Agra is among India’s most popular tourist destinations because to its enormous history along with cultural heritage. The TajMahal along with the other world-famous sites might be located in a city. However, TajMahal is a one of the Agra’s many attractions. So, you should plan 3 to 4 day trip for agra. You can consider staying at resorts as resorts in Agra provide comfortable accommodation for visitors. Every visitor should include these 4 Agra attractions in their itinerary:

1.   TajMahal

On a Yamuna River’s southern bank, near the city of Agra, is where you may find the TajMahal. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ordered its construction between 1632 and 1653 AD as the last resting place for his cherished bride, MumtazMahal. While giving birth to their 14th child, MumtazMahal passed away. Shah Jahan, the emperor, was devastated by his wife’s passing and made the decision to honor her by creating a monument of unparalleled beauty and majesty. To plan and build the TajMahal, he hired architects from the Persia, and Ottoman Turkey, along with the Islamic world.

To include features like expansive arched entryway, symmetrical layout, domes, and minarets, they were inspired by Persian as well as Islamic architectural traditions. The building’s construction required 22,000 employees and more than 20 years. On the walls, pillars, and tombs, along with intricate patterns as well as verses from a Quran were carved using semi-precious stones such lapis lazuli, jade, crystal, and mother-of-pearl. For its exquisite carvings, impeccable symmetry, and magnificent beauty, the TajMahal is known. The cenotaphs of MumtazMahal and Emperor Shah Jahan are located inside the main tomb. The compound also features a guest house, mosque, and symmetrical garden.

2.   Agra Fort

Just 2.5 kilometers west of the famous TajMahal in a city of Agra stands the enormous brick fort known as Agra Fort. Emperor Akbar began building the fort in the year 1565 AD, as well as his successors continued the project. Over time, it developed into the Mughal monarchs’ primary palace until Shah Jahan moved the capital to Delhi in 1638. The fort has walls over 2.5 kilometers long and 20 feet height that cover an area of the 5.5 square kilometers. Several opulent palaces and buildings that exhibit the best Mughal architecture and workmanship may be found behind these intimidating walls.

The fort’s JahangiriMahal as well as KhasMahal, which served as royal homes, are two of its most renowned buildings.  The emperor spoke to the people at the Diwan-i-Aam, or public audience hall. The TajMahal may be seen from the fort in all its glory across the Yamuna River. The gleaming white marble mausoleum may be seen from a fort’s ramparts on the clear day. One may get a sense of how the Mughals lived by seeing the fort’s elaborate palaces and courtyards, from the richness of the royal quarters to how the fort functions on a daily basis. The fort is still in excellent shape and gives visitors a peek into the world of the Mughal rulers.

3.   Itimad-ud-Daulah

A stunning marble mausoleum called Itimad-ud-Daulah may be seen across the Yamuna River from the TajMahal. Due to its resemblance to the TajMahal’s famous architectural features, it is also known as the “Baby Taj” and is regarded as its forerunner. In honor of her father MirzaGhiyas Beg, NurJahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, ordered the construction of the mausoleum in 1622. The mausoleum, which is made entirely of the white marble, is notable for its elaborate pietradura craftsmanship and usage of semi-precious stones. Lapis lazuli, and topaz, as well as malachite, along with coral, and the mother-of-pearl are used to carve floral designs and phrases from the Quran into the outside of the building.

This showcases the exquisite lapidary and stone inlay work that became a hallmark of Mughal architecture. Inside the tomb, the marble walls and ceilings are decorated with beautiful pietradura patterns and verses from the Quran. An octagonal marble screen surrounds the cenotaphs of MirzaGhiyas Beg and his wife inside the main chamber. Whatlainlaid with stones, creating images of flowers and vines. The interior is much smaller in scale compared to the TajMahal but no less impressive with its intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.

4.   MehtabBagh

MehtabBagh is a scenic garden located across the Yamuna River from the TajMahal in Agra. As per historical records, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had this site developed so he could admire the beauty of the TajMahal, the tomb of his beloved wife MumtazMahal, from a distance. He would spend time here taking in the mesmerizing views of the monument reflected in the river waters, best experienced during full moon nights. That is how the garden got its name – MehtabBagh, which translates to “Moonlight Garden”. The emperor would enjoy gazing at the illuminated white marble mausoleum under the moonlight from this location.

Over the centuries, the garden fell into disuse but in recent times has been meticulously restored to resemble its former glory. Spread over 12 hectares along the riverbank, the garden follows Mughal-style charbagh principles with symmetrical layouts. Pathways lined with flowering trees and fountains divide the space into squares and rectangles. At the center lies a large platform that offers uninterrupted views of the TajMahal across the river. Being located right opposite the monument, this vantage point allows visitors a unique perspective to appreciate and photograph the TajMahal from its riverfront angle, which is not possible from within the Taj complex due to heavy tourist crowds.

Living in resorts in Agraallows you to taste the high-end lifestyle of the Mughals along with its unique cuisine. The city offers a glimpse into India’s glorious Mughal past through its iconic monuments, palaces and forts. While the TajMahal is undoubtedly the crown jewel, exploring places like the Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah, MehtabBagh and FatehpurSikri provides unique perspectives on Mughal architecture, history and culture. Taking the time to visit some of Agra’s lesser known attractions helps appreciate this city in all its diversity. You can stay at one of the resorts in agraallows travelers to fully experience all that this historical city has to offer. The monuments should not be missed for a more well-rounded understanding of Agra’s rich heritage.

ITA Airways presented its new marketing campaign called “A Sky Full of Italy” to local media representatives and stakeholders during a press event that took place at the Consulate General of Italy in New York. The presentation was held in the presence of Fabrizio Di Michele, Consul General of Italy, Giovanni Perosino, Chief Marketing Officer ITA Airways and Massimo Allegri, Regional Manager Americas ITA Airways.

On the occasion, the Consul General Fabrizio Di Michele stated, “We are delighted to host the presentation of ITA Airways new marketing campaign. Its nonstop connections to the United States are important, as they bring America even closer to Italy and allow us to strengthen not only tourist flows but also economic, cultural and people-to-people relations between our two countries.”

With the goal to become the preferred airline for travel to and from Italy, the new campaign shows how the things that people are searching for when they are thinking of Italy can be found already onboard and how ITA Airways is able to provide an amazing Italian customer experience.

The starting point was to learn and understand what people look for when searching about Italy and this was achieved thanks to the support from Google, who shared key insights from Google Search Trends from around the world and specifically from the US related to Italy.

Visually, the most iconic and universally recognized symbol of where people go to find information, the “search bar”, was creatively used throughout the campaign. So, passengers can find onboard the ITA Airway aircraft “the Italy they are searching for, before they even touch the ground” whether that be food, style or design, and enjoy in advance of arriving in Italy the full all-around Italian experience that they will discover upon landing.

This concept is also expressed in the new payoff ‘A Sky Full of Italy’, also launched with this new campaign.

It kicks off in San Francisco and Los Angeles, where it will be aired for about a month. From September 28th the campaign will debut in Boston and Washington and continue starting October 5th in New York and Miami.

The campaign will be visible on the main streaming TV platforms and will be running on digital billboards in key areas in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, on completely personalized buses in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, on a digital double-sided boat in Miami and, through a significant digital and online presence in all cities.

As a global campaign, it was launched earlier in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, France, and Spain. In fall, it will be debuting in Israel, India and Japan.

With 6 destinations in North America served with nonstop flights – including New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles and the recently launched Washington and San Francisco – the United States is the first international market for ITA Airways and the most strategic one after Italy, as well as the country with the highest number of citizens of Italian origin. Direct flights from North America to Italy are not only means for leisure and business travel but also “bridges” connecting the broader Italian community in the United States.

All ITA Airways flights can be purchased on  ita-airways.com or through the Company’s call center, travel agencies and airport ticket offices.

Royal Caribbean’s monthly video series: “Making an Icon: Creating Flavors for Everyone (Part 2: Dining)” has officially launched.

Hope you are hungry! Take a look at what it takes to create more than 20 ways to dine on the highly anticipated vacation Icon of the Seas. After years of research, 100-plus tastings and showcases, watch how it all came down to three ingredients – variety, convenience and choice – to serve up memories for every occasion while on vacation.

From restaurants to walk-up windows, casual to upscale, live music to chefs who put on a show, Icon will feature choices for every type of adventurer – of any age – that match the lineup of thrills, ways to chill and family adventures on board. Highlights include: AquaDome Market, Basecamp, Empire Supper Club, Izumi in the Park, Pier 7, Surfside Bites,  and Surfside Eatery.

For more information, visit here.

This news is so fresh and fabulous!

Holland America Line this week in New York City hosted an intimate tasting with legendary Chef Masaharu Morimoto to honor the innovative and new global fresh fish program.

Holland America Line’s “Fresh Fish Ambassador,” was on hand and in the kitchen as he brought his signature style to curated dishes. Guests at the lavish affair were served in the ships’ special dishes that will in Dining Rooms this fall, as well as in a new pop-up restaurant available fleetwide by early 2024.

At the party the program that showcases Morimoto’s dishes was on full display and provided delicious tastes that were mastered to perfection.

Delectable creations that will be on menus for a supplemental charge fleetwide include “Fresh Black Cod Yuzu,” “Morimoto Epice Lobster Tails” and “Fresh Halibut XO.”

“Embarking on this type of culinary journey at sea is a first for me, and I am excited to bring my passion for fresh fish and fresh ingredients onto Holland America Line’s fleet,” said Chef Morimoto. “I chose to partner with Holland America Line because we share a commitment and passion for fresh and regionally inspired foods, and you will see that come to life in the special dishes and pop-up experience we’ve created together.”

Fresh Black Cod Yuzu is made with yogurt miso pickle vegetables, kimchi eggplant, fried rice and garlic soy; Morimoto Epice Lobster Tails with lemon foam, seasonal vegetables and Morimoto Epice; and Fresh Halibut XO with Asian vegetables, dried shrimp and scallop XO sauce. Each one is dynamic and creates an elevated culinary experience.

The pioneering initiative engages a global network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish on board in all restaurants, going from port to plate in less than 48 hours. As the first cruise line to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board its ships in Alaska, Holland America Line is now taking fresh fish worldwide. Under the new program, the cruise line will offer guests fresh fish and ingredients native to various regions, yielding destination-inspired menus and local specialties that tell the story of each itinerary through cuisine.

The ‘Morimoto by Sea’ pop-up is set to be featured on every ship beginning in November. Holland America Line guests can indulge in a full Chef Morimoto experience with an exclusive pop-up restaurant: “Morimoto by Sea.” The restaurant and its menu of artfully presented dishes and beverages will take over Tamarind or Pinnacle Grill, depending on the ship, at least once per cruise. Offered to guests for a $55 per person cover charge, the experience will include a multi-course menu, along with vegetarian and vegan selections.

Additionally, an evening at “Morimoto by Sea” is a multi-course dinner that celebrates the fresh fish program with inspired cuisine for a broad range of palates. “Morimoto by Sea” also showcases Chef Morimoto’s exclusive alcoholic beverages including Morimoto Brut Rosé and Sake Junmai Morimoto that complement his fresh dishes. The pop-up restaurant will be open fleetwide by early 2024.

‘Morimoto by Sea’ menu items include a Sushi Plate: (Vegetarian can be requested.) Nigiri with salmon, hamachi, hotate, maki with ebi tempura, Dungeness California, salmon shikai maki; Morimoto Fresh Tuna Pizza: Anchovy aioli, kalamata olive, red onion, jalapeno for appetizers. Main courses are such a Crispy Fried Whole Market Fresh Fish: Sweet spicy chili sauce, pickle vegetables; Ishiyaki Buri Bop: Fresh Pacific yellowtail on rice, cooked at the tableside in a hot stone bowl; and Shrimp Three Way “Morimoto Style:” Tempura, panko, arare-age, tartar, tonkatsu and gochujang sauce.

There is also an incredible Alcoholic Beverage program (by bottle & glass) with the fantastic sample selections of Morimoto Brut Rosé, Sake Junmai Daiginjo Morimoto, and more.

Full details about the global fresh fish program can be found at https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/onboard-experiences/dining/fresh-fish.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Photos courtesy Holland America Line 

The Delaware Water Gap encompasses nearly 70,000 acres of breathtaking scenery along 40 miles of the Delaware River, which winds through the Appalachian Mountains. It encompasses both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is a wonderful day trip from New York City.

The park features waterfalls and many outdoor activities, including canoeing, hiking, camping, swimming, biking, cross-country skiing, fishing and more.

Silver Thread Falls

Silver Thread Falls is a waterfall that is passed on the way to see Dingmans falls. It is also located in upper Pennsylvania less than 0.5 miles (0.80 km) from Dingmans Falls via the boardwalk. This waterfall very steep, it has a drop of about 80 feet (24 m) with a narrow channel constructed by prominent rock-joints faces. The volume of flow is much less than of Dingmans Falls.

Dingmans Falls

Dingmans Falls is the second highest waterfall in the state of Pennsylvania with a plunge of 130 feet (40 m). It is located at the northern end of the park. There is a beautiful boardwalk that leads you to the base of the Waterfall where you can see the 80-foot (24 m) cascading drop. This boardwalk is roughly 0.5 miles (0.80 km) long and only takes you to the base of the fall. the broad walk include the sites of Dingmans Falls and Silverthread Falls. You can continue on up a series of stairs to the waterfall and see the entire 130-foot (40 m) plunge from the birds eye view. The best time to go see this waterfall is about 24 hours after a good rain then it will be flowing fast a steady. This is most known waterfall of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Park.

Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls of New Jersey. A dirt road (closed to vehicles in the winter) goes past its base. A series of steps lead to observation platforms further up the waterfall, which is nearly 100 feet (30 m) high. A trail continues eastward from the topmost platform, reaching the Appalachian Trail, about 1,100 feet (340 m) higher in elevation than the base of the falls, in about 1.4 miles (2.3 km). The waterfall is near the north end of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in New Jersey.

We did not visit the following waterfalls:

Factory Falls located on the George W. Childs Park Trail in Pennsylvania, it follows Dingmans Creek so you are very close to Dingmans falls. The Brooks Family ran a woolen mill from 1823 to 1832 next to this fall, the remains of the mill can be seen next to the fall. You will take a single path through the woods that runs on both sides of the creek that is roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 km) in length. This waterfall is the first one in a set of three that is on this traill. Factory Falls drops twice and makes a 90 degree turn with the creek.
Fulmer Falls is the second waterfall you will see on the George W. Childs Park Trail in Pennsylvania right after Factory Falls. This fall is 56 feet (17 m) tall and is the largest in George W. Childs Park. This waterfall has a unique feature of falling in a semi-circular basin of rock and then flowing downstream. The base of this waterfall is not accessible unless the fence is jumped, this is not prohibited.

The third last fall of the trail of George W. Childs Park is Deer Leap Falls. There is a bridge over top of the falls that gives it a very majestic look. The fall itself can be seen from all sides well including above because the bridge allows site-seers to walk on top of the fall. There is a very large wide shallow pool at the bottom of the fall, swimming and wading are not permitted. However this does not stop a lot of people from getting into the water for a selfie. The walk back is about 0.75 miles (1.21 km) before the parking area is back in view.
There are eight waterfalls in and more than 2 miles (3.2 km) of trail for these 300 acres (120 ha) located in Pennsylvania also near the top of Delaware Water Gap National Recreational park. The drop of the main fall of Bushkill Falls is about 100 feet (30 m). While the drop from the first falls to the bottom of the lower gorge is about 300 feet (91 m). This set of falls is on privately owned land, and has an admission charge. They are advertised with the slogan “The Niagara of Pennsylvania”.
Raymondskill Falls are a series of three cascading waterfalls located on Raymondskill Creek in Pike County, Pennsylvania that is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. The three tiers of Raymondskill Falls have a combined height of approximately 150 feet (46 m).
And last is Van Campens Glen Falls is the terminus of the Lower Van Campens Glen trail hike near Walpack, NJ. The top of the falls features a deep, large pool that cascades down a slanted rock face. The areas surrounding the upper pool require extreme caution as this area has been responsible for numerous accidents and deaths in years past. ^[14]The trail itself features a densely covered hemlock ravine that hosts various delicate plants and species of wildlife. The root systems at the base of many of the hemlocks have been damaged due to high foot traffic in the area. This, in addition to storm damage and a lack of funding, has led the National Park Service and Department of the Interior to close the Lower Van Campens Glen trail indefinitely, due to public hazard, as of Spring 2019.

Expect to walk at least a mile and climb stairs, but the serenity and the beauty can not be surpassed.