Taj Mahotsav 2010

Festival Time: 18th-27^th February, 2010

Venue: Shilpgram (500 meters from Taj Mahal), Agra

Significance: Cultural Craft Fair

Entry Ticket: Available on Entry Gate

Come Spring Season and the Taj City of India announces the festival of art, craft, culture and cuisine, all together. Introduced way back in 1992, Taj Mahotsav is one of its kind in the festival catalog of the country. The 10-day cultural event is organized by the Tourism Department of Uttar Pradesh. It welcomes artisans from different parts of the world and offers them a platform to display their talent before the countless visitors.

Cultural Extravaganza

Taj Mahotsav acts as a brilliant way to exhibit the color of Indian culture. Folk lore, classical dances and local music bands cast magic spell and captivate the mind of tourist visiting Agra. Poetry competitions, Nautanki and special dances programmes performed by the folks of Rajasthan, Maharashtra etc also add flavor to the festival spirit.

Scheduled Programmes during Taj Mahotsava 2010

Seven Sates Folk Dances : 18/02/2010

Punjabi Night : 19/02/2010

Ghazal Night : 20/02/2010

Sriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra : 21/02/2010

Folk Night : 22/02/2010

Dance Night : 23/02/2010

Classical Night : 24/02/2010

Qawaali : 25/02/2010

Melodious Night : 26/02/2010

Star Night : 27/02/2010

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Feel The Exotic Thrill In Delhi's Chill

Serene evenings of November, heavy rush in coffee or tea shops, alluring smell of roasted peanuts, corns and sweet potatoes marks the onset of a completely different season in the capital city of India. The season of dense fog mornings and shivering nights. Yes, its the winters in Delhi.

Alike other seasons, winter in Delhi is also very unique. Its the only season in the capital when large number of flights and trains get rescheduled. But, still Delhi'ites love the season a lot.

Despite the cold breeze and long traffic jams, people of this lovely city loves to hangout with friends and families. Even large number of foreign tourists likes to explore Delhi during winters as it enables them to get rid of the scorching sun rays of summer season. During winter evenings, India Gate,one of the perfect exemplar of British rule in India became the melting pot of people of various communities.

 Located in Lutyen's Delhi, India Gate chock-a-blocks with fun loving visitors. Every year on the occasion of New year i.e on 1st January, people from various corners of the city comes here to enjoy the cold weather while sipping a cup of hot tea. Some people even engage themselves in photograph clicking near India Gate and Amar Jyoti Jawan.
Another ideal way to laze out in a winter season is by involving oneself in boating. A fabulous boat ride on the shimmering waters of lake behind Purana Quilla will offer you to grasp the bright sun rays, beholding the beauty of Purana Quilla. Even you can hire a tonga and roam around the historical monuments of the city.

Winters also make it a nice time to visit the Mughal garden and Zoological Park in the city. Every year from 14th February to 28th February, Mughal Garden in Rashtrapati Bhawan remained open for the flower lovers. Its that time of the year when numerous colorful rose species, along with other exotic flowers blooms in the garden.

Some other common sights of Delhi's winter includes evening get-togethers, glamorous weddings, long queue in front of Omellete wallas, crowded shops of Sarojini or Lajput Nagar. So, don't restrict yourself under heavy blankets, come out and enjoy the chilling waves of Delhi's winter.

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How To Reach Taj Mahal?

Taj Mahal is counted in the Seven Wonders of the World and is also listed in the UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Taj Mahal is the finest attraction and the most popular tourist spot of India. It can be called as the loveliest token of love that holds its special place in the hearts of the people. There are various modes through which tourists can easily travel up to Agra.

Reaching Taj Mahal by Air:

Traveling to Agra to visit Taj Mahal the most desirable route can be via Delhi International Airport to Kheria Airport in Agra. International flights like Emirates, Swiss Air, Air Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Biman, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Ocean, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, Japanese Airlines, Aeroflot, TWI, Canadian Airlines all connect Delhi from all the major cities of the world. Domestic flights like Air India, Indigo Airlines and Air Deccan operates directly from New Delhi to Agra. Taj Mahal is situated 6 km away from the Airport from where taxis/cabs/auto-rickshaws can be taken easily to visit Taj Mahal.

Reaching Taj Mahal by Railways:

Agra is well connected excellently with Delhi with good trains like Shatabdi Express which takes 2 Hours, Taj Express that takes around 2.5 Hours and Intercity Express that takes approx. 3 Hours. Agra has mostly developed stations like Agra Cantt, Raja ki Mandi, Agra Fort Railway Station Idgah Railway Station. Other junctions like Tundla which is around 22 kms. And Mathura which is approx 50 kms. The most convenient way considered to visit Agra is from Delhi Railway Station. Tourists can also enjoy their time in Palace on Wheels which takes a halt at Agra while going to Rajasthan.

Reaching Taj Mahal by Roadways:

Roadways are also the great way to reach Agra. Visitors from Delhi, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura can always opt for luxury buses to reach Agra. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation also have the wide network of buses for the visitors of Taj Mahal.

Noida to Agra Yamuna Expressway:

The eight lane Yamuna Expressway is the famous Taj Expressway that would be soon activated from Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh) to Agra. The project has been targeted to be complete in 2010 and will be executed by Jaypee Group.

Distance of Agra from major cities:
- Mathura (58 kms)
Bharatpur (60 kms)
Gwalior (118 kms)
Delhi (203 kms)
Jaipur (236 kms)
Khajuraho (393 kms)

Local Transport to visit Taj Mahal

The hotels in Agra mostly conducts the tours for sightseeing tours. Auto-rickshaws, tongas, cycle-rickshaws and taxis are easily available in this area, with negotiable rates. The intercity buses also run from point to point basis. Both AC and non AC taxis and coaches are hired at Agra for local sightseeing.

Taj Mahal Tours

Many sightseeing tours are organized and the train leaves at 10 AM daily from Agra Cantt Railway Station. Tickets can be easily booked in advance from the Northern Railway Reservation Office.

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