Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal and capital of the erstwhile Mughal empire. Agra is also the gateway to the legendary Braj region, the land of Lord Krishna.

The Yamuna river flows by Agra and this ancient city sets the right mood to embark on a journey on the Heritage Arc.

The Taj Mahal is a shining monument in marble, a tribute to the imagination of a great emperor who gave to the world a symbol of eternal love.

The Taj Mahal gives untold opportunities to the visitor to explore the architecture, stone work, inlay work, marble embroidery, woodwork and other examples of man’s artistic ingenuity that has gone into its making.

“Prayagraj is one of the holiest cities of Uttar Pradesh. This city crowned in ancient scriptures as “Prayag” or “Prayagraj” of “Teerthraj”. Till few years back the city known as “Allahabad” but recently it was renamed to its ancient name as “Prayagraj” and is considered the holiest pilgrimage center.

It is here that three mighty rigvers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati join at the Sangam. The Kumbh every six years and Mahakukbh every 12 years are the largest gatherings of pilgrims on this earth

It is not only a pilgrimage centre, but also an important literary, educational, historical and cultural centre. The city has played an important part in the formation of modern India.

Akbar's Fort on the bank of Ganga and All Saint’s Cathedral are just two of the amazing monuments in this city bustling with pilgrims and visitors throughout the year.

The city has been witness to many important events in India's freedom struggle such as emergence of the first Indian National Congress in 1885, the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violence movement in 1920. Bundelkhand

Bundelkhand is a geographic region of central India. The region is now divided between the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with the larger portion lying in the latter.

The region was the site of the ancient Chedi Kingdom. The name of the region derives from the Bundela Rajputs, who succeeded the Chandel Rajputs as the rulers of the region in the 16th century.

Famed in Hindu mythology, Chitrakoot is celebrated in ballads and the scriptures for its natural beauty and close association with the epic Ramayan

It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama and Sita spent their 14 years of exile and where the Sage Atri and Sati Anasuya meditated.

This holy town along the Mandakini river is spread over U.P. and Madhya Pradesh

The riverside is lined with ghats and the town dotted with several temples.

Hanuman Dhara, Kamad Giri, Sphatik Shila and Ram Ghat are must-see places in and around Chitrakoot Dudhwa National Park

This National Park is home to tigers, leopards, varieties of deer and antelopes, elephants and birds

A quiet, tranquil and green nest in the Tarai foothills about 230 km from Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, lies in the middle of the Heritage Arc. This bustling city, famed for its Nawabi era finesse and amazing food, is a unique mix of the ancient and the modern. It is home to some extraordinary monuments depicting a fascinating blend of ancient, colonial and oriental architecture.

Lucknow was the epicentre of the 1857 War of Independence, and much before that, it was the seat of a line of nawabs who gave the city its unique identity.

Literature, cuisine, performing arts and tehzeeb put Lucknow a cut above the rest – and the world acknowledges it.

Among the magnificent monuments are Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Kaiserbagh Heritage Zone, Residency, Dilkusha … and many more.

Chikan and zardozi embroidery have made Lucknow a brand in global fashion

Kababs and biryani are just two of a fantastic range of delicacies that beckon visitors again and again

According to several recorded facts, the Mirzapur was established by the British East India Company in 1735 while the civilization at here was found in 5000 BCE. As a proof of the existence of the lower Paleolithic age culture, the artifacts of prehistoric caves, the painted rocks and other evidences in the Belan River Valley (Belan River, Halia).

Here we can find the evidences that are more than 17000 BCE. Some interesting petroglyphs in the sandstone of the Vindhya range are found in Morhana Pahar in Mirzapur district. The depictions of chariots, horses, weapons and people in these works have given rise varied interpretations and findings by historians.

One of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage centres in the world, Sarnath, is located just 10 km away from Varanasi. It is believed that after attaining nirvana (enlightenment), Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon here, sanctified as the Maha Dharma Chakra Pravartan Sutra.

Dhamekh Stupa marks the spot where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon

Chaukhandi Stupa is where Lord Buddha met his first five disciples.

A metallic pillar established by emperor Ashoka in 272-273 BC marks the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha. The pillar is 50 m high and has a symbol of four lions on top of it, called the Lion Capital. It is the emblem of the Republic of India.

Ancient land where icons of Mahabharat era are found besides the famous Shiv Dwar and Renukeshwar temple

For thehe nature-lovers a trip to Lakhaniya and Mukkha falls besides the amazing Fossil Park are a rare treat

The Vijaygarh fort is a symbol of the might of the ancient rulers of this region

The cave paintings in the region are of great antiquity

Varanasi is among the oldest living cities in the world and its antiquity finds place in ancient scriptures. Located along the Ganga it is a sacred place for all Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.

Varanasi is believed to be the greatest tirth (pilgrimage) between earth and heaven and for a Hindu, to visit Varanasi and take a dip in the Ganga is a must in life time.

The combination of Kashi, the holy city, Ganga the holy river and Lord Shiva, the Supreme God, makes Varanasi an immortal destination.

It is a crucible of religious, spiritual and academic thought and beliefs of Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It has always been a great cultural centre notably in the field of learning, religion, philosophy, Yoga, Ayurveda, astrology, music, literature and spirituality.

Life on the the ghats of the Ganga and the evening Ganga arti change the way you see the holy river

The fabled Banarsi silk saree and carpets have made the city a big name in global markets

A morning spent at the ghats and temples is a spiritually cleansing experience.

The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan are about 55 km from Agra.

In and around this heart of Braj bhumi, are spots and symbols that immerse your trip in spiritualism.

The twin cities personify the legend of Lord Krishna, with folklore, cultural traditions. Even the day-to-day life here is filled with a divine presence.

Amidst the mesmerizing temples, gardens, music, art and dances, the legend of Lord Krishna comes alive in all its colour and glory – every day.

The Charkula dance, Raasleela and the lilting folk music recreate the aura of devotion and love.

The historical treasures at the Mathura Museum are like a window to the glorious past.