Famous Jewellery Shops in Agra

 During the heyday of Mughal Power the art of Jewellery making was given the utmost priority. Thus thousands of gold smiths were invited from Bengal to center to the needs of Harem ladies. Agra being the capital of mughal’s these artisans settled down. Since then as they could not find better customers than to serve to the Royal Demands.

Mughal Passion for Jewellery ?

The numbers of the imperial seraglio and of high ranks officials were in the vogue of displaying the best ornaments from the tip toe whether may be the case of male or female. They liked the products studded with valuable gem stones. Since the era of mughal’s to the present day the city of Agra has famous jewellery stores where the locals and the people from the overseas can buy the gem stones, and the other jewellery items.

During your Agra tour if you wish to see the famous jewellery products such as- Necklace, earrings, pendants, Mangal sutra, bracelets etc. you can visit the famous stores in Agra mentioned below.

Jewellery Shops in Agra

PC Jewellers- This famous jewellery store is located in civil lines, Agra on Mahatma Gandhi Road. You can buy this jewellery of traditional and latest designs with BIS Hallmarks. This is a chain of jewellery shops with more than 80 stores all over India. This was started in 2005 by Padam Chanda Gupta and Balram Garg.

Tanishq Agra- This is another well known brand in India with their two showrooms in Agra one on the M.G Road and another in Kamla Nagar. This is a product of TATA a world known brand. They also offer a variety a gold and diamond jewellery items at with Hallmarks.

Kohinoor Jewellers- This well known jewellerys store is located opposite to TDI mall on Fatehabad Road, Agra. They are renowned all over the globe for their private museum displaying the heritage of Embroidery Art and the exhibits of Padmshree Shamshuddin known as Shams. They are also famous for wide ranging traditional mughal,Celtic, Victorian and modern jewellery.

Sanskriti Imperial Gaems- This place is famed with the exposition of world famous Zardozi art. They have a demonstration of this are at their emporium. There have masterpieces of Zardozi panels made by renowned maestro Shamsuddin. They also have mughal, antique and modern Jewellery.

Abhushan Jewellers- This store lies in Ramnagar Colony on the M.G Road. They are renowned for Gold Jewellery, Diamonds and Polki jewellery.

Kalyan jewelers- They are renowned for precious gold jewellery. They offer one of the best quality of diamonds and gold jewellery with wide varieties of collections and well designed wedding jewellery within affordable price.

Lachhmandas jewellers- They boast of their unique presence as a jewller since 1965 in Agra and have a wide ranging gems and jewellery products. As an avid jewellery shopper you can find different designs of jewellery.

O.P Jeweller- This India fame jewellery showroom lies on the famous M.G Road in Agra and is serving the demands of the jewellery lovers since 1963.

Lalchand Shobhraj Jewellers-

This famous jewellery showroom is located on the M.G Road and is a well known brand since 2008. They are renowned for exclusive and handpicked jewellery collections.

Ganeshi Lal Emporium-

This is one of the oldest jewellery and handicrafts showrooms in Agra. It lies on the M.G Road just opposite to the Residence of District Magistrate of Agra. They have a private museum where they have the biggest jeweled carpet and the ceremonial elephant. They also display the largest replica of the peacock Throne studded with the jewels. This place is visited by the different dignatories of the world. They exhibit the large collection of sculptors and the other antiques of the Mughal era. During the Golden Triangle Tour you can plan visiting this place which is a good choice to buy the gems and jewellery and the zardozi panels.

Preetam Das Jewellers-

This jewellery stores is in Dayalbagh, Agra and is considered one among the top jewellery showrooms in Agra. This serves the need of the customers of buying gold and silver jewellery, diamond jewellery etc.

Agra chains (ACPL) –

Agra chain is established in 1948 and they are acclaimed as the large Indian supplier of silver jewellery and chains.

Know before planning Darjeeling and Sikkim Tour

 Darjeeling is a famed city in west Bengal located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. It used to be the summer retreat for the British during the Raj epoch. It is situated at an altitude of 2135 meter opposite to the massif of Kanchenjurga. While going up nearly at an elevation of 8500 meters you find yourself on the tallest mountain of India and the road is seen rising to Kurseong. You get to know the interesting facts about Darjeeeling and Sikkim by going through the blog.

Darjeeling and Sikkim are renowned all over the world for tea plantation and the breathtaking view of the Kanchenjurga ranges. These places are widely famed for their large legacy of cultural and natural treasures. Thus they provide ideal surroundings to the trekkers and the nature loving tourists where they can encounter profusion of alpine blossoms and orchids close to the lake at Satchel.

Is Darjeeling in Sikkim?

Darjeeling and Sikkim are adjacent to earth other, but Darjeeling is not in Sikkim. It’s in west Bengal state and Sikkim is itself a state having its capital at Gangtok. Darjeeling area not only comprise of hill tour but some other famous places such as siliguri, Mirik, Kurseong etc.

Best time to visit Darjeeling & Sikkim 

The most blissful time to travel to Darjeeling and Sikkim is from April to October. Even though many people decide to visit it from October to December, November to January is quite cold here and the mercury remains between 5 to 7 Celsius. April to June is the summertime and the normal temperature remains from 20 to 25 Celsius. The monsoon in this area is heavy and this Teesta valley is often inundated by water from July to September. Hence trekking is suggested in the winter months.

How to reach Darjeeling and  Sikkim?

By Air – The nearest Airport is Bagdogra which lies at a distance of 95 kms from Darjeeling city. You can take direct flight from Delhi, Kolkata or Guwahati to Bagdogra from to Airport you can hire a taxi or cab up to the hotel or to the city. It takes normally 3 hours to reach the city.

By Train- The nearest railway stations are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri which are 115 kms and 125 kms away from Darjeeling respectively, these two stations are well connected with Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and other cities.

By Road- Gangtok to Sikkim is well connected by road to Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

How many days required for Darjeeling and Sikkim tour?

If you are just on casual holidays must are not an avoid trekker you can do a tour of Darjeeling and Sikkim in 6 to 7 days. If you want to do it in a leisurely manner it can be done in 8-9 days. You can start with Darjeeling and devote 3 days for the Darjeeling tour. Later in 2 days you can cover Gangtok finally one day tour you can do of Nathura Pass and Chanju Lake from Gangtok.

Darjeeling Sikkim tour itinerary

Day-1 Arrival Bagdogra   

Today you take flight from Kolkata or Delhi and reach Airport you can already book your cab for departure transfer from the airport, it will be nearly.

Day-2 Darjeeling

This morning post breakfast get ready to encounter the highlights of Darjeeling in your day tour.

Day-3 Darjeeling to Gangtok- (115kms)

On the third day you can depart from Darjeeling in your pre-booked taxi car. It would take 4 hours when you reach.

Day-4 Gangtok sightseeing       

You visit the highlights of Gangtok such as Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, M.G Road etc.              

Day-5 Gangtok to Pelling- (120kms)

Today you can enjoy the comforts of you own vehicle useful you will be driven to Pelling from Gangtok. This drive would take nearly 5 and half hours.

Day-6 Full day Sightseeing tour of Pelling including Sangachoeling monastery, Darap Village etc

Day-7 Pelling to Bagdogra (160kms)

At the end of your Darjeeling Sikkim tour you can take a taxi from Pelling to Bagdogra Airport be to New Jalpaiguri Railway station. It will take nearly 6 hours.

Things & Activities to do in Darjeeling

The top outdoor activities in Darjeeling are viewing  Kanchenjunga mountains, visiting Tinchuley village and the famed Padmaja Naidu Himalayan zoological Park you can also meditate at the Japanese temple and the peace Pagods. You can walk in the rock garden and indulge in picnic activities in the nightingale park for the shopaholics Necheu road is a good option. If you want to buy the woolens you can go Chowk Bazaar. Do not forget to enjoy a ride of the Balasia loop which is 5 kms far from Darjeeling below Ghura. In case you do toy train ride you will enjoy passing this magnificent loop. Otherwise take a taxi and within half an hour you reach this place from this place you can take 360 view of the Darjeeling city and it’s landscape.

What is Ideal trekking route in Darjeeling?

In case you want to do a moderate trekking of 6 to 7 days, you can choose Darjeeling-Batasi-tanglu-Sandakphu route. This starts from Manehanjang which is 25 kms far from Darjeeling. This trekking would give you immense pleasure in watching the famed tops of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest and taking Instagram worthy Pictures.      

Famous Handicraft Stores in Agra

 

What are the famous handicrafts of Agra?

If you want to freak out on a shopping spree in Agra what can be the other best place to roam than to choose Fatehabad Road, Kinari Bazar or Sadar Bazar. In the city of the Taj Mahal owing to the long time dominion of the mughal rulers various arts and handicrafts flourished. As most of these rulers were aesthetic by heart and had a passion for art so various forms of handicrafts emerged in Agra. Marble Inlay work, carpet weaving, Zardozi (embroidery), paintings, calligraphy, textiles etc are the famous crafts of the city.  

Agra the home to various arts and craft 

The rulers developed various schools of arts and karkhanas (Factories) in Agra Fatehpur Sikri Tour. The bare sites without loams of Farrash khanas give you an idea of the high class manufacturing. Similarly while you visit any marble inlay factory in Agra or the store of embroidery you can imagine how pain staking job is this to work with fingers, without any modern tools. This present blog will serve a ready recover for the most famous Handicraft Stores in Agra.

Handicrafts Gallery Agra-

This store is located on Fatehabad Road Agra in Jasoria Enclave and presents before you the famous handicrafts of Agra like Embroidery work done with a needle. On arrival, they will demonstrate to you the process of doing embroidery work done with a needle. On Arrival, they will demonstrate to you the process of doing embroidery.

What to see there?

This work is done with a needle by putting thread over the thread and the pieces can vary from few inches to the few feet in size. Besides they have a section of Indian Jewelry and Agra special unique music section. Here you can enjoy the live performance on the tunes of Sitar or Veena.

U.P Handicrafts Complex

 This large store lies close to hotel Amar on Fatehabad Road, Agra and provides a large collection of handicrafts such as Marble Inlay goods, Agra textiles and leather goods.

Fab India

 This boutique showroom is newly opened on Fatehabad Road Just opposite to the office of one of the top tour operators of Agra S.A.M Tours and Travels. You can buy products of textiles made from traditional techniques and Skills specially the ladies ware and gents also.

Raman Exports

 This is a wholesale and retail store that sells beautifully crafted marble items, woolen rugs, brassware, and wooden items, This is located just opposite to Hotel Howard Fern on Fatehabad Road, Agra and has close proximity to the Taj Mahal.

Handicrafts Store

This store is located close to Pind Baluchi Restaurants on Fatehabad Road Agra. They are the Wholesalers and retailers of marble goods- such as tabletop, coffee tables, coasters, statues, etc. Besides this, they also sell Agra famous items such as embroidery fabrics etc.

Cottage Industries Exposition

This is almost 3 decades old store just opposite to the Agra commissioner Office. This is set on a high mount in age old heritage building of the British Tales. This cottage industry with its large set up provides a big variety of local handicrafts and Kashmiri Pashmina and rugs.

Ratan Handicrafts

This is a small store just opposite to the Axis Bank on Fatehabad Road. If you desire to buy some budgeted souvenirs or fabrics you can visit this store.

Kalra’s Cottage Industry

This showroom is close to Hotel Ratandeep and is one of the big stores for carpets in Agra. They demonstrate to the entire process of rug makings. Besides rugs they sell variety of cotton durries, runners. They also have a large section of fabrics.

Unique Arts Bazar

 This is also a boutique shop in Fatehabad Road selling marble items and other artifacts. You can also look for clothing and yarn.

Anil Handicrafts

This store is opposite to the ITC Hotel on Fatehabad Road. They have a large variety of clothing, pashmina and other handicrafts. On demand they can also provide you ready made tailoring service.

Kalakriti Emporium

This is the biggest store in Agra selling unique Marble Items, rugs, embroidery, jewellery and fabrics. They have different sections and if you are interested in watching a documentary show on marble inlay work, they provide you the facility in the projector in their home theatre.

Zava Handicrafts- This boutique carpet shop lies close to the Courtyard by Marriot Hotel in Agra. They exhibit a large variety of Indian rugs and durries.

Agra Marble Emporium-

This is a famous store selling inlaid marble goods in their two large sections. They provide you a complete demonstration of the rich heritage of inlaid art.

Sanskriti imperial Gems-A unique place for embroidery

This store gives you the privilege to buy the embroidered pieces. They demonstrate the Zardozi art work live. They also have a pretty good collection of jewelry items.

Top 10 places to visit in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is known as the capital of yoga in the world. The name Rishikesh refer to ‘Rishi’ which means saint or sages and ‘Kesh’ means Hair. This is home of saint and sages all over the India situated in the state of Uttarakhand near Haridwar. It is also the gateway of Chardham yatra which comes in to pilgrimage site of Hindu religion. Rishikesh city is full of temples, Dharamshalas and Ashrams and In present this city is also famous for the adventure sports activities. In this blog we will mention few interesting things and best places to visit in Rishikesh on your rishikesh tour.

What are the places to visit in Rishikesh?

Lakshman Jhula

According to the legends, the story of Lakshman Jhula is connected with the mythological character, the younger brother of Lord Rama Lakshman. When Lakshman crossed the river Ganges he used only two jute ropes to cross this river. To remember the brave job of Lord Lakshman a long hanging 284 feet bridge was constructed in year 1889. But it was vanquished during the floods of 1924 and again constructed with iron suspension rods.

This is the iconic landmark of Rishikesh and also the state of Uttarakhand. This bridge is used by the locals as well as tourists to cross the river Ganges. On one side of the river you will find hotels, restaurants and parking of vehicles and the opposite side has Ashrams, Temples and sightseeing points etc.

Parmarth Niketan-

This ashram was built in the year 1940 by Saint Swami Sukhdevanand ji to meditate on the banks of river Ganges with his group of saints. Later the devotees and his disciples came to listen these masters and their spiritual thoughts then more rooms and Satsang hall (Hall for Prayers) were added to this complex. Swami Ji gave this name ‘Parmarth Niketan’ to this campus. In present Parmarth Niketan is known as the spiritual hub of Rishikesh where people are coming in the search of peace and Spirituality. The atmosphere of this ashram is so vibrating and this ashrams is always full of devotees and students. They come here to learn yoga, meditation and spiritual lessons.

This Ashram is equipped with libraries,  fruit gardens and big trees, medical facilities and living quarter etc. every evening during sunset you will enjoy the evening aarti ceremony on the white marble platform located on the bank of river Ganges which is the best attraction for every tourists. Sometimes you will also found bollywood singers who perform lively on this platform during evening prayer ceremony.

Beatles Ashram

This Ashram was founded by Shri Mahesh yogi Ji as a centre of Practicing yoga and meditation. Earlier this Ashram is known as ‘Chaurasi kutiya Ashram’ as this place is having 84 cemented huts for meditation and practicing yoga. But after the visit of the famous Beatles Music band of early 70’s this place is known as Beatles Ashram. The group of Beatles members practicing yoga and meditation for more than one month in this place and during their stay they write some songs which is world famous after released. People coming here to watch their paintings which they made on the walls of Satsang Halls during stay and specially foreign tourist coming here to visit this place to understand the connection of Beatles and Spirituality. After the visit of this music band Rishikesh was known worldwide as the capital of yoga and meditation.

Triveni Ghat-

This place comes in the list of most visited place of Rishikesh. People believe that those who take a dip in to the river Ganges on this Holy ghat will purify them from all sins of his life.  People feed fishes over here and visit the famous Narayan temple after taking the holy bath. A special prayer ‘Maha Aarti’ performed everyday in the evening on this ghat. A group of priest wearing traditional clothes Dhoti Kurta and doing the rituals of special prayer with multi tiered brass lamps burn with camphor and pure ghee moving up and down and chanting the Sanskrit slogans and devotional songs. Thousands of visitors enjoying this live ceremony every evening. This ghat is also surrounded with so many dharamshalas , rest house and ashrams where people can stay in low budget. These dharamshalas and ashrams are so beautiful and with full of nature like gardens, trees etc.

Here you will also good budget restaurants and Indian Dhabas to eat and can also find the best street food of Rishikesh. On of the famous restaurant is called Rajasthali Bhojnalaya which is located on the walking distance from this ghat.

Chotiwala Restaurant

This is the famous land mark for food connoisseurs those are coming to visit Rishikesh. This is a pure vegetarian restaurant serving North Indian, Chinese, South Indian and Rajasthani food. Here you can savour delicious Thali which is a fixed meal platter consist 5 to 6 dishes with breads and desert. This restaurant is located near Ram Jhula and can be reaching by walk. The main attraction of this restaurant is a fully dressed priest with a unique make using face paints and  a long braid in standing position. When tourist are coming to this place these priest welcome them sitting outside the restaurant on a stage and customers take selfie and pictures with them. Practically they looks like a statue as they will never pass on smile or talk with anyone during his eight hour shift.

This restaurant has not had any feedback or visitors book. They will only fix a bell where these priests are sitting and if you would like to appreciate the restaurant services you can ring the bell which is a sign of thanks for them.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev temple is situated on the distance of 28 km from Lakshamn Jhula in Pauri Garhwal District. The spire of this temple is adorned with scene of churning of the ocean by devils and Gods pulling a snake type of rope to churning the ocean to get priceless things under the ocean. This is the famous shrine of Lord Shiva and a sacred hindu pilgrimage site where devotees are coming different parts of India. It is surrounded by dense forest and adjacent to the mountain range of Nar and Narayan. This temple is also having a natual spring where devotees take holy bath before darshan. Accroding to the mythology lord consumes poison at the same place which was originated by churning the ocean. You can reach by 22 km trekking from Ram Jhula and can also hire a sharing taxi.

Neer water falls

Neer waterfalls are located on the distance of 3 km from Lakshman Jhula. The best time to visit this place in summer when people can enjoys bathing in natural waterfalls. There are two pools over here the first one is close to the entry point and the second is one km trekking from the first one. There are two small bridges erected on the waterfalls and having few small bridges erected on the waterfalls and having few small shops which sell special tea, coffee, and Maggie noodles. The entry charges are just rs. 30 of this place and kids are free under 10 years. This is the best place to spend some time in the lap of nature after a busy sightseeing schedule.

Kaudiyala- White water rafting

The hill station is popular all around the world among the adventure sports lover for its 6 different levels of river rafting. This place is located around 30 km from Lakshman Jhula and you have to book any of the sports activity to visit this place like river rafting, Bunji jumping, Rock climbing, river crossing etc. This place admires the best beauty of nature and the crystal water of river Ganges. It will give thrilling excitement of river rafting with different levels between Shivpuri to Kaudiyala in the lap of nature. This place will also provide you the facility of camping and enjoying bonfires during your stay at the bank of Ganges after a long day adventure activities.

Air Safari Rishikesh

This activity was started in Rishikesh a few years ago. As Rishikesh is famous by the name of Yoga capital, besides this is also the home for adventure sports so a private company started this activity for adventure lovers. In This activity they will take you to fly in the skyu with the help of light aircrafts called paramotors. This is the best way to explore the river Ganges, mountain range, dense forest and wildlife area of Rishikesh and Dehradun. They will complete all safety measures before the ride and they have 4 different levels of ride according to the time and prices such as Kitty Hawk- 10 to 12 minutes, Explorer-18 to 22 minute, Valley expedition- 25 to 30 minute and Rishikesh expedition-60 to 70 minute. This will start every day early in the morning near Dehradun and you have to reach by your vehicle up to that point. Advance booking is the best option to enjoy this activity and if always depend upon the weather conditions.

Swarg Ashram–

This is the oldest ashram of Rishikesh, located on the walking distance of Ram Jhula. This ashram was built is the memory of Swami Visudhanand Ji who was famous by the name of ‘Kali Kamli Wala’ (Saint with black blanket). it is very famous among tourists due to its ethnic touch every time you will enjoy several religious activities like chanting of mantras, Yoga, Meditation, special prayers and musical performances. Ashram has so many living quarters for saints and sages and can also take on small rent by tourists. They have their own dispensary, doctors, milk dairy, library, yoga schools etc. This is the best worth visit during your Rishikesh tour.