellation Terms: Written cancellation 30 days prior incurs $150 booking fee. No refunds for cancellations less than 30 days.
Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Bankcard

Information:

Address: Cathedral Lane, Taggerty, VIC 3714

Tel: (+613 or 03) 5774 7302

Property Setting: Located in the beautiful Cathedral Valley on the banks of Little River.

Hours/KMs from Melbourne: 1.5 hours / 109 km

Nearest main town: Alexandra or Marysville

The Sundarbans

In the south western part of Bangladesh, in the district of greater Khulna, lies the Sundarbans, "the beautiful forest." It is a virgin forest which until recently owed nothing to human endeavour and yet nature has laid it out with as much care as a planned pleasure ground. For miles and miles, the lofty treetops form an unbroken canopy, while nearer the ground, works of high and ebb-tide marked on the soil and tree trunks and the many varieties of the natural mangrove forest have much to offer to an inquisitive visitor.

The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world's. And as it is the unusual forest, UNESCO listed it as World Heritage Site

The Sundarbans is a cluster of islands with an approximate area of 3600 sq. km. forming the largest block of littoral forests. It's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, rhesus monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, gopatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans.

This is indeed a land for the sportsmen. the anglers and the photographer with its abundance of game. big and small, crocodile. wild b ar. deer, pythons. wild birds and above all the Royal Bengal iger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful. For the less adventurou5ly inclined, there are ducks and snipes. heron and coots. yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for t e ordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander aroun at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich t easure that nature has so fondly bestowed.

Major Attractive Spots
The Sundarbans is an abundant natural resource for a number of leisure, travel and research activities. hese include wild life photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wild life viewing, boating inside the forest, wild call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood- cutters and honey-collectors. Peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the riverine beauty are a few of the treasures that greet the visitors.

Below is a list of famous places to be kept in mind for the wildlife spotter :

• Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty.

• Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provide opporunities for wild tracking.

• Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer.

• DubJar Char (Island) for fishermen. It is a beautiful island where herds of spotted deer are often seen to graze.

Flora and Fauna
The Sundarbans is endowed by nature with rich flora and fauna. It is a wonderful place to see or to shoot a Royal Bengal Tiger with Camera if one has the time to wait in the forest. There are a good number of tigers in the Sundarbans. Lovely spotted deer are easy to find. Besides there is a wide variety of wild life for which the Sundarbans is so famous.

Life Inside The Forest
Only means of transportation inside the forest is by boat. There is no road or no trail of a path anywhere! The wood-cutters make temporary dwellings at the edge of the forest at a height of 8-10 feet for fear of wild animals, others live on boats. In the Chandpai region it is fascinating to see the nomadic fishermen (living with families on boats) catching fish with the help of trained otter. Exciting activities take place in Dublar Char in the forest when fishermen from Chittagong gather for four months (mid Oct. to mid Feb. ) to catch and dry fish. But the most daring and exciting fall activities is presented by the honey-collectors who work in groups for just two months (April-May) and it is interesting to see how they locate a hive and then collect honey.

Guided Tours
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation offers all-inclusive guided package tours from Dhaka to Sundarbans and return during the tourist season (October to March) for groups (minimum 10 persons).

For details please contact: Manager (Tours), Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, 233 Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1 215, Phone 325155-59. Telex 642206 TOUR BJ.

Darwin

The average temperature during the really hot period is 31.9 °C or 89 °F whilst the cooler months it averages 23.2 °C or 74 °F. Most of the tourism to Darwin occurs in the cooler months as it is just to hot during the summer. But when you go on holiday its better if you are in a tropical climate and Darwin certainly has that to offer.

The Charles Darwin National Park:

This Park protects areas of natural and cultural significance. It protects part of the Port Darwin wetland, one of Australia's most significant wetlands. It protects locally significant woodlands too. 

Port Darwin is recognised as a nationally significant wetland because it is large, (48 sq. km) and diverse. Thirty-six of the N.T.'s 51 mangrove species occur in its convoluted system of inlets, islands and bays. 

The Park lies on Frances Bay in Port Darwin, and includes the western bank of Sadgroves Creek, Reichardt Creek and part of Blessers Creek. Housing and industrial estates are its neighbours. 

Although this Park is new, the land has history. Shell middens in the area show that Aboriginal people have used the land for thousands of years. Today, the Larrakia people speak for this land.

The Great Ghan Rail Journeys:

Since World War 2 Darwin has been without rail adventures, their train tracks fading to ruin from disuse. Now the journey continues, with a 47 hour, 2979 km transcontinental trip from Darwin to Adelaide and vice-versa on new tracks laid in 2003. 

This amazing journey will take guests from the wonderful towns and historic buildings of South Australia to the arid Desert Region of Central Australia and on to the Tropical Top End town of Darwin. Such a contrast of scenery, bound to keep travellers amazed and fascinated by the passing views. What better way to see the real outback of Australia? 

The Ghan boasts three types of accommodation from the budget conscious day/night sleeper, to their Red Kangaroo sleeper and for true luxury they offer Gold Kangaroo Service which includes meals, double or single accommodation, access to the Gold Kangaroo lounge and chairmans car for seating of 8 people in style and comfort.

Sky City Casino:

An Australian casino vcation at Star City Casino Darwin is such a hit with Tourists they even have conveniently located foreign currency exchange booths, so you don’t have to worry about wasting your time searching for one is Darwin City

The gambling on offer at Star City Casino Darwin is a combination of the old favourites and new games that will get your heart pumping and really try your luck with Caribbean Stud Poker , Baccarat, Roulette, Perfect Pairs, Blackjack, Two Up, Money Wheel, Dice and many other games you are certain to find your lucky game.

From fine dining, to authentic Asian or a sumptuous all you can eat buffet, Star City Casino Darwin has the perfect culinary delight for you and your family at any time of the day. No matter what you feel like one of the many restaurants will be there to fill every whim and make the experience a truly memorable one.

Katherine Region:

Stretching 480,000sqkm from Dunmarra in the south to the Daly River region in the north and from the Queensland border in the east to the Western Australian border in the west — visit to this vast, beautiful region will unearth a wide range of nature and culture-based touring options.

Here, 300km south of Darwin, you can experience all the outback has to offer.

The magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge National Park, Borroloola, the Gulf Region across the Roper River, Elsey National Park, Mataranka Thermal Pools, the majestic Victoria River region, Pine Creek and the Douglas and Daly River areas — the list of highlights in this area are plentiful.

Ideally positioned as a base from which to explore all the Top End has to offer, Katherine is the located only a couple of hours from Kakadu, Litchfield and Gregory National Parks.

So, whether its catching a famous Territory barramundi you've come to do, come eye-to-eye with a saltwater crocodile, canoe the mighty Katherine Gorge or simply kick back and soak in mineral-rich hot springs, you'll find it in the Katherine region.

Kakadu National Park:

Kakadu National Park is a world-class visitor destination, and has been identified as a key element of one of Australia's National Landscapes - those iconic areas that capture and promote the best of Australia.

The name 'Kakadu' comes from an Aboriginal floodplain language called Gagudju which was one of the languages spoken in the north of the park at the beginning of the twentieth century. Although languages such as Gagudju and Limilngan are no longer regularly spoken, descendants of these language groups are still living in Kakadu. Aboriginal languages used in the Park today include Kunwinjku from the north-eastern region, Gun-djeihmi from the central region and Jawoyn from the southern region.

Kakadu National Park is managed jointly by its Aboriginal traditional owners and the Director of National Parks. The traditional owners are proud to share their country with visitors.