Tourism

One of Hinduism's seven sacred cities, Mathura is the birthplace of the very beloved Lord Krishna. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Mathura and Vrindavan are often considered twin cities (located only 10km away from each other). Mathura is a small town dotted with temples from various ages and attracts a horde of pilgrims from all over the world.

One side of Mathura is stretched across the Yamuna River, lined with 25 ghats, which are best visited during dawn when you can witness locals and tourists taking a holy dip, and at dawn (just after the sunset) when hundreds of diyasare floated during the daily aarti.

The best way to explore Mathura is by taking a walk around the streets of the city. Every nook and cranny of this religious town still retains an old-world charm that belies the urbanization the city has kept up with. There is a lot of history to Mathura that you can experience only by exploring the old-fashioned architecture, the crumbling ruins of old houses, and the genial amiability of the locals who are always willing to show you around.

It is not possible to think of a city as old as Mathura and imagine it not having a delicious history of street food! Don’t forget to try out local snacks like kachodis, aloo-puri and chaat, which are available at any and all eateries lining the streets. Jalebis and gulab-jamuns are also very popular local street food items that are available at all shops throughout the day.

Mathurais just 14 minutes drive from the conference venue –GLA University.

"Lord Krishna's childhood abode"

One of the oldest cities on the banks of Yamuna, Vrindavan is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for the devotees of Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishna had spent his childhood in Vrindavan. The name of the city has been derived from Vrinda(meaning basil) and van (meaning grove) which perhaps refer to the two small groves at Nidhivanand Seva Kunj. Since Vrindavan is considered to be a sacred place, a large number of people come here to abandon their worldly life.

The city of Vrindavan hosts hundreds of Lord Krishna and Radha temples scattered throughout, the most famous ones being Banke Bihari temple and the world-famous ISKCON temple. The vibrant surroundings perfectly depict the playful and benevolent nature of Lord Krishna. Located along the waters of River Yamuna, the numerous temples set amidst the thick woods and lush greenery of Vrindavan are the major attractions here.

Vrindavan is just 10 minutes drive from the conference venue –GLA University.

Located just outside the city of Agra in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is among the most beautiful architectural masterpieces in the world. A symbol of love and tragedy, the iconic mausoleum was ordered by Shah Jahan, a Mughal ruler, to be built in honourof his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal was for her to commemorate their marriage and her death in childbirth. It is said his hair had turned grey overnight following the devastation he felt after her death. A year following her tragic death, he commissioned the most beautiful mausoleum on Earth as a testament of his love for her.

Construction began in 1630. A total of about 20,000 workers from India and Central Asia got to work on it. Expert masons, craftsmen, sculptors, and calligraphers were summoned from Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and even Europe to work on the marble screens and inlays which were done with an exquisite collection of semiprecious stones. The complex was finally completed in the year 1653. Sadly, after it was finished, the Emperor was overthrown by his son and lived the rest of his days imprisoned in a cell with a window overlooking his own creation. He died in 1666 and was buried next to his wife in the Taj Mahal.

The magnificent mausoleum was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Taj Mahal is about 90 minutes drive from the conference venue –GLA University.

The capital of India, Delhi is a cosmopolitan city with a historic old Delhi and the modern New Delhi. From historical monuments to crowded shopping malls, from an extensive network of the modern metro system to Delhi University campus, Dilli has multiple personalities and is considered to be the city with a heart.

The narrow, winding lanes and bylanesof old Delhi are a testament to the former Mughal rule. Old Delhi houses one of the country's oldest and busiest market –Chandni Chowk.

Take time to explore historical monuments such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb and Purana Qila if you want to explore the Mughal History. Delhi has famous temples scattered all across the city, a few noteworthy ones being the Akshardham Temple, the Lotus Temple (also known as the Bahai Temple), and the ISKON Temple.

People in Delhi love to eat, and tourists will find themselves spoilt for choice between the multitude of dishes on offer at every corner of every street. From kebabs and tikkas to ChholeBhature, Delhi is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and this fact is reflected in the culinary palette of the city. There are a number of cafes and restaurants for the travellers.

Delhi is about 2 hours drive from the conference venue –GLA University.

This enchanting city, often referred to as the "Pink City," owes its nickname to the terracotta-pink hue that adorns many of its buildings. The Pink City is a testament to the royal heritage of Rajasthan, known for its magnificent palaces, vibrant bazaars, and imposing forts. Rajputsruled Jaipur for many centuries and developed as a planned city in the 17th century AD. With the old city surrounded by walls and gates decorated with drawings on the backdrop of a beautiful pink hue, Jaipur, the pink city, successfully retains its old-world charm.

The city is a treasure trove of must-visit attractions, with the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) standing as an iconic symbol of Jaipur's architectural prowess. The Amber Fort, another jewel in Jaipur's crown, showcases the grandeur of Rajput architecture. Jaipur is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Jantar Mantar and the City Palace.

Exploring Jaipur is incomplete without a stroll through its bustling markets. The Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are famous for their traditional Rajasthani jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts. The city is also very well known for its local cuisine, and the most famous dishes include the Ghewar, PyaazKachori and Dal Baati Churma.

Jaipur is about 250 kms from the conference venue –GLA University.

The Golden Triangle, a popular tourist circuit in India, encompasses three of the country's most iconic cities: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This triangular journey, marked by roughly equidistant points on the Indian map, promises a rich tapestry of history, culture, and architectural marvels. Spanning the northern plains of India, this route provides a comprehensive glimpse into the nation's regal past, colonial influences, and diverse heritage.

Starting in Delhi, the nation's capital, travelers are introduced to a city that is a melting pot of eras.

A short drive southeast leads to Agra, the city that houses the world-renowned Taj Mahal. This monument, an epitome of love built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Mughal era. But the city isn't just about this iconic marble mausoleum.

The final vertex of the triangle, Jaipur, is the vibrant capital of the desert state of Rajasthan. Often referred to as the 'Pink City' due to the dominant color scheme of its buildings, Jaipur is a mesmerizing blend of palatial structures, royal heritage, and bustling bazaars.